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Blacklist #1
So Close
From the No 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of the Crossfire saga comes the beginning of a twisty tale of obsession and fury, as a trinity of women protect what they covet at any cost.
You can't believe all of them, but can you trust any of them?
Widower Kane Black remains ruinously married to his late wife, Lily. Grief has hollowed him ... until he sees a woman with his wife's inimitable beauty on Manhattan's streets. He whisks her up to his towering penthouse, protectively guarded, nestling her in dark opulence where Lily's memory is a possessive, beguiling force.
Aliyah, Kane's mother, deals in science. There are too many questions, too few answers, and too much at stake. "Lily" has dangerous control over Kane and there can be only one queen on this throne.
Amy, Kane's sister-in-law, has been bloodied by deceit and betrayal, and she's devolving into murderous rage. She's paid too high a price and now intends to claim what she's owed.
Three women, linked by buried secrets, circle the man who unquestioningly accepts the return of his beloved long-dead wife. Kane is happier than he's ever been, and he'll do anything to stay that way.
A lushly gothic novel of domestic suspense, So Close is an emotionally intense and scorchingly sensual story of love, greed and ambition from multimillion-copy international bestseller Sylvia Day.
You can't believe all of them, but can you trust any of them?
Widower Kane Black remains ruinously married to his late wife, Lily. Grief has hollowed him ... until he sees a woman with his wife's inimitable beauty on Manhattan's streets. He whisks her up to his towering penthouse, protectively guarded, nestling her in dark opulence where Lily's memory is a possessive, beguiling force.
Aliyah, Kane's mother, deals in science. There are too many questions, too few answers, and too much at stake. "Lily" has dangerous control over Kane and there can be only one queen on this throne.
Amy, Kane's sister-in-law, has been bloodied by deceit and betrayal, and she's devolving into murderous rage. She's paid too high a price and now intends to claim what she's owed.
Three women, linked by buried secrets, circle the man who unquestioningly accepts the return of his beloved long-dead wife. Kane is happier than he's ever been, and he'll do anything to stay that way.
A lushly gothic novel of domestic suspense, So Close is an emotionally intense and scorchingly sensual story of love, greed and ambition from multimillion-copy international bestseller Sylvia Day.
376 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2023
1062 people are currently reading
26534 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Day
121 books122k followersAcclaimed for her signature emotionally charged storytelling and the psychological complexity of her characters, Sylvia Day is a number one bestselling author in twenty-nine countries, with translations in forty-one languages and over twenty million copies of her books in print. Day is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, #1 Sunday Times, #1 Globe and Mail, #1 Der Spiegel, and #1 international bestselling author of over twenty award-winning novels, including six Sunday Times, ten New York Times and thirteen USA Today bestsellers. Visit the author at sylviaday.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 684 reviews
March 17, 2023
the wait for this book has been a long one, but it was soooo worth it.
i am loving this new look of storytelling for SD. the psychological suspense is a great addition to her usual romance narratives. it creates a story full of high stakes and palpable tension. every single character is suspicious and it definitely keeps the readers on their toes.
between all the mystery, obsession, and power plays, i was easily hooked. cant wait for the sequel!
thank you, ronin house, for the ARC!
↠ 4 stars
i am loving this new look of storytelling for SD. the psychological suspense is a great addition to her usual romance narratives. it creates a story full of high stakes and palpable tension. every single character is suspicious and it definitely keeps the readers on their toes.
between all the mystery, obsession, and power plays, i was easily hooked. cant wait for the sequel!
thank you, ronin house, for the ARC!
↠ 4 stars
November 16, 2022
DONT READ THE SNIPPET TEASER BECAUSE IT WILL MAKE YOU SAD AND DAMN DESPERATE FOR THE BOOK
IS THERE ANY CHANCE WE CAN GET THIS LATE 2016???
EDIT: UUUUGGHHH SO IT FIRST SAID IT'D BE 2017 BUT NOW IT'S LATE 2018???? YA KILLIN MEEEE
I NEED THISSSS
EDIT: THE DATE IS STILL NOT ANNOUNCED??????????????
Edit: damn it is MID 2018 and still not a peep????
edit: wow y'all, it's really been 2.5 years and still nothing.............
Edit: in 3 months it'll be 2020 and still crickets wow
Edit: It's currently 2020 February...... Nearly 4 years........it's time to accept we never getting this book
Edit: it's 2021 babes....... we never getting this
Edit: are my eyes deceiving me? Do I dare trust again or am I too burned? After 8 long years……
IS THERE ANY CHANCE WE CAN GET THIS LATE 2016???
