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Closer Together
Best friends. Shared history. One step too far to go back.
Closer Together is a friends-to-lovers romance about childhood bonds, long-held feelings, and what happens when the safest relationship suddenly becomes something much more dangerous to your heart.
A full blurb is coming soon.
This is a re-edited and refreshed edition of the steamy small town story previously published as Read with Me, Book Five in the Fellside Mountain Rescue series. The series has been lovingly revisited with polished writing, added depth, and a few updated story beats. Set in the north of England and written in British English.
Closer Together is a friends-to-lovers romance about childhood bonds, long-held feelings, and what happens when the safest relationship suddenly becomes something much more dangerous to your heart.
A full blurb is coming soon.
This is a re-edited and refreshed edition of the steamy small town story previously published as Read with Me, Book Five in the Fellside Mountain Rescue series. The series has been lovingly revisited with polished writing, added depth, and a few updated story beats. Set in the north of England and written in British English.
- GenresFriends To LoversRomance
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2026
About the author
Dani Elias
47 books278 followersDani Elias writes swoony, steamy British romance about women in their forties who are very good at some parts of life and quietly unravelling in others. Her FMCs are relatable, flawed, funny, and fully human. Some are plus size, some are not, but all of them are centred, desired, and allowed to take up space in their own love stories.
Set mostly in small towns, with the occasional city romcom, Dani’s books are written in British English and focus on emotional connection, lived-in chemistry, and intimacy that deepens the relationship rather than dominating it. Her heroes are usually golden retriever cinnamon rolls with a side of nerdy dorkiness, because frankly, that’s the dream.
Based in Carlisle (UK), Dani writes romances for readers who want grown up love, real bodies, real feelings, and proof that happily ever after does not come with an age limit.
Set mostly in small towns, with the occasional city romcom, Dani’s books are written in British English and focus on emotional connection, lived-in chemistry, and intimacy that deepens the relationship rather than dominating it. Her heroes are usually golden retriever cinnamon rolls with a side of nerdy dorkiness, because frankly, that’s the dream.
Based in Carlisle (UK), Dani writes romances for readers who want grown up love, real bodies, real feelings, and proof that happily ever after does not come with an age limit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
September 30, 2026
Oh, wow.
I remember Rob having an arse. I do not remember it looking like that.
Apparently mountain rescue is excellent for the glutes.
Closer Together was a short and really sweet read, featuring a classic reunion between two childhood friends who end up rekindling their effortless friendship and letting it grow into something more. I've been craving a good childhood-friends-to-lovers story, and this one definitely fills the void.
"Don't do that."
"Do what?"
"Talk about yourself like they do."
Olivia is our female main character, and she struggles with dyslexia, but most of all, with people around her making her feel inadequate for "not trying hard enough." She's so sweet and undoubtedly smart and capable, and it hurt my heart to see how some people wouldn't see that just because she learns a bit differently and has been forced into a system that doesn't properly accommodate her learning. It really warmed my heart that Rob ended up being a safe space for her, someone who actually understands her differences and, instead of trying to change her or make fun of her for them, sticks by her side and finds ways to help her learn better. He's an absolute green flag and a classic golden retriever.
Not bad for a bloke who once thought settling down sounded boring.
Turns out I just hadn't met the right person to be boring with.
Their romance was a bit insta-lovey, but it IS a novella, and I love that the characters themselves are also aware of how fast they're moving. It makes it feel less... frustrating somehow? The fact that even Olivia and Rob acknowledged that they fell for each other very quickly made it easier for me to accept. Aside from that, I found their romance to be really sweet.
"I love you, you ridiculous man."
I smile.
"I love you too."
One thing I loved about this book was that most of the characters were in their 40s. It's rare to find romance novels/novellas where the characters are not in their teens or 20s, so having a whole cast of older characters was really refreshing. While we're on the characters, I also loved how witty they are. The conversations flow really well, and everything was so snappy and witty that it made the book really easy to breeze through.
"You always wanted siblings."
"I did. Then I acquired five grown men instead. Turns out brothers are overrated."
This book definitely also made me very curious about all the other couples' stories, so I cannot wait to go back and read books 1, 2, and 3 in this series.
The one thing I didn't really like was a little bit specific to one chapter.
We also spent a considerable amount of time in bed.
I maintain that this was an important part of the communication process.
As this was an ARC, I did encounter some formatting choices that affected the flow of reading. There were lots of line breaks, which sometimes made the prose feel a bit disjointed. I think it was meant to make the writing feel more snappy, but sometimes dialogue filled the whole page, which felt a little awkward. I understand that this isn't the final version and that some spelling/formatting issues may still be corrected before publication. They did affect my reading experience a little, so I wanted to mention them for transparency, but I did my best not to factor them into my rating!
There's also a bonus chapter available to download for after you finish the book! It was a really sweet chapter and I loved it a lot!
"Sorry."
"No you're not."
"Not even slightly."
All in all, this was a fantastic palate cleanser. If you're looking for a short and sweet small-town romance with some found-family vibes, I think you will love this.
Thank you Happily Booked PR and Dani Elias for providing this book for review consideration via BookFunnel. All opinions are my own.
September 25, 2026
A heartfelt friends-to-lovers story that hits so close to home! 🧡
They’ve been each other’s constant for years—Rob has always been the one standing right beside Olivia, shielding her, believing in her, never once making her feel like she needs to be “fixed.” But while he’s always been good at being there, he’s never found the courage to admit just how much more he wants from their friendship.
For Olivia, growing up in small-town Fellside meant always feeling watched, always feeling different—and not in a good way. Coming back home drags up old hurts, unkind words, and family barbs that still sting, but it also brings back Rob… and all the feelings she’d tried so hard to bury. When life throws a harsh reminder that tomorrow isn’t promised, everything shifts: she can’t keep hiding who she is, or how she feels, and he can’t stay quiet any longer.
This is such a tender, grounded read about loyalty, finding your voice, and daring to reach for what’s been right in front of you all along. Plus, it’s wonderful to see this beloved story get such a thoughtful refresh—polished, deeper, and even more moving the second time around. Perfect for anyone who loves warm, authentic small-town romance set right here in the north of England! ❤️
They’ve been each other’s constant for years—Rob has always been the one standing right beside Olivia, shielding her, believing in her, never once making her feel like she needs to be “fixed.” But while he’s always been good at being there, he’s never found the courage to admit just how much more he wants from their friendship.
For Olivia, growing up in small-town Fellside meant always feeling watched, always feeling different—and not in a good way. Coming back home drags up old hurts, unkind words, and family barbs that still sting, but it also brings back Rob… and all the feelings she’d tried so hard to bury. When life throws a harsh reminder that tomorrow isn’t promised, everything shifts: she can’t keep hiding who she is, or how she feels, and he can’t stay quiet any longer.
This is such a tender, grounded read about loyalty, finding your voice, and daring to reach for what’s been right in front of you all along. Plus, it’s wonderful to see this beloved story get such a thoughtful refresh—polished, deeper, and even more moving the second time around. Perfect for anyone who loves warm, authentic small-town romance set right here in the north of England! ❤️
September 26, 2026
This is the second novella that I read by @dani_elias_books. “Closer Together” was a friend-to-lovers story. It was so heartfelt. The MCs, Olivia and Rob, were close friends and inseparable until Olivia moved away. They both fell apart, but they were reunited and continued their friendship as if it had never ceased. Their connection was apparent when they reunited and developed into a committed, long-term relationship. Their mutual affection was evident. Be sure to get your hand on the bonus chapters, because it continues their love story. You don’t want to miss out!
