Can best friends turned enemies finally become lovers? Dahlia We were best friends as kids, and I crushed on him hard when we were teens. We never became lovers, but Levi Vance was always there when I needed him—until he wasn’t. Seven years have passed since that horrible night, and I haven’t forgiven him for what he did. Now fate has intervened and we’re forced to work together on a project. I’m determined to keep it professional, but when he’s close, long-buried desire flares, against my will. This time, I won’t let him get so close. If you can’t trust your best friend, who can you trust?
Levi I never meant to hurt Dahlia Perez, the only woman I ever loved. She cut off our friendship. I’ve had no chance to explain what happened all those years ago. Now, seeing her every day at work has ignited my long-hidden desire to be more than friends, but as always, she is so close, yet so far away. I can’t let this wall between us stand any longer. This time, I won’t settle for being ex-friends. But how can I earn back her trust and convince her we are meant to be together?
The Love Grows series. Strong, protective heroes and feisty, independent heroines. When they collide, Love Grows in unexpected ways!
Sizzling heat, surprise twists, and all the feels… Diving deep into each character, Renee delivers layered plots with a satisfying outcome. She writes with heart, heat, and an attention to detail that gives each story a realistic feel. Renee lives in Atlanta with her husband, three cats and four turtles. When not writing, she can be found sitting on her back deck, enjoying nature. Wine may or may not be involved….
This book had me going through a lot of mixed emotions. I really enjoyed watching the dynamics between Levi and Dahlia. I even cried. It pulled at my heart strings. There is humor. I don't like Tara at all. See if will make you ride an Emotional gambit. From a True Fan... Pam James.
I related to the strong female lead in this story, tenfold. Dahlia is a young, single mother to her newly seven-year-old son, Beckett, who must deal with the stress of co-parenting with her uncooperative ex-husband, Trey. Co-parenting is never easy, and especially when you have different parenting styles. This story not only revolves around the love that develops between Dahlia and Trey, but also the issues and real-world problems that arise from being a parent.
This story revolves around Dahlia, her son Beckett, her ex-husband Trey, and her ex-best friend, Levi, with whom she’s been estranged from for the past 7 years. Rene Regent does a phenomenal job at keeping the reader interested, from the very first chapter. Not only are you captured and pulled in by the possibility of a friendship turned relationship, but also the fact that being a parent truly is a full-time job, no matter what parenting style you may choose. I personally, wasn’t setting this book down until my curiosity was satisfied.
I love the way the story follows the characters around and gives you snippets into each of their personalities and the way they are involved in the story. Beckett is a very strong headed, amazing little man that reminds me of my own daughter, which made it that much more relatable. Adventuresome, honest little children are my favorite! I will be reading more by Ms. Regent, and so very glad I picked up this novel. It was everything I hoped that it would be, from reading the synopsis, and her writing style is just addictive. I cannot wait to read more of her work. Thank you, Renee!
So Close (Love Grows Series Book 4) by Renee Regent
4 out of 5 Stars
Dahlia Perez grew up thinking that Levi Vance was going to be her best friend for life. They had grown up together. He was her first crush. Dahlia had fought her desire for Levi for years because she didn’t want anything to interfere with their friendship. She had met and married another man, Trey. Trey betrayed Dahlia, betrayed their marriage vows. Levi watched it all happening. Dahlia decided that she was done with both of them. She walked out of Levi’s life 8 years ago. If it had not been for the limited interaction caused by trying to co-parent their son, Beckett, she would have been done with Trey, as well.
Dahlia’s promotion has put her at the forefront of a major project for her employer. How did Levi wind up as the contractor on this project? Levi believes it is fate, giving him another chance to make things right with Dahlia, to be together, or at the very least for her to stop hating him. Levi is going to give getting back Dahlia everything he has, if they can’t be together maybe they can once again be friends.
Renee Regent does an amazing job of creating the history and conflict of these characters. Friends, enemies, friends, possible lovers. The chemistry between Levi and Dahlia was palpable from the first time they were on the page together. Maybe it was the hate and anger rolling off Dahlia, but the pages singed my fingers!! I loved that Dahlia was a fierce momma bear for her son. Great read!! I hope that Trey is able to continue maturing to be a better father for Beckett.
