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So Close
Amanda Beth Luker has spent her whole life desperately looking for someone who can show her the way out of her trailer park Florida town. And then, finally, help arrives in the form of Tom Davis, a successful lawyer with political aspirations who grew up just a few towns over from Amanda. But it s his wife, Lindsay, who really captures Amanda s imagination. Strong, smart, and determined, she gives Amanda something she s never had a role model. Meanwhile Amanda is introduced to the wealthy, charismatic, and deeply troubled Pax Westerbrook. He clearly desires Amanda, but if she gives in will that move her closer to the life she s always dreamed of or make it impossible?"
Audio CD
First published March 5, 2015
36 people are currently reading
1265 people want to read
About the author
Emma McLaughlin
23 books974 followersMy partner, Nicki, and I have been writing together for 12 years. We're obsessed by what makes a satisfying story. I'm excited to hear from our readers what does it for them -- and what doesn't. As a working mom, the only book time I manage to steal these days is right before bed. I'm not the girl who can watch SVU and go to sleep with a smile. Ruling out kids/the economy/the world in peril as subject matter leaves sweeping Wharton epics or swift funny observations. The best is when a book makes you feel like you're still talking in the whee hours with your best college friend.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 13, 2016
I won this book from Goodreads.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. Not a dull moment anywhere in between. Highly entertaining, emotional & interesting.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. Not a dull moment anywhere in between. Highly entertaining, emotional & interesting.
January 10, 2017
this book is just...... boring!!! flat, shallow, B O R I N G!!
most of it i just flipping through it. there is no grab plot attention.
oh thank god i am done.
most of it i just flipping through it. there is no grab plot attention.
oh thank god i am done.
March 15, 2015
Amazing..
This book is so relatable.. One of the best books that I've read in awhile where I couldn't put it down, stayed up too late reading, cried, cheered, and loved..
This book is so relatable.. One of the best books that I've read in awhile where I couldn't put it down, stayed up too late reading, cried, cheered, and loved..
August 12, 2016
I could not put this book down! This story is about survival - basically starting your life with nothing - no support from your family, barely any money and no hopes of leaving a trailer in FL. Amanda has dreams for herself - to go places - how is she going to make that happen? Can anyone help this poor girl?
Fast forward a little bit to when she meets Tom Davis, politician, she is in awe of this man. She believes in his vision, what he stands for. His beginnings were just like her - just a few towns over. But Lindsay - Tom's wife, develops a connection with Amanda that becomes deep and almost motherly like. At the same get together where she just met Tom and Lindsay she also meets the amazingly handsome Pax Westerbrook - she is in love! But why would this society rich kid see something in Amanda? Is she just a charity case to him?
Amanda's luck turns in her favor and she starts working with Tom Davis and her life can't seem to get anymore perfect - taking private jets to events, dressing in fancy clothes, eating amazing foods! What more could a girl ask for?
But then things take a turn for the worst - Amanda may lose her job, she is on again off again with Pax, her family is in shambles back home - what is she going to do?
Grab a bottle of wine and sit back and enjoy this amazing tale of rags to riches!
Fast forward a little bit to when she meets Tom Davis, politician, she is in awe of this man. She believes in his vision, what he stands for. His beginnings were just like her - just a few towns over. But Lindsay - Tom's wife, develops a connection with Amanda that becomes deep and almost motherly like. At the same get together where she just met Tom and Lindsay she also meets the amazingly handsome Pax Westerbrook - she is in love! But why would this society rich kid see something in Amanda? Is she just a charity case to him?
Amanda's luck turns in her favor and she starts working with Tom Davis and her life can't seem to get anymore perfect - taking private jets to events, dressing in fancy clothes, eating amazing foods! What more could a girl ask for?
But then things take a turn for the worst - Amanda may lose her job, she is on again off again with Pax, her family is in shambles back home - what is she going to do?
Grab a bottle of wine and sit back and enjoy this amazing tale of rags to riches!