Dani Elias novellas are absolutely amazing. I am definitely a fan. The novellas are quick read and very relatable to everyday life, especially with the Fellside series.
I will continue to read more of Dani Elias as an ARC with book 6: Brighter Together which covers Tommy’s story. Thank you again @happilybookedpr for choosing me as an ARC reader for Dani Elias.
Dani Elias novellas are absolutely amazing. I am definitely a fan. The novellas are quick read and very relatable to everyday life, especially with the Fellside series.
I will continue to read more of Dani Elias as an ARC with book 6: Brighter Together which covers Tommy’s story. Thank you again @happilybookedpr for choosing me as an ARC reader for Dani Elias.
September 22, 2026
Thank you HappilyBooked Pr and Dani Elias for the gifted ARC!
This book made my heart happy. I instantly fell inlove with the MCs. The way that Rob and Olivia reconnected after all these years is so relatable. He has always been her safe space. The way Rob defends Olivia is such a gold retriever behavior, we all want that in a guy.
The emotions were felt even though the story is shorter, but did not feel rushed. Rob and Olivia have history so this one was little different.
Have you ever thought…what would happen when that one person from your past returned to your life. Olivia thought that, will she get her answers?
Dani’s books always make me feel happy and believe there is always someone out there for everyone if they want it, and they might even be right in front of you 😏😏
If you do read this, don’t forget to grab the bonus chapter you won’t want to miss it! 😘
This book made my heart happy. I instantly fell inlove with the MCs. The way that Rob and Olivia reconnected after all these years is so relatable. He has always been her safe space. The way Rob defends Olivia is such a gold retriever behavior, we all want that in a guy.
The emotions were felt even though the story is shorter, but did not feel rushed. Rob and Olivia have history so this one was little different.
Have you ever thought…what would happen when that one person from your past returned to your life. Olivia thought that, will she get her answers?
Dani’s books always make me feel happy and believe there is always someone out there for everyone if they want it, and they might even be right in front of you 😏😏
If you do read this, don’t forget to grab the bonus chapter you won’t want to miss it! 😘
October 7, 2026
Olivia and Rob is exactly what second chances are all about. Both grew up together and Rob was always there for Olivia in her struggles of dyslexia. He never saw her as broken. She just did things differently. When Olivia moves back to Fellside after being gone for years, she finally gets the courage to walk into the library Rob works at.
Their connection and close friendship bond was so unbreakable that it was as if no time had passed. Their attraction to each other is undeniable and love happens so easily and simple. It wasn't instant necessary, but it was like they just realized they were in love. Sometimes fate just needs to give them a shove to not waste anymore time and Dani writes that beautifully.
Their connection and close friendship bond was so unbreakable that it was as if no time had passed. Their attraction to each other is undeniable and love happens so easily and simple. It wasn't instant necessary, but it was like they just realized they were in love. Sometimes fate just needs to give them a shove to not waste anymore time and Dani writes that beautifully.
September 27, 2026
Rob and Olivia are a very interesting pair. They were childhood besties and now that they’re reconnected will they become more? I think this book was really good, the banter as always is fantastic. The flow of conversation is always so realistic. This books bonus scene is also very much worth the download cause there is a cute moment and some more great banter and may or may not have the cutest new character of the book in it as well!
Rob and Olivia push each other to be more than happy and they help each other get through some tough but important moments. Their love is so real.
Rob and Olivia push each other to be more than happy and they help each other get through some tough but important moments. Their love is so real.
Review of advance copy
Who doesn't like a best friends that finally figure out kind of read? Childhood best friends. First responders. Loved every minute of it. The understanding between these two. So many feelings. Family members that just don't get you. So unapologetically full of life. You can't help but feel and understand every emothion.
October 5, 2026
Once again I have fallen in love with another couple written by te fabulous Dani. This has fast become my favourite series she has written.
I love that despite them being novellas you truly feel every emotion from Rob and Olivia and the way they blossom and navigate from being friends to lovers is truly special 💖
I love that despite them being novellas you truly feel every emotion from Rob and Olivia and the way they blossom and navigate from being friends to lovers is truly special 💖
October 6, 2026
Sweet small town romance. Loved the second chance romance aspect and the older MCs also the represention of nuerodivergent people! Great quick read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was super sweet. Rob was a perpetual bachelor until he ran into his childhood best friend again after losing touch as kids. Rob and Olivia were very cute together. I loved that he not only stood up for her but also taught her how to stand up for herself. The conflict towards the end was unexpected but it all worked out in the end!
September 27, 2026
📚❤️ He Was Her Safe Place, Until They Realized They Were Home ❤️📚
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers
This book made my heart happy. ❤️
I instantly fell in love with Rob and Olivia, and there was something so comforting about watching two childhood best friends find their way back to each other twenty-five years after losing touch. Their history is such an important part of this story. These aren't two strangers meeting and falling for each other. They already know each other. They have memories, trust, inside jokes, and a friendship that has been part of their lives since they were kids.
And Rob has always been Olivia's safe place.
That might have been my favorite part of their relationship.
Olivia grew up feeling like she was constantly being watched, judged, and told she wasn't quite enough. Being neurodivergent and struggling with dyslexia made things even harder, especially when the people around her didn't always understand her or give her the support she deserved. But Rob never treated her like she needed fixing. He saw her for who she was, encouraged her, and gave her a place where she could simply be herself.
Having a neurodivergent child myself, Olivia's experiences with her family hit me especially hard. I was ready to throw hands with fictional characters more than once because I know exactly how fiercely I would want to protect my own child from ever being made to feel less than anyone else. Seeing Rob recognize what Olivia was capable of and encourage her to stand up for herself made me love him even more.
Because yes, Rob is protective.
But he's also a giant gold retriever when it comes to Olivia. 😂❤️
The way he defends her? The way he has her back? The way he wants to step in when someone hurts her? Sir. Please. We all want that kind of man in our corner.
I also really loved seeing how much Rob has grown up. He's still funny and adventurous, and he's apparently spent years being perfectly happy as a perpetual bachelor, but Olivia coming back to Fellside makes him look at his life a little differently. This is not the same boy she knew at thirteen, and I loved seeing the more mature, serious side of him come out.
Especially when it comes to her.
And let's talk about the library reunion because YES.
Rob is a librarian.
He volunteers with mountain rescue.
He's funny, protective, adventurous, and apparently still has a massive soft spot for the girl he knew twenty-five years ago.
Dani Elias knew exactly what she was doing with this man. 😂
I really enjoyed the natural comfort between Rob and Olivia. Their banter feels believable because they have so much history behind it. They tease each other, laugh together, and settle back into that old friendship surprisingly easily. There is an immediate sense that these two just get each other.
Of course, there is also attraction.
And once they finally stop pretending there isn't?
🔥🔥🔥
The spice was so good. And after all those years of feelings simmering underneath the friendship, it felt like it belonged there. I especially loved the spicy romance reading scene because it managed to be sweet, funny, sensual, and seriously hot all at the same time.
Thank you for your service, Dani. 😂
If I had one thing I wanted more of, it would be yearning.
YOU HAD TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF PINING AVAILABLE TO YOU.
MAKE ME SUFFER. 😂
The romance does move fairly quickly once they reconnect, and while I never felt like the story itself was rushed, I would have happily taken more tension and that delicious internal panic of, "Wait... am I actually falling for my childhood best friend?"
Because these two had HISTORY. I wanted to wallow in it a little.
What gave the story even more emotional depth for me was Olivia's relationship with her family and the way Rob reacts to seeing her being treated the way she is. He wants to protect her, but there is a point where good intentions don't automatically make the choice right. I really appreciated that the story allowed Olivia to be angry and allowed Rob to recognize when he had crossed a boundary.
More importantly, Olivia gets to stand up for herself.
That mattered.
Being protective is romantic when you're still respecting the person you're protecting. Rob eventually understands that Olivia doesn't need him to speak for her. She needs someone who believes she is capable of speaking for herself.
And he does exactly that.
Then Dani decided our hearts weren't already doing enough and brought in the mountain rescue storyline.
I was NOT prepared. 😭
The accident and everything surrounding it becomes the wake-up call these two need to stop hiding behind all the reasons they've spent years keeping their feelings buried. It brings a different emotional weight to the story and forces them to really confront what they mean to each other.
And I appreciated what came afterward.
There isn't an instant, everything-is-perfect-now rush toward happily-ever-after. They actually talk. They acknowledge their past relationships, their fears, their mistakes, and what it means to build something together now.
That felt very fitting for two people in their forties who have already lived a lot of life.
I also continue to love the whole Fellside atmosphere. The mountain rescue crew brings such a wonderful found-family feeling to these books, and I love getting another couple's story while still seeing the larger community around them. Every book makes me feel like I'm spending time with people I already know.
And apparently I am incapable of reading a Dani Elias book without immediately wanting the next one. 😂 Every story in this series seems to make me more attached to the characters and the community, and with three more books still to go, I'm already worried about having to say goodbye to Fellside someday.
Closer Together is sweet, funny, spicy, comforting, and full of heart. It's a childhood-friends-to-lovers romance about finding your way back to the person who has always known you, learning to speak up for yourself, and realizing that sometimes the person you've been looking for has been standing right beside you all along.
Rob and Olivia were absolutely worth the wait.
And PLEASE don't forget to grab the bonus chapter with this book. You are definitely going to want it. 😂❤️
Thank you to Danie Elias and Happily Booked PR for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers
This book made my heart happy. ❤️
I instantly fell in love with Rob and Olivia, and there was something so comforting about watching two childhood best friends find their way back to each other twenty-five years after losing touch. Their history is such an important part of this story. These aren't two strangers meeting and falling for each other. They already know each other. They have memories, trust, inside jokes, and a friendship that has been part of their lives since they were kids.
And Rob has always been Olivia's safe place.
That might have been my favorite part of their relationship.
Olivia grew up feeling like she was constantly being watched, judged, and told she wasn't quite enough. Being neurodivergent and struggling with dyslexia made things even harder, especially when the people around her didn't always understand her or give her the support she deserved. But Rob never treated her like she needed fixing. He saw her for who she was, encouraged her, and gave her a place where she could simply be herself.
Having a neurodivergent child myself, Olivia's experiences with her family hit me especially hard. I was ready to throw hands with fictional characters more than once because I know exactly how fiercely I would want to protect my own child from ever being made to feel less than anyone else. Seeing Rob recognize what Olivia was capable of and encourage her to stand up for herself made me love him even more.
Because yes, Rob is protective.
But he's also a giant gold retriever when it comes to Olivia. 😂❤️
The way he defends her? The way he has her back? The way he wants to step in when someone hurts her? Sir. Please. We all want that kind of man in our corner.
I also really loved seeing how much Rob has grown up. He's still funny and adventurous, and he's apparently spent years being perfectly happy as a perpetual bachelor, but Olivia coming back to Fellside makes him look at his life a little differently. This is not the same boy she knew at thirteen, and I loved seeing the more mature, serious side of him come out.
Especially when it comes to her.
And let's talk about the library reunion because YES.
Rob is a librarian.
He volunteers with mountain rescue.
He's funny, protective, adventurous, and apparently still has a massive soft spot for the girl he knew twenty-five years ago.
Dani Elias knew exactly what she was doing with this man. 😂
I really enjoyed the natural comfort between Rob and Olivia. Their banter feels believable because they have so much history behind it. They tease each other, laugh together, and settle back into that old friendship surprisingly easily. There is an immediate sense that these two just get each other.
Of course, there is also attraction.
And once they finally stop pretending there isn't?
🔥🔥🔥
The spice was so good. And after all those years of feelings simmering underneath the friendship, it felt like it belonged there. I especially loved the spicy romance reading scene because it managed to be sweet, funny, sensual, and seriously hot all at the same time.
Thank you for your service, Dani. 😂
If I had one thing I wanted more of, it would be yearning.
YOU HAD TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF PINING AVAILABLE TO YOU.
MAKE ME SUFFER. 😂
The romance does move fairly quickly once they reconnect, and while I never felt like the story itself was rushed, I would have happily taken more tension and that delicious internal panic of, "Wait... am I actually falling for my childhood best friend?"
Because these two had HISTORY. I wanted to wallow in it a little.
What gave the story even more emotional depth for me was Olivia's relationship with her family and the way Rob reacts to seeing her being treated the way she is. He wants to protect her, but there is a point where good intentions don't automatically make the choice right. I really appreciated that the story allowed Olivia to be angry and allowed Rob to recognize when he had crossed a boundary.
More importantly, Olivia gets to stand up for herself.
That mattered.
Being protective is romantic when you're still respecting the person you're protecting. Rob eventually understands that Olivia doesn't need him to speak for her. She needs someone who believes she is capable of speaking for herself.
And he does exactly that.
Then Dani decided our hearts weren't already doing enough and brought in the mountain rescue storyline.
I was NOT prepared. 😭
The accident and everything surrounding it becomes the wake-up call these two need to stop hiding behind all the reasons they've spent years keeping their feelings buried. It brings a different emotional weight to the story and forces them to really confront what they mean to each other.
And I appreciated what came afterward.
There isn't an instant, everything-is-perfect-now rush toward happily-ever-after. They actually talk. They acknowledge their past relationships, their fears, their mistakes, and what it means to build something together now.
That felt very fitting for two people in their forties who have already lived a lot of life.
I also continue to love the whole Fellside atmosphere. The mountain rescue crew brings such a wonderful found-family feeling to these books, and I love getting another couple's story while still seeing the larger community around them. Every book makes me feel like I'm spending time with people I already know.
And apparently I am incapable of reading a Dani Elias book without immediately wanting the next one. 😂 Every story in this series seems to make me more attached to the characters and the community, and with three more books still to go, I'm already worried about having to say goodbye to Fellside someday.
Closer Together is sweet, funny, spicy, comforting, and full of heart. It's a childhood-friends-to-lovers romance about finding your way back to the person who has always known you, learning to speak up for yourself, and realizing that sometimes the person you've been looking for has been standing right beside you all along.
Rob and Olivia were absolutely worth the wait.
And PLEASE don't forget to grab the bonus chapter with this book. You are definitely going to want it. 😂❤️
Thank you to Danie Elias and Happily Booked PR for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 27, 2026
4 ⭐️
Apparently all a man needs to do is work in a library, volunteer for mountain rescue, and still have a soft spot for the girl he knew twenty-five years ago, and suddenly I'm listening.
Closer Together follows Rob and Olivia, childhood best friends who haven't seen each other in roughly twenty-five years. When Olivia returns to Fellside, they reconnect—and it doesn't take very long for both of them to realize that whatever existed between them when they were younger might not have disappeared quite as completely as they thought.
And Rob?
A librarian. Mountain rescue volunteer. Funny. Protective. Adventurous. Completely smitten.
Dani Elias knew what she was doing.
I really enjoyed the natural comfort between Rob and Olivia. There's an ease to their banter that makes their history believable, and I loved the little pieces of their childhood friendship woven into who they are as adults. They tease each other, they laugh together, and their chemistry is obvious almost immediately.
And once they stop pretending otherwise?
Things get SPICY.
There is a scene involving reading a spicy romance aloud together that went exactly where I hoped it would go.
Thank you for your service.
Where I struggled a little was the pacing of the romance. Considering these two have been separated for twenty-five years, I wanted more yearning. More tension. More of that delicious wait… am I actually falling for my childhood best friend? panic.
Instead, they reconnect and things move pretty quickly.
YOU HAD TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF PINING AVAILABLE TO YOU.
MAKE ME SUFFER.
What gave the story more depth for me was Olivia's relationship with her family and the way Rob reacts to seeing how she's treated. Olivia has spent years being underestimated, and while Rob wants to protect her, he eventually crosses a boundary trying to do it.
I really appreciated that the book doesn't excuse him simply because his intentions were good.
Olivia gets angry.
Rob realizes he screwed up.
And Olivia gets to stand up for herself.
That mattered to me because being protective is only romantic when you're still respecting the person you're trying to protect.
Then the mountain rescue storyline said, “Oh, you wanted emotional stakes?”
And suddenly we HAVE THEM.
The accident and hospital scenes were probably where the romance finally clicked emotionally for me. It forces both of them to confront what this relationship actually means beyond attraction, nostalgia and really good chemistry.
I also loved that the ending doesn't use trauma as an excuse to immediately rush them toward marriage and happily-ever-after perfection. They deliberately slow down. They talk about their previous relationships, their fears, their mistakes and what building something real together actually looks like.
That's the grown-up romance I wanted from these two.
Closer Together is sweet, spicy, funny and comforting, with childhood friends reconnecting as adults, small-town charm, family complications, books, mountain rescue and a hero who can apparently save someone from a cliff but cannot be trusted around chocolate cake.
I just wanted a little more yearning before they got there.
4 stars.
I received an advance copy of Closer Together. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Apparently all a man needs to do is work in a library, volunteer for mountain rescue, and still have a soft spot for the girl he knew twenty-five years ago, and suddenly I'm listening.
Closer Together follows Rob and Olivia, childhood best friends who haven't seen each other in roughly twenty-five years. When Olivia returns to Fellside, they reconnect—and it doesn't take very long for both of them to realize that whatever existed between them when they were younger might not have disappeared quite as completely as they thought.
And Rob?
A librarian. Mountain rescue volunteer. Funny. Protective. Adventurous. Completely smitten.
Dani Elias knew what she was doing.
I really enjoyed the natural comfort between Rob and Olivia. There's an ease to their banter that makes their history believable, and I loved the little pieces of their childhood friendship woven into who they are as adults. They tease each other, they laugh together, and their chemistry is obvious almost immediately.
And once they stop pretending otherwise?
Things get SPICY.
There is a scene involving reading a spicy romance aloud together that went exactly where I hoped it would go.
Thank you for your service.
Where I struggled a little was the pacing of the romance. Considering these two have been separated for twenty-five years, I wanted more yearning. More tension. More of that delicious wait… am I actually falling for my childhood best friend? panic.
Instead, they reconnect and things move pretty quickly.
YOU HAD TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF PINING AVAILABLE TO YOU.
MAKE ME SUFFER.
What gave the story more depth for me was Olivia's relationship with her family and the way Rob reacts to seeing how she's treated. Olivia has spent years being underestimated, and while Rob wants to protect her, he eventually crosses a boundary trying to do it.
I really appreciated that the book doesn't excuse him simply because his intentions were good.
Olivia gets angry.
Rob realizes he screwed up.
And Olivia gets to stand up for herself.
That mattered to me because being protective is only romantic when you're still respecting the person you're trying to protect.
Then the mountain rescue storyline said, “Oh, you wanted emotional stakes?”
And suddenly we HAVE THEM.
The accident and hospital scenes were probably where the romance finally clicked emotionally for me. It forces both of them to confront what this relationship actually means beyond attraction, nostalgia and really good chemistry.
I also loved that the ending doesn't use trauma as an excuse to immediately rush them toward marriage and happily-ever-after perfection. They deliberately slow down. They talk about their previous relationships, their fears, their mistakes and what building something real together actually looks like.
That's the grown-up romance I wanted from these two.
Closer Together is sweet, spicy, funny and comforting, with childhood friends reconnecting as adults, small-town charm, family complications, books, mountain rescue and a hero who can apparently save someone from a cliff but cannot be trusted around chocolate cake.
I just wanted a little more yearning before they got there.
4 stars.
I received an advance copy of Closer Together. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
While there are not many tropes that will turn me away from reading a book, there are a few that will make a book a must read for me. One of those tropes is friends to lovers. I am a firm believer in marrying your best friend and will always root for the friends who try to hide their feelings. Book 5 in the Together Forever in Fellside, by Dani Elias, Closer Together provides this trope and makes my heart so happy. Dani once again has readers swooning with her later in life MCs who find an all consuming love.
Having been friends for a long time, Rob and Olivia are everything to each other. Olivia grew up feeling like she wasn’t enough, insecure, and her family didn’t help. Rob has always been her safe place, allowing her to be herself whenever he was around her. He would not compromise that for anything, even if it means keeping his feelings for her hidden away. The friendship that is written by Dani is beautiful and filled with love. Rob challenges Olivia to see herself as he does and to not let her family push her around anymore. Having a neurodivergent child, my heart broke for how Olivia’s family treats her. I was ready to throw hands with fictional characters because that is what I would do in real life to ensure my son was never made to feel less than anyone else.
When a close call brings the realization that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, these two stop holding back everything and are finally honest with each other. Dani does such a wonderful job in writing this moment and the ones to follow. The spice is absolutely perfect, as it should be since it’s been simmering for years. Everything happens just the way it should and at the time it should.
Every book in this series captivates me more than the last. With 3 more books to go, I don’t know how my heart is going to take this series coming to end. There is so much care put into every story, every character, and every interaction. I honestly believe there could never be a book that Dani writes that I wouldn’t love.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
💜Small Town Romance
✨Found Family
💜MCs in Their 40s
✨Best Friends to Lovers
💜Insecure FMC
✨Steadfast MMC
💜Incredible Friendships
While there are not many tropes that will turn me away from reading a book, there are a few that will make a book a must read for me. One of those tropes is friends to lovers. I am a firm believer in marrying your best friend and will always root for the friends who try to hide their feelings. Book 5 in the Together Forever in Fellside, by Dani Elias, Closer Together provides this trope and makes my heart so happy. Dani once again has readers swooning with her later in life MCs who find an all consuming love.
Having been friends for a long time, Rob and Olivia are everything to each other. Olivia grew up feeling like she wasn’t enough, insecure, and her family didn’t help. Rob has always been her safe place, allowing her to be herself whenever he was around her. He would not compromise that for anything, even if it means keeping his feelings for her hidden away. The friendship that is written by Dani is beautiful and filled with love. Rob challenges Olivia to see herself as he does and to not let her family push her around anymore. Having a neurodivergent child, my heart broke for how Olivia’s family treats her. I was ready to throw hands with fictional characters because that is what I would do in real life to ensure my son was never made to feel less than anyone else.
When a close call brings the realization that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, these two stop holding back everything and are finally honest with each other. Dani does such a wonderful job in writing this moment and the ones to follow. The spice is absolutely perfect, as it should be since it’s been simmering for years. Everything happens just the way it should and at the time it should.
Every book in this series captivates me more than the last. With 3 more books to go, I don’t know how my heart is going to take this series coming to end. There is so much care put into every story, every character, and every interaction. I honestly believe there could never be a book that Dani writes that I wouldn’t love.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
💜Small Town Romance
✨Found Family
💜MCs in Their 40s
✨Best Friends to Lovers
💜Insecure FMC
✨Steadfast MMC
💜Incredible Friendships
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is such a warm, heartfelt friends to lovers story, and it feels so real, right from the start.
Rob and Olivia have known each other forever. He’s always been her safe place, the one person who never treated her like she needed fixing, and she’s always been the one he’s loved more than he’d ever admit, too scared to ruin the best thing in his life. Olivia’s grown up feeling scrutinised, different, picked apart by family and the town, and coming back to Fellside drags all those old insecurities right back up. Rob’s the one pushing her to stand up for herself. Until a brutal wake up call makes them both realise tomorrow isn’t promised, and they can’t hide from what’s been there all along.
It’s quiet, tender, and so deeply British, set in the north of England, and it just feels authentic. The conflict isn’t over the top, it’s about family that loves you but doesn’t know how to stop, about learning to speak up for yourself, and about the terrifying leap of admitting your best friend is the love of your life. The tragedy that hits doesn’t feel cheap, it’s the shove they both needed to stop waiting.
This is a refreshed, re-edited edition of the story previously in the Fellside Mountain Rescue series! It's polished, deeper, and even better this time around.
✨ What works:
- Rob ~ quiet, steady, so loyal, perfect book boyfriend.
- Olivia’s journey to finding her voice and worth.
- The slow, natural shift from friends to something more.
- Fellside feels like a real place you could visit, and never want to leave.
- Warm, emotional, and deeply satisfying.
My Final thought:
A lovely, genuine romance about loyalty, self worth, and loving the person who’s always been right there. Soft but with real heart! absolutely loved it.
4.5/5 ⭐— perfect comfort read with all the feels.
Rob and Olivia have known each other forever. He’s always been her safe place, the one person who never treated her like she needed fixing, and she’s always been the one he’s loved more than he’d ever admit, too scared to ruin the best thing in his life. Olivia’s grown up feeling scrutinised, different, picked apart by family and the town, and coming back to Fellside drags all those old insecurities right back up. Rob’s the one pushing her to stand up for herself. Until a brutal wake up call makes them both realise tomorrow isn’t promised, and they can’t hide from what’s been there all along.
It’s quiet, tender, and so deeply British, set in the north of England, and it just feels authentic. The conflict isn’t over the top, it’s about family that loves you but doesn’t know how to stop, about learning to speak up for yourself, and about the terrifying leap of admitting your best friend is the love of your life. The tragedy that hits doesn’t feel cheap, it’s the shove they both needed to stop waiting.
This is a refreshed, re-edited edition of the story previously in the Fellside Mountain Rescue series! It's polished, deeper, and even better this time around.
✨ What works:
- Rob ~ quiet, steady, so loyal, perfect book boyfriend.
- Olivia’s journey to finding her voice and worth.
- The slow, natural shift from friends to something more.
- Fellside feels like a real place you could visit, and never want to leave.
- Warm, emotional, and deeply satisfying.
My Final thought:
A lovely, genuine romance about loyalty, self worth, and loving the person who’s always been right there. Soft but with real heart! absolutely loved it.
4.5/5 ⭐— perfect comfort read with all the feels.
September 26, 2026
⭐⭐ 4.25/5 stars ⭐⭐
Right, first things first: we are once again in Fellside, and I need someone to tell me, hand on heart, which real UK town this is based on and which mountain range I personally need to scale to find one of these men. Asking for myself. Asking urgently.
This one was sweet. Properly sweet. Like a cup of tea with a million sugars in it, the kind of sweet that borders on painful. If you've ever had a best friend move away just as you were working out that maybe, just maybe, it wasn't only friendship you felt for them. Because that's exactly what this is, and it absolutely transported me back to being sixteen and feeling Things about someone I really shouldn't have.
The library scene where Rob first sees Olivia again... perfection. Two best friends reunited, and Rob, a self-confessed womaniser for actual years, just... stops. No hesitation. Eyes only for Olivia from that point on. The reading together scenes managed to be adorable, sensual and sexy AF all at once, which is a genuinely difficult tone to land and Dani Elias nailed it.
And Olivia. Poor Olivia. Neurodivergent, misunderstood by her own family, told her whole life to just "apply herself" (I could scream). You are perfect exactly as you are, and you have a green flag of a man in Rob defending you to prove it. I was feral about this.
Then the accident happened and, Dani... how dare you? I understand it brought them honesty and clarity they needed. I understand it structurally. I still didn't ask for it and I am not over it.
Only three books left in this series and I already know I'm going to miss it dearly.
Thank you Happily Booked PR for providing this ARC of Closer Together in exchange for my review.
Right, first things first: we are once again in Fellside, and I need someone to tell me, hand on heart, which real UK town this is based on and which mountain range I personally need to scale to find one of these men. Asking for myself. Asking urgently.
This one was sweet. Properly sweet. Like a cup of tea with a million sugars in it, the kind of sweet that borders on painful. If you've ever had a best friend move away just as you were working out that maybe, just maybe, it wasn't only friendship you felt for them. Because that's exactly what this is, and it absolutely transported me back to being sixteen and feeling Things about someone I really shouldn't have.
The library scene where Rob first sees Olivia again... perfection. Two best friends reunited, and Rob, a self-confessed womaniser for actual years, just... stops. No hesitation. Eyes only for Olivia from that point on. The reading together scenes managed to be adorable, sensual and sexy AF all at once, which is a genuinely difficult tone to land and Dani Elias nailed it.
And Olivia. Poor Olivia. Neurodivergent, misunderstood by her own family, told her whole life to just "apply herself" (I could scream). You are perfect exactly as you are, and you have a green flag of a man in Rob defending you to prove it. I was feral about this.
Then the accident happened and, Dani... how dare you? I understand it brought them honesty and clarity they needed. I understand it structurally. I still didn't ask for it and I am not over it.
Only three books left in this series and I already know I'm going to miss it dearly.
Thank you Happily Booked PR for providing this ARC of Closer Together in exchange for my review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was absolutely sat for Rob and Olivia's story. Our MCs are both over 40, they were childhood friends until Olivia's parents moved away when they were 13.
It is now 25 years later and Olivia has moved back to Fellside. Rob works as a librarian and is a volunteer for Fellside Fire Mountain Rescue and he has turned into quite the man!! Olivia is Neurodivergent and her family has continued to "mock" her even as an adult. She is intelligent, funny, and I just adored her.
This is a funny and heartfelt romance with a spectacular found family. I really enjoyed this read and our Mc's so much. There is a bonus chapter that will be available for download that absolutely made me laugh so hard and I read it to my hubby because well....I think Dani channeled him for the first part.
I also have to say that the spice is spectacular and well done. I love that I am not 20 anymore and understand that humor in "THE" moment is still hot and sexy!!
Now did I read book 5 first? Yes, yes I did. Apparently finding new to me authors in the middle or the end of a series is my entire personality for 2026.
Did it ruin this book for me?? Not at all!! I will say, however, if you are someone that absolutely can NOT stand to know how a book ends before you read it.....do these in order.
The Together Forever in Fellside is a series of inter-connected stand alone novellas that take place in Northern UK so it shouldn't take terribly long to catch up.
Thank you to the author and the Happily Booked PR for the ARC, the above review is my honest opinion. Release date is 9.25
It is now 25 years later and Olivia has moved back to Fellside. Rob works as a librarian and is a volunteer for Fellside Fire Mountain Rescue and he has turned into quite the man!! Olivia is Neurodivergent and her family has continued to "mock" her even as an adult. She is intelligent, funny, and I just adored her.
This is a funny and heartfelt romance with a spectacular found family. I really enjoyed this read and our Mc's so much. There is a bonus chapter that will be available for download that absolutely made me laugh so hard and I read it to my hubby because well....I think Dani channeled him for the first part.
I also have to say that the spice is spectacular and well done. I love that I am not 20 anymore and understand that humor in "THE" moment is still hot and sexy!!
Now did I read book 5 first? Yes, yes I did. Apparently finding new to me authors in the middle or the end of a series is my entire personality for 2026.
Did it ruin this book for me?? Not at all!! I will say, however, if you are someone that absolutely can NOT stand to know how a book ends before you read it.....do these in order.
The Together Forever in Fellside is a series of inter-connected stand alone novellas that take place in Northern UK so it shouldn't take terribly long to catch up.
Thank you to the author and the Happily Booked PR for the ARC, the above review is my honest opinion. Release date is 9.25
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sometimes the hardest person to stand up to is the one who has always known you.
Rob
I have always been good at being there. Showing up. Having Olivia’s back when other people crossed the line. What I have never been good at is admitting I want more than friendship, especially when that friendship has been the safest thing in both our lives. When Olivia starts doubting herself again, listening to voices that never really learned when to stop, I know I have to say something. I just never expected life to remind me so brutally that tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Olivia
Growing up in Fellside meant growing up under a microscope, especially when you learn a little differently to everyone else. Rob was the one person who never made me feel like I needed fixing. Coming back to town stirs up feelings I thought I had neatly packed away, along with the familiar sting of family jokes that cut deeper than they should. When Rob encourages me to finally speak up for myself, it feels terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure. Losing him, even for a moment, makes one thing painfully clear. I cannot keep hiding from what I want, or who I love.
A friends to lovers romance about loyalty, resilience, and finding your voice when it matters most.
I loved Rob getting more mature and serious and not being a rake anymore lol. Olivia was good for him and he for. Childhood best friends becoming lovers.
Don’t forget to pick up the bonus chapter with this book, you’ll definitely want it!
Rob
I have always been good at being there. Showing up. Having Olivia’s back when other people crossed the line. What I have never been good at is admitting I want more than friendship, especially when that friendship has been the safest thing in both our lives. When Olivia starts doubting herself again, listening to voices that never really learned when to stop, I know I have to say something. I just never expected life to remind me so brutally that tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Olivia
Growing up in Fellside meant growing up under a microscope, especially when you learn a little differently to everyone else. Rob was the one person who never made me feel like I needed fixing. Coming back to town stirs up feelings I thought I had neatly packed away, along with the familiar sting of family jokes that cut deeper than they should. When Rob encourages me to finally speak up for myself, it feels terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure. Losing him, even for a moment, makes one thing painfully clear. I cannot keep hiding from what I want, or who I love.
A friends to lovers romance about loyalty, resilience, and finding your voice when it matters most.
I loved Rob getting more mature and serious and not being a rake anymore lol. Olivia was good for him and he for. Childhood best friends becoming lovers.
Don’t forget to pick up the bonus chapter with this book, you’ll definitely want it!
October 7, 2026
Book 5 in the Together Forever in Fellside series, but I haven't read books 1–4 and honestly… that's okay. This one really does stand alone. Could I have known more about the friends and other characters from the previous books? Sure. Was it necessary to understand Rob and Olivia's story? Nope.
Rob is a volunteer Mountain Rescue guy who also works at the library, and Olivia is moving back to town after being gone for years. They were best friends as kids, with some minor teenage crushes thrown in, but then Olivia moved away and they lost touch. (The timeline did make me stop for a second because apparently 25 years ago they were 13, but she's supposedly around 40 now… so the math ain't mathing 😂. But long enough that they hadn't seen each other in forever.)
I really enjoyed the history between Rob and Olivia and the friends-to-more aspect. I especially liked Rob standing up for Olivia when someone wasn't taking the hint. Their relationship was sweet and easy to get into.
My biggest issue was that the story just felt a little too quick and abrupt. You finally get to the point where they're dating, they're realizing they want to be together… and then the story is basically over. I found myself wanting a little more depth and time with them as a couple.
Overall, it was a cute, quick read with a sweet second-chance-at-friendship-to-romance storyline. I just wish we had gotten a little more of Rob and Olivia after they finally got together.
Rob is a volunteer Mountain Rescue guy who also works at the library, and Olivia is moving back to town after being gone for years. They were best friends as kids, with some minor teenage crushes thrown in, but then Olivia moved away and they lost touch. (The timeline did make me stop for a second because apparently 25 years ago they were 13, but she's supposedly around 40 now… so the math ain't mathing 😂. But long enough that they hadn't seen each other in forever.)
I really enjoyed the history between Rob and Olivia and the friends-to-more aspect. I especially liked Rob standing up for Olivia when someone wasn't taking the hint. Their relationship was sweet and easy to get into.
My biggest issue was that the story just felt a little too quick and abrupt. You finally get to the point where they're dating, they're realizing they want to be together… and then the story is basically over. I found myself wanting a little more depth and time with them as a couple.
Overall, it was a cute, quick read with a sweet second-chance-at-friendship-to-romance storyline. I just wish we had gotten a little more of Rob and Olivia after they finally got together.
September 25, 2026
I really enjoyed Rob and Olivia together. Rob may be used to keeping himself busy with work, mountain rescue, and having fun, but Olivia’s return has him looking at his life a little differently. I loved watching that connection develop and seeing him realize that maybe casual and uncomplicated isn’t quite enough anymore.
One of the things Dani Elias does so well is create romances that feel grounded in actual life. The characters aren’t perfect, they have history and baggage, and the relationships are about more than just attraction. There’s friendship, emotional connection, community, and of course enough chemistry to keep things interesting.
I also continue to love the whole Fellside atmosphere. The familiar faces and mountain rescue crew give these books such a cozy found-family feeling, and getting another couple’s story while still checking in with the larger community makes the series incredibly easy to settle into.
Closer Together was sweet, romantic, comforting, and just the kind of low-stress love story I needed. Rob and Olivia were easy to root for, and I really enjoyed watching them find their way toward something neither of them quite expected.
Thanks to Dani Elias for gifting me an eARC of Closer Together. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One of the things Dani Elias does so well is create romances that feel grounded in actual life. The characters aren’t perfect, they have history and baggage, and the relationships are about more than just attraction. There’s friendship, emotional connection, community, and of course enough chemistry to keep things interesting.
I also continue to love the whole Fellside atmosphere. The familiar faces and mountain rescue crew give these books such a cozy found-family feeling, and getting another couple’s story while still checking in with the larger community makes the series incredibly easy to settle into.
Closer Together was sweet, romantic, comforting, and just the kind of low-stress love story I needed. Rob and Olivia were easy to root for, and I really enjoyed watching them find their way toward something neither of them quite expected.
Thanks to Dani Elias for gifting me an eARC of Closer Together. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 20, 2026
Closer Together is the fifth book in Elias' Together Forever in Fellside series. This small town, friends to lovers, contemporary romance features Olivia Stevenson and Rob Wilko.
Olivia's family moved to Leeds when she was 13 years old however she returned to Fellside 2 months prior. She and Rob became friends when they were 8-years old but she hasn't seen him in 25 years. While she has always been incredibly bright, she struggled with dyslexia which led her teachers and her family to insist she wasn't trying hard enough. Rob spent a lot of time with Olivia and tried to work with her on her reading. He seemed to be the only one who recognized her struggle as well as her efforts. His friendship left a lasting impression and while she was concerned he wouldn't remember her, or if he did, perhaps not quite as fondly as she remembered him, she ventured to the library to find him. She definitely did not expect Rob, the librarian as volunteer for Fellside Mountain Rescue, to welcome her back so warmly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I usually enjoy small town romances, but there's something special about Elias' Together Forever in Fellside series. The stories leave readers feeling warm and happy. As Elias' makes her way through the FMR team, I appreciate how there is someone special for everyone, and in this instalment, Rob reconnects with his special someone. While I appreciated his character before, I absolutely loved how he stood up for her in front of her family. On the other side, I was so proud of Olivia for moving past her discomfort and finally speaking up for herself.
This really is a wonderful, heartwarming series. I'm already looking forward to Brighter Together, the sixth book. It is expected early October so my fellow fans won't have long to wait.
Olivia's family moved to Leeds when she was 13 years old however she returned to Fellside 2 months prior. She and Rob became friends when they were 8-years old but she hasn't seen him in 25 years. While she has always been incredibly bright, she struggled with dyslexia which led her teachers and her family to insist she wasn't trying hard enough. Rob spent a lot of time with Olivia and tried to work with her on her reading. He seemed to be the only one who recognized her struggle as well as her efforts. His friendship left a lasting impression and while she was concerned he wouldn't remember her, or if he did, perhaps not quite as fondly as she remembered him, she ventured to the library to find him. She definitely did not expect Rob, the librarian as volunteer for Fellside Mountain Rescue, to welcome her back so warmly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I usually enjoy small town romances, but there's something special about Elias' Together Forever in Fellside series. The stories leave readers feeling warm and happy. As Elias' makes her way through the FMR team, I appreciate how there is someone special for everyone, and in this instalment, Rob reconnects with his special someone. While I appreciated his character before, I absolutely loved how he stood up for her in front of her family. On the other side, I was so proud of Olivia for moving past her discomfort and finally speaking up for herself.
This really is a wonderful, heartwarming series. I'm already looking forward to Brighter Together, the sixth book. It is expected early October so my fellow fans won't have long to wait.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Closer Together
Everytime I start to read one of Dani's Fellside books, it's like I'm returning to old friends. This time we get to know Rob, the prankster of the group, as he reaches the realisation that his lifestyle no longer satisfies him. Just as he makes this realisation, in walks Olivia. They had been inseperable as kids until her family moved away.
These two, now in their 40's feel an instant connection that goes deeper than childhood friends. They each wonder if this was where their relationship would have ended up if Olivia hadn't left. Rob defends Olivia, against those who hurt her, even if it's unintentional. He is the the kind of golden retriever that we all need in our life. Olivia learns that her dyslexia doesn't have to define her. Rob makes her feel seen and always has. He is her safe haven and she is his touchstone.
Dani's written two amazing characters, as she always does. They make me want the kind of relationship they have. And surprise, there is a bonus chapter that you can read after you finish this book. This book is a great quick read and I give it 4 stars. If this book sounds great, the first 4 books in the series are out now. Grab them and get to know everyone.
Everytime I start to read one of Dani's Fellside books, it's like I'm returning to old friends. This time we get to know Rob, the prankster of the group, as he reaches the realisation that his lifestyle no longer satisfies him. Just as he makes this realisation, in walks Olivia. They had been inseperable as kids until her family moved away.
These two, now in their 40's feel an instant connection that goes deeper than childhood friends. They each wonder if this was where their relationship would have ended up if Olivia hadn't left. Rob defends Olivia, against those who hurt her, even if it's unintentional. He is the the kind of golden retriever that we all need in our life. Olivia learns that her dyslexia doesn't have to define her. Rob makes her feel seen and always has. He is her safe haven and she is his touchstone.
Dani's written two amazing characters, as she always does. They make me want the kind of relationship they have. And surprise, there is a bonus chapter that you can read after you finish this book. This book is a great quick read and I give it 4 stars. If this book sounds great, the first 4 books in the series are out now. Grab them and get to know everyone.
September 25, 2026
I am such a fan of Dani Elias's novellas. They are always cozy, heartwarming, and feel-good stories. This one is a friends-to-lovers romance that follows Rob and Olivia, childhood best friends who were separated when Olivia's family moved away. When she returns to Fellside, they quickly realize their feelings for each other run deeper than friendship.
Rob is a librarian and a volunteer first responder with Fellside Mountain Rescue. He has always been an unapologetic bachelor, but watching his friends and coworkers settle down starts to make him question what he really wants. Olivia has struggled with dyslexia her entire life, yet she is incredibly intelligent. Her family constantly teases her about her reading difficulties, as though she could have overcome them if she had simply tried harder.
One of my favorite parts of the story was seeing Rob stand up for Olivia when her family was dismissive of her struggles, while also encouraging her to advocate for herself. I also love the Fellside community, which truly embodies the meaning of found family.
Overall, this is a quick, realistic small-town romance about loyalty, self-worth, and learning to stand up for yourself. It's a charming read that reminds us not to take the people we love for granted.
Rob is a librarian and a volunteer first responder with Fellside Mountain Rescue. He has always been an unapologetic bachelor, but watching his friends and coworkers settle down starts to make him question what he really wants. Olivia has struggled with dyslexia her entire life, yet she is incredibly intelligent. Her family constantly teases her about her reading difficulties, as though she could have overcome them if she had simply tried harder.
One of my favorite parts of the story was seeing Rob stand up for Olivia when her family was dismissive of her struggles, while also encouraging her to advocate for herself. I also love the Fellside community, which truly embodies the meaning of found family.
Overall, this is a quick, realistic small-town romance about loyalty, self-worth, and learning to stand up for yourself. It's a charming read that reminds us not to take the people we love for granted.
September 29, 2026
I absolutely loved this childhood best friends-to-lovers romance! ❤️
I’ve already read all the books in the series, so getting to read about characters I’ve met throughout the previous books was such a fun experience. I loved seeing familiar faces again while getting Rob and Olivia’s story.
Rob and Olivia were childhood best friends, and I really loved the way their connection carried through the years. They hadn’t seen each other since they were thirteen, but when they reconnect, it feels like they can pick up right where they left off. There’s something so special about that kind of bond, and watching their friendship develop into something more made my heart happy.
I also really enjoyed the emotional side of Olivia’s journey, especially watching her find her voice and learn to stand up for herself. Rob was such a supportive presence in her life, and I loved the loyalty and history between them.
And, of course, the spice was definitely a bonus! 🔥
This was such a sweet, emotional, and spicy friends-to-lovers romance, and I loved getting another chance to spend time in the Fellside world.
I’ve already read all the books in the series, so getting to read about characters I’ve met throughout the previous books was such a fun experience. I loved seeing familiar faces again while getting Rob and Olivia’s story.
Rob and Olivia were childhood best friends, and I really loved the way their connection carried through the years. They hadn’t seen each other since they were thirteen, but when they reconnect, it feels like they can pick up right where they left off. There’s something so special about that kind of bond, and watching their friendship develop into something more made my heart happy.
I also really enjoyed the emotional side of Olivia’s journey, especially watching her find her voice and learn to stand up for herself. Rob was such a supportive presence in her life, and I loved the loyalty and history between them.
And, of course, the spice was definitely a bonus! 🔥
This was such a sweet, emotional, and spicy friends-to-lovers romance, and I loved getting another chance to spend time in the Fellside world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
DANI! YOU DID IT AGAIN! 🥹❤️
I’ve loved every book in the Fellside series, but Rob and Olivia officially take the cake! This series has become one of my absolute favorites, and I already know I’ll be revisiting it again and again.
Rob?! This man has my heart. The way he loves, protects, and stands up for Olivia is so incredibly romantic. He’s the kind of MMC who makes you fall even harder with every page. ❤️🔥
And Olivia?! An absolutely amazing FMC! I loved her, and the chemistry between these two was EVERYTHING. Their connection felt so natural, and I loved how beautifully their romance blended into the storyline.
Give me childhood best friends + second-chance romance, and I’m already sold. But Dani somehow made it even better!
The love, the chemistry, the history, and the emotions?! PERFECTION.
Rob and Olivia have officially stolen my heart, and I couldn’t have asked for a better addition to a series I adore.
Dani, I love your books, and Fellside will forever have a special place on my bookshelf! 🖤📚✨
I’ve loved every book in the Fellside series, but Rob and Olivia officially take the cake! This series has become one of my absolute favorites, and I already know I’ll be revisiting it again and again.
Rob?! This man has my heart. The way he loves, protects, and stands up for Olivia is so incredibly romantic. He’s the kind of MMC who makes you fall even harder with every page. ❤️🔥
And Olivia?! An absolutely amazing FMC! I loved her, and the chemistry between these two was EVERYTHING. Their connection felt so natural, and I loved how beautifully their romance blended into the storyline.
Give me childhood best friends + second-chance romance, and I’m already sold. But Dani somehow made it even better!
The love, the chemistry, the history, and the emotions?! PERFECTION.
Rob and Olivia have officially stolen my heart, and I couldn’t have asked for a better addition to a series I adore.
Dani, I love your books, and Fellside will forever have a special place on my bookshelf! 🖤📚✨
September 26, 2026
4.25/5...There’s something especially satisfying about a friends-to-lovers romance when the friendship feels just as important as the romance, and this one really delivered that for me. Rob and Olivia have such a deep history and understanding of each other, which made their slow shift into something more feel natural and genuinely emotional. I loved the themes of finding your voice, standing up for yourself, and learning that being loved doesn’t mean you need to be fixed. Olivia’s journey especially had some really heartfelt moments, while Rob’s loyalty and quiet feelings made him incredibly easy to root for. The emotional side of the story hit harder than I expected, and I appreciated that the romance was built around trust, familiarity, and two people who already know each other so well. There were definitely moments that tugged at my heartstrings, balanced nicely with the warmth of their connection.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another beautiful and rewarding together forever in Fellside book. I love how these books draw you in and touch on sensitive real life experiences and situations with so much understanding and grace.
This one brings Olivia and Rob who were best friends when younger back together after 25 years, it brings to light honest communication friendship and support for a Neurodivergent main character and someone who never treated them any different.
This was a beautiful wholesome novella, absolutely loved their fun banter and personalities, their connection and romance felt realistic and I think these might be my favourite Main character couple from this series. I did enjoy the other ones and the whole found family group, I’m excited for the next one these have been amazing to read. Would easily recommend these novellas. But always check your triggers before reading as not everyone might be right for you, easy to skip a book and continue this series if needed.
This one brings Olivia and Rob who were best friends when younger back together after 25 years, it brings to light honest communication friendship and support for a Neurodivergent main character and someone who never treated them any different.
This was a beautiful wholesome novella, absolutely loved their fun banter and personalities, their connection and romance felt realistic and I think these might be my favourite Main character couple from this series. I did enjoy the other ones and the whole found family group, I’m excited for the next one these have been amazing to read. Would easily recommend these novellas. But always check your triggers before reading as not everyone might be right for you, easy to skip a book and continue this series if needed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an ARC read from the author through HappilyBooked
I absolutely adore the way Dani writes. Her books are so natural that the reader becomes part of the story right along with them.
This was a beautiful story, with a lesson. That particular lesson resonated with me, as I've raised three children with varying learning differences. It was quite sad to see Olivia face the taunting that she did, and that it was from the people who should have been more vested in her education and well being was hard to read.
This was such an enjoyable read, and Dani's story literally get better with every one she writes!
I have been so blessed to be able to read so many of her works as ARC's, and im very grateful for that.
Oh!!! And don't be in too much of a hurry to close the "last" page, because there's an awesome epiloge, and an absolutely adorable bonus chapter, so don't miss it!
Keep up the wonderful work Dani!
I absolutely adore the way Dani writes. Her books are so natural that the reader becomes part of the story right along with them.
This was a beautiful story, with a lesson. That particular lesson resonated with me, as I've raised three children with varying learning differences. It was quite sad to see Olivia face the taunting that she did, and that it was from the people who should have been more vested in her education and well being was hard to read.
This was such an enjoyable read, and Dani's story literally get better with every one she writes!
I have been so blessed to be able to read so many of her works as ARC's, and im very grateful for that.
Oh!!! And don't be in too much of a hurry to close the "last" page, because there's an awesome epiloge, and an absolutely adorable bonus chapter, so don't miss it!
Keep up the wonderful work Dani!
September 21, 2026
I received this as an ARC from HappilyBooked in exchange for my honest opinion
This book was good. It highlighted the struggles people have with dyslexia and how it wasn't really well known a few decades ago. Olivia, I sympathized with her because I have it, and it does make reading extremely tough. The way Rob was so adorable, the way he was down to read to her. Find a man who has no issue reading to the woman he loves because she has trouble reading. He was the best combination of charming and a comedian. The way he wanted to boost and cheer on Olivia was great.
This was a good example of childhood friends falling in love after years of being apart. Honestly, it does make me wonder: if Olivia never moved, what would their relationship actually be?
Also, there is a bonus chapter; it is a must. Nice and steamy. I love a woman who is able to set boundaries and let her man know if he crosses the line, she is packing her bags. That was funny. But yes, read.
This book was good. It highlighted the struggles people have with dyslexia and how it wasn't really well known a few decades ago. Olivia, I sympathized with her because I have it, and it does make reading extremely tough. The way Rob was so adorable, the way he was down to read to her. Find a man who has no issue reading to the woman he loves because she has trouble reading. He was the best combination of charming and a comedian. The way he wanted to boost and cheer on Olivia was great.
This was a good example of childhood friends falling in love after years of being apart. Honestly, it does make me wonder: if Olivia never moved, what would their relationship actually be?
Also, there is a bonus chapter; it is a must. Nice and steamy. I love a woman who is able to set boundaries and let her man know if he crosses the line, she is packing her bags. That was funny. But yes, read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dani Elias has had me hooked since book 1 of the Fellside books series. Rob and Olivia had been friends when they were children so when Olivia moves back to town a lot of memories and feelings were stirred up. Rob was always there for her and stood up for her. Being neurodivergent didn’t just make her different to people who didn’t know her but her family made cruel jokes at her expense. I love the way this is highlighted in such a real way. Sometimes the people who are supposed to love and understand you the most are the worst critics. Rob is supportive and encouraging and when Olivia finds the strength to go after what she wants it’s so rewarding. I also love that these two are older and the acknowledgment to not being twenty anymore hits home for us older than 20 readers. This is a fantastic read with great characters, banter and true connection and love. This is another great addition to this amazing series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Closer Together by Dani Elias is a sweet and heartwarming romance with characters that are easy to connect with. I enjoyed the way the story explores love, trust, friendship, and the courage it takes to open your heart to someone else. The relationships felt genuine, and I especially liked watching the characters work through their insecurities and challenges while growing closer. The Fellside setting added a cozy sense of community that made the story even more enjoyable. Elias’s writing is easy to read and keeps the focus on the characters and their emotional journeys. There are plenty of tender moments, but the story also had enough conflict to keep things interesting. Overall, Closer Together was an enjoyable, feel-good romance with a lovely message about love, acceptance, and finding your place with the people who matter.
I received an ARC copy from Happily Booked PR. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
I received an ARC copy from Happily Booked PR. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
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