EDIT: UUUUGGHHH SO IT FIRST SAID IT'D BE 2017 BUT NOW IT'S LATE 2018???? YA KILLIN MEEEE
I NEED THISSSS
EDIT: THE DATE IS STILL NOT ANNOUNCED??????????????
Edit: damn it is MID 2018 and still not a peep????
edit: wow y'all, it's really been 2.5 years and still nothing.............
Edit: in 3 months it'll be 2020 and still crickets wow
Edit: It's currently 2020 February...... Nearly 4 years........it's time to accept we never getting this book
Edit: it's 2021 babes....... we never getting this
Edit: are my eyes deceiving me? Do I dare trust again or am I too burned? After 8 long years……
October 29, 2023
This is not your typical romance....
That's what Sylvia said and that's what I was a bit worried about. Also the blurb worried me - so as a romance lover - I was a bit scared to start reading. But I was also super excited to get something new from Sylvia, because I was such a huge Crossfire fan.
And then I started reading.
At first I thought. Okay. The writing is kinda beautiful but also a bit weird. She uses soo many big words. I gave up googling them after a couple.
And then ... it gets weirder. We get multiple POVs. The butler. The mom. The sister in law. The ex-dead-wife.
But we don't get to hear Kane Black's POV.
And I guess that's the thing. The not-so-typical-romance thing. We're not supposed to know if we should love him as our hero.
Because nobody knows what happened to his wife six years ago.
And we only get to hear all the others talk about him and what they think.
Which is a super way of building up the mystery and to confuse the reader even more.
I can't say I love-love-loved the book. Especially coming after Gideon Cross. I'm a romance girl. I want to love the hero.
But I also didn't hate it. Not at all. I still tried to love Kane and hoped that he's the good or rather the not-so-bad bad guy in this book!
Maybe to wrap the book all up into an explainable vision for you ...
Imagine ... if you will ... an 8 to 12 episode Netflix show in a beautiful setting in New York City with the most stunning buildings and offices and apartments and furniture. Living and working there is the cast of this book. Again extremely beautiful and intriguing people. The Husband. The ex-dead Wife. The Mother. The Sister-in-law. The Butler. And the two younger brothers and sister. And of course the Gideon and Eva Cross cameos.
And then imagine yourself watching the first episode.
40 minutes of beautiful scenery and people and script and words and just everything.
But. By the end of the first episode you are not one bit closer to uncovering any mysteries or any anything basically. You're just as confused as you were going in. And the same will happen with every single episode. You're not guessing anything. You're not understanding a thing. You're confused. And you will be until the last second of the last episode. And maybe even longer - because there will be a second book. So I imagine any Netflix show will have a cliffhanging season finale too.
But. Through all those confusing hours and through all the gymnastics your brain is doing while watching.... you still love it all. So much. Kinda. No idea why though. You should hate it. Nobody is telling you anything. Not the truth anyway. But still. You're fascinated.
The end.
Any more questions?
😂
I think Sylvia created an amazing world here.
I might not love it like I would have loved an amazing and sweet romance, but I appreciate it and I cherish it and I will probably never forget it.
I can tell you that we don't have a super cliffhanging cliffy. But there's SO much more left to uncover and to unmystify. Just a lot more to tell. Can't wait to read TOO FAR in October!
And if this does not appear on Netflix anytime soon - I don't know what's wrong with people!
Please read this book. Even if you might be mad at Sylivia for letting us wait for so many years. Even if you might want to stop somewhere along the first chapters. It's worth it. Somehow. Kind of. No idea why. But try it. 😁
With - SO CLOSE - Sylvia Day created such a beautifully written and mysterious and sexy and weird and exciting and suspenseful and complicated and confusing world - you won't know what's what for most of it - and that's just the most amazing place to be while reading a book! Run to your nearest bookseller before it's all sold out!
💜
💜
April 1, 2023
I was something similar to Crossfire but it was different that I was surprised. Multiple female PoVs and a touch of mystery. Quite engaging in the start but I think the end was hurried and needed some more finishing. Good that there is another book to answer my questions because I have some about some characters and their motives.
May 4, 2023
Honestly Sylvia. What TF are you doing?? First you said 2017. Now 2018???
Can you sit down and write this book. I dunno.... like what an AUTHOR would do.
Or do you have more book tours to go on ?
Smh.
EDIT:June 2020 and still nothing. Why are we still supporting her???
EDIT: finally an update. March 2023…. Only 5 years later LOL🙄
EDIT: after seeing all the bad reviews I can’t even be bothered to read this. Perhaps she used a ghost writer because phew! That writing has gotten bad!!
Can you sit down and write this book. I dunno.... like what an AUTHOR would do.
Or do you have more book tours to go on ?
Smh.
EDIT:June 2020 and still nothing. Why are we still supporting her???
EDIT: finally an update. March 2023…. Only 5 years later LOL🙄
EDIT: after seeing all the bad reviews I can’t even be bothered to read this. Perhaps she used a ghost writer because phew! That writing has gotten bad!!
January 7, 2023
~ Quick Summary ~
- Kane lost his wife 6 years ago, but one day sees a woman who looks exactly like her and takes her home.
- Family drama. Kane’s mother Aliyah and his sister in law Amy - fight to take control of the company.
~ Pick this up if you enjoy/don’t mind the following ~
🤼 Multiple POVs: Lily, Witte, Amy and Aliya
Lily - The woman that Kane brought home
Witte - Kane’s head butler (I forgot the proper name)?
Amy - Wants to be Lily
Aliyah - Trying to take control of the company
🕮 Darker/mysterious tone
🌶️ Spice
🎭 Drama , romance and a hint of mystery
~ What I enjoyed ~
I initally liked the writing and how the characters were described, it was very rich. They sounded very enigmatic and mysyerious. I wanted to know who everyone was.
I was interested in Lily, Kane and their complex relationship.
~ What I didn’t enjoy ~
Majority of this (70%) felt very slow, I couldn’t get into it. I didn’t like any of the characters and I lost interest around the mystery of Lily because it dragged and the focus was more on the drama. I didn’t like the reveal because
I didn't enjoy Amy’s and Alyiah’s point of view because their chapters felt soapy, trying to one up each other. I just wanted to know more about Lily, Kane’s obsession and their relationship but I had to get through other chapters.
There was too much mention about how sensual the characters were. I liked it at first, but it got repetitive.
This line made me raise an eyebrow. I thought I was reading a fantasy novel with fae or wolves. “If I can also trigger his mating instincts, even better”.
Thanks NetGalley and Smith Publicity for the ARC.
- Kane lost his wife 6 years ago, but one day sees a woman who looks exactly like her and takes her home.
- Family drama. Kane’s mother Aliyah and his sister in law Amy - fight to take control of the company.
~ Pick this up if you enjoy/don’t mind the following ~
🤼 Multiple POVs: Lily, Witte, Amy and Aliya
Lily - The woman that Kane brought home
Witte - Kane’s head butler (I forgot the proper name)?
Amy - Wants to be Lily
Aliyah - Trying to take control of the company
🕮 Darker/mysterious tone
🌶️ Spice
🎭 Drama , romance and a hint of mystery
~ What I enjoyed ~
I initally liked the writing and how the characters were described, it was very rich. They sounded very enigmatic and mysyerious. I wanted to know who everyone was.
I was interested in Lily, Kane and their complex relationship.
~ What I didn’t enjoy ~
Majority of this (70%) felt very slow, I couldn’t get into it. I didn’t like any of the characters and I lost interest around the mystery of Lily because it dragged and the focus was more on the drama. I didn’t like the reveal because
I didn't enjoy Amy’s and Alyiah’s point of view because their chapters felt soapy, trying to one up each other. I just wanted to know more about Lily, Kane’s obsession and their relationship but I had to get through other chapters.
There was too much mention about how sensual the characters were. I liked it at first, but it got repetitive.
This line made me raise an eyebrow. I thought I was reading a fantasy novel with fae or wolves. “If I can also trigger his mating instincts, even better”.
Thanks NetGalley and Smith Publicity for the ARC.
March 4, 2019
This is unacceptable, we have been waiting for 3 years for this book, that at this point I don't care anymore. The reason that I am taking my time to rant about this issue is because so many believe that there is lack of "communication" between Mrs. Day and her fans. She hasn't explained the reasons for the delay just a generic message that the book will be announced in the last stages of production. However, Mrs. Day should take a moment to explain in detail why she hasn't published anything. Hell, tell us that you had a massive writer's block and your fans will understand it. Or an issue with the editorial, anything, but show us a little respect. Instead of posting pictures of your purses, make an IG live where you can have a direct conversation with your fans. That's all we want, an explanation. Personally, I love Mrs. Day's books and I have spent my money on her books. I just want a little of appreciation from the author we all love. That's all.
April 3, 2023
🌑 Update April 3 2023
I can’t believe this is the same author who has written my most favourite characters Mr and Mrs Cross!! I totally refuse to believe. This is officially the most boring book ever. I hate the way it is written. Come on girl seriously I don’t need bodyguard’s POV or the sister-in-law or the mother’s POV throughout the book!!
Where is Kane’s perspective ?
This book isn’t for me.
Updating September 2, 2020
I mean is it a joke ?
if it is then it is not at all funny!!!
4 Years????
seriously dude ???
4 years have been passed since the god damn teaser!!!!!
I mean why the heck will you leave your audience hanging like that?
not reading anything of hers untill Blacklist series comes out
I am sorry
19 December; 2019
I mean Hurry up????
At least come up with it in 2020?
I can’t believe this is the same author who has written my most favourite characters Mr and Mrs Cross!! I totally refuse to believe. This is officially the most boring book ever. I hate the way it is written. Come on girl seriously I don’t need bodyguard’s POV or the sister-in-law or the mother’s POV throughout the book!!
Where is Kane’s perspective ?
This book isn’t for me.
Updating September 2, 2020
I mean is it a joke ?
if it is then it is not at all funny!!!
4 Years????
seriously dude ???
4 years have been passed since the god damn teaser!!!!!
I mean why the heck will you leave your audience hanging like that?
not reading anything of hers untill Blacklist series comes out
I am sorry
19 December; 2019
I mean Hurry up????
At least come up with it in 2020?
January 9, 2023
DNF @50%
I have no idea what I just read.
Not a fan of the writing. The story was all over the place and confusing. I ended up zoning out countless times. I would reread the same chapters over and over again, but nothing stuck. I didn't have this much issue with her other novels.
**I would like to thank NetGalley, Sylvia Day (the author), and Rōnin House for graciously sending me an ARC to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.**
I have no idea what I just read.
Not a fan of the writing. The story was all over the place and confusing. I ended up zoning out countless times. I would reread the same chapters over and over again, but nothing stuck. I didn't have this much issue with her other novels.
**I would like to thank NetGalley, Sylvia Day (the author), and Rōnin House for graciously sending me an ARC to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.**
March 30, 2023
4.5 stars
Well this was interestingly different. I wasn’t sure i would like it going in but I enjoyed every minute of it, even the very confusing parts lol. Seriously, it had me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. This wa blink and miss a subplot kind of book. Can’t wait for the next book.
Well this was interestingly different. I wasn’t sure i would like it going in but I enjoyed every minute of it, even the very confusing parts lol. Seriously, it had me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. This wa blink and miss a subplot kind of book. Can’t wait for the next book.
January 17, 2023
OMG this story is like none other!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This story is so worth waiting for! Twists and turns, weaving the truth and lies in a tangled web. Impassioned and freaking hot! How does that grab you?
This book has everything you can think of in it. Amazing characterization with characters you want to love and those you love to hate. Day balances good with evil and sometimes you cannot tell who is good, but you can definitely see some evil going on!
I went through so many emotions with this one. Painful heartache; intense steam and passion with descriptions that take your breath away. You feel like you are right inside the pages with them. Happiness and joy; fear, desperation, and uncertainty. She grabs you and throws some huge unexpected twists your way!
I could sit here and continue to gush, but let me say that if you have missed the Crossfire vibe, this book is fire! Day captures the reader completely with her impassioned writing that spins you right into the obsessive compulsion of this family tree!
I cannot wait for book two!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/so-close-by-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This story is so worth waiting for! Twists and turns, weaving the truth and lies in a tangled web. Impassioned and freaking hot! How does that grab you?
This book has everything you can think of in it. Amazing characterization with characters you want to love and those you love to hate. Day balances good with evil and sometimes you cannot tell who is good, but you can definitely see some evil going on!
I went through so many emotions with this one. Painful heartache; intense steam and passion with descriptions that take your breath away. You feel like you are right inside the pages with them. Happiness and joy; fear, desperation, and uncertainty. She grabs you and throws some huge unexpected twists your way!
I could sit here and continue to gush, but let me say that if you have missed the Crossfire vibe, this book is fire! Day captures the reader completely with her impassioned writing that spins you right into the obsessive compulsion of this family tree!
I cannot wait for book two!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/so-close-by-...
Want to read
January 3, 2023I don't understand why everyone is giving this book a bad review just because it didn't release yet. I can understand being frustrated with waiting, but giving a bad review because you're impatient is wrong and inconsiderate, and misleading. Get over yourselves and read something else in the meantime.
March 31, 2023
(Dang, original review was in 2016 lol)
UPDATE: Read this and honestly it’s a bit confusing. It didn’t go the direction I thought it would, I don’t actually even feel the hero’s obsession with his wife, I just get told that. The snippet we had at the end of the Crossfire book was stellar but the follow-up wasn’t.
Could see some Crossfire series similarities.
Lily is apparently very intelligent so the writing was made to reflect that but felt kinda contrived. Also the plot wasn’t realistic - in a bad way, because it’s supposed to be contemporary. And believe me, I love fantasy so I’m def ok with unrealistic lol.
I think the story got too confusing, the author kept adding to the plot and simpler would’ve been better. Regardless, I am quite curious about the next installment and will read it.
Original review (5 april 2016):
Really excited for this one! Judging by the excerpt at the end of "One with you", the hero is super devoted to the heroine <3
can't wait!!!!
UPDATE: Read this and honestly it’s a bit confusing. It didn’t go the direction I thought it would, I don’t actually even feel the hero’s obsession with his wife, I just get told that. The snippet we had at the end of the Crossfire book was stellar but the follow-up wasn’t.
Could see some Crossfire series similarities.
Lily is apparently very intelligent so the writing was made to reflect that but felt kinda contrived. Also the plot wasn’t realistic - in a bad way, because it’s supposed to be contemporary. And believe me, I love fantasy so I’m def ok with unrealistic lol.
I think the story got too confusing, the author kept adding to the plot and simpler would’ve been better. Regardless, I am quite curious about the next installment and will read it.
Original review (5 april 2016):
Really excited for this one! Judging by the excerpt at the end of "One with you", the hero is super devoted to the heroine <3
can't wait!!!!
June 7, 2018
Wow they first starting promoting this in 2014, 3 years later and nada. Perhaps Ms. Day should return to writing instead of constantly posting where she is and return to what made her popular to begin with. No wants to wait 3-4 years on a book. Ridiculous
April 18, 2019
What the ever-loving hell is going on with Day and this book? I just reread the Crossfire series (which itself has a torturous release history), then read the teaser for this book again, which I'd completely forgotten about. Thinking, well 5 years has passed, she's surely released both books by now, I checked. Nope. Nada. Yet she's still doing author events all over!
This marks the end of my support for an author who doesn't give two shits about her readers.
This marks the end of my support for an author who doesn't give two shits about her readers.
April 5, 2023
I loved the Crossfire Series but this is not it. I believe this is the author's first foray into the thriller genre and she should kindly exit the building. At no point does the plot make sense and then the second half of the book happens, its a large WTF? Also why is the Lily character written in 2nd person but everyone else is 1st? All of her chapters took me out of the book and made it really hard to get back into the plot. I almost think this was written for AO3 by a kid in middle school but I've read those before and they were much better then this dumpster fire. I don't see how this took almost 9 years to write when it seems like she pulled this out of her ass but here we are. Sylvia please go back to the romance genre and give us another Crossfire.
Update 04/05/23: I originally started this book by listening to the audiobook and that was a mistake. The person doing the narration for Aliyah was truly terrible and I had to switch to the kindle. I mean it did not get any better but at least I didn't have that voice in my head.
Update 04/05/23: I originally started this book by listening to the audiobook and that was a mistake. The person doing the narration for Aliyah was truly terrible and I had to switch to the kindle. I mean it did not get any better but at least I didn't have that voice in my head.
October 24, 2023
This review has two parts: One
with Spoilers
and one
without Spoilers.
⚪️ SPOILER FREE REVIEW
So Close by Sylvia Day comes soooo close to actually being decent. I grew up on Gideon and Eva. In fact, I've read those books so much that even to this day, I remember every event that happened in all of those books. I have been waiting for this book since 2017... and for it to completely fall short? I am actually disappointed.
First I wanna say that in Crossfire we have a scorned woman in the name of Deanna Johnson who was left behind after Cross was done using her and she come back for revenge. I actually respected Deanna. In this book, my goodness, the women are sooo badly portrayed that this actually strengthens my idea that this is an embellished version of a soap opera. There