What do you think?
Rate this book
Closer #1
Closer
Gabriella Mason is damaged.
Teller Reddy is wrecked.
Misery loves company, and that’s exactly what Ella gets the afternoon her path crosses with Teller’s: the misunderstood premed student who instantly becomes her lifeline when she moves to Los Angeles, an attempt at escaping her heartbreaking past.
In the beginning, Lonely and Defensive complete each other. But in the end, their relationship is like broken glass—cutthroat and jagged.
Calling it off before they kill each other, Ella and Teller decide to “just be friends” despite the intensity that binds them together. It’s a delicate foundation rocked by tragedy, effectively destroying the illusion they’ve so carefully built.
Unable to deny what’s between them any longer, this is what happens when wrecked and damaged collide and close is still not close enough.
Teller Reddy is wrecked.
Misery loves company, and that’s exactly what Ella gets the afternoon her path crosses with Teller’s: the misunderstood premed student who instantly becomes her lifeline when she moves to Los Angeles, an attempt at escaping her heartbreaking past.
In the beginning, Lonely and Defensive complete each other. But in the end, their relationship is like broken glass—cutthroat and jagged.
Calling it off before they kill each other, Ella and Teller decide to “just be friends” despite the intensity that binds them together. It’s a delicate foundation rocked by tragedy, effectively destroying the illusion they’ve so carefully built.
Unable to deny what’s between them any longer, this is what happens when wrecked and damaged collide and close is still not close enough.
236 pages, ebook
First published December 6, 2016
145 people are currently reading
1912 people want to read
About the author
Mary Elizabeth
17 books1,713 followersMary Elizabeth was born and raised in Southern California. She is a wife, mother of four beautiful children, and dog tamer to one enthusiastic Pit Bull and a prissy Chihuahua. She's a hairstylist by day but contemporary fiction, new adult author by night.
Mary can often be found finger twirling her hair and chewing on a stick of licorice while writing and rewriting a sentence over and over until it's perfect. She discovered her talent for tale-telling accidentally, but literature is in her chokehold. And she's not letting go until every story is told.
"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure."--Jeremiah 17:9
Mary can often be found finger twirling her hair and chewing on a stick of licorice while writing and rewriting a sentence over and over until it's perfect. She discovered her talent for tale-telling accidentally, but literature is in her chokehold. And she's not letting go until every story is told.
"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure."--Jeremiah 17:9
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
December 7, 2016
4.5 Stars!!
Once again, Mary Elizabeth blew me away. This time with an intoxicating, enthralling, so very gripping read. 'Closer', the first installment in her newest series with the same name was fantastically written, intense and full of passion, angst and emotion. It held me at the edge of my seat from beginning until the end and I simply loved every minute of it.
‘Closer’ tells the story of Teller and Ella, two individuals who met each other when they are 20, respectively 18 years old. They became very fast friends and faster something more than that. The story fallows their complex, strange relationship over seven years. We get to see how they are changing as individuals and also their ups and downs as a “couple”.
“What is this, Tell?”
“Tell me what this isn’t,” Teller whispers, lowering himself to his elbows. “Try to tell me this isn’t everything.”
Teller and Ella are not sure they are good together as something more than friends. Neither their families and friends. They know they are damaged, individually and together and so f@cked-up in a very crazy way. However, they also know they…somehow…are made for the other because when they are together they become one person.
‘Closer’ was such a fascinating read! This story of obsession and passion was 100% addictive. Teller and Ella’s story took my breath away so many times. I love intense, angsty stories and Mary Elizabeth delivered an amazing one. Told in dual POV, both in the past and in the present, this first installment in the series will keep your attention from the very first chapter. What I love the most about this author’s stories are her amazing characters and the crazy, yet captivating dynamic between them.
Both Teller and Ella were wonderfully developed, flawed and so very realistically portrayed. They felt real, relatable and I loved both of them. Both of they were a little crazy in same way, but together they were consuming, so intense and passionate, so wrong, yet so very right together.
These two might be dysfunctional together, but they were good together in a very f@cked up way. I simply loved them together. The author truly made me believe these two were good for each other…in one way or another.
The back and forth between these two characters was amazingly done. The author did such a great job portraying the love/hate and also friends/lovers relationship between them. Like I mentioned above, the dynamic between these damaged characters was addictive as hell, so toxic, so very well done. As crazy as it sounds, for some reason, I loved the aggressiveness, the co-dependency between them.
The story is full of crazy angst and drama, but nothing overwhelming, which I liked. This first installment ends with some sort of cliffhanger, which to be honest I expected and I’m so looking forward to find out how these two will manage to solve their issues in the next book in the series. If you are looking for an intense, crazy story that portrays an unconventional relationship with a gut-wrenching romance that will suck you in from the beginning, then you must read Teller and Ella’s story.
Overall, a fantastic read!
Find me on:
Once again, Mary Elizabeth blew me away. This time with an intoxicating, enthralling, so very gripping read. 'Closer', the first installment in her newest series with the same name was fantastically written, intense and full of passion, angst and emotion. It held me at the edge of my seat from beginning until the end and I simply loved every minute of it.
“Absolutely nothing compares to the dope-like feeling Teller inflicts on my senses, like a shot of adrenaline directly to my heart.”
‘Closer’ tells the story of Teller and Ella, two individuals who met each other when they are 20, respectively 18 years old. They became very fast friends and faster something more than that. The story fallows their complex, strange relationship over seven years. We get to see how they are changing as individuals and also their ups and downs as a “couple”.
“What is this, Tell?”
“Tell me what this isn’t,” Teller whispers, lowering himself to his elbows. “Try to tell me this isn’t everything.”
Teller and Ella are not sure they are good together as something more than friends. Neither their families and friends. They know they are damaged, individually and together and so f@cked-up in a very crazy way. However, they also know they…somehow…are made for the other because when they are together they become one person.
“You’ll never not be mine, Ella.”
‘Closer’ was such a fascinating read! This story of obsession and passion was 100% addictive. Teller and Ella’s story took my breath away so many times. I love intense, angsty stories and Mary Elizabeth delivered an amazing one. Told in dual POV, both in the past and in the present, this first installment in the series will keep your attention from the very first chapter. What I love the most about this author’s stories are her amazing characters and the crazy, yet captivating dynamic between them.
Both Teller and Ella were wonderfully developed, flawed and so very realistically portrayed. They felt real, relatable and I loved both of them. Both of they were a little crazy in same way, but together they were consuming, so intense and passionate, so wrong, yet so very right together.
“Our hearts beat the same, too swift and pounding, driving fever-laced blood through veins and arteries. We’re dizzy and frantic, forgetting to breathe, because who needs air when we have lips and tongues and small cries that send chills up our arms?”
These two might be dysfunctional together, but they were good together in a very f@cked up way. I simply loved them together. The author truly made me believe these two were good for each other…in one way or another.
The back and forth between these two characters was amazingly done. The author did such a great job portraying the love/hate and also friends/lovers relationship between them. Like I mentioned above, the dynamic between these damaged characters was addictive as hell, so toxic, so very well done. As crazy as it sounds, for some reason, I loved the aggressiveness, the co-dependency between them.
The story is full of crazy angst and drama, but nothing overwhelming, which I liked. This first installment ends with some sort of cliffhanger, which to be honest I expected and I’m so looking forward to find out how these two will manage to solve their issues in the next book in the series. If you are looking for an intense, crazy story that portrays an unconventional relationship with a gut-wrenching romance that will suck you in from the beginning, then you must read Teller and Ella’s story.
Overall, a fantastic read!
“Tell me what this is,” she whispers.
A single tear runs down the side of her face, and I kiss it away, smirking against her skin because I finally have an answer.
“This is falling in love.”
Find me on:
January 23, 2018
5 stars!!!
No one writes love between two damaged and dysfunctional characters quite like Mary Elizabeth... Actually, no one writes quite like Mary Elizabeth period. Her style is her own and I can't get enough of her poetic and stunning writing. Teller and Ella are a one of a kind couple and their story is one that’s not always easy to read, but amazing none the less.
Teller and Ella meet on Ella’s first day of college at UCLA. Teller is 20 and Ella is 18. They become best friends but there is always something more there. Something lingering right below the surface. It’s seven years later and they still both feel it. To keep their friendship intact, Teller and Ella have both made sure not to go too far, but Teller is done with that. After a traumatic event rocks them both, they realize life is short and Teller knows there is no one else for him besides Ella. Even though their relationship can be volatile sometimes, it’s apparent they love each other more than life.
I love the passion between Ella and Teller. Their love is so intense and destructive at times, but it’s also a truly epic love. I love how much they love each other. Whether they’re just friends or more, you can always see the love between them. Even though their relationship seems impossible at times, I still rooted for them to be together. I loved both of the characters and surprisingly, I wasn’t frustrated with them even in the anxious moments of this read. I could feel their pain and their love and their feelings for one another.
Closer is one of the most addicting reads I’ve read this year. I couldn’t put it down and was all consumed by this story. Mary Elizabeth has once again left me in awe of her stunning story-telling and powerful words. When reading Ella and Teller’s story, be prepared for a heart stopping, angsty and epic love story. I definitely recommend it and after that ending, I’m hoping Mary will show us some mercy and release the next book soon!
All I can feel is her. All I can see is her. All I want is her. All I need is her. All I am is her. My Gabriella. This is what happens when wrecked and damaged collide.
No one writes love between two damaged and dysfunctional characters quite like Mary Elizabeth... Actually, no one writes quite like Mary Elizabeth period. Her style is her own and I can't get enough of her poetic and stunning writing. Teller and Ella are a one of a kind couple and their story is one that’s not always easy to read, but amazing none the less.
Teller and Ella meet on Ella’s first day of college at UCLA. Teller is 20 and Ella is 18. They become best friends but there is always something more there. Something lingering right below the surface. It’s seven years later and they still both feel it. To keep their friendship intact, Teller and Ella have both made sure not to go too far, but Teller is done with that. After a traumatic event rocks them both, they realize life is short and Teller knows there is no one else for him besides Ella. Even though their relationship can be volatile sometimes, it’s apparent they love each other more than life.
She’s officially mine, but I’ve always, in all ways, belonged to her.
I love the passion between Ella and Teller. Their love is so intense and destructive at times, but it’s also a truly epic love. I love how much they love each other. Whether they’re just friends or more, you can always see the love between them. Even though their relationship seems impossible at times, I still rooted for them to be together. I loved both of the characters and surprisingly, I wasn’t frustrated with them even in the anxious moments of this read. I could feel their pain and their love and their feelings for one another.
Closer is one of the most addicting reads I’ve read this year. I couldn’t put it down and was all consumed by this story. Mary Elizabeth has once again left me in awe of her stunning story-telling and powerful words. When reading Ella and Teller’s story, be prepared for a heart stopping, angsty and epic love story. I definitely recommend it and after that ending, I’m hoping Mary will show us some mercy and release the next book soon!
The way you saved me from myself changed everything.
April 16, 2018
****4 STARS**** Cliffhanger
For my unfiltered review... https://prettymessreading.wordpress.c...
Who doesn't love a crazy love story? I know I do! Little secret... I like them in real life too. Crazy, unhealthy relationships are so fun and the sex is amazing. I'm speaking from personal experience here. Fight hard, fuck harder. Words to live by.
Before you read this one, just know, this book goes between the past 7 years and the present.
Teller and Gabriella stressed me the fuck out of me in the best way possible. Teller is officially my new book boyfriend and I will hurt anyone who tells me otherwise. I am completely love him in the most unhealthy way.
Teller, Teller, Teller, is the craziest book boyfriend I have had in a while. I wanted to jump into the book and beg him to be with me. I would have never done it even if it was real, he belonged with Gabriella, not me. :(
Gabriella was just as crazy as he was, or maybe not. IDK. I think maybe he made her act out. I can't really say. What I can say is they she gave just as good as she got.
Teller and Gabriella were in love and not that cute love, they were in that all consuming, life changing love. They were soulmates. Anyone and everyone who spent more than five minutes around them could see it.
When they decided it was time to explore an intimate relationship I was team Teller and Gabriella all day. With Kristi and Joe dead there was nothing holding them back. I know that seems insensitive but it doesn't make it any less true.
Their relationship may not have been perfect, but it was them and that was everything. No one had to get them as long as they got themselves.
What if I told you they never had sex during their crazy ass love affair, would you believe me?
Now that's some crazy love and shows how their connection went way beyond physical, it was all consuming.
I'm so happy I read this one here, it had me wanting more. I am recommending this book for those looking for a wee bit a fun and wee bit of drama! :)
Follow all my crazy....
https://prettymessreading.wordpress.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/prettymessr...
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/prettymessre...
Twitter https://twitter.com/prettymessread
For my unfiltered review... https://prettymessreading.wordpress.c...
Who doesn't love a crazy love story? I know I do! Little secret... I like them in real life too. Crazy, unhealthy relationships are so fun and the sex is amazing. I'm speaking from personal experience here. Fight hard, fuck harder. Words to live by.
Before you read this one, just know, this book goes between the past 7 years and the present.
Teller and Gabriella stressed me the fuck out of me in the best way possible. Teller is officially my new book boyfriend and I will hurt anyone who tells me otherwise. I am completely love him in the most unhealthy way.
Teller, Teller, Teller, is the craziest book boyfriend I have had in a while. I wanted to jump into the book and beg him to be with me. I would have never done it even if it was real, he belonged with Gabriella, not me. :(
Gabriella was just as crazy as he was, or maybe not. IDK. I think maybe he made her act out. I can't really say. What I can say is they she gave just as good as she got.
Teller and Gabriella were in love and not that cute love, they were in that all consuming, life changing love. They were soulmates. Anyone and everyone who spent more than five minutes around them could see it.
When they decided it was time to explore an intimate relationship I was team Teller and Gabriella all day. With Kristi and Joe dead there was nothing holding them back. I know that seems insensitive but it doesn't make it any less true.
"Tell me what this is," I whisper.
"Tell me what this isn't."
Their relationship may not have been perfect, but it was them and that was everything. No one had to get them as long as they got themselves.
What if I told you they never had sex during their crazy ass love affair, would you believe me?
"It's been four motherfucking years, Ella, and we haven't kissed, we haven't had sex, and we haven't committed to shit. We can't go any slower, babe."
Now that's some crazy love and shows how their connection went way beyond physical, it was all consuming.
I'm so happy I read this one here, it had me wanting more. I am recommending this book for those looking for a wee bit a fun and wee bit of drama! :)
Follow all my crazy....
https://prettymessreading.wordpress.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/prettymessr...
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/prettymessre...
Twitter https://twitter.com/prettymessread
November 30, 2016
LOVED IT, INHALED IT, RECOMMEND IT
TITLE: Closer
AUTHOR: Mary Elizabeth
SERIES: (Closer, #1)
CHAPTERS: 24
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 06th, 2016
CLOSER: Is told in Dual POV's by Teller and Ella
We're first introduced to these two in the very early stages of their relationship, Ella eighteen and Teller only twenty both Pre-Med students it moves from 'Past to Present' flawlessly so you're thrown all the feels you need, crave, seek, want. But in some ways you want to run away from them because it's an overload of emotions coming at you from all directions. It's not an easy or pretty road ahead for these two.
The tattoos covering his hands continue up his forearms, in blacks and grays and reds. Whispers of more ink peek out from under the neck of his shirt, and I can only guess he has them on his back and chest. He's tall, lean, and long, and unlike any doctor I've ever seen in my life.
NOW
It's been seven years since these two met that first day of med school, seven years of being friend zoned, seven years of torture, seven years of like, lust, love, seven years of pain..
Eighty four months of breaking boundaries
Two thousand five hundred fifty-five days of trying to crisp blurred lines
Eight thousand seven hundred sixty hours of disorderly conduct to finally realise we're better as friends but the blaze between us remains the same.
As it progresses further into the book you see their relationship turning toxic, the push and pull as it all explodes around them, like ticking volatile time bombs, like a fuse waiting to be lit and ignited. Everything burns. Their hearts, their souls, their love.
This spark
This live wire
This slow burn
This is us, crazy out of our minds, obsessed with the thrill, and willing to break each other just to livk madness.
When things run smoothly for these two it's like a fairy tale within itself but flick that switch and we see the broken parts of them. These two have a borderline love/hate relationship.
A tragic event has these two clinging to the other like a life source, bonding them even more.
The backwards, forwards antics of these two will no doubt even give whiplash to a nun, I just wanted to jump in the book, wring their necks, boot their asses and just tell them how it is.
And this is how it is, we can't choose who we love, some may have a toxic love others may have smooth sailing love, these two eclipse these and are on a collision course of one hell of a roller coaster ride, their soul mates, they just didn't realise it. It is what it is.
I just wish they would've sorted their shit out soonr, and behaved like normal fictional characters and got on with it..But noooooo they had to put us all through the wringer..
We are anything but normal,
we're addicted, defeated
and obsessed, and I can't lose him,
because without him, there is no me.
Normally a book like this would do my head in and it would get a rating under 5 stars, but this is where this author stands above the rest in her league, need I mention Dusty, this is very similar in content to that book in regards to their toxicity of their relationship, the hurt, the angst, the too and fro these boys put their girls and us readers through but we all ended up loving their flaws and Teller is no different, he was just a boy and she was just a girl too scared to follow their hearts and move from friends to lovers.
We’re written in the stars.
I’m fucking terrified of us.
I can’t shake the feeling that we’re going to fuck up so bad one of these days and this will be gone.
I won’t survive it.
December 5, 2016
⭐⭐⭐⭐4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you follow my reviews then you know that cliffhangers and I are not friends. I can’t stand that hoe! and just thinking about it makes me EXTREMELY stabby. So here I am, enjoying the shit out of this book, I’ve got my feet up, popcorn on the side and a nice cool drink. Everything was so good, I started to get comfortable and you know what happens when you get comfortable? A bitch comes knocking on your door scaring the crap out of you. That scare ladies and gentleman was none other than that cliffhanger hoe I told you about! So here she comes with her unstable ass telling me she’s going to spike my blood pressure because she doesn’t like me either.
Seven years ago Ella’s fate was sealed when she met the tatted up med student known as Teller on her first day of College. Being in a new City with no friends, her relief was evident when he decided to be her tour guide and new friend. What starts off as a genuine friendship quickly becomes a tumultuous and passionate obsession that neither of them could quit.
“This is us, crazy out of our minds, obsessed with the thrill, and willing to break each other just to lick madness.”
Throughout his life, all Teller has been told was to walk in his father’s footsteps and become a doctor. Fortunately for him, he loves that occupation and his determination to be the best at his job is what drives him. He knows what his future is going to look like and it’s going to be filled with nothing but long hours and lack of sleep for the time being. Falling for the quiet brunette that will turn his world on it’s axis wasn’t a part of his plan but you know what they say about those. DON’T MAKE THEM.
This story goes from past to present and while that’s not really my style, It was extremely necessary for this story and I loved it. Teller and Ella’s relationship was catastrophic and at the beginning I found myself confused because I didn’t know how much of a train were until I read their past. When those two were arguing? All the good China, electronics and sharp objects had to be removed ASAP. They were reckless, stubborn, unforgiving, but they were so damn passionate and loving with each other that it made me forgive them quickly.
“For seven years, she’s been everything to me. For the last seven years, I’ve taken what I can get from her and stolen what I could not. No matter the consequences, Gabriella Mason is who I have always wanted - needed -most."
Although they tested my patience made me want to start to drinking for the duration of the story, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love stories that makes my heart race and leaves me on the edge of my seat, and when you factor in the angst level, I was in heaven!!”Let’s stop Hurting Tonight” by One Republic was on repeat when I finished this story because the lyrics have never been more true when it came to Ella and Teller’s journey.
Now as for the cliffhanger, I will be having a conversation with this author! I need a stress ball, valium, and top shelf liquor in that freakin order. If you love a whole lot of angst in your stories, this one is most definitely for you.
If you follow my reviews then you know that cliffhangers and I are not friends. I can’t stand that hoe! and just thinking about it makes me EXTREMELY stabby. So here I am, enjoying the shit out of this book, I’ve got my feet up, popcorn on the side and a nice cool drink. Everything was so good, I started to get comfortable and you know what happens when you get comfortable? A bitch comes knocking on your door scaring the crap out of you. That scare ladies and gentleman was none other than that cliffhanger hoe I told you about! So here she comes with her unstable ass telling me she’s going to spike my blood pressure because she doesn’t like me either.
Seven years ago Ella’s fate was sealed when she met the tatted up med student known as Teller on her first day of College. Being in a new City with no friends, her relief was evident when he decided to be her tour guide and new friend. What starts off as a genuine friendship quickly becomes a tumultuous and passionate obsession that neither of them could quit.
“This is us, crazy out of our minds, obsessed with the thrill, and willing to break each other just to lick madness.”
Throughout his life, all Teller has been told was to walk in his father’s footsteps and become a doctor. Fortunately for him, he loves that occupation and his determination to be the best at his job is what drives him. He knows what his future is going to look like and it’s going to be filled with nothing but long hours and lack of sleep for the time being. Falling for the quiet brunette that will turn his world on it’s axis wasn’t a part of his plan but you know what they say about those. DON’T MAKE THEM.
This story goes from past to present and while that’s not really my style, It was extremely necessary for this story and I loved it. Teller and Ella’s relationship was catastrophic and at the beginning I found myself confused because I didn’t know how much of a train were until I read their past. When those two were arguing? All the good China, electronics and sharp objects had to be removed ASAP. They were reckless, stubborn, unforgiving, but they were so damn passionate and loving with each other that it made me forgive them quickly.
“For seven years, she’s been everything to me. For the last seven years, I’ve taken what I can get from her and stolen what I could not. No matter the consequences, Gabriella Mason is who I have always wanted - needed -most."
Although they tested my patience made me want to start to drinking for the duration of the story, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love stories that makes my heart race and leaves me on the edge of my seat, and when you factor in the angst level, I was in heaven!!”Let’s stop Hurting Tonight” by One Republic was on repeat when I finished this story because the lyrics have never been more true when it came to Ella and Teller’s journey.
Now as for the cliffhanger, I will be having a conversation with this author! I need a stress ball, valium, and top shelf liquor in that freakin order. If you love a whole lot of angst in your stories, this one is most definitely for you.
December 23, 2016
There is a possibility I am going to massacre this story because of how annoyed I am at it. *Read with caution* *Apologies in advance for my horrible language*
There's no flow in the storytelling of "Closer". Immediately, it was just bang bang bang - this event, that event and it's distorted and fragmented in the way it's been written with a past and present narrative. I had no clue what was going on, because there was no consistency in the plot development and it was just garbled regurgitated words at sea.
Quite literally within iBook pages of introducing the H and h who are meeting for the first time (in a scene unerringly like It Ends With Us), then it's disjointed to them being weirdly, good, attracted, close friends teasing each other, the introduction of 6 nameless/faceless characters who are either related or friends with the H and h, to a few years later where they are dating other people - kissing them in front of one another but also in "love" with each other. They treat these people like the rubble under their toes, force them to get in a car, and surprise, there's a car crash where subsequent OM (who apparently was going to propose to h and was with her for 2 years) and slutty blonde OW (who warms the bed of the H and means something (?!) to him) die because they went to the local store and their car explodes. I tried not to laugh - really - but THEN the day after, there was an earthquake. And I find out they are all DOCTORS and MDs. And the H is this smoking, tatted junkie and all I could think was, is anyone falling for this? Even a soap isn't that dramatic. And trust me, this was just the beginning few chapters. *rolls eyes*
Then, to top it all off apparently they've been together before in the "past" and it was toxic and destructive and volatile. Tell, tell, tell instead of showing and evoking. All this nonsense and back-forth stupidity for something I'm still not sure of what the problem was. I think it was being overjealous and possessive, something that could be fixed up through oh, I don't know, some goddamn communication in a relationship. Back to the present, and a few days after the death of OM and OW, H asks h to move in with him and wanting to be back together - where the fuck is the respect for the dead? And they had the most annoying character voices.
And then another mass of sh*t happens where the H and h are trying to bang but keep getting interrupted. And he calls her "baby" a bazillion times, compliments her, tries to be there for her, calls her "mine" and "always" and the next minute some random floozy is feeding him a pill telling him to "feel good" and he's a weak washy man and hurting over the death of OW and h's OM because they were friends. I just...really wanted to DNF because this was horrible writing and it was all over the place. Where was this so called cleverness in the writing? I clearly saw none, so obviously am missing something.
Because then they are screwing, and it was all a bit, what in the actual f*ck is going on? It was those annoying things I hate in a story where it tries to be angsty, and overly clever and he H says "I've let you go before - not again, say you're mine, I need you, feel me..." and recycled sh*t like that but is disjointed and a mash of words.
And somehow, amidst the throws of their passion- this happened:
“Ella shakes her head, letting go of my shoulders to grasp the front of my shirt with bleeding fingers and hands that shake. I follow her wrists to her elbows, then to her shoulders and neck. Six large red and purple bruises stain her normally pale skin—a line of spite from her throat to the fullness of her breasts. Sickened by my ability to ruin beauty, my stomach turns at what I’ve done.
“I’m sorry,” she whispers, sadness falling from her dark brown eyes. “I’m so sorry, Teller.”
Wrenching her hands from my shirt, I hold her wrists and take a step back to inspect the damage I’ve done. Starting from the top of her head, down her face, past her neck, down, down, down to her thighs.
There’s no air.
No mercy to this suffocation.
No way out.
The harm I inflicted on her throat is nothing compared to what my belt did to her legs. Gashes from her knees to skin hidden under her dress bleeds, inflamed and torn, like a savage attack on someone threatening your life.”
Well then... apparently she either likes being hurt since it's consensual like this weird BDSM, or she's numb while the H bangs her and can't tell her body is being abused, or she bruises like a flower and had the time of her life OR he smashed her against a wall so hard she forgot and I was reading something else entirely because it made no f*cking sense. I wanted to bang my head against a wall.
Then there's a fight afterwards and H and h's brother are arrested and somehow I STILL have to remind myself that they are doctors and I swear having a police record will definitely NOT keep you employed because if ANYONE watches Grey's Anatomy *cough cough* Alex Karev.
And it's so boo-f*cking-hoo I WANTED TO CRY from the distress and agony at what I was reading because oh my goodness it was just, in the words of Hamlet, "words, words, words".
“Seven years of blood, sweat, and tears got us where we are now: desperate, devoted, and irrevocably in this.”
All a bit cry me, hurt one another, material. Self sympathising. At some point a month-ish after the death of OM and OW, the H and h get engaged and get back together despite opposition from their families. Then I began to skim very fast to finish, and Teller, our H has had gotten his d*ck wet quite a few times over the years and when the h asks since she's obsessed-ish but wouldn't be if he told the truth, he systematically lies. And it was like in the last few chapters I finally saw crazy- but without reason. It was unnecessary, without substance reasons to fill in the gap so we have something to blame for the reasons they are destructive. So we find out OW AND OM we're having an affair and H knew about it, and hid it. And then when h finds out and tries to leave, he smashes her car. She does leave, and the cliff hanger is he is going to come after her.
I know my review is a mess, but this book is a mess too. Don't hate me, I'm just the messenger.
There's no flow in the storytelling of "Closer". Immediately, it was just bang bang bang - this event, that event and it's distorted and fragmented in the way it's been written with a past and present narrative. I had no clue what was going on, because there was no consistency in the plot development and it was just garbled regurgitated words at sea.
Quite literally within iBook pages of introducing the H and h who are meeting for the first time (in a scene unerringly like It Ends With Us), then it's disjointed to them being weirdly, good, attracted, close friends teasing each other, the introduction of 6 nameless/faceless characters who are either related or friends with the H and h, to a few years later where they are dating other people - kissing them in front of one another but also in "love" with each other. They treat these people like the rubble under their toes, force them to get in a car, and surprise, there's a car crash where subsequent OM (who apparently was going to propose to h and was with her for 2 years) and slutty blonde OW (who warms the bed of the H and means something (?!) to him) die because they went to the local store and their car explodes. I tried not to laugh - really - but THEN the day after, there was an earthquake. And I find out they are all DOCTORS and MDs. And the H is this smoking, tatted junkie and all I could think was, is anyone falling for this? Even a soap isn't that dramatic. And trust me, this was just the beginning few chapters. *rolls eyes*
Then, to top it all off apparently they've been together before in the "past" and it was toxic and destructive and volatile. Tell, tell, tell instead of showing and evoking. All this nonsense and back-forth stupidity for something I'm still not sure of what the problem was. I think it was being overjealous and possessive, something that could be fixed up through oh, I don't know, some goddamn communication in a relationship. Back to the present, and a few days after the death of OM and OW, H asks h to move in with him and wanting to be back together - where the fuck is the respect for the dead? And they had the most annoying character voices.
And then another mass of sh*t happens where the H and h are trying to bang but keep getting interrupted. And he calls her "baby" a bazillion times, compliments her, tries to be there for her, calls her "mine" and "always" and the next minute some random floozy is feeding him a pill telling him to "feel good" and he's a weak washy man and hurting over the death of OW and h's OM because they were friends. I just...really wanted to DNF because this was horrible writing and it was all over the place. Where was this so called cleverness in the writing? I clearly saw none, so obviously am missing something.
Because then they are screwing, and it was all a bit, what in the actual f*ck is going on? It was those annoying things I hate in a story where it tries to be angsty, and overly clever and he H says "I've let you go before - not again, say you're mine, I need you, feel me..." and recycled sh*t like that but is disjointed and a mash of words.
And somehow, amidst the throws of their passion- this happened:
“Ella shakes her head, letting go of my shoulders to grasp the front of my shirt with bleeding fingers and hands that shake. I follow her wrists to her elbows, then to her shoulders and neck. Six large red and purple bruises stain her normally pale skin—a line of spite from her throat to the fullness of her breasts. Sickened by my ability to ruin beauty, my stomach turns at what I’ve done.
“I’m sorry,” she whispers, sadness falling from her dark brown eyes. “I’m so sorry, Teller.”
Wrenching her hands from my shirt, I hold her wrists and take a step back to inspect the damage I’ve done. Starting from the top of her head, down her face, past her neck, down, down, down to her thighs.
There’s no air.
No mercy to this suffocation.
No way out.
The harm I inflicted on her throat is nothing compared to what my belt did to her legs. Gashes from her knees to skin hidden under her dress bleeds, inflamed and torn, like a savage attack on someone threatening your life.”
Well then... apparently she either likes being hurt since it's consensual like this weird BDSM, or she's numb while the H bangs her and can't tell her body is being abused, or she bruises like a flower and had the time of her life OR he smashed her against a wall so hard she forgot and I was reading something else entirely because it made no f*cking sense. I wanted to bang my head against a wall.
Then there's a fight afterwards and H and h's brother are arrested and somehow I STILL have to remind myself that they are doctors and I swear having a police record will definitely NOT keep you employed because if ANYONE watches Grey's Anatomy *cough cough* Alex Karev.
And it's so boo-f*cking-hoo I WANTED TO CRY from the distress and agony at what I was reading because oh my goodness it was just, in the words of Hamlet, "words, words, words".
“Seven years of blood, sweat, and tears got us where we are now: desperate, devoted, and irrevocably in this.”
All a bit cry me, hurt one another, material. Self sympathising. At some point a month-ish after the death of OM and OW, the H and h get engaged and get back together despite opposition from their families. Then I began to skim very fast to finish, and Teller, our H has had gotten his d*ck wet quite a few times over the years and when the h asks since she's obsessed-ish but wouldn't be if he told the truth, he systematically lies. And it was like in the last few chapters I finally saw crazy- but without reason. It was unnecessary, without substance reasons to fill in the gap so we have something to blame for the reasons they are destructive. So we find out OW AND OM we're having an affair and H knew about it, and hid it. And then when h finds out and tries to leave, he smashes her car. She does leave, and the cliff hanger is he is going to come after her.
I know my review is a mess, but this book is a mess too. Don't hate me, I'm just the messenger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2017
This story was insanely good! Wow, I was hooked instantly and Mary Elizabeth's prose was poignant and flawless. My first book by this author and she knocked it out of the park. The story and its characters were addictive and in a way believable that I connected with them instantly.
I really enjoyed Ella and Teller's friendship slash relationship because that's what they had and wanted with one another. A friendship but wanting more yet never ready to acknowledge that and their feelings. That push and pull, tug-a-war they played with each other was so well described that their chemistry came off as blazing hot. It was intense and their dysfunctional friendship showed so many sides. From jealousy to possessiveness and obsessiveness both Ella and Teller couldn't hide their emotions yet the only word they wanted to shout out never came. Love. Their journey span over seven years and their shared history was filled with so much love/hate or should I say frustration for each other. Yes, they played with each other's emotions but when it mattered they stepped up.
The pace of the story was spot on and the flashbacks only added to their compelling and complex history.
Both Ella and Teller pushed my buttons and frustrated the hell out me but I enjoyed every moment of it. They're both so flawed and broken and their childhoods/upbringing definitely played a part in that.
Ella's brother Emerson was fantastic. He along with Teller captured my heart. The other secondary characters were excellent and played the part of being a family to Ella and Emerson wonderfully.
I seriously didn't want this book to end. I'm so excited for what's to come for these characters. I'm on pins and needles.
5 BadAssDirtySmellaStars
I really enjoyed Ella and Teller's friendship slash relationship because that's what they had and wanted with one another. A friendship but wanting more yet never ready to acknowledge that and their feelings. That push and pull, tug-a-war they played with each other was so well described that their chemistry came off as blazing hot. It was intense and their dysfunctional friendship showed so many sides. From jealousy to possessiveness and obsessiveness both Ella and Teller couldn't hide their emotions yet the only word they wanted to shout out never came. Love. Their journey span over seven years and their shared history was filled with so much love/hate or should I say frustration for each other. Yes, they played with each other's emotions but when it mattered they stepped up.
The pace of the story was spot on and the flashbacks only added to their compelling and complex history.
Both Ella and Teller pushed my buttons and frustrated the hell out me but I enjoyed every moment of it. They're both so flawed and broken and their childhoods/upbringing definitely played a part in that.
Ella's brother Emerson was fantastic. He along with Teller captured my heart. The other secondary characters were excellent and played the part of being a family to Ella and Emerson wonderfully.
I seriously didn't want this book to end. I'm so excited for what's to come for these characters. I'm on pins and needles.
5 BadAssDirtySmellaStars
June 16, 2017
***** 3.75 Stars *****
Gabriella is use to everyone leaving her. She only has her big brother in her life. Her constant. When Teller enters her life, she finds someone that she connects with. Unfortunately, their relationship is better left in the friendship zone.
Teller is damaged. He holds Gabriella in his heart for years, but his fears hold him back. Throughout the years, he also makes mistakes that stops their relationship from moving to another level.
Their relationship has a lot of ups and downs. And some very big secrets.
I really enjoyed this book. Two damaged people with an intense attraction to each other. Both Gabriella and Teller have emotions that are extreme. The highs are wonderful, but the lows feel like hell. There were some moments where it just felt like the story went around in circles, but I still can't wait for book 2.
Gabriella is use to everyone leaving her. She only has her big brother in her life. Her constant. When Teller enters her life, she finds someone that she connects with. Unfortunately, their relationship is better left in the friendship zone.
Teller is damaged. He holds Gabriella in his heart for years, but his fears hold him back. Throughout the years, he also makes mistakes that stops their relationship from moving to another level.
Their relationship has a lot of ups and downs. And some very big secrets.
I really enjoyed this book. Two damaged people with an intense attraction to each other. Both Gabriella and Teller have emotions that are extreme. The highs are wonderful, but the lows feel like hell. There were some moments where it just felt like the story went around in circles, but I still can't wait for book 2.
Read
April 26, 2021NEW LOOK. SAME BOOK.
December 4, 2016
It is no surprise that I love the writing style of Mary Elizabeth. Her prose captivates me and draws me into her stories and characters. Her ability to manipulate the English language is beautiful and perfectly balanced with content.
In Closer we find Elizabeth's trademark style. Poetically descriptive and alluring, it was her voice that became my interest. That was because I became more interested in how she was writing than what the story was about. These characters were a trainwreck. And the way the book was written with the past switching to the present confused me at times. It was Elizabeth's voice that kept me engaged.
Teller and Ella have an on again, off again relationship dating back years! They are volatile together. They were immature, neither admitting their feelings for the other, rather, fighting them and fighting one another.
It was an okay read for me. Not my favorite from this author, but it won't cause me to stop reading from her in the future, either.
3 Stars
**I received an Advanced Reader Copy. This did not influence my opinion of the book, nor my review.***
Read
September 24, 2017
DNF 55%
Una de mis reglas personales como lector, es no leer algo que no quiera leer. Si me siento forzada por cualquier motivo a leer algo, simplemente no lo hago. Por lo que abandonar libros sin terminar para mí no es algo importante. Si llego a ser un poco desalmada en cuanto a DFN se trata.
Pero este libro no entra en esa categoría, este libro sí que me duele abandonarlo. No quiero, porque la escritura es tan linda e intensa, pero por más que lo intento no logro avanzar.
El inicio de la historia te rompe el corazón y te desgarra el alma. Pero al avanzar la historia y conocer a los personajes simplemente no pude conectar con ellos.
Por dos puntos muy importantes y sorpendentemente ninguno de ellos es la portada.
-Mi estado mental actual, es decir, estoy tratando de sobrevivir la inmensa resaca literaria que me dejo Gosthed.
-La historia me recordó mucho a Love me with Lies. Protagonistas que están enamorados que nos muestras dos líneas temporales de cuando se conocen y del "presente" donde ya tienen su vida sin ser pareja. Uff
Sorry, Mary Elizabeth sabes que te adoro, sigo siendo tu fan, perdóname por no haber sido capaz de disfrutar esta historia.
Una de mis reglas personales como lector, es no leer algo que no quiera leer. Si me siento forzada por cualquier motivo a leer algo, simplemente no lo hago. Por lo que abandonar libros sin terminar para mí no es algo importante. Si llego a ser un poco desalmada en cuanto a DFN se trata.
Pero este libro no entra en esa categoría, este libro sí que me duele abandonarlo. No quiero, porque la escritura es tan linda e intensa, pero por más que lo intento no logro avanzar.
El inicio de la historia te rompe el corazón y te desgarra el alma. Pero al avanzar la historia y conocer a los personajes simplemente no pude conectar con ellos.
Por dos puntos muy importantes y sorpendentemente ninguno de ellos es la portada.
-Mi estado mental actual, es decir, estoy tratando de sobrevivir la inmensa resaca literaria que me dejo Gosthed.
-La historia me recordó mucho a Love me with Lies. Protagonistas que están enamorados que nos muestras dos líneas temporales de cuando se conocen y del "presente" donde ya tienen su vida sin ser pareja. Uff
Sorry, Mary Elizabeth sabes que te adoro, sigo siendo tu fan, perdóname por no haber sido capaz de disfrutar esta historia.
July 25, 2017
This story is dysfunctional and wrong on so many levels but in true Mary Elizabeth fashion, it’s beautiful and passionate and in a league of it’s own. Ella and Teller’s relationship is toxic but it’s theirs and it’s mine and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that I am a huge fan of Mary Elizabeth and all her work, but if you’re new around here, know that I am a huge HUGE Mary fan. With each book that she releases, it’s an instant stop-what-you’re-currently-doing/reading-and-dive-head-first-into-mary-land, but with Closer, it feels like I’m meeting this author’s work for the very first time. I fell in love with her writing all over again, and if that isn’t a testament to a great author then I don’t know what is. This is the story I’ve been waiting for the longest to read and it totally lived up to the hype I had running all over my mind.
I’m not going to talk about what this story is about and who is all in it besides the two main characters names, Teller and Ella, because for the longest I didn’t know what this story was about and I feel that in order to truly appreciate this story and Mary’s writing, you need to go in blind and take this story for what it is.
“This is what happens when wrecked and damaged collide.”
"She's beautiful like this, homegrown and vulnerable, unlike any version of her I experienced before."-Teller
"He's a shot of intensity I take straight to the head, and I've missed him." -Ella
Amazon Link:
US: http://amzn.to/2gdDcMB
January 7, 2020
DNF
When I picked the audio book, I had a high expectation for it. I mean from the blurp itself its promising 2 broken characters winds up in tragedy. I do love angst romance. I listen until 3rd hour and give up.
There is something about the writting amd the time frame now and before that makes me confuse. I tried to focus on the story and soon find myself wondering off from the book. Thats when I know I have to shelved this book under DNF.
2 stars
When I picked the audio book, I had a high expectation for it. I mean from the blurp itself its promising 2 broken characters winds up in tragedy. I do love angst romance. I listen until 3rd hour and give up.
There is something about the writting amd the time frame now and before that makes me confuse. I tried to focus on the story and soon find myself wondering off from the book. Thats when I know I have to shelved this book under DNF.
2 stars
March 1, 2017
If the writing is as good as dusty then have my heart and do what you want with it; break my heart again. I don't care. I'll still read it and I'll still love it!
December 5, 2016
I LOVED THIS BOOK.
Teller Reddy so totally has won my heart. He is SUCH a completely perfect mix of badboy-alpha and sweet intense lover. UGH, seriously I'm so head over heels for this man its silly. But I couldn't help it no matter how hard I try! ...but in all honesty, I did't try that hard. ;)
The writing in this book was off the charts phenomenal. Just so beautifully written. So perfectly told.
Teller & Ella's love story was a tragic, volatile, gut wrenching one. It was also adorable, beautiful, and all-consuming. I never wanted this story to end. Learning about their past, living in their present, they completely consumed me and I loved every second of it!
March 27, 2018
Re-Read.
I forgot how amazingly crazy these two are.
Like it doesn’t get much more CRAZY IN LOVE than These fools.
I am sitting right here and rooting for them. Is that bad?!
Get it together!!!
Onto Sever.
_
Well, why am I sitting here surprised? I mean, every book Mary creates is utterly perfect. I'm not sure why I'm sitting here surprised at what I just read. This book owns my whole life right now.
"CLOSE is not close enough."
These two very flawed, crazy, passionate characters have me so wrapped up I'm not sure I can read again.
Review to come.
I forgot how amazingly crazy these two are.
Like it doesn’t get much more CRAZY IN LOVE than These fools.
I am sitting right here and rooting for them. Is that bad?!
Get it together!!!
Onto Sever.
_
Well, why am I sitting here surprised? I mean, every book Mary creates is utterly perfect. I'm not sure why I'm sitting here surprised at what I just read. This book owns my whole life right now.
"CLOSE is not close enough."
These two very flawed, crazy, passionate characters have me so wrapped up I'm not sure I can read again.
Review to come.
December 6, 2016
Closer (Closer #1) by Mary Elizabeth
4.5 stars!!!
There is something about a love that is so passionate, so intense, so totally consuming that it becomes toxic, it becomes a drug that can’t be kicked, it can be destructive, but at times it can be good. Mary Elizabeth brings us the story of Teller and Gabriella, two people that inherently belong together, yet inherently don’t.
My heart was wrecked, Mary Elizabeth is a master storyteller of angst and this is one angst filled story. My heart and soul were willing these two along from the start, yet the more you learn, the more their past and present is revealed you cannot wonder if this is one case of love and them being together could ultimately destroy them.
Teller is one complex character, yet one thing you cannot doubt for a second is the love that he has for Gabriella. These two were best friends first and foremost, yet even from early on they knew that they could never be more. The potential is there, the chemistry is there, the passion is there, but they both knew it was combustible, in good ways and bad. The restraint that Teller shows throughout this book as far as pursuing the one and only woman he has loved is unimaginable, but he knows himself, he knows Gabriella and he tries to do what is right. But what happens when that restraint snaps? What happens when Teller goes after the one thing he has always wanted and yet thought he could never have?
Gabriella is a woman that has been through the mill, deserted by her mother, her father has passed and she has been brought up since by her brother, Emerson. Gabriella and Emerson are as tight as tight can be and the love that they have for each other is heart-warming. Ella feels though as if everyone leaves her and she does get huge doses of separation anxiety at times. Starting Med School though brings new challenges as well as a new town and new surroundings, but she finds a friend her first day and this is where Teller and Ella’s paths cross for the first time.
This book flits from past to present covering a span of seven years. The flashbacks are done really well and really add to the story that Mary Elizabeth is presenting. It gives you a great insight into why these two never crossed that line of friendship. Seven years though is a long time, seven years of pent up passion, seven years of lust, seven years of torture, seven years of seeing the woman and man you love every, single, day yet not doing a thing about it, seven years of friendship, seven years of pushing boundaries, seven years of toxic love, fermenting, building, intensifying until one event maketh the cup runneth over.
When these two are good, they are so damn good, the smiles, the love, the warmth all flowed from the pages in spades, you begin to think…at last…they are going to make it, but it only takes one thing, one spark, one firework to go off and burn everything to hell. The kicks keep coming, the bruises get deeper, more painful and yet this two always navigate back to each other like a moth to a flame. These two are magnetised, painfully attracted to one another, they are each other’s confidante, their soul mate, but could these two ever make it as lovers?
Circumstances push them together, circumstances push them apart like the ever-present ebb and flow of a tide, but while this kind of read to some is torture, to me it was unputdownable. I didn’t want to leave these characters for a second, my heart and head were close to bursting, bursting with frustration and with anger, I wanted to bash their bloody heads together, strangle them even, but most of all I just wanted them to love, be loved and just be damn happy. These two are like an acid, bubbling, corrosive, burning, I just want them to find their alkali, their neutraliser so they can live blissfully happy and have that happy ever after they deserve. I guess I need to wait…bring it on Mary Elizabeth, I have been your emotional punching bag for a day, I get a few months’ reprieve, but I’m waiting.
www.theromancecover.com
4.5 stars!!!
“I’m happy with you, baby, but I’m fucking terrified of us.”
There is something about a love that is so passionate, so intense, so totally consuming that it becomes toxic, it becomes a drug that can’t be kicked, it can be destructive, but at times it can be good. Mary Elizabeth brings us the story of Teller and Gabriella, two people that inherently belong together, yet inherently don’t.
My heart was wrecked, Mary Elizabeth is a master storyteller of angst and this is one angst filled story. My heart and soul were willing these two along from the start, yet the more you learn, the more their past and present is revealed you cannot wonder if this is one case of love and them being together could ultimately destroy them.
“This is us, crazy out of our minds, obsessed with the thrill, and willing to break each other just to lick madness.”
Teller is one complex character, yet one thing you cannot doubt for a second is the love that he has for Gabriella. These two were best friends first and foremost, yet even from early on they knew that they could never be more. The potential is there, the chemistry is there, the passion is there, but they both knew it was combustible, in good ways and bad. The restraint that Teller shows throughout this book as far as pursuing the one and only woman he has loved is unimaginable, but he knows himself, he knows Gabriella and he tries to do what is right. But what happens when that restraint snaps? What happens when Teller goes after the one thing he has always wanted and yet thought he could never have?
Gabriella is a woman that has been through the mill, deserted by her mother, her father has passed and she has been brought up since by her brother, Emerson. Gabriella and Emerson are as tight as tight can be and the love that they have for each other is heart-warming. Ella feels though as if everyone leaves her and she does get huge doses of separation anxiety at times. Starting Med School though brings new challenges as well as a new town and new surroundings, but she finds a friend her first day and this is where Teller and Ella’s paths cross for the first time.
“My life was as fucked up as yours. I just did a better job at hiding it. I’m messed up Tell. I’m damaged.”
This book flits from past to present covering a span of seven years. The flashbacks are done really well and really add to the story that Mary Elizabeth is presenting. It gives you a great insight into why these two never crossed that line of friendship. Seven years though is a long time, seven years of pent up passion, seven years of lust, seven years of torture, seven years of seeing the woman and man you love every, single, day yet not doing a thing about it, seven years of friendship, seven years of pushing boundaries, seven years of toxic love, fermenting, building, intensifying until one event maketh the cup runneth over.
“For seven years, she’s been everything to me. For the last seven years, I’ve taken what I can get from her and stolen what I could not. No matter the consequences, Gabriella Mason is who I have always wanted – needed – most.”
When these two are good, they are so damn good, the smiles, the love, the warmth all flowed from the pages in spades, you begin to think…at last…they are going to make it, but it only takes one thing, one spark, one firework to go off and burn everything to hell. The kicks keep coming, the bruises get deeper, more painful and yet this two always navigate back to each other like a moth to a flame. These two are magnetised, painfully attracted to one another, they are each other’s confidante, their soul mate, but could these two ever make it as lovers?
“We are a conundrum of fucked up. A disappointment bomb. Ella and I are wrecked and damaged. But we own it.”
Circumstances push them together, circumstances push them apart like the ever-present ebb and flow of a tide, but while this kind of read to some is torture, to me it was unputdownable. I didn’t want to leave these characters for a second, my heart and head were close to bursting, bursting with frustration and with anger, I wanted to bash their bloody heads together, strangle them even, but most of all I just wanted them to love, be loved and just be damn happy. These two are like an acid, bubbling, corrosive, burning, I just want them to find their alkali, their neutraliser so they can live blissfully happy and have that happy ever after they deserve. I guess I need to wait…bring it on Mary Elizabeth, I have been your emotional punching bag for a day, I get a few months’ reprieve, but I’m waiting.
www.theromancecover.com
December 6, 2016
Intense. Passionate. Chaotic. Beautiful. Those are the only words that I can think to use to express what this books stands for.
Closer is told from both Teller and Ella's POvs. It's told from both their past and present. These two will infuse themselves into your bones.
"This is what happens when wrecked and damage collide."
I won't go into any details on this book. These two are each other's support through everything. Especially when a tragic accident effects them and everyone around them.
I will just leave these quotes to give you an idea of what you are in for.
"For seven years, she's been everything to me. For the last seven years, I've taken what I can get from her and stolen what I could not."
"I'm terrified of us. I can't shake the feeling that we're going to fuck up so bad one of these days and this will be gone. I won't survive it."
"Eighty-four months of breaking boundaries. Two thousand five hundred fifty-five days of trying to crisp blurred lines. Eight thousand seven hundred sixty hours of disorderly conduct to finally realize we're better as friends but the blaze between us remains the same."
Those quotes are only small bits and pieces of what this story is about. I loved every single word of this story. I couldn't get enough of it. I was drowning in their passion and didn't care if I came up for air, ever.
Mary - you have just earned yourself another huge fan. I am not sure what rock I have been hiding under and have not read your work before. But I going to rectify that immediately. So if you are like me and totally new to Mary Elizabeth, I am begging you to read this book. I promise you, you won't regret it.
Closer is told from both Teller and Ella's POvs. It's told from both their past and present. These two will infuse themselves into your bones.
"This is what happens when wrecked and damage collide."
I won't go into any details on this book. These two are each other's support through everything. Especially when a tragic accident effects them and everyone around them.
I will just leave these quotes to give you an idea of what you are in for.
"For seven years, she's been everything to me. For the last seven years, I've taken what I can get from her and stolen what I could not."
"I'm terrified of us. I can't shake the feeling that we're going to fuck up so bad one of these days and this will be gone. I won't survive it."
"Eighty-four months of breaking boundaries. Two thousand five hundred fifty-five days of trying to crisp blurred lines. Eight thousand seven hundred sixty hours of disorderly conduct to finally realize we're better as friends but the blaze between us remains the same."
Those quotes are only small bits and pieces of what this story is about. I loved every single word of this story. I couldn't get enough of it. I was drowning in their passion and didn't care if I came up for air, ever.
Mary - you have just earned yourself another huge fan. I am not sure what rock I have been hiding under and have not read your work before. But I going to rectify that immediately. So if you are like me and totally new to Mary Elizabeth, I am begging you to read this book. I promise you, you won't regret it.
March 19, 2015
When I read this in a draft form on FFN 5 years ago, I knew this author was something special and would have a looonnngggg amazing career ahead of her. She really knows how to capture gut wrenching, universe stopping, blinding, and destroying true love like know one else I've ever read. Her work will suck in. You can't put it down and you find yourself thinking about the characters for the rest of your life.
I can't wait to read this agin in book form. If you're a fan of great story telling and excellent writing, you wont be disappointed.
I can't wait to read this agin in book form. If you're a fan of great story telling and excellent writing, you wont be disappointed.
December 6, 2016
I feel like I just read the lyrics to multiple Panic! at the Disco songs all smushed together to form this epic co-dependent love story, and I loved every single fucking word. Mary Elizabeth you slay me with your passionate words.
So good, so so good. Dual POV's of Teller and Ella. Two people who have a very very heavy best friend relationship. Their chemistry is through the roof and their love for each other is insanity.
Some madly devastating things take place in the beginning and it pulls these two together even tighter, but it's not easy and it's not pretty.
Honestly, I really loved this one. It's not a conventional, romance AT ALL! There are so many things going on with all of the characters and it's interesting seeing so many different dynamics between everyone. Teller and Ella are obviously the main story but I am obsessed with Maby. She is everything without being huge in the story.
Very heavy in co-dependence, a very aggressive relationship, and there is a bunch of drinking, so if you can't handle that.... read with caution. Extremely well written, Mary Elizabeth killed the hell out of it. Can't wait to see what's next in book two :)
April 13, 2018
Stoppp! This book deserves 100 stars and I'm crying right now because I was NOT expecting a cliffy. Just when shit was getting real too! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC for this book. And holy crap did I love the intensity and emotional toll this book had on my soul.
Ella and Teller's relationship is explosive, literally. When things are good, there have never been a more in love couple then these two. But with explosive tempers, stubborn attitudes and a tendency to take things way too far, their collision is one no one is prepared for. I'd say they love each other a little too much and have probably broken each other's hearts more than they've mended it. It's heartbreaking and they're a damaged wreck nobody wants to be near. They're wrong for each other in all the right ways and I guess that's how they find a way to work out.
They don't know how to do anything but love each other and when they're not they go crazy. The passion in this book is palpable. It's a fuse that remains to burn out. This book destroyed me. The rollercoaster ride that is Gabriella and Teller's relationship is mentally exhausting but you can't help but hold on for the ride. I can honestly say, I definitely wasn't expecting this. But now I want more and 2017 couldn't come any sooner. It probably would have helped if I had known this was a trilogy but now I'm just even more excited! Loved this book so much I recommend it to everyone, especially those with a little crazy in them.
Ella and Teller's relationship is explosive, literally. When things are good, there have never been a more in love couple then these two. But with explosive tempers, stubborn attitudes and a tendency to take things way too far, their collision is one no one is prepared for. I'd say they love each other a little too much and have probably broken each other's hearts more than they've mended it. It's heartbreaking and they're a damaged wreck nobody wants to be near. They're wrong for each other in all the right ways and I guess that's how they find a way to work out.
They don't know how to do anything but love each other and when they're not they go crazy. The passion in this book is palpable. It's a fuse that remains to burn out. This book destroyed me. The rollercoaster ride that is Gabriella and Teller's relationship is mentally exhausting but you can't help but hold on for the ride. I can honestly say, I definitely wasn't expecting this. But now I want more and 2017 couldn't come any sooner. It probably would have helped if I had known this was a trilogy but now I'm just even more excited! Loved this book so much I recommend it to everyone, especially those with a little crazy in them.
February 19, 2021
Oh my god...
Normally I get tired of reading about complicated ''push and pull' relationships..
But Tell and Ella's ''push and pull maniac'' relationship was worth my time.. SO WORTH it.
Let me tell you why - First of all the chemistry is so good, it's almost too perfect .. Too complicated, Too unconventional.. .. The imperfections The flaws. It makes it all perfect.. two damaged people with a love so strong. It's addicting and It got me HYPED.
Normally I get tired of reading about complicated ''push and pull' relationships..
But Tell and Ella's ''push and pull maniac'' relationship was worth my time.. SO WORTH it.
Let me tell you why - First of all the chemistry is so good, it's almost too perfect .. Too complicated, Too unconventional.. .. The imperfections The flaws. It makes it all perfect.. two damaged people with a love so strong. It's addicting and It got me HYPED.
February 9, 2017
Teller and Ella are THE MOST dysfunctional, volatile, self-absorbed, destructive couple I've ever read, and I @#$%ing loved every minute of it! Can't wait for the madness to continue in Sever!
October 6, 2020
Wow just wow!
I am in shock at how the book had all the things I was craving to read; the angst, the characters, a deep passion.
'Closer' will take you on one hell of a ride you won't be able to forget. You will laugh, rage,cry, yank your hair all along with the characters. It's a beautiful love story about two absolutely flawed people finding such an unexplainable and explosive connection that they can't stay away from each other. Both Ella and Teller knew they were toxic but they loved each other like crazy.
The author has done a phenomenal job of portraying the characters and their toxic relationship. Mary Elizabeth has become one of my favorite authors 💕.
"We are a conundrum up fucked up. A disappointment bomb. Ella and I are wrecked and damaged. But we own it."
I am in shock at how the book had all the things I was craving to read; the angst, the characters, a deep passion.
'Closer' will take you on one hell of a ride you won't be able to forget. You will laugh, rage,cry, yank your hair all along with the characters. It's a beautiful love story about two absolutely flawed people finding such an unexplainable and explosive connection that they can't stay away from each other. Both Ella and Teller knew they were toxic but they loved each other like crazy.
The author has done a phenomenal job of portraying the characters and their toxic relationship. Mary Elizabeth has become one of my favorite authors 💕.
"We are a conundrum up fucked up. A disappointment bomb. Ella and I are wrecked and damaged. But we own it."
April 19, 2021
Dnf @17%
I never knew I could hate a writing style this much but we are always discovering ourselves. 😓
I never knew I could hate a writing style this much but we are always discovering ourselves. 😓
December 6, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“Tell me what this is.”
“Tell me what this isn’t.”
Speechless. That’s what I am. I admire the way this author tells her stories. I love her characters. So I had no doubt she would allow me to fall in love with wrecked and damaged. But this? This was a masterpiece.
“We’re written in the stars.”
Gabriella (Ella) Mason and Teller Reddy become friends easily in college. They are drawn to each other on a level that neither can explain. The closer they get, they realize they are just better off as friends. But the spark. The burn. It never goes away. It surrounds them in every aspect of life. But they never learn. Every time they get closer, its complete devastation with those they love that are left to pick up the pieces. But what happens when fate comes into play? Can old habits really die? Or does the cycle continue?
“I see you Teller. You’re all I ever see.”
Teller is destruction. His love overwhelms. Consumes. His love is as much dark as it is light. His love hurts. His love is selfish. Earthshattering. His loves pulls. His love pushes. His love leaves you breathless. His love is a mess. But it’s a mess Ella loves deeply. She’s scared. That loving Teller will make him leave. But what she doesn’t get is she grounds him. She makes his world right. Chaos and confusion is a world Teller will live in as long as he has Ella. There are no words for their love besides devastatingly beautiful. They love with such an intensity. A ferocity I’ve never seen. Yet their love is full of hope. It’s resilient. Its theirs.
“What do you want from me, Ella? From us?”
“I want forever.”
The writing is straight poetry. Spellbinding. Magical. Poignant. Every word is meticulous and gives deeper meaning to the story as it progresses. The highly refined prose will astound you. With every word, it made my heart beat. The author is brilliant in her execution of love in its most raw form. Their love is toxic, yet beautiful. Damaged, but full. The emotions are visceral and unyielding. As a reader you become emotionally invested in everything that is their love story.
“Tell me what this is.”
“This is falling in love.”
Closer is a story about loving through flaws and tragedy. A powerful story that reminds us there is beauty in the ashes. The fire between Ella and Teller is intense. They are broken. But their story is real. Genuine. This is a love story executed in honesty and grace.
“Tell me what this is.”
“Tell me what this isn’t.”
Speechless. That’s what I am. I admire the way this author tells her stories. I love her characters. So I had no doubt she would allow me to fall in love with wrecked and damaged. But this? This was a masterpiece.
“We’re written in the stars.”
Gabriella (Ella) Mason and Teller Reddy become friends easily in college. They are drawn to each other on a level that neither can explain. The closer they get, they realize they are just better off as friends. But the spark. The burn. It never goes away. It surrounds them in every aspect of life. But they never learn. Every time they get closer, its complete devastation with those they love that are left to pick up the pieces. But what happens when fate comes into play? Can old habits really die? Or does the cycle continue?
“I see you Teller. You’re all I ever see.”
Teller is destruction. His love overwhelms. Consumes. His love is as much dark as it is light. His love hurts. His love is selfish. Earthshattering. His loves pulls. His love pushes. His love leaves you breathless. His love is a mess. But it’s a mess Ella loves deeply. She’s scared. That loving Teller will make him leave. But what she doesn’t get is she grounds him. She makes his world right. Chaos and confusion is a world Teller will live in as long as he has Ella. There are no words for their love besides devastatingly beautiful. They love with such an intensity. A ferocity I’ve never seen. Yet their love is full of hope. It’s resilient. Its theirs.
“What do you want from me, Ella? From us?”
“I want forever.”
The writing is straight poetry. Spellbinding. Magical. Poignant. Every word is meticulous and gives deeper meaning to the story as it progresses. The highly refined prose will astound you. With every word, it made my heart beat. The author is brilliant in her execution of love in its most raw form. Their love is toxic, yet beautiful. Damaged, but full. The emotions are visceral and unyielding. As a reader you become emotionally invested in everything that is their love story.
“Tell me what this is.”
“This is falling in love.”
Closer is a story about loving through flaws and tragedy. A powerful story that reminds us there is beauty in the ashes. The fire between Ella and Teller is intense. They are broken. But their story is real. Genuine. This is a love story executed in honesty and grace.
June 29, 2017
I NEED the next book! like yesterday
I feel like a complete idiot because I didn't know this would end on a cliff and I didn't know this would be a series... Why I thought it was a standalone. IDK. Guess I should read the blurbs
I feel like a complete idiot because I didn't know this would end on a cliff and I didn't know this would be a series... Why I thought it was a standalone. IDK. Guess I should read the blurbs
February 10, 2020
Mary Elizabeth has written a few previous books that I have LOVED - her Dusty series completely wrecked me! And her Low/Poesy series - so good! She specializes in down and out characters who make terrible decisions, yet turn it around and climb their way back - definitely one of my most favorite types of romance!
This book had 2 completely crazy characters, Teller and Gabriella - so much drama involving how their parents treated them that resulted in many many personal issues they just could not overcome! These 2 were unstable and barely made it through the day without a complete blowout - they loved hard and fought even harder. I never completely believed that they had any real devotion for each other - just a really unhealthy obsession of wanting to love and just not knowing how. It was emotionally trying - there was so much fighting, so many lies, and flying off the handle - the story was more sad than anything else. Book 1 ends on a blowup, so in order to get the end of the story(I assume) you need to read the sequel - but I'm pretty sure I can stop here and call it good! Sometimes I like watching a bad accident...so I'm not sure why this one didn't appeal to me?!?!
This book had 2 completely crazy characters, Teller and Gabriella - so much drama involving how their parents treated them that resulted in many many personal issues they just could not overcome! These 2 were unstable and barely made it through the day without a complete blowout - they loved hard and fought even harder. I never completely believed that they had any real devotion for each other - just a really unhealthy obsession of wanting to love and just not knowing how. It was emotionally trying - there was so much fighting, so many lies, and flying off the handle - the story was more sad than anything else. Book 1 ends on a blowup, so in order to get the end of the story(I assume) you need to read the sequel - but I'm pretty sure I can stop here and call it good! Sometimes I like watching a bad accident...so I'm not sure why this one didn't appeal to me?!?!
March 22, 2018
5 “Tell me what this is?” ..... Stars!!!!!!!!
I wish there were enough words to tell you exactly what this book did to me. I wish there were enough words to tell you how much this book made me feel. I wish there were enough words to tell you that this is one of thee BEST books I've read this year! I'm going to let my emotions try and tell you how freakin' much I LOVED this book and how you MUST read it.
Okay, here I go....
Teller Reddy and Gabriella (Ella) Mason are two of the most stubborn people, ever! Their relationship is dysfunctional, toxic, and heartbreaking, but even though it's all of that it is so real and beautiful. Their back-and-forth will make you dizzy and you just want to grab them by the neck and just shake them senseless. They seriously took me on a roller-coaster ride and I HATE roller coasters, but I'd gladly ride their roller-coaster over and over and over again not even caring about the consequences. Honestly though, they made me so mad I wanted to pull my hair out. I wanted to hate them for putting me through such turmoil, but I couldn't because their f*cked up relationship made me love them harder. I was rooting so hard for them, I wanted them to get their sh*t together and just be freakin' happy. And obviously I won't tell you if they did/didn't or do/don't, duh, you have to read the book to find out.
TELLER! REDDY!
Excuse me while I drool for a moment..... Alright, I'm back. Holy mother of everything that is sacred was I knocked-out by the force that was Teller Reddy. Sweaty hands, shortness of breath, heart skipping a beat, weak-in-the-knees yep all the symptoms are because of Teller mothereffing Reddy! Boy-oh-boy was I knocked on my butt from the aura that was Teller Reddy. I can't even begin to express what he did to me and someone call the fire department because I am on fire! Teller Reddy owns my heart and I gave it to him willingly. I don't freakin' want it back, it's his and he can do whatever the hell he wants with it.
This was my first book of Mary's I read and I've already slapped myself, because WHY THE HECK DID IT TAKE ME THIS LONG??? I can't wait to devour ALL her other books and I seriously CAN! NOT! wait for the second book in this series. I NEED to know what happens I NEED more of Teller Reddy, my lovable tattooed tortured soul.
Mary Elizabeth, I was hooked from the first sentences I read when reading 'Closer.' I can't even begin to describe what your writing did to me. Your words, they danced all over my skin and made a home in my soul. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for speaking to my heart. You made me feel and gosh was it exhilarating.
Seriously STOP what you're reading and start reading this book. Okay, alright, finish the book you're already reading, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE when you're finished with that book READ! THIS! BOOK! Truly, I promise you will not be disappointed.
"Tell me what this is?"
It's destructive. It's toxic. It's all-consuming. It's raw. It's riveting. It's real and it's beautiful.
I wish there were enough words to tell you exactly what this book did to me. I wish there were enough words to tell you how much this book made me feel. I wish there were enough words to tell you that this is one of thee BEST books I've read this year! I'm going to let my emotions try and tell you how freakin' much I LOVED this book and how you MUST read it.
Okay, here I go....
Teller Reddy and Gabriella (Ella) Mason are two of the most stubborn people, ever! Their relationship is dysfunctional, toxic, and heartbreaking, but even though it's all of that it is so real and beautiful. Their back-and-forth will make you dizzy and you just want to grab them by the neck and just shake them senseless. They seriously took me on a roller-coaster ride and I HATE roller coasters, but I'd gladly ride their roller-coaster over and over and over again not even caring about the consequences. Honestly though, they made me so mad I wanted to pull my hair out. I wanted to hate them for putting me through such turmoil, but I couldn't because their f*cked up relationship made me love them harder. I was rooting so hard for them, I wanted them to get their sh*t together and just be freakin' happy. And obviously I won't tell you if they did/didn't or do/don't, duh, you have to read the book to find out.
TELLER! REDDY!
Excuse me while I drool for a moment..... Alright, I'm back. Holy mother of everything that is sacred was I knocked-out by the force that was Teller Reddy. Sweaty hands, shortness of breath, heart skipping a beat, weak-in-the-knees yep all the symptoms are because of Teller mothereffing Reddy! Boy-oh-boy was I knocked on my butt from the aura that was Teller Reddy. I can't even begin to express what he did to me and someone call the fire department because I am on fire! Teller Reddy owns my heart and I gave it to him willingly. I don't freakin' want it back, it's his and he can do whatever the hell he wants with it.
This was my first book of Mary's I read and I've already slapped myself, because WHY THE HECK DID IT TAKE ME THIS LONG??? I can't wait to devour ALL her other books and I seriously CAN! NOT! wait for the second book in this series. I NEED to know what happens I NEED more of Teller Reddy, my lovable tattooed tortured soul.
Mary Elizabeth, I was hooked from the first sentences I read when reading 'Closer.' I can't even begin to describe what your writing did to me. Your words, they danced all over my skin and made a home in my soul. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for speaking to my heart. You made me feel and gosh was it exhilarating.
Seriously STOP what you're reading and start reading this book. Okay, alright, finish the book you're already reading, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE when you're finished with that book READ! THIS! BOOK! Truly, I promise you will not be disappointed.
"Tell me what this is?"
It's destructive. It's toxic. It's all-consuming. It's raw. It's riveting. It's real and it's beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews