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Closer
Chloe Forrester has planned her life out perfectly. Newly engaged to her adoring boyfriend, Harrison Scott, she finally feels as if the pieces of her life are coming together. But when Paxton Potter, a man with a grudge against her fiancé , accuses him of betrayal, Chloe’s trust in Harrison starts to waver.
After a young woman’s body is found, a dangerous and unlikely connection is formed between Chloe and Paxton. With each dark secret uncovered, Chloe has a choice- turn a blind eye or dig deeper. But in order to understand something or someone, you have to look closer.
Each decision she makes has a consequence, as new truths are revealed about her enemies and the people she loves. With Chloe’s future dangling by a thread, she must be ready to sever ties to the life she thought she knew in order to survive.
After a young woman’s body is found, a dangerous and unlikely connection is formed between Chloe and Paxton. With each dark secret uncovered, Chloe has a choice- turn a blind eye or dig deeper. But in order to understand something or someone, you have to look closer.
Each decision she makes has a consequence, as new truths are revealed about her enemies and the people she loves. With Chloe’s future dangling by a thread, she must be ready to sever ties to the life she thought she knew in order to survive.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2016
42 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Emerald O'Brien
36 books626 followersEmerald O’Brien is a Canadian writer who grew up just east of Toronto, Ontario. She studied Television Broadcasting and Communications Media, and graduated from the program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.
When Emerald is not reading or writing unpredictable stories packed with suspense, she loves baking, bonfires, binging Netflix shows, and spending time with family.
A horror movie enthusiast, Emerald can be found watching them at the movie theatre with her best friend or while cuddled up on the couch with her favourite snacks.
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When Emerald is not reading or writing unpredictable stories packed with suspense, she loves baking, bonfires, binging Netflix shows, and spending time with family.
A horror movie enthusiast, Emerald can be found watching them at the movie theatre with her best friend or while cuddled up on the couch with her favourite snacks.
Get your free ebook, exclusive to Emerald's newsletter subscribers today: http://www.emeraldobrien.com/your-fre...
Connect with Emerald:
Website: http://www.emeraldobrien.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEmeral...
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/12257...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writeremera...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmeraldOBrien_
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Emerald-OBrien...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/emera...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 3, 2017
Review originally posted on Rach Lawrence Books.
*I was provided a copy of Closer by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*
Just when life should be perfect for Chloe Forrester, everything begins to unravel. Her new fiancé is accused of cheating on her with another woman, and to make matters worse, the woman in question winds up dead. Paxton Potter won’t rest until he gets to the bottom of his ex-girlfriend’s death. He may have broken up with her for cheating on him, but that doesn’t mean he can stand to let her killer go free.
Pax makes Chloe question everything she’s ever known. As the two begin to look closer at the events surrounding Pax’s ex-girlfriend’s death, an attraction is formed. Chloe will need to find the courage to make her own decisions when Pax becomes the prime suspect in the murder.
Closer is a romantic suspense story with lots of twists and turns. The suspense was intriguing, keeping me guessing about the murderer right along with the main characters. The relationship between Chloe and Pax was set at a good pace, especially considering they had both just come out of relationships with someone they thought they’d be with forever.
The main drawback to the story was the relationship between Chloe and Harrison. The story opens with Harrison being accused of cheating on Chloe, so I never felt invested in their relationship. Yet Chloe continually considered going back to him, which made her character appear weak and wishy-washy. While the opening drama was meant to draw the reader into the story, some more building of Chloe and Harrison’s relationship would have made her indecision more believable. Conversely, she could have stood her ground in deciding she was done with Harrison, which would have made her a stronger character.
There were also a lot of editing issues in the book, like incorrect dialogue punctuation and comma splices. The number of dialogue interruptions was distracting as well, forcing me to reread the dialogue to make sense of it.
A little more believability and some good editing would have increased my enjoyment of this story. The base was there with a good plot and well thought-out suspense, but it needed a better execution.
*I was provided a copy of Closer by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*
Just when life should be perfect for Chloe Forrester, everything begins to unravel. Her new fiancé is accused of cheating on her with another woman, and to make matters worse, the woman in question winds up dead. Paxton Potter won’t rest until he gets to the bottom of his ex-girlfriend’s death. He may have broken up with her for cheating on him, but that doesn’t mean he can stand to let her killer go free.
Pax makes Chloe question everything she’s ever known. As the two begin to look closer at the events surrounding Pax’s ex-girlfriend’s death, an attraction is formed. Chloe will need to find the courage to make her own decisions when Pax becomes the prime suspect in the murder.
Closer is a romantic suspense story with lots of twists and turns. The suspense was intriguing, keeping me guessing about the murderer right along with the main characters. The relationship between Chloe and Pax was set at a good pace, especially considering they had both just come out of relationships with someone they thought they’d be with forever.
The main drawback to the story was the relationship between Chloe and Harrison. The story opens with Harrison being accused of cheating on Chloe, so I never felt invested in their relationship. Yet Chloe continually considered going back to him, which made her character appear weak and wishy-washy. While the opening drama was meant to draw the reader into the story, some more building of Chloe and Harrison’s relationship would have made her indecision more believable. Conversely, she could have stood her ground in deciding she was done with Harrison, which would have made her a stronger character.
There were also a lot of editing issues in the book, like incorrect dialogue punctuation and comma splices. The number of dialogue interruptions was distracting as well, forcing me to reread the dialogue to make sense of it.
A little more believability and some good editing would have increased my enjoyment of this story. The base was there with a good plot and well thought-out suspense, but it needed a better execution.
July 22, 2016
I enjoyed this book, the story line, how the characters interacted with each other. If you are looking for a nice twist this story has one. One I didn't see coming until it was there.
When you are engaged to your best friend what could possibly ruin that? Finding out he cheated on you and kept lying to you about it? Yeah that might do it. But what if you are the type of person who just can't let things go? Of course you go and find your own answers. That is exactly what happens here, but along with a murder and a very hot biker from the wrong side of town. Everyone is pointing fingers at the fiance and the biker. Only they keep coming to dead ends or more questions.
Loved the suspense level. Definitely keeps you on your toes. Chloe and Pax have a chemistry that can't be denied, even with everything going on around them. They team up to find out what happened, and why it happened. When the answer finally comes to Chloe it is almost too late. She just has to believe that Pax will come through for her. In the end, well you just have to read the book to find out...
July 20, 2016
Five Mysterious Stars! Chloe and Harrison are at their engagement party when it is suddenly interrupted. Accusations star flying at Harrison and next you know someone is murdered. Chloe decides to start investigating to see if anything is true especially since Harrison is involved. What answers will Chloe find out and will she clear Harrison of the accusations? I can't tell you much more but you must read it to find out the answers. The author writes a story full of mystery, deception, betrayal and twists and turns. I was on the edge of my seat needing to know more. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will be looking for more. Highly recommend it!
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5
July 22, 2016
Well I was just outdone by this book. The blurb for it gives very little away. I have never read any of O'Brien's work so I was pleasantly surprised. This story had it all, murder, intrigue, betrayal, lies, and ore twist than a red vine.
Chloe thought she had everything worked out and the perfect man to boot. What a difference a night makes and she is not the kind to just sit back, she jumps right into the mix with Pax to find out what happened. What happened ends up being a story that totally floors you when the ending comes.
I loved the writing and the story. Pax was too cool for words and Chloe wasn't a pansy either. Love it when the woman has a back bone. Great story and the characters are great as well. Definitely one to read!
Chloe thought she had everything worked out and the perfect man to boot. What a difference a night makes and she is not the kind to just sit back, she jumps right into the mix with Pax to find out what happened. What happened ends up being a story that totally floors you when the ending comes.
I loved the writing and the story. Pax was too cool for words and Chloe wasn't a pansy either. Love it when the woman has a back bone. Great story and the characters are great as well. Definitely one to read!
August 9, 2016
**I received a digital copy from the author as a gift. This does not affect my opinion.**
"The truth would change their lives, but it was the absence of truth had changed hers."
OH. MY. GOD. This novel is very very intense that it made me so confused and anxious while reading. I like the plot, the characters, and the mind-blowing twist. It is fast paced, or maybe because I just enjoyed reading and got so immersed.
At first I thought I can predict what will happen next but I was wrong. The author really did a great job in keeping from its readers the truth which I think no one ever guessed...
"The truth would change their lives, but it was the absence of truth had changed hers."
OH. MY. GOD. This novel is very very intense that it made me so confused and anxious while reading. I like the plot, the characters, and the mind-blowing twist. It is fast paced, or maybe because I just enjoyed reading and got so immersed.
At first I thought I can predict what will happen next but I was wrong. The author really did a great job in keeping from its readers the truth which I think no one ever guessed...
August 5, 2018
Closer is a romantic suspense novel with dark secrets & plenty of unexpected twists to keep you intrigued. I was stumped & could not figure out who the killer was. As dark secrets are uncovered and new truths are revealed. A tale of deception, betrayal, and suspense. I thought the plot was intriguing, however, I did not like any of the character's & could not connect with any of them. The base foundation was there with a good suspense plot, however the story itself was missing something for me that I can't put my finger on it and lacked likeable alluring characters. I have another book by this author which I am looking forward to reading & hope to enjoy it better than this one.
July 23, 2016
Emerald has quickly become my favorite suspense writer. Each book is better than the last and I'm always excited to see what ideas come out of her brain! Closer is amazing. As a main character, Chloe is at first naive, but quickly becomes awesome in her pursuit of truth and justice. The twists and turns in this book are enough to make your head spin and I hope you are as blindsided by the resolution as I was!
February 9, 2020
Closer is a great murder mystery, full of suspense and twists and turns. The characters are well developed and the storyline is well written. This book captured my interest from the start and kept it until the end. The author did a great job of hiding the identity of the murderer.
I loved this book and would love to read more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book and would love to read more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2016
4.5 Stars!!
I love some suspense and Emerald delivers. This book keeps you guessing to the end. Reading this was like a journey through reality ~ you may never really know somebody, we all are a little judgmental, friends can turn on you in a heartbeat and there is always hope for more.
This was one I picked up and had a hard time putting down.
I love some suspense and Emerald delivers. This book keeps you guessing to the end. Reading this was like a journey through reality ~ you may never really know somebody, we all are a little judgmental, friends can turn on you in a heartbeat and there is always hope for more.
This was one I picked up and had a hard time putting down.
June 28, 2016
Another hit from author Emerald O'Brien! This is probably one of my favourite books from her!!
I don't want to give anything away, but this book has murder, doubt, and excitement... All while we join Chloe on learning the truth and finding herself.
I would highly recommend is book to anyone who enjoys a little mystery... ;-)
I don't want to give anything away, but this book has murder, doubt, and excitement... All while we join Chloe on learning the truth and finding herself.
I would highly recommend is book to anyone who enjoys a little mystery... ;-)
February 25, 2017
As someone with a personal connection to the author, I may be biased in my review. But I don't care. She's a good person. This is a great suspense piece. It has moments that prevent you from putting down the book. There were a few questionable decisions on the part of the female protagonist, but if we overlook those, holy smokes this is an exciting book.
July 26, 2016
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. It held my attention from the beginning and I had to keep reading to find out how it would end. This book is full of suspense and twists and turns that you'll never see coming.
September 11, 2020
Great story. I'm not a big character follower, especially when its written in first person and there are nuances in thinking and tons of details. That there were so many details to remember and it was mostly dialogue threw me. But I loved the suspense. That is Canadian writer Emerald O'Brien's main guarantee. I want to read everything she puts out. I'm really looking forward to watching her grow as a writer! I have 2 more series to go to gobble all of her emotional suspense up!
January 30, 2020
This is an intriguing murder mystery with a cast of strong,well developed characters. The author does a great job building the story and pulls you in with action,suspense and twists and turns as well as a bit of romance. It's brought to life with descriptive and detailed scenes and had me glued to the pages from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
December 5, 2024
I’m a fan!
As my introduction to Emerald O’Brien’s work, I’m officially a fan! This story captivated me with its well-developed characters and an unpredictable twist that left me stunned. The pacing was spot-on, keeping me hooked from beginning to end. Emerald O’Brien has a knack for crafting suspense and intrigue, and I can’t wait to dive into more of her books. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a story full of surprises!
As my introduction to Emerald O’Brien’s work, I’m officially a fan! This story captivated me with its well-developed characters and an unpredictable twist that left me stunned. The pacing was spot-on, keeping me hooked from beginning to end. Emerald O’Brien has a knack for crafting suspense and intrigue, and I can’t wait to dive into more of her books. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a story full of surprises!
August 30, 2017
Great story!
I enjoyed every minute. This book was fun to read and the story moved along so I didn't want to put it down. I suspected how it might end and was pleasantly surprised at how it turned out. On to the next....thank you, Emerald!
I enjoyed every minute. This book was fun to read and the story moved along so I didn't want to put it down. I suspected how it might end and was pleasantly surprised at how it turned out. On to the next....thank you, Emerald!
February 10, 2022
Closer was a wonderful introduction to Emerald O'Brien's writing.
A fast-paced book I found myself unable to put down.
A fast-paced book I found myself unable to put down.
September 19, 2016
Closer is a nice, quick read- it is a book that is easy to pick back up if you have to put it down. The action is set to a good pace, which keeps the reader interested- at times the action seems to overcast the development of the characters. There are also quite a few threads of different plots woven into one. There were a lot of times I wish I had gotten more of the story, or more of the character's thoughts.
You can find this book on the mystery shelf, though I'd suggest it could definitely be young adult mystery. The plot was well laid out and clear. You do find yourself rooting for the protagonist; she often seems at odds with herself which I believe was the intent. It's something most readers can relate to- familial or outside pressures versus inside desires and thoughts.
I would recommend this book to friends and family if they need a quick beach read, or have a teen in the house that likes mysteries. There are a few almost racy scenes but nothing I would worry about a teen reading.
The end has a nice development which rewards the reader for sticking with it. No spoilers here- but it's a fun read. I will definitely be tuning into more work by Emerald O'Brien.
*Note: I was provided this book free of cost by the author. The circumstance of receiving the book had no affect on my review*
You can find this book on the mystery shelf, though I'd suggest it could definitely be young adult mystery. The plot was well laid out and clear. You do find yourself rooting for the protagonist; she often seems at odds with herself which I believe was the intent. It's something most readers can relate to- familial or outside pressures versus inside desires and thoughts.
I would recommend this book to friends and family if they need a quick beach read, or have a teen in the house that likes mysteries. There are a few almost racy scenes but nothing I would worry about a teen reading.
The end has a nice development which rewards the reader for sticking with it. No spoilers here- but it's a fun read. I will definitely be tuning into more work by Emerald O'Brien.
*Note: I was provided this book free of cost by the author. The circumstance of receiving the book had no affect on my review*
February 9, 2020
Chloe Forrester has planned her life out perfectly. Newly engaged to her adoring boyfriend, Harrison Scott, she finally feels as if the pieces of her life are coming together. But when Paxton Potter, a man with a grudge against her fiance, accuses him of betrayal, Chloe’s trust in Harrison starts to waver.
After a young woman’s body is found, a dangerous and unlikely connection is formed between Chloe and Paxton. With each dark secret uncovered, Chloe has a choice- turn a blind eye or dig deeper. But in order to understand something or someone, you have to look closer.
Each decision she makes has a consequence, as new truths are revealed about her enemies and the people she loves. With Chloe’s future dangling by a thread, she must be ready to sever ties to the life she thought she knew in order to survive.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After a young woman’s body is found, a dangerous and unlikely connection is formed between Chloe and Paxton. With each dark secret uncovered, Chloe has a choice- turn a blind eye or dig deeper. But in order to understand something or someone, you have to look closer.
Each decision she makes has a consequence, as new truths are revealed about her enemies and the people she loves. With Chloe’s future dangling by a thread, she must be ready to sever ties to the life she thought she knew in order to survive.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2016
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
This was my first book by this author and I was intrigued by the synopsis. I was looking for something different to read maybe with a deeper storyline and this fit the bill. It was filled with deception, betrayal, and a suspense. Just when you thought you knew where the story was heading it took a left when you expected a right.
Chloe had her life planned out. She was happy, content, and looking forward to the future. On one of the most joyful days of her last few her world is shattered by two unexpected visitors that ultimately change her life completely. She no longer feels safe but she needs the truth no matter what that may be.
Pax is a strong man who has a heart of gold. He may be from the bad part of town and not perfect but he is protective and loyal. His world is rocked again by yet another betrayal and he lashes out. The one thing he knows is he will find the truth. The pursuit of that leads him to answers he never expected.
Chloe and Pax search for the truth but in doing so discover more than they thought possible. The lies continue to mount and the secrets are slowly revealed. The truth is shocking.
This was my first book by this author and I was intrigued by the synopsis. I was looking for something different to read maybe with a deeper storyline and this fit the bill. It was filled with deception, betrayal, and a suspense. Just when you thought you knew where the story was heading it took a left when you expected a right.
Chloe had her life planned out. She was happy, content, and looking forward to the future. On one of the most joyful days of her last few her world is shattered by two unexpected visitors that ultimately change her life completely. She no longer feels safe but she needs the truth no matter what that may be.
Pax is a strong man who has a heart of gold. He may be from the bad part of town and not perfect but he is protective and loyal. His world is rocked again by yet another betrayal and he lashes out. The one thing he knows is he will find the truth. The pursuit of that leads him to answers he never expected.
Chloe and Pax search for the truth but in doing so discover more than they thought possible. The lies continue to mount and the secrets are slowly revealed. The truth is shocking.
June 28, 2016
Closer gets 5 stars from me because Emerald kept me guessing until the very end on who did it and why. Emerald does an amazing job of developing her characters and making them very realistic to the point you "know" these characters. She writes a great murder mystery while still throwing in a little romance. It doesn't get any better than that in my opinion.
Closer is the story of Chloe and Harrison who are engaged and have their engagement party interrupted by Pax and Wes, who are making allegations that Harrison cheated on Chloe with Pax's girlfriend, Dee. When Dee turns up dead from an alleged car accident things start to really pop. Chloe decides she needs to know the truth about Harrison cheating on her and she also makes it her mission to help solve the murder of Dee. With accusations and fingers being pointed at everybody, you will be trying to figure out who really did it and why. Guess you'll have to read it to find out who really did it and to find out why. Good luck trying to figure it out!
Closer is the story of Chloe and Harrison who are engaged and have their engagement party interrupted by Pax and Wes, who are making allegations that Harrison cheated on Chloe with Pax's girlfriend, Dee. When Dee turns up dead from an alleged car accident things start to really pop. Chloe decides she needs to know the truth about Harrison cheating on her and she also makes it her mission to help solve the murder of Dee. With accusations and fingers being pointed at everybody, you will be trying to figure out who really did it and why. Guess you'll have to read it to find out who really did it and to find out why. Good luck trying to figure it out!
July 24, 2016
I received a Kindle copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
Chloe and Harrison are celebrating their recent engagement with her family and friends when Pax and Wes, two guys from the wrong side of town, show up and accuse of Harrison of sleeping with Pax's girlfriend, Dee. Chloe doesn't want to believe it and of course, Harrison denies it. Chloe turns to Pax to try to find out why he would said what he did when she discovers that Harrison lied to her. Then Dee turns up dead, thought to be a result of a car accident. When it is discovered that she was actually murdered first and the car accident was staged, all eyes turn to Harrison and Pax. Did one of them do it?
While trying to find the truth, Chloe finds some answers as to why her grandparents were in her life more than her parents before they died in a car accident. She also learns to make some decisions on her own.
There was a good twist in this book that I didn't expect.
Chloe and Harrison are celebrating their recent engagement with her family and friends when Pax and Wes, two guys from the wrong side of town, show up and accuse of Harrison of sleeping with Pax's girlfriend, Dee. Chloe doesn't want to believe it and of course, Harrison denies it. Chloe turns to Pax to try to find out why he would said what he did when she discovers that Harrison lied to her. Then Dee turns up dead, thought to be a result of a car accident. When it is discovered that she was actually murdered first and the car accident was staged, all eyes turn to Harrison and Pax. Did one of them do it?
While trying to find the truth, Chloe finds some answers as to why her grandparents were in her life more than her parents before they died in a car accident. She also learns to make some decisions on her own.
There was a good twist in this book that I didn't expect.
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July 12, 2016reviewed for NDF
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews