Close to the Chest

by Fiona Embers

It's all fun and games until your friend with benefits decides to move across the country… And you realize you desperately wish to come along.

Everyone knows Javier and Edie are friends and former labmates. No one knows they also sleep together, but never discuss feelings or the future. That is, until Edie announces she is moving for a dream job and the news knocks Javi’s world off its axis. Why does the thought of Edie’s leaving gut him? And how does a man who's only had casual hookups bring up emotions with a woman who never shares her heart?

58 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2026

About the author

Fiona Embers writes angsty, spicy romance about heroines who are too much and heroes who can't get enough. She lives with her family in the American Midwest and drives in the snow like a champ. Fiona also writes dark speculative fiction (horror, sci-fi, and fantasy) under the pen name Maura Yzmore.

Reviews

[Mandy Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Close to the Heart is a delightful, fast-paced novella that continues the Chemically Bonded series. Having been introduced to Javi and Edie in the first book, it was a pleasure to jump right back into their complex dynamic.

​The story explores the tension between lab partners navigating a "friends with benefits" arrangement. While it certainly delivers on the steaminess, the real draw for me was the character development.

​It is engaging to watch their initial guard drop to reveal their authentic selves, and seeing how their private and professional personas contrast was a highlight.

​For those who enjoy specific tropes, this story features friends-to-lovers and a "she falls first" dynamic. The narrative also leans into the miscommunication trope, which feels grounded here due to the characters' very human fear of rejection.

​Watching Javi and Edie struggle before finally finding the courage to speak their truth is both heart-wrenching and satisfying. It serves as a beautiful reminder that clear communication is the foundation of any relationship.

​I highly recommend this read. It is a quick, satisfying escape that perfectly captures the courage it takes to let someone in.

[Brittany T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great read , I gave it a 4.5 on my scale, I love how the first book introduced Javi and Edie so you kinda of know them, ahead of time.This book takes you deep into the complicated "friendship" that they have. Even though it is a short novella it does not shy away from the steaminess, of that hot and heavy romance. That wasnt the buy in for me though, mine was the way that the chracters are depicted first going in to the book, and then when the actually true "them" comes out, its really cool to see both sides of the very same coin. I also love how this book really reiterates the power of communication, and how it is key for any friendship, relationship, etc. Pick up her books, they are truly great, if you need the emotion and also the steamy you get it all in one nice neat little wrapped package!

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating:⭐⭐⭐
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

Close to the Chest is the second novella in the Chemically Bounded series of short stories. While the characters of the first story are present here, it can be read as a standalone.

This story is very short, without much background or character development. The two MCs were in a sort of relationship, but things are changing and it's time to talk about things.

There's a bit of spice, a very tiny bit of introspection, and a big conversation. I didn't really connect with the characters, nor did I feel the love.

This was an ok read if you are looking for something quick and low stakes, a palate cleanser that will give just that sense of things resolved without investing much in the story.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chemically Bonded: Javi and Edie

A long-term friends-with-benefits/situationship comes to an end with a job offer on the other side of the country…

It’s not overly emotional - I didn’t really get a connection - and it was a bit weird having Javi’s POV as the main one at the start. Communication in this was a bit of a miss… when they should have been talking, it was more a case of against the wall, face-down… iykwim…
I thought both characters, despite being super bright, were emotionally stunted (TSTL).

It was an enjoyable read, and I liked seeing Billie again, with a nice subtle teaser for the next one….

[Felecia Rodney · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review:
3.5⭐

Tropes:
Friends with benefits to Lovers
STEM/academic background
Long-distance threat

Javier and Edie have a flawless system: friends by day, secret casual partners by night, and zero talk of feelings. That system completely shatters when Edie accepts a dream career move, forcing a reluctant Javier to figure out how to communicate his love before her departure date arrives.

This was a short but impactful read. The spice was fantastic and matched the emotional depth perfectly. Thank you so much to Happily Booked PR and Fiona Embers for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Javi + Edie

This fast paced short story is so good I wish there were more pages. The not communicated trope is a thing with Close to the Chest. These two assume and don't really communicate what they feel until Edie is about to leave for LA. Which I get but man, if you knew why not just say something. Although I also get the other side of it, fear and rejection. No one wants either of those.

I loved how it ended and that they got their happy ending. I just wished the characters had a bit more depth (like we got a full on backstory but page length and all).

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.

[Carrie Behm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Happily Booked Pr and Fiona for my arc of Cose to the Chest!

Book 2 of the Chemically Bonded series, this little spicy novella is about Javie and Edie. They were hot friends with benefits who had a lot of unspoken feeling about each other! When Edie drops a ball on Javi he decides it’s time they actually talk and once they share their true feelings about each other, its all over. At just 60 pages, it’s fast and hot!

If you like friends to lovers, she falls first, steamy romance, this one is for you!

[thetbrfiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay but I kind of loved this?!

One of my favorite things about reading ARCs from indie authors is stumbling across books I probably never would’ve picked up on my own… and then ending up really glad I did.

This steamy novella follows two best friends who have been friends-with-benefits for three years while secretly wanting more the whole time. The problem? She’s getting ready to move away. What follows is him showing her exactly how much she means to him and just how far he’s willing to go to make them work.

Short, sweet, spicy, and full of that “just admit you’re in love already” energy that I absolutely eat up. ❤️🔥

Thanks for the ARC, Happily Booked PR!

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Close To The Chest is book two of the Chemically Bonded Series. 

Edie and Javi have a great friendship which has become something a bit more. However, they are both hiding how they really feel about the other. Not wanting to get hurt, Edie takes a job offer from the other side of the country which puts their relationship in jeopardy. I loved seeing the fight Javi had to make sure Edie knew how important she was to him and how he wanted her in his life. 

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this sweet, heartfelt novella from the Chemically Bonded series, lab partners Edie and Javi share a casual arrangement until Javi’s new job forces them to stop hiding their true feelings.

The Author Fiona Embers brings authentic STEM details and relatable characters to this friends-to-lovers story.

Focused more on emotional growth than drama, it’s a quick, satisfying read about finding the courage to let someone in. Ideal for fans of smart, gentle romance.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a quick read, but whoo boy, there is a lot of sp1ce in it. Javi and Edie have been b#ng buddies for about 3 years, not dating, just enjoying some time together. However, they aren't in a relationship by any means. So when Edie tells Javi she accepted a job across the country, he is stunned. How did he not know she was looking for a job?

This revelation is the k1ck he needs to try to build a relationship with her. But is it too late?

[Holly Towe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Close to the Chest was a super quick, spicy read that I flew through! 🔥📚

I really enjoyed the fast-paced, straight-to-the-point plot. There wasn’t a lot of unnecessary filler—just an engaging story that kept things moving while still delivering plenty of chemistry and spice along the way. 🌶️✨

If you’re looking for a short read that’s entertaining, steamy, and easy to binge in one sitting, this one is definitely worth picking up! 💕🔥

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars

[Donna McEachran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Javi and Edie are friends...with benefits. Edie's job is ending and she decides a new location may help her move on from Javi. When he finds out she is leaving, he realises how much she means to him. Can he admit to Edie what he feels?
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

[Carolyn Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an advance copy!

This is book two in the Chemically Bonded novella series and this one didn't disappoint. Javie and Edie have been hooking up for years without actually talking about their feelings. Very sexy for a quick read (3🌶️) and because they'd been together off page the love felt real. Beware if you have a strong aversion to miscommunication though!

[Ashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this cute romance between Javi and Edie! The instant connection they had in the beginning was phenomenal, and I loved the build up to them confessing their feelings for each other! I was so happy with the ending, and I'm hoping for a book to continue their love story! The whole friends with benefits to lovers trope was the pallet cleanser I needed between my other books!! ✨

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've had the opportunity to read by Fiona Embers and I'm so glad I did.
Loved the characters, the storyline and the way she brought the emotion to the story.
The MMC and FMC are both strong but unfortunately emotionally closed off. That being said Ember ties that into the story perfectly.
If you're looking for a quick read with a happy ending this one is for you.

[meghin · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Our bodies might be soulmates even if we are not.” 🔥

Smut. Is. The. Plot.

Okay, and maybe the MMC having fun with the FMC catches feelings 😏 so there’s a little more than spice… andddd the FMC is beauty and brains; a bomb chemist who also rocks pink hair.

Embers also gives us a HEA so what more could we ask for?

[Rebecca Dowling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Close to the chest is a short novella telling the story of Edie and Javi. I know that it is short story but I really wanted more in the conversations between Edie and Javi. It felt that instead of talking they just had sex. However, overall it was a quick read that provides on what it promises.
I received an advanced copy and all opinions are left voluntarily.

[Judy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edie and Javi have known each other since college. Both work in the same field and have a lot in common. The one thing they fail at is communication. They’re in a semi relationship but never talk of feeling, ideas, wants. Now it seems Edie has had enough and has taken a new job in LA leaving Javi to work in Boston. This was great to show how important communication is in any relationship.

[Momma T's Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frenemies with night-time feelings. People have to talk. You get nowhere if you don't talk. The spice was on point though. You knew their feelings were intense. You knew the vibe based on their actions. And when they finally talk to each other, they figure it out. The noncommunication just isn't my thing.

[Kayleigh Griggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one has so far been my favorite in the series. It is short with a lot packed into the novella. I think the story line for this one was great and it gave a glimpse of what happened to the characters from the first book. Overall, very well done. I wish it kept going and wasn’t such a fast read but that is what made it good.

[Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read. Edie and Javi have been friends with benefits for a few years now until a a life changing move affects them both. They decide if it’s something worth stopping or worth being more.

Both characters needed to communicate better and not be blind sided by the other.

[Carolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella certainly shows that communication is key. If you are looking for a quick read and a relatable situation, this book is for you.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really hate reviewing lower than 4 stars, but this was just not it. It was a novella, and I feel like yes it clasified itself as a book, but it was like a small scene taken out of a larger context, and what was there wasn't enough to stand on its own. Nothing really happened. They had a conversation if you could call it that, and some spicy stuff happened. Even that was underrated. It just fell flat. The characters didn't stand out, and I finished thinking wait what where is the rest, where is the actual plot? I enjoyed the 1st one, but this one just missed.

[Megan Eby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how this series smoothly picks up from the first and teases you with the third!
This is a spicy novella with a HEA. There's some sweet monologues as characters finally tell each other how they feel. It felt like I knew the characters history and was impressed by that given how short this is!