So I kind of read So Close by Renee Regent and the rest of the Love Grows Series in an unorthodox way. Not in order and all over the place! I encourage you to read all of them, however you don’t have to read them in order! This story in particular is about Dahlia(who we meet in book #1), a woman who has worked hard to be where she is today, but also has been broken by her ex-husband Trey and her ex-bestfriend Levi. She cut Levi out of her life that is until she became general manager of Riverbank Lodge. Dahlia and Levi were tasked to spear-head a project, to reinvent the patio/clubhouse area in 6 weeks time to celebrate Riverbank Lodges 5 year anniversary. With betrayal come animosity that Dahlia has to learn to put behind her to see this project to success. Along the way Levi starts to break her exterior of hatred she’s had towards him the last 7 years. Are you someone who likes a story of overcoming obstacles in life for true love? If so, then this book is ABSOLUTELY for you! A gripping novel loaded with cheating, passion, and betrayal will keep you turning pages to find out what happens for Dahlia? What Happens with Levi? Where does the ex-husband Trey fall into all of this? Does Dahlia drop her walls for a chance at forever love? Renee Regent doesn’t disappoint with another story that keeps you wanting more! To have those questions above answered as well as others you may have, you need to dig in and read it till the end. Possibly in one sitting!
This book is one of my top ten favorite reads of 2021! I found myself going through just about every single emotion that one could while reading it and it was beyond refreshing! I was just blown away with how well this book was written and done. I will say the enemies to lovers, friends etc thing is normally not my cup of tea because it is a trope I have just outplayed myself on. I read it so much growing up that I felt as if I had read it all and none of them were that good anymore. This one however really took the cake and just played all the cards so right that I was sucked in and completely fell in love with it all over again. I can’t say enough good things about this book, but I won’t divulge any goods either and spoil it so I will keep this review brief with them and tell you to run and buy the whole series. All of them. This is book four of Renee Regents Love Grows Series and I have read them all so I wasn’t lost at all, and I wouldn’t imagine if you hadn’t read them all you would have issues but I would suggest reading them anyway because they are all good too! This one just happens to be my favorite. Dahlia and Levi will rip you apart, make you mad, like scream at your kindle and get weird looks from your family mad, and then they will slowly put you back together again and make you fall in love with love again. What more could you want in a romance novel? Go one-click today!
Dahlia has finally gotten a break since her divorce from her son’s father, Trey. Promoted to General Manager of Riverbank Lodge, her boss has assigned her the task of setting up a 2-day event for the lodge’s fifth anniversary. She has 6 weeks to accomplish this, but there is one catch. The Pavilion had to be built for the party, and the contractor was Levi Vance. Levi used to be her best friend since childhood, but after discovering Trey was cheating on her at her birthday party, she had avoided seeing him. Levi was Trey’s friend and had known of Trey’s infidelity. Levi had not gotten over severing his connection with Dahlia, and he was determined to rectify the situation. Both had once had strong feelings for one another, but the timing had never been right; with this in mind, he wasn’t going to allow the estranged relationship continue.
Renee Regent wrote a nail-biting romance novel with the right balance of conflict and character development. There were moments when I thought Dahlia was ultimately going to pack her bags and run away from Levi. I liked her devotion to parenting her son and how Levi developed a deep connection with him. Trey was despicable, and the twist added into his character threw me for a loop. The execution of the end is flawless, and I would recommend this 5-star novel to any romance novel lover. There are a couple of explicit scenes, so this isn’t appropriate for youthful readers.
I really enjoyed this story. Its got a slight twist on a friends to lovers story because inbetween our couple goes from friends to enemies. The author does an amazing job with her characters that you can't help falling in love with the pair of them. You can feel all the emotion and affection between them.
Levi and Dehlia were best friends. Always there for each other. Both had romantic feelings for the other but nothing came of it. Their friendship was really special until an event involving Dehlia's ex husband torn them apart. Levi never got to explain his side of events and because of that Dehlia cut him off completely.
Now years later they are forced to work together on a project for Dehlia's work. Dehlia is guarded and trying to protect herself and her heart but she can't deny the feelings still run strong. Levi has never stopped loving her and is now making it his mission to prove to her how right they are for each other.
After so many heartbreaks can Dehlia let anyone in again? Will Levi be able to regain the trust he had with Dehlia or is the pain still to much for them both to heal.
I walk into the room and their he is the past that I left behind and did not look back, but I have always had a soft spot for him but will he feel the same way.
Dahlia is living life but when a blast from her past walks in and they have to work together on a project can she be professional or will the anger from her past make it impossible to work, concentrate or even keep her heart in check.
Levi has never really got over her, she was his everything but he let her down and was not there when she needed him the most, what will happen when they have to put their difference behind them and work on this project. Can his heart survive?
I loved this story, it grabbed from the first words this couple is a lovely banter and chemistry which jumps off the page. I thought that the character of Dahlia was such a strong female character that knew who she was and was not willing to comprise her values. The character of Levi was a perfect character to enhance both characters.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I can't wait to read other books in this series and by this author.
So Close Love Grows Series Book 4 A Best Friend To Enemies to Lovers Romance By Renee Regent ☆☆☆☆☆ This is a fully loaded Contemporary Romance. I recommend reading the full series, you'll enjoy them all. Dahlia Perez is a single mom of a seven year old son. She is working herself up the work ladder, and is doing her best to prove she can. Her divorce was not in her plans and neither was losing her best Friend Levi. Dahlia and Levi have known each other since they were very young. They did everything together, trusted each other and were always there for each other. That is until the day they weren't. Now working together was not what Dahlia needed or wanted. Levi on the other hand wants to be heard. Can these two work together and complete the job set before them? Renee Regent has written this contemporary love story. She describes her characters flawlessly. So much so you feel like you have met them before. I love the strength Dahlia shows, she does not let things stand In her way. Not even a man, gorgeous and all can stop her from completing her task. This was a non-stop page turner. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. Well Done Renee Regent! Well Done!
This is my favorite story by this author. There is drama and action and the characters have real world problems to overcome. This also is a triangle style that I have not read before. That alone made this intriguing on how the author handled this situation.
I really enjoyed these characters and storyline. They made me smile and I easily identified with them. I loved each of their jobs. Levi’s especially is very different and interesting. That is something that makes a book stand out to me. The uniqueness of the characters and plot.
The only thing I felt was iffy in here is the complete turn around of one character. This person is combative, full of their self and showy. I just couldn’t see that type of person showing tears and all of a sudden…nice. Maybe as time goes by..changes could occur…like the epilogue..that fits. I think I looked at all these characters as “real world” and I forgot they are fictional and can do anything. Anyway this is a blip in an otherwise wonderful story.
This is not my first book by this author but I feel it is her best. The story moves along at a good pace and I was drawn Into these lives. This is well rounded and I enjoyed it.
Dahlia and Levi used to be joined at the hip. But these once best friends turned into enemies because of something unforgivable that happened between Dahlia, her ex husband and Levi.
The story opens years after that fallout and sees Dahlia finally having her life on track, the way she wants it. But fate has other plans as it throws Levi back in her radar.
I adore the obvious love and affection they have for each other even when they are fighting it. It is truly wonderful to have a love that holds fast through all these trials. And the way it was built on a friendship of years and years is definitely a dream most people have. It is a very relatable story and easily a love that most readers would yearn for.
The storyline was a little slow for me and there were some unnecessary elements to the plot. The ending felt a little bit rushed and too convenient, in that reactions may not be as mellow in real life. But overall, it was a good book. An HEA with likeable lead characters.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So Close: A Best Friends To Enemies to Lovers Romance is book four in the Love Grows series by Renee Regent. As far as friends to lovers stories go, this one ranked very high. Also add in the enemies drama, which made this book almost impossible to put down. The interaction between characters was seamless and even though there were many battles, the connection was undeniable and the chemistry was incredibly steamy. The heartbreak was brutal and the sense of betrayal palpable. Dahlia and Levi were a couple that should never have been. Their history was marred with tears and a lack of trust, but they fought their demons and won. Their strength was admirable and the willingness to eventually forgive provided a gripping and seductively structured masterpiece. I truly felt every struggle this couple battled through. Their ending was hard fought and so very passionate. In my eyes, a near perfect story. Stunning in its complexity, beautiful in it's conclusion. This one will definitely be worth many re-reads. 5 stars.
This was an enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance with a friends to lovers storyline but with a twist. I was hooked from start to finish by this heartwarming romance which had plenty of drama in the plot along with the romance to keep me happily turning the pages. Dahlia And Levi were best friends as children and even though Dahlia had a teenage crush on Levi they remained friends until they became enemies. Now after seven years the pair are reunited by a work project and although Dahlia is determined to keep it professional, Levi has other ideas. Levi never meant to hurt Dahlia, after all she’s the only woman he’s ever loved and now they have met up again he’s determined to win back her trust and become more than just friends. I was fully immersed in this story and found both main characters to be likeable and relatable and I enjoyed seeing how their relationship changed and developed through the years. Although book four in the ‘Love Grows Series’ it can be read as a standalone story, however I have enjoyed each novel in this series and recommend them all as great reads.
I have read every book in this series and I just loved them all. I don’t know which couple I love more. The characters are well written and amazing and the things that they over come in this story made them feel real. The story line is different and amazing.
Can best friends turned enemies finally become lovers? Well, we will find out reading the story of Levi and Dahlia. They were best friends as kids, and she crushed on him hard when we were teens. But they never crossed the line Levi was always there when she needed him until she thought he betrayed her. Seven years have passed since that horrible night. Levi has regret hurting Dahlia the only woman he has ever loved. He never got to explain what happened she just cut him out of her life. Now fate has intervened and they are forced to work together on a project. Can they keep it professional? Will Dahlia forgive Levi? When the project is over will they walk away from each other? You will need to read this story to find out…. Tracy @tracym
So Close by Renee Regent is book four of the Love Grows series. This is a best friends to enemies to lovers romance and I loved every minute of it!
Dahlia worked so hard to get promoted to general manager so she’s not going to do anything to risk that. So when her first big project requires she work closely with her ex-best friend, she has to work hard for patience. Working so close with Levi is a dangerous game, the more time they spend together but she’s determined to keep him at arms length. Levi knows he messed up but he just needs a chance to explain. Working with Dahlia every day is a special kind of torture. He wants to break through the wall she built to protect herself but it’s not as easy as it would seem. Will Dahlia let her guard down and trust Levi again or are the destined to be ex-best friends?
I really enjoyed this book. Levi is determined but Dahlia is strong and independent. These characters meshed very well together and I enjoyed their chemistry!
This is the fourth book in this series which I enjoyed just as much as the first book I read. This is an author that I have enjoyed from the first book that I picked up. She writes with a lot of heart and her attention to details give the story a realistic feel. This book is no different. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the beginning by the characters. They are connectable and made the story easy and fun to read. I had a hard time putting this book down. This is a story about a couple that were best friends then over one situation they become enemies but is it possible that they could become more to each other? Will they forgive, learn to trust to find a happily ever after? I enjoyed watching the growth and chemistry between Dahlia and Levi. They truly made the story for me. I really enjoyed what they brought to the story. This is worth the pick up and I highly recommend it.
This was my first time reading a book by Renee Regent but it won't be my last! I became a quick fan of her writing style in "So Close: A Best Friends To Enemies to Lovers Romance." This is the fourth book in Regent's " Love Grows" series but it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel as well. Regent creates a wonderful world where we can escape and enjoy the chemistry between Levi and Dahlia. The format for the story is the classic friends to lovers which are saved from being trite with Regent's treatment of the characters, writing style, and layered plot development. There is added drama between characters which creates tension and keeps the storyline moving at a rhythmic pace. The romance is steamy without being overly obtrusive to the story. Regent uses just the right amount of "everything" to keep her audience intrigued to the last word on the final page of this book. Definitely worth getting close to!
So Close is the 4th book in Renee Regent's Love Grows series, but the first one I have read. It is for sure a stand alone book, and worth the read. It sounds like the first book has over lapping characters, so I look forward to reading that next. The story alternates narrators, back and forth between the main 2 characters. Dahlia and Levi were best friends as kids, then had a big falling out. They hadn't talked in 7 years, and now have to work side by side for a huge project for them both. Things will go really good, or really badly. Both are nervous to have to work together, and Dahlia has a lot on the line. She just got a big promotion at work, and is trying to prove herself. She doesn't want her personal life's drama spread at work. And as much as she misses Levi, she holds a major grudge. Can Levi crack through her ice exterior, and get back his best friend and love of his life? Read the book and see!
Renee Regent is a great author. I stumbled upon one of her books a while ago and ever since, she has been a go-to author for me. This book definitely will not disappoint. Dahlia has been promoted and within 24 hours her past comes barreling into her present. She has worked hard for this promotion and she won’t let anything get in the way. Levi and Dahlia were best friends growing up. They both had feelings for eachother but their friendship meant so much to them and never let those feelings out. When Dahlia see Levi at her job and realizes what he’s doing there, she doesn’t know what to do. She hasn’t seen or spoken to Levi in almost a decade. Now she has to work closely with him and be his point of contact for the next 6 weeks. Will she be able to remain mad at Levi or will he break down her walls and make her understand.
Such a great read. Today was a super emotional day for me and reading this made it worse lol.
So Close was a good 4 star read. Dahlia worked hard to get a promotion at her job. After getting promoted she is put in charge of the new building project. When she finds out who she will be working with she is not thrilled at all. She hasn’t seen him in years.
Levi was surprised to see that he would be working with Dahlia. He’s hoping that maybe he can finally get a chance to talk to her and explain his actions. She does a pretty good job at trying to keep things professional but he won’t have that. Her walls start to come down and her old feelings are definitely there.
Will she finally listen to what Levi has to say? Can they have a future together?
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t wait to find out the truth right along with Dahlia. The connection between these two was great. I enjoyed watching them reconnect. If you're looking for a good read, 1-click and get started today on this book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series
It’s been a while since I read a book by this author so I was really excited to pick her newest release and I wasn’t disappointed. I love a friends to lover story, I like to see how the relationship progresses and it always feel mor genuine and realistic as well. I liked that this book wasn’t just friends to lovers there was the enemies bit thrown in too. I love Ms Regents writing it’s a pleasure to read, the pace and flow are always good. Dahlia and Levi’s relationship has definitely had its ups and downs but I could feel this genuine connection between them. I really enjoyed reading their story. Although it’s the fourth book in this series it can easily be read as a standalone which is what I did – I definitely would like to read the others too. I would certainly recommend So Close to other readers.
5 Stars So Close (Love Grows Series Book 4) by Renee Regent
So Close is the fourth book in the Love Grows series by Renee Regent. This is a best friends to enemies to lovers romance that will pull you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go till the end. I absolutely loved reading this book so much I read in one day. Dahlia and Levi were once best friends but after one horrible night it’s been seven years and now she finds herself working with him on a project. Levi knows he messed up and just wants to explain but she wont have. She’s trying to keep her distance and he’s trying to close it. Can she trust him? Can they get their chance at more than being ex best friends? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review
This is Book 4, in the Love Grows series ♥️ I really enjoyed this sweet story!! Dahlia and Levi were fantastic together. They had such chemistry and a beautiful history, that ended badly. I was really rooting for Dahlia and Levi, when they found their way back to each other, but they definitely had to work through what was broken between them Dahlia has gotten a promotion at work, but her first big project has her working closely with her ex best friend, Levi. They were really close, until there was a betrayal. Levi desperately wants to mend things, but Dahlia has put up walls, and is trying to keep him at arms length. Although the walls Dahlia has raised, to guard her heart, just might come crumbling down…..Whether she wants them to or not I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 💙
This is a great contemporary romance read and my first from Author Renee Regent but will definitely not be my last. Dahlia and Levi grew up together and were best friends. After a falling out, Dahlia felt betrayed by Levi and has not spoken to him in years. After Dahlia receives a promotion at work, her boss has Dahlia work with a contractor to get ready for a big party, and that contractor ends up being Levi. Growing up, Levi and Dahlia had a crush on each other but their feelings were never revealed. When Dahlia and Levi start working together, at first, it had to stay strictly professional. Dahlia was still hurt and angry from the past betrayal she felt with Levi. After working together for a few weeks, slowly the walls come down and Levi and Dahlia go from best friends to lovers. This story is fantastic and I truly enjoyed each character. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
So Close is the 4th book in the Love Grows series by Renee Regent. The story follows single parent Dahlia, who has recently been promoted into her dream job role at the resort she works at and Levi, who has been hired to work with Dahlia on a time sensitive project. The only issue is that the pair already have a touchy history, from being best friends as children up until they became enemies 7 years ago. The pair had never admitted how they truly felt about each other. When they do finally reconnect, the question is will they be able to rebuild the trust that Dahlia feels was broken and will the other people in their lives let them succeed. This is an enjoyable contemporary romance, ideal for people who enjoy a second chance/friends to lovers’ romance. The characters are written well, and the author does a good job of immersing you in the scene.
So Close (Love Grows Series Book 4) by Renee Regent
5 Stars
This is officially my favorite of the series. It had me feeling every emotion possible and I literally read this in one afternoon because I could not put it down.
I cried, I laughed, I got so angry, I had those amazing “How Sweet '' moments, and I can not wait to read this again. I love this whole series and although they can each be read as standalones, I recommend reading them all as characters from other books do show up throughout.
I love Best Friend stories, especially ones like this that are full of history and pull at your heartstrings. I'm also a sucker for an awesome twist, even if it causes me to want to throw and stomp on my kindle.
I loved this and as I've said before in other reviews, I will absolutely read all of these again.
This is the 4th book in the Love Grow Series, but the first one I read. Can be read as a standalone. I did not feel like I was missing anything by not reading the previous books. I do like her writing style and want to go back and read the others though. This is the story of Dahlia Perez and Levi Vance. They grew up next door to each other, had crushes on each other, but the time never seemed right. They were never single at the same time. Dahlia has married and divorced. A strain on her and Levi’s relationship has made her avoid him for seven years. Now he is back and she can’t avoid him. Can her heart melt enough to let him back in? Can he say the right words to get her to forgive him? This was a great feel-good love story that showed that even though we make mistakes, sometimes we are lucky enough to fix them.
So Close: A Best Friends to Enemies to Lovers Romance by Renee Regent is the fourth book in the Love Grows series. This is a well written story that hooked me right from the start. I am a sucker for any time of enemies to lovers romance, even better if they started as friends! So when I saw this next book in the series I knew immediately I had to read it. I absolutely love Dahlia and Levi. I seemed to connect with both of these characters immediately and really wanted to see how things would work for them. They had everything going for them - chemistry, history, drama. I just thought they were so enjoyable to read about. This book is definitely my favourite one of the series so far and is a book I might have to do a re-read of sooner rather than later!
So Close (Love Grows Series Book 4) by Renee Regent. This has been such a good series and this book was a favorite. Its the story of Dahlia who has been best friends with Levi Vance since they were teenagers. They were always together and always loved each other but never acted on it. One night it all blows up and Dahila is done and won't even let Levi explain what happened. Dahila being a young single mother to Beckett he is her biggest responsibility so she focuses all her energy into him and her job. 7 years after her fallout from Levi circumstances bring him back into her life. He is now working with Dahila and he is determined to get her back and not just as a friend. Levi won't take no for an answer. Will Levi be able to get Dahila to drop her walls? Read So Clos to find out!