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Darlington Romances
Close to Home
When a CPA is forced to hire help for tax season, she resents the presence of her brash, young intern. The intern only wants to complete the internship so she can chase her dream job in D.C. Will the CPA's past and the intern's future add up to something greater than the sum of their escalating attraction?
250 pages, ebook
First published January 9, 2017
46 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Spangler
33 books850 followersRachel Spangler never set out to be an award winning author. She was just so poor and so easily bored during her college years that she had to come up with creative ways to entertain herself, and her first novel, Learning Curve, was born out of one such attempt. She was sincerely surprised when it was accepted for publication and even more shocked when it won the Golden Crown Literary Award for Debut Author. She also won a Goldie for her second novel, Trails Merge. Since writing is more fun than a real job, and so much cheaper than therapy, Rachel continued to type away, leading to the publication of The Long Way Home and LoveLife. She plans to continue writing as long as anyone anywhere will keep reading.
Rachel, and her partner, Susan, are raising their young son in Western New York. They spend winters skiing and their summers traveling and watching their beloved Cardinals. Regardless of the season, Rachel always makes time for a good romance, whether she's reading it, writing it, or living it.
Rachel can be found online at www.rachelspangler.com or on Facebook.
Rachel, and her partner, Susan, are raising their young son in Western New York. They spend winters skiing and their summers traveling and watching their beloved Cardinals. Regardless of the season, Rachel always makes time for a good romance, whether she's reading it, writing it, or living it.
Rachel can be found online at www.rachelspangler.com or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 7, 2018
I read The Long Way Home a little more than 2 years ago now and don't remember a lot about the story but I definitely remember Kelly. Good grief this woman was awful and in this book she's no different. Still deeply in the closet and super paranoid about people finding out that she likes women she's now forced to interact with Elliot who is an intern she had to hire for tax season.
So if she's so terrible why the rating? Well as awful as Kelly is, she's also a fascinating character. I don't think I've ever read a more closeted character before and it was really interesting reading about what motivated her and just how truly unhappy and lonely she had become since Beth walked away from her in The Long Way Home. Seriously this woman needs to be strapped to the hood of a car and driven through a car wash because how else are you going to scrub off that amount of self hate.
I have a huge soft spot for the character of Elliott. She's out and proud and truly wants to make a difference in the world but first she needs to finish her internship. I honestly don't know how she managed to put up with Kellie's 'come here, go away' behavior. If that was me I would have been running for the hills a long time ago but not Elliott. The woman really has a tremendous amount of patience and a heart of gold.
It was definitely nice to see Beth and Rory again since they play a vital role in this book. Stevie and Jody from Timeless, (which I will read next) also make a small appearance. The book is well written and the chemistry between Kellie and Elliott is good as well. The only thing that bugged me little was the ending. It felt a little abrupt and I definitely would have liked to see more of Elliott and Kellie together. Overall this wasn't a bad read.
This ends with a 3,75* rating. TW for homophobic language.
So if she's so terrible why the rating? Well as awful as Kelly is, she's also a fascinating character. I don't think I've ever read a more closeted character before and it was really interesting reading about what motivated her and just how truly unhappy and lonely she had become since Beth walked away from her in The Long Way Home. Seriously this woman needs to be strapped to the hood of a car and driven through a car wash because how else are you going to scrub off that amount of self hate.
I have a huge soft spot for the character of Elliott. She's out and proud and truly wants to make a difference in the world but first she needs to finish her internship. I honestly don't know how she managed to put up with Kellie's 'come here, go away' behavior. If that was me I would have been running for the hills a long time ago but not Elliott. The woman really has a tremendous amount of patience and a heart of gold.
It was definitely nice to see Beth and Rory again since they play a vital role in this book. Stevie and Jody from Timeless, (which I will read next) also make a small appearance. The book is well written and the chemistry between Kellie and Elliott is good as well. The only thing that bugged me little was the ending. It felt a little abrupt and I definitely would have liked to see more of Elliott and Kellie together. Overall this wasn't a bad read.
This ends with a 3,75* rating. TW for homophobic language.
June 13, 2017
Redeeming a character can be a tough sell. How do you make a character, which said the character was downright terrible in a previous book your main character? Add into the fact that this is a romance novel, and your reader needs to have the feels. Tough, so tough, but Rachel Spangler does it like a boss.
If you read The Long Way Home you will remember, Kelly Nolan. Kelly was Beth’s longtime lover when Beth meets Rory. (side note: you can totally read this a standalone, but I would recommend ready both, just so you can see how far this character comes, and both of these books ae really good. Don’t short change yourself). Kelly is sort of the villain in The Long Way Home. She loses Beth because of her paranoia of anyone finding out they are lovers. She’s’ not a great girlfriend to Beth and her restrictions, her closet become too much for the relationship to withstand.
So now, we meet up with Kelly again. Kelly is still single, a little heart broken, lonely and above all else sill striving to be perfect. Tax season is around the bend and as a CPA, Kelly has a million things workwise to take care of. Add onto the heaping pile, her dad (her mentor, her hero) has just has a massive stroke. Beth, still in the picture as the supportive friend, encourages Kelly to take on an intern to help lighten the load.
This is where Elliott Garza comes in. Elliott is a lot like Rory, which isn’t a plus in Kelly’s book. She’s Kelly opposite, she is out, she’s a feminist, she is ready to take the world be storm and smash social injustices. Personality wise Elliott is the direct opposite of Kelly in almost every way
For all their differences, together they work. Elliot exposes Kelly’s softer sides, the one she has buried long ago to avoid be the whipping post for the small town of Darlington. Kelly learned long ago as a child, that because her mother walked out on them, that she would always be subject to the town’s gossip. Elliot brings out Kelly’s true nature and it was quite honestly mesmerizing to read. These two have a dynamic relationship. Fantastic read!
If you read The Long Way Home you will remember, Kelly Nolan. Kelly was Beth’s longtime lover when Beth meets Rory. (side note: you can totally read this a standalone, but I would recommend ready both, just so you can see how far this character comes, and both of these books ae really good. Don’t short change yourself). Kelly is sort of the villain in The Long Way Home. She loses Beth because of her paranoia of anyone finding out they are lovers. She’s’ not a great girlfriend to Beth and her restrictions, her closet become too much for the relationship to withstand.
So now, we meet up with Kelly again. Kelly is still single, a little heart broken, lonely and above all else sill striving to be perfect. Tax season is around the bend and as a CPA, Kelly has a million things workwise to take care of. Add onto the heaping pile, her dad (her mentor, her hero) has just has a massive stroke. Beth, still in the picture as the supportive friend, encourages Kelly to take on an intern to help lighten the load.
This is where Elliott Garza comes in. Elliott is a lot like Rory, which isn’t a plus in Kelly’s book. She’s Kelly opposite, she is out, she’s a feminist, she is ready to take the world be storm and smash social injustices. Personality wise Elliott is the direct opposite of Kelly in almost every way
For all their differences, together they work. Elliot exposes Kelly’s softer sides, the one she has buried long ago to avoid be the whipping post for the small town of Darlington. Kelly learned long ago as a child, that because her mother walked out on them, that she would always be subject to the town’s gossip. Elliot brings out Kelly’s true nature and it was quite honestly mesmerizing to read. These two have a dynamic relationship. Fantastic read!
December 2, 2018
Close to Home is Rachel Spangler’s third book set in the tiny fictional college town of Darlington, Illinois. And while it has characters and themes that we’ve seen in previous books, especially The Long Way Home (I can’t speak for Timeless because I haven’t read it yet), it delivers something entirely fresh.
Full review (Curve): http://www.curvemag.com/Reviews/Close...
Full review (TLR): https://www.thelesbianreview.com/clos...
Full review (Curve): http://www.curvemag.com/Reviews/Close...
Full review (TLR): https://www.thelesbianreview.com/clos...
August 18, 2020
Great, heart-warming story.
April 18, 2021
I absolutely loved this book, earning it a spot on my all-time-favorite shelf. I read it back-to-back with The Long Way Home, and I strongly recommend reading them together. The characters were well drawn and lovable despite their flaws. Spangler made me love Kelly, even though she doesn't make a good first impression. I can't help feeling this would be a good book for a book club. There's lots to discuss.
February 27, 2017
I usually avoid books set in small towns for the exact reasons that kept Kelly in the closet in this one — the rumor mill and homophobic people who can't mind their own business. Rachel Spangler, however, is an author I like enough that I was willing to give this a chance, and I'm very glad I did.
Kelly is a public accountant who works with her dad taking care of the finances and taxes of everyone else in the city. Her only friends are her dad and her sweet and caring ex-girlfriend Beth, who is soon getting married with another woman, Rory — they're the main couple from The Long Way Home. When Kelly's dad has a stroke, Beth convinces her that she needs an intern at the office.
Enter Elliot Garza: lesbian feminist ready to change Kelly's life. Main goals: smashing the patriarchy; tearing down the financial system that favors the rich and hurts the poor and oppressed minorities. Raised by a wonderful single mom, she's ambitious, smart, confident, dedicated, and chose to go to college in a small town just to see if she could handle it ("it" being the homophobic people I mentioned). "I'm living proof that a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle."
Kelly has been in the closet forever; Elliot is the definition of "out and proud". Kelly despises change; Elliot is all for adventure and new experiences that will eventually lead her to Washington, D.C., where she can get started on her world domination plan. Kelly is also not a big fan of sharing, while Elliot desperately wants to know what makes her who she is. With such strong, different personalities, they clash a lot from the moment they meet. To add to the drama, Elliot is leaving town as soon as her internship is over, so they're on a limited timeline. Oh, and Kelly is also on the verge of a serious emotional breakdown at the prospect of losing her dad.
I just couldn't stop reading this book, and I say this a lot about Rachel Spangler's works. She writes interesting, passionate characters, and stories that suck you in and won't let you go until you're done. That added to the witty dialogue and the romance that progresses with a lot of up and downs makes for my favorite kind of read. The only thing I was wary about is the boss/intern dynamic, as I'm not fond of power imbalances, but the end of such dynamic was so inevitably close that I didn't mind, and besides, the book dealt really well with the topic of consent. I love books that discuss this kind of thing openly, not to mention all the discussions Elliot and Kelly had about feminist topics.
All in all, this might not be Rachel Spangler's greatest book, but still a pretty wonderful read for me.
Kelly is a public accountant who works with her dad taking care of the finances and taxes of everyone else in the city. Her only friends are her dad and her sweet and caring ex-girlfriend Beth, who is soon getting married with another woman, Rory — they're the main couple from The Long Way Home. When Kelly's dad has a stroke, Beth convinces her that she needs an intern at the office.
Enter Elliot Garza: lesbian feminist ready to change Kelly's life. Main goals: smashing the patriarchy; tearing down the financial system that favors the rich and hurts the poor and oppressed minorities. Raised by a wonderful single mom, she's ambitious, smart, confident, dedicated, and chose to go to college in a small town just to see if she could handle it ("it" being the homophobic people I mentioned). "I'm living proof that a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle."
Kelly has been in the closet forever; Elliot is the definition of "out and proud". Kelly despises change; Elliot is all for adventure and new experiences that will eventually lead her to Washington, D.C., where she can get started on her world domination plan. Kelly is also not a big fan of sharing, while Elliot desperately wants to know what makes her who she is. With such strong, different personalities, they clash a lot from the moment they meet. To add to the drama, Elliot is leaving town as soon as her internship is over, so they're on a limited timeline. Oh, and Kelly is also on the verge of a serious emotional breakdown at the prospect of losing her dad.
I just couldn't stop reading this book, and I say this a lot about Rachel Spangler's works. She writes interesting, passionate characters, and stories that suck you in and won't let you go until you're done. That added to the witty dialogue and the romance that progresses with a lot of up and downs makes for my favorite kind of read. The only thing I was wary about is the boss/intern dynamic, as I'm not fond of power imbalances, but the end of such dynamic was so inevitably close that I didn't mind, and besides, the book dealt really well with the topic of consent. I love books that discuss this kind of thing openly, not to mention all the discussions Elliot and Kelly had about feminist topics.
All in all, this might not be Rachel Spangler's greatest book, but still a pretty wonderful read for me.
February 11, 2024
Now, this is my type of book. Love it - full of guilt, what do others think and I'm not as important as others Vs live your own life, who cares what others think and be proud. Top notch! :)
March 15, 2018
*
I struggled with the rating for this book. I liked some aspects of it, I liked the characters and Kelly's struggle broke my heart. But at some point they started going in circles and it got tedious. No matter the argument Elliot came up with Kelly found another issue time after time. Constantly, they took one step forward and two steps back and I was surprised Elliot didn't give up, it was unhealthy. I did like the ending and I did like the chemistry between the main characters. I just wish we spent less time with them repeating the same pattern of behaviour and more on Kelly healing herself.
I struggled with the rating for this book. I liked some aspects of it, I liked the characters and Kelly's struggle broke my heart. But at some point they started going in circles and it got tedious. No matter the argument Elliot came up with Kelly found another issue time after time. Constantly, they took one step forward and two steps back and I was surprised Elliot didn't give up, it was unhealthy. I did like the ending and I did like the chemistry between the main characters. I just wish we spent less time with them repeating the same pattern of behaviour and more on Kelly healing herself.
October 19, 2017
All around solid read, can't say I love it but I certainly enjoyed it. The characters felt like actual people going through their issues, the conflict was well developed and it works as a standalone book. I've not read any other books by the author but now I'll have to take a closer look at what else she has to offer.
December 26, 2018
Kelly Rolen is a fascinating and complex main character and the reason I'm giving this book 4 stars.
At the beginning of the novel we get to know her as a cold and guarded person who's paranoid about people finding out that she's a lesbian. She has been living in the closet since forever and her previous and only relationship ended because of that. Kelly has become bitter and full of self-loathing.
Throughout the book (with the help of sweet and lovable Elliot) we see a more vulnerable and human side of Kelly as she struggles to accept herself and let go of her fears.
Rachel Spangler has written this very well and believable, it's not often that a character moves me so deeply. Kelly will probably stick with me for a while.
At the beginning of the novel we get to know her as a cold and guarded person who's paranoid about people finding out that she's a lesbian. She has been living in the closet since forever and her previous and only relationship ended because of that. Kelly has become bitter and full of self-loathing.
Throughout the book (with the help of sweet and lovable Elliot) we see a more vulnerable and human side of Kelly as she struggles to accept herself and let go of her fears.
Rachel Spangler has written this very well and believable, it's not often that a character moves me so deeply. Kelly will probably stick with me for a while.
January 3, 2018
I can’t believe this is the first review I have ever written for one of Rachel Spangler’s books. So without further ado, here’s my review of Close To Home.
Close To Home is the third novel in Rachel Spanglers ‘A Darlington Romance’ series and it’s one helluva book.
I would recommend reading the first book A Long Way From Home and then the second book Timeless before starting this one. It will help with continuity with the story lines and secondary characters, who most of where main characters in either the first two books.
Kelly has always lived in the closet, so much so it ended her last and only previous relationship. Living in a small town is her main reason for being closeted, not to mention the gossip that could ensue. When her father gets sick and can no longer work at their small accountancy firm she accepts the help of an intern, Elliot. Elliot is young, obviously gay and doesn’t care who she offends but she’s also smart, forthright and caring to a fault. How could Kelly not fall for her? But will Kelly really ever come out of the closet long enough to be worthy of Elliot?
As much as Kelly had some redeeming qualities by the end of A long way from home I still finished the book disliking her. So I knew Rachel Spangler had some work to do for me to really enjoy her starring role in this novel. I literally went from loathing Kelly, to being attracted to Kelly, to really liking Kelly and how sweet she was with Elliot, to then thinking Kelly was crazy and it started all over again. Ultimately, she’s complex and my second favourite character in the series after Elliot whom I just have such a major crush on. Elliot’s dashing, androgynous and with such an amazing personality that just had me enchanted from the first moment she graced the page. It’s funny, Elliot’s relationship with her mother is very similar to mine and I think i understood her personality quirks and her fight a little better than any other character I’ve ever read. A lot of her morals and values are similar to mine which makes me wonder if it was the way I was raised in similarity to her (fictional) upbringing that aligns our personalities so well.
The introspective musings of both Elliot and Kelly are written so eloquently that you can imagine the feelings and the build up actually happening to you, the reader. It is quite a beautiful feat that Spangler is able to do this.
This is a sexy little number with a delicious build up in the love making department. For example the first sex scene knocked me from my seat because I was not expecting it but it was a very pleasant surprise but then the second and third sex scenes where even better and each time I felt a little taken aback.
I don’t have one negative thing to say about the book, I hope this series doesn’t end quite yet. Maybe Doctor Patel needs her own story? (I’d actually love that). But who knows?
Undoubtedly 5 stars.
Close To Home is the third novel in Rachel Spanglers ‘A Darlington Romance’ series and it’s one helluva book.
I would recommend reading the first book A Long Way From Home and then the second book Timeless before starting this one. It will help with continuity with the story lines and secondary characters, who most of where main characters in either the first two books.
Kelly has always lived in the closet, so much so it ended her last and only previous relationship. Living in a small town is her main reason for being closeted, not to mention the gossip that could ensue. When her father gets sick and can no longer work at their small accountancy firm she accepts the help of an intern, Elliot. Elliot is young, obviously gay and doesn’t care who she offends but she’s also smart, forthright and caring to a fault. How could Kelly not fall for her? But will Kelly really ever come out of the closet long enough to be worthy of Elliot?
As much as Kelly had some redeeming qualities by the end of A long way from home I still finished the book disliking her. So I knew Rachel Spangler had some work to do for me to really enjoy her starring role in this novel. I literally went from loathing Kelly, to being attracted to Kelly, to really liking Kelly and how sweet she was with Elliot, to then thinking Kelly was crazy and it started all over again. Ultimately, she’s complex and my second favourite character in the series after Elliot whom I just have such a major crush on. Elliot’s dashing, androgynous and with such an amazing personality that just had me enchanted from the first moment she graced the page. It’s funny, Elliot’s relationship with her mother is very similar to mine and I think i understood her personality quirks and her fight a little better than any other character I’ve ever read. A lot of her morals and values are similar to mine which makes me wonder if it was the way I was raised in similarity to her (fictional) upbringing that aligns our personalities so well.
The introspective musings of both Elliot and Kelly are written so eloquently that you can imagine the feelings and the build up actually happening to you, the reader. It is quite a beautiful feat that Spangler is able to do this.
This is a sexy little number with a delicious build up in the love making department. For example the first sex scene knocked me from my seat because I was not expecting it but it was a very pleasant surprise but then the second and third sex scenes where even better and each time I felt a little taken aback.
I don’t have one negative thing to say about the book, I hope this series doesn’t end quite yet. Maybe Doctor Patel needs her own story? (I’d actually love that). But who knows?
Undoubtedly 5 stars.
January 1, 2019
I’m not sure this was the best book to start a new year with (a lot of angst) but I loved it anyway. Great characters, great chemistry.
March 15, 2017
I've had this book for two months but I haven't been able to bring myself to read it. I love Rachel Spangler's writing so much that having this unread meant I was in a constant state of having something to look forward to. But finally, my desire to read her words overcame my desire to have a future treat, and I dove in.
As expected, I loved it. Something about Spangler's writing always makes me feel like I'm being cracked open and experiencing the story along with the characters. These stories just work their way inside me and make me feel. This time I was trapped in this sensation of seeing no way for Kelly and Elliot to end up happy, but desperately wishing they could be. It was a satisfying read.
Now I need to find something else to look forward to.
As expected, I loved it. Something about Spangler's writing always makes me feel like I'm being cracked open and experiencing the story along with the characters. These stories just work their way inside me and make me feel. This time I was trapped in this sensation of seeing no way for Kelly and Elliot to end up happy, but desperately wishing they could be. It was a satisfying read.
Now I need to find something else to look forward to.
January 31, 2017
Kelly finally got her story told. I liked the way this played out. Very authentic. I've seen people complain about the price of the book. I don't get it, it's less than $2. I don't think the author sets the price. I enjoyed the book. Worth the extra $1.20.
April 13, 2017
Nice story!
October 28, 2018
I did not like Kelly when I was reading the long way home, but the minute I heard about this book I was so excited about it. I absolutely loved it and I really loved her..... The book was too good. This is my kind of book.
February 2, 2017
This is the third book in the Darlington Romances series, it stands alone, although it’s nice knowing the back history, especially of the inter-relationships.
Kelly is a CPA who has grown up working with her father in their small town all-service accountancy firm. When her father is taken to hospital at the start of tax season she is left facing a mountain of returns to complete alone, while trying to visit her father and deal with her worry and stress.
Elliot needs a CPA internship to get her qualification, then she will be off to follow her dream of fighting for the unprivileged who suffer from the complexity of tax laws. When Elliot gets placed with Kelly the sparks are bound to fly. Kelly is extremely closeted and determined to stay under the radar, including keeping her distance from the young brash intern, while Elliot is determined to give everything to her work, including exploring her snappy boss’s character.
All three of the Darlington Romances are well done and different, despite the commonality of place and the growing cast of characters they share.”The Long Way Home” saw the black sheep returning to the small town she hated, “Timeless” is an unusual story of a coma induced flashback, while “Close To Home” is the more traditional ‘overcome the odds’ romance.
All three are well written, plotted and edited, but “Close to Home” feels like a step up, a more sophisticated writing style and a deeper engagement with the characters’ emotional journey. Whether due to a natural growth for Ms Spangler or a change of publisher, this story felt more mature. Nothing really happens other than the day to day data entry and processing of tax files, yet we watch both women embark on a voyage of development. Kelly, a fairly unlikeable character in the earlier novel and the start of this one, has a huge course to travel and while Elliot’s growth is less pronounced, she has her own learning to do.
The small town setting, the close-nit community, knowing each other's business, reminds us of the challenges we face to be ourselves and the courage it takes to come out. We see how the support of friends is critical, and yet those very friends can hold us trapped inside the person we have become by doubting our ability to change. For an author it is far easier to take two likeable characters and put a surmountable obstacle in their way than to take a distinctly unlikeable character and convince the reader that they want them to change, take that step, become the better person.
Overall this was my favorite of the three, and probably my favourite from Ms Spangler to date. I felt more engaged, despite the simplicity of the plot and traditional format, somehow i was convinced to care more deeply about a character I didn’t even like, and had distinctly disliked in the earlier story. I am looking forward to seeing where Ms Spangler’s more mature style takes her next.
Kelly is a CPA who has grown up working with her father in their small town all-service accountancy firm. When her father is taken to hospital at the start of tax season she is left facing a mountain of returns to complete alone, while trying to visit her father and deal with her worry and stress.
Elliot needs a CPA internship to get her qualification, then she will be off to follow her dream of fighting for the unprivileged who suffer from the complexity of tax laws. When Elliot gets placed with Kelly the sparks are bound to fly. Kelly is extremely closeted and determined to stay under the radar, including keeping her distance from the young brash intern, while Elliot is determined to give everything to her work, including exploring her snappy boss’s character.
All three of the Darlington Romances are well done and different, despite the commonality of place and the growing cast of characters they share.”The Long Way Home” saw the black sheep returning to the small town she hated, “Timeless” is an unusual story of a coma induced flashback, while “Close To Home” is the more traditional ‘overcome the odds’ romance.
All three are well written, plotted and edited, but “Close to Home” feels like a step up, a more sophisticated writing style and a deeper engagement with the characters’ emotional journey. Whether due to a natural growth for Ms Spangler or a change of publisher, this story felt more mature. Nothing really happens other than the day to day data entry and processing of tax files, yet we watch both women embark on a voyage of development. Kelly, a fairly unlikeable character in the earlier novel and the start of this one, has a huge course to travel and while Elliot’s growth is less pronounced, she has her own learning to do.
The small town setting, the close-nit community, knowing each other's business, reminds us of the challenges we face to be ourselves and the courage it takes to come out. We see how the support of friends is critical, and yet those very friends can hold us trapped inside the person we have become by doubting our ability to change. For an author it is far easier to take two likeable characters and put a surmountable obstacle in their way than to take a distinctly unlikeable character and convince the reader that they want them to change, take that step, become the better person.
Overall this was my favorite of the three, and probably my favourite from Ms Spangler to date. I felt more engaged, despite the simplicity of the plot and traditional format, somehow i was convinced to care more deeply about a character I didn’t even like, and had distinctly disliked in the earlier story. I am looking forward to seeing where Ms Spangler’s more mature style takes her next.
July 26, 2017
Enjoyable read with interesting characters that have a story to tell. I really liked how Elliot unfolded as she engaged with Kelly. Elliot grew so much unbeknownst to Kelly who was the motivator. The support of Beth to Kelly was unwavering in her willingness to care. Rory was supportive yet kind of an enabler to Elliot. Though the read was about Kelly as she was challenged to meet her current situation head on, it was also about friendship and different types of love. Smooth writing style with language and word choice that pulled the reader in while moving the story along.
February 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect and I occasionally found the dynamic between Kelly and Elliot. For that matter, I was left wondering why Rory had such a antagonist relationship with Kelly, beyond the obvious. Regardless, this was an interesting easy to get into read.
January 29, 2017
This is my favourite book by Rachel Spangler. I don't know why really I think I just loved Kelly and Elliot as a couple and of course their banter.
And I loved Elliot's speech at the end, it was perfect!!
And I loved Elliot's speech at the end, it was perfect!!
January 18, 2023
I love this book! The turmoil that Kelly goes through internally is understandable, being a business owner in a small town. The attraction to Elliot and fear of that attraction is most of this story. The secrets kept also have a bearing on their relationship. I give this 5 stars!!
November 19, 2019
3.75 ⭐
November 21, 2019
I very much enjoy Rachel Spangler’s books and could not believe she was able to make me like Kelly given her nasty nature in The Long Way Home. But the narrator was not very good for this story and there were several parts of the narration that were choppily redone. It took away from the story a bit but overall I enjoyed it.
April 23, 2025
Best book in the series by far.
July 28, 2023
Close to Home’s story has two points of interest: coming out and romance. A book with more than romance as a theme is always welcome in my brain.
The closeted character’s inner musings were deep and engaging. I can imagine a reader in the same frame of mind could probably find some solace in the similarities in circumstances. Internalised homophobia was rife and quite exasperating to read but I understand it’s part of the process…
The romance part was not quite it for me. How the main characters initially got together was too serendipitous. It doesn’t hold water in my lowly opinion. All in all though, it was an ok read.
The closeted character’s inner musings were deep and engaging. I can imagine a reader in the same frame of mind could probably find some solace in the similarities in circumstances. Internalised homophobia was rife and quite exasperating to read but I understand it’s part of the process…
The romance part was not quite it for me. How the main characters initially got together was too serendipitous. It doesn’t hold water in my lowly opinion. All in all though, it was an ok read.
January 31, 2017
I loved this! I read it in one day because I couldn't put it down. With a lot of romances, the reader feels pretty secure from page one that these two protagonists will have a Happily Ever After. No spoilers, but, there is genuine suspense in this story, and much more at stake than love (though isn't that a huge thing to have at stake?). This story is also about identity, and honesty, and agency--to hang onto old regret, familiar as it may be, even comforting--or to try again, to take a chance, to possibly avoid another huge regret? READ THIS BOOK! By the end, even if you aren't in the exact same situation, you will find a parallel to your own life and be inspired to take a chance on something.
March 22, 2017
An emotional journey
I loved this book and stayed up way too late reading it because I just couldn't put it down. I loved the growth Kelly and Elliot experience under each others influence. Though it was an emotional journey, in the end each woman brought out the best in the other. I also enjoyed Rory and Beths presence in this story because I liked them in THE LONG WAY HOME. I'm glad Kelly got her happily ever after, and I thought Elliot was amazing for putting up with so much, still hanging in there and being so selfless, stoic and honorable in so many situations. Job well done on this book Rachel.
I loved this book and stayed up way too late reading it because I just couldn't put it down. I loved the growth Kelly and Elliot experience under each others influence. Though it was an emotional journey, in the end each woman brought out the best in the other. I also enjoyed Rory and Beths presence in this story because I liked them in THE LONG WAY HOME. I'm glad Kelly got her happily ever after, and I thought Elliot was amazing for putting up with so much, still hanging in there and being so selfless, stoic and honorable in so many situations. Job well done on this book Rachel.
February 8, 2018
An amazingly sweet, poignant, heartbreaking and uplifting romance.
August 19, 2020
I really enjoyed this story and glad to read about a not likeable character in book one grow into a likeable character and finally being happy in their own skin.
December 25, 2017
I liked it.
There was one particular part that emotionally crippled me, but everything else I felt great about.
Elliot is a stubborn, and somewhat cocky college student who is close to graduation, all she needs is her internship.
Kelly is a stubborn, and closed-off CPA who is being pulled in all directions by loyalty to her idolized father, and her absolute need for perfection in herself. Tall order for any person, especially when said father becomes ill.
The thing that I liked most was the lack of misunderstandings. In a lot of books there's this one huge misunderstanding that completely tears everyone apart. Here though, there are mini misunderstandings, but not in that sense.
I loved that about this story. They kept trying.
No one is going to get it right the first time, and maybe they'll still be wrong on the tenth attempt, but these two women still tried. It was push and pull. It was the most realistic image of a real relationship that I've seen in any romance novel.
Elliot's fierce loyalty, even for Kelly when she barely knew her at the time, said a lot about her character. Kelly's protectiveness and vulnerability was very realistic, and human. I loved how, though she was conflicted with her duties as a daughter, a business owner, and a resident of such a small and unforgiving town, she didn't lie to herself. She was open and honest with her introspection. She wasn't blind to her own faults, and when she wanted to blame everyone but herself, she pulled herself out of that trap. Kelly was a character I could admire.
I really liked this book, and hope others give it a try.
There was one particular part that emotionally crippled me, but everything else I felt great about.
Elliot is a stubborn, and somewhat cocky college student who is close to graduation, all she needs is her internship.
Kelly is a stubborn, and closed-off CPA who is being pulled in all directions by loyalty to her idolized father, and her absolute need for perfection in herself. Tall order for any person, especially when said father becomes ill.
The thing that I liked most was the lack of misunderstandings. In a lot of books there's this one huge misunderstanding that completely tears everyone apart. Here though, there are mini misunderstandings, but not in that sense.
I loved that about this story. They kept trying.
No one is going to get it right the first time, and maybe they'll still be wrong on the tenth attempt, but these two women still tried. It was push and pull. It was the most realistic image of a real relationship that I've seen in any romance novel.
Elliot's fierce loyalty, even for Kelly when she barely knew her at the time, said a lot about her character. Kelly's protectiveness and vulnerability was very realistic, and human. I loved how, though she was conflicted with her duties as a daughter, a business owner, and a resident of such a small and unforgiving town, she didn't lie to herself. She was open and honest with her introspection. She wasn't blind to her own faults, and when she wanted to blame everyone but herself, she pulled herself out of that trap. Kelly was a character I could admire.
I really liked this book, and hope others give it a try.
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