June 30, 2016
Fun read! Love the way the authors write feel like you are experiencing what the character is going through. You have to find out if Tom Davis makes it all the way in his political career and if all that help him along the way get rewarded ! Love the ending!
July 28, 2016
DNF
I received an ARC and I was bored to death....I read half way through the book and I just had to stop. I can't relate to the book and I can't get into it either.....
I received an ARC and I was bored to death....I read half way through the book and I just had to stop. I can't relate to the book and I can't get into it either.....
January 30, 2019
I suppose this can join the canon of thinly veiled retellings of women enduring political scandal alongside Young Jane Young and American Wife, but this one felt a little more pointless - why did it read like a New Adult Kindle Romance thrown into a Nutribullet with John Edwards with essentially no details changed? And outside of that, were we *really* supposed to root for her to end up with whatever his face was? Was PAX really the best name they could come up with?
October 23, 2017
Stereotypical and predictable with a shockingly unexpected amount of raunch. What bothered me is it was so random and so crudely done. I almost didn't finish but had come so far. Anyway, aside from the icky part, it was way too long to the point where it became agonizing. Especially the inclusion of the Cheyenne plot twist and the video footage. Ewww! This could have been a few pages to reveal what a horrible person one particular character was. But no, it was chapter after tortuous chapter. What started out interesting and fresh ended up eye-rolling, sleazy and overdone. And by the way the photo featured here was not featured on my book. I'd never pick up a book with such a trashy looking cover. ;0
August 28, 2019
A very busy story. So entertaining
Never a dull moment. Silly at times but enjoyable till the end
Never a dull moment. Silly at times but enjoyable till the end
March 27, 2020
Not my writing style.
January 18, 2025
Reminded me of the John Edwards scandal during his presidential run-made me sad that this behavior is no longer a career crusher.
May 14, 2016
I've loved Emma and Nicola since I was a teen reading The Nanny Diaries. What I love about them is their characters. Women that mean so well and strive for it only to get lost along the way paired with a guy that's just as lost in his own way but fights until the end for them. He fights for the HEA. Amanda and Pax made a great pair. But the relationship between Amanda and Lindsey is what made this story for me. As Amanda tried to be more than her trailer park childhood Lindsey became her Savior. As their relationship grew then changed it was a journey Amanda needed. Not always pleasant and way too overwhelming but needed. Pax was a great balance for Amanda. When reading Emma and Nicola I always feel bad for the leading man. He always gets the short end of the stick in the relationship. Like he deserves more than the hot mess he fell for but in the end they get their HEA and they're trials are what makes them better. Some of the transitions were choppy and timeline cloudy but it was classic Emma and Nicola and I loved it.
October 19, 2016
I liked that Amanda was a strong female character who knew that she didn't want to live in a trailer and have the same life as her mom. She was very driven and a hard worker.
My issue with the book were that large chunks of time would happen between the parts of the book. I found myself thinking that those missing chunks of time would have been interesting to read about, maybe more than what was actually covered in the book. The writing was sometimes awkward or unclear. There were several sentences I had to read over and over before I understand them.
I did love the relationship between Lauren and Amanda. It was nice to see Amanda have a mentor and someone she admired and truly cared about.
My issue with the book were that large chunks of time would happen between the parts of the book. I found myself thinking that those missing chunks of time would have been interesting to read about, maybe more than what was actually covered in the book. The writing was sometimes awkward or unclear. There were several sentences I had to read over and over before I understand them.
I did love the relationship between Lauren and Amanda. It was nice to see Amanda have a mentor and someone she admired and truly cared about.
November 4, 2016
A story with promise that succumbs to the temptations of too many dramatic twists in the final act. The trite "handsome leading man with unbelievable wealth, snobby mother" was bothersome - he never felt like an actual character, more a vehicle for our heroine's wishes and aspirations.
The bombshell revelation in the final act, followed by a painful and confusing side trip to Kiwah Island, and another bizarre revelation after that - totally took the wind out of the story's sails. The Cheyenne / Coco character did not make sense.
I could go on and on, but will simply say - skip this one so as to not be frustrated by a story that includes unnecessary drama, but likely had great potential before all the bells and whistles (and ornaments and accessories) were added.
The bombshell revelation in the final act, followed by a painful and confusing side trip to Kiwah Island, and another bizarre revelation after that - totally took the wind out of the story's sails. The Cheyenne / Coco character did not make sense.
I could go on and on, but will simply say - skip this one so as to not be frustrated by a story that includes unnecessary drama, but likely had great potential before all the bells and whistles (and ornaments and accessories) were added.
May 14, 2017
I wasn't sure if I'd like So Close at first - it seemed like it was going to be too predictable, and like it was trying too hard to make something happen, but then I got into it. Overall, I found the story to be quite predictable but it was also entertaining enough that I wanted to continue reading to confirm (or deny) my suspicions about where things were headed. It was an easy, pretty light read which was exactly what I was looking for this weekend.
August 4, 2017
Senator John Edwards? Did no other reviewer notice the similarities? 😏
October 14, 2019
This book began sooooo slowly and with such a dull main character that I almost gave up on it. As I was stuck on a road trip made doubly long due to poor weather, I didn't risk taking my eyes off the road and trudged through the audio version for longer than I normally would have. Then suddenly, it began to pick up. The storyline evolved and became more complex, and the cast became more interesting. Unfortunately, the main character never seemed to truly evolve as I hoped she would until THE VERY END.
That being said, you'll recognize the sub-plot as being plucked from past political headlines, but the author gave them a good twist. Not a storybook ending, but one that was infinitely more satisfying than the true-life story played out.
That being said, you'll recognize the sub-plot as being plucked from past political headlines, but the author gave them a good twist. Not a storybook ending, but one that was infinitely more satisfying than the true-life story played out.
May 22, 2017
I really enjoyed the plot and the characters in "So Close". I especially enjoyed Amanda's hard work paying off with an opportunity to find her bliss and move up the career ladder. In addition, Amanda's friendship with Lindsay was very special as well. And Lindsay's struggle with expectations and experiences were admirable. The only unbelievable part was the length of which Amanda went to to protect her career.
p.s. Her mother drove me crazy - and Amanda was entirely too nice to her!
p.s. Her mother drove me crazy - and Amanda was entirely too nice to her!
February 10, 2017
A fun summer read but too many stereotypical characters and a lengthy middle made this book quite a waste of time. I pushed through to finish it. It was a bit too predictable for my taste. I really wanted to like this book as I really enjoyed the Nanny Diaries. The main character's dry wit and gusto was endearing and got me through the first few pages but just wasn't enough to keep me engaged.
May 21, 2017
It was slow to get started but it ended up being really good.
July 29, 2017
I would argue that this novel has two protagonists: Amanda and Lindsey
October 21, 2017
Easy read but yet a page turner.
March 18, 2019
Enjoyed this book! Amanda's life had so much going on and she just pushed hard to over come, very relatable.
January 9, 2020
Deducted a star because there are so many errors in this book it’s embarrassing
September 9, 2020
I guess this book just wasn't my cup of tea.
December 7, 2020
Enjoyed. It was an easy and light read full of romance and humor.
April 15, 2023
A little drawn out, but still worth the read.
August 23, 2016
Amanda grew up in a trailer park where she was left to not only care for herself, but her younger siblings while her mom was always off with some new guy. This damaged childhood forced Amanda to grow up too quickly leaving the weight of the family on her shoulders. Amanda was struggling to make ends meet and things got even worse when she suddenly lost her job. Feeling trapped in the small town, angry with her circumstances, and nervous about how she’ll support the family you can feel the weight of it all come crumbling down. All she’s ever wanted is to get out of her broken home.
On the same day that Amanda looses her job she meets two men who both change her life. One guy, Tom, is running for president and the other guy, Pax, she falls deeply in love with. Tom offers Amanda a position on his campaign trail. Not knowing much, but willing to work hard she accepts his offer and gets herself out of the trailer park. She struggles with the guilt of leaving her siblings, but knows this is the best way to help provide for them. Pax on the other hand comes from an extremely wealthy and privileged home. From the moment they met, they immediately hit it off. Strong and intense. As the story goes on Amanda and Pax’s relationship becomes more and more complicated. I found myself constantly angry with their situation and wondering whether or not they could actually make a life together. Again, I was left frustrated by all the back and forth between the characters and hoped they could decide whether to put each other first or let it go and focus on their own careers.
Lindsay, Tom’s wife, became to be the mother figure that Amanda so badly needed. She became her friend, her biggest supporter, and eventually the one who changed Amanda’s outlook on life. The relationship that formed between these two was fun and sweet, but it had its ups and downs too. This was such an emotional roller coaster… when things were good they were good, but boy when things took a turn everything went South fast! Amanda discovers a secret Tom has been keeping, Pax becomes absent from her life, and Lindsay well you’ll have to read to find out, but I felt betrayed by them all! Everything began to fall apart and Amanda's life spiraled. I felt awful watching it and thought to myself not again as her adult life was almost as destroyed as her childhood. I found myself wondering if the pattern would ever be broken. I kept waiting for Amanda to stand up for herself. To realize she’s worthy of more. When she finally put and end to the lies and realized who she was, that was a turning point for her character.
Eventually the pieces were put back together and while this book ended sadly it was beautiful and hopeful. I loved the writing and fell easily into it. What was even better was that it gripped me with all of its unexpected plot twists! I had a hard time putting this one down. It touched on second chances, loyalties, and about how you can choose your friends, but not your family. The mom made me so angry throughout the entire book and I just can’t wrap my head around the fact that she could just abandoned her kids, but what an eye opening it was. The transformations and backstories made me understand why she did what she did, but still… what a terrible upbringing! The only thing that held me back in some places was the timeline. I found myself shrugging it off when I couldn’t get it to line up the way I thought it was supposed to or it just wasn’t clear. Whether it was the way it was written, the transition to present day or just the way I read it, but I don’t think it faulted the story. Just wish it was a little more clearly understood. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from these two. 4 stars!
On the same day that Amanda looses her job she meets two men who both change her life. One guy, Tom, is running for president and the other guy, Pax, she falls deeply in love with. Tom offers Amanda a position on his campaign trail. Not knowing much, but willing to work hard she accepts his offer and gets herself out of the trailer park. She struggles with the guilt of leaving her siblings, but knows this is the best way to help provide for them. Pax on the other hand comes from an extremely wealthy and privileged home. From the moment they met, they immediately hit it off. Strong and intense. As the story goes on Amanda and Pax’s relationship becomes more and more complicated. I found myself constantly angry with their situation and wondering whether or not they could actually make a life together. Again, I was left frustrated by all the back and forth between the characters and hoped they could decide whether to put each other first or let it go and focus on their own careers.
Lindsay, Tom’s wife, became to be the mother figure that Amanda so badly needed. She became her friend, her biggest supporter, and eventually the one who changed Amanda’s outlook on life. The relationship that formed between these two was fun and sweet, but it had its ups and downs too. This was such an emotional roller coaster… when things were good they were good, but boy when things took a turn everything went South fast! Amanda discovers a secret Tom has been keeping, Pax becomes absent from her life, and Lindsay well you’ll have to read to find out, but I felt betrayed by them all! Everything began to fall apart and Amanda's life spiraled. I felt awful watching it and thought to myself not again as her adult life was almost as destroyed as her childhood. I found myself wondering if the pattern would ever be broken. I kept waiting for Amanda to stand up for herself. To realize she’s worthy of more. When she finally put and end to the lies and realized who she was, that was a turning point for her character.
Eventually the pieces were put back together and while this book ended sadly it was beautiful and hopeful. I loved the writing and fell easily into it. What was even better was that it gripped me with all of its unexpected plot twists! I had a hard time putting this one down. It touched on second chances, loyalties, and about how you can choose your friends, but not your family. The mom made me so angry throughout the entire book and I just can’t wrap my head around the fact that she could just abandoned her kids, but what an eye opening it was. The transformations and backstories made me understand why she did what she did, but still… what a terrible upbringing! The only thing that held me back in some places was the timeline. I found myself shrugging it off when I couldn’t get it to line up the way I thought it was supposed to or it just wasn’t clear. Whether it was the way it was written, the transition to present day or just the way I read it, but I don’t think it faulted the story. Just wish it was a little more clearly understood. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from these two. 4 stars!
June 13, 2016
Thank You to Sparkpress for providing me with an advanced copy of Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus’ latest novel, So Close, in exchange for an honest review.
PLOT- Amanda Beth Luker was raised in an impoverished Florida town, by a wild-child teen mom. Now in her twenties and looking to escape her upbringing, Amanda falls in love and runs away to live in Miami. Unfortunately, love is a fickle thing and she is struggling to make ends meet working at a high-end resort hotel. Amanda is nearly defeated, when she meets a few rich and powerful people who might be able to help her improve her circumstances, including a congressman mounting a presidential campaign and a handsome playboy who seems to be her polar opposite. Will Amanda be defined by her past or will she be able to change her circumstances?
LIKE- I’m a fan of the writing collaborations between McLaughlin and Kraus, so I was very excited to be approved for an advanced copy of So Close. As with their previous novels, So Close, has a strong protagonist and is a good mix of comedy and heartfelt drama. It was easy for me to get swept up in Amanda’s story and her desperation to change her life. I also enjoyed the glamour as Amanda gets introduced to how the other-half lives, extreme wealth that creates a strong contrast to her own family circumstances. So Close has an overriding moral message, of the “grass isn’t always greener on the other side” and on not rushing to judgement with regard to other people’s lives.
DISLIKE- From the first time that he is introduced, I did understand the romantic connection between rich playboy, Pax and Amanda. The chemistry wasn’t there and it felt awkward. I felt like he was somewhat unnecessary to the story or at least his role should have been minimized. The romance storyline, was far less engaging, that the story of Amanda climbing up the ladder as a political aide. When she is working, Amanda is shown as competent and plucky, but with Pax, she seems to lack confidence. On one hand, this is showing different sides to a character and allowing her insecurities to show, but as a reader it was off-putting. I never felt that Pax was likeable, so I never rooted for their relationship to succeed. I wanted to root for them.
RECOMMEND- Maybe. So Close is a summer, beach-read type of story. In this election year, its theming is timely. I enjoyed So Close, but I’m doubtful that it will stick in my memory for very long.
Like my review? Check out my blog!
PLOT- Amanda Beth Luker was raised in an impoverished Florida town, by a wild-child teen mom. Now in her twenties and looking to escape her upbringing, Amanda falls in love and runs away to live in Miami. Unfortunately, love is a fickle thing and she is struggling to make ends meet working at a high-end resort hotel. Amanda is nearly defeated, when she meets a few rich and powerful people who might be able to help her improve her circumstances, including a congressman mounting a presidential campaign and a handsome playboy who seems to be her polar opposite. Will Amanda be defined by her past or will she be able to change her circumstances?
LIKE- I’m a fan of the writing collaborations between McLaughlin and Kraus, so I was very excited to be approved for an advanced copy of So Close. As with their previous novels, So Close, has a strong protagonist and is a good mix of comedy and heartfelt drama. It was easy for me to get swept up in Amanda’s story and her desperation to change her life. I also enjoyed the glamour as Amanda gets introduced to how the other-half lives, extreme wealth that creates a strong contrast to her own family circumstances. So Close has an overriding moral message, of the “grass isn’t always greener on the other side” and on not rushing to judgement with regard to other people’s lives.
DISLIKE- From the first time that he is introduced, I did understand the romantic connection between rich playboy, Pax and Amanda. The chemistry wasn’t there and it felt awkward. I felt like he was somewhat unnecessary to the story or at least his role should have been minimized. The romance storyline, was far less engaging, that the story of Amanda climbing up the ladder as a political aide. When she is working, Amanda is shown as competent and plucky, but with Pax, she seems to lack confidence. On one hand, this is showing different sides to a character and allowing her insecurities to show, but as a reader it was off-putting. I never felt that Pax was likeable, so I never rooted for their relationship to succeed. I wanted to root for them.
RECOMMEND- Maybe. So Close is a summer, beach-read type of story. In this election year, its theming is timely. I enjoyed So Close, but I’m doubtful that it will stick in my memory for very long.
Like my review? Check out my blog!
June 21, 2016
3.5 stars
FINALLY - This book has been a long time coming. I, like so many others, fell in love with The Nanny Diaries. Naturally, I would read the follow up books that the authors churned out, only to find that the magic of The Nanny Diaries was gone. I tried, and tried, again, but each book left me more disappointed than the last. I did buy TND's sequel, but I have been too afraid to read it and find out that it steals some of the original shine. I don't know why I continued to try - but I am finally happy that I did.
Amanda Luker grew up in a trailer park with a less-than-stellar mother who always looked for a man to save her. Amanda found that she was also looking for a way out as well. As luck would have it, Amanda meets a politician named Tom Davis and his wife Lindsay. Having just lost her job, due to a wealthy man and his friends, Pax Westerbrook, upon meeting the Davis', Amanda hustles her way into volunteering and works her way up into the world of politics and the lives of Tom and Lindsay.
As I was reading this, I kept thinking "what's the story here? It can't just be look at me work my way up the ladder. Isn't there always a conflict of some kind?" I finally found that conflict towards the end of the book. It's quite the buildup for such a large explosion, as politics do.
In addition to Amanda's job prowess, we also are a party to Amanda's on-again, off-again interest in Pax. and her family that keeps her tied to the trailer park she wanted out of - her mom, who had 2 more kids that she had to raise herself when all she wanted to do was go looking for love, her brother and sister, and her grandmother.
I enjoyed this book - I liked watching Amanda rise in the ranks behind a political campaign or 3, while her family dynamics always kept me guessing. Every time I thought I knew what her family would do next, they would surprise me. The weakest part of the story was Pax's, but it all comes together and makes more sense towards the end for the big blowout!
To the fans of TND - give this one a try. I can see some of that same magic back again!
I received this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
FINALLY - This book has been a long time coming. I, like so many others, fell in love with The Nanny Diaries. Naturally, I would read the follow up books that the authors churned out, only to find that the magic of The Nanny Diaries was gone. I tried, and tried, again, but each book left me more disappointed than the last. I did buy TND's sequel, but I have been too afraid to read it and find out that it steals some of the original shine. I don't know why I continued to try - but I am finally happy that I did.
Amanda Luker grew up in a trailer park with a less-than-stellar mother who always looked for a man to save her. Amanda found that she was also looking for a way out as well. As luck would have it, Amanda meets a politician named Tom Davis and his wife Lindsay. Having just lost her job, due to a wealthy man and his friends, Pax Westerbrook, upon meeting the Davis', Amanda hustles her way into volunteering and works her way up into the world of politics and the lives of Tom and Lindsay.
As I was reading this, I kept thinking "what's the story here? It can't just be look at me work my way up the ladder. Isn't there always a conflict of some kind?" I finally found that conflict towards the end of the book. It's quite the buildup for such a large explosion, as politics do.
In addition to Amanda's job prowess, we also are a party to Amanda's on-again, off-again interest in Pax. and her family that keeps her tied to the trailer park she wanted out of - her mom, who had 2 more kids that she had to raise herself when all she wanted to do was go looking for love, her brother and sister, and her grandmother.
I enjoyed this book - I liked watching Amanda rise in the ranks behind a political campaign or 3, while her family dynamics always kept me guessing. Every time I thought I knew what her family would do next, they would surprise me. The weakest part of the story was Pax's, but it all comes together and makes more sense towards the end for the big blowout!
To the fans of TND - give this one a try. I can see some of that same magic back again!
I received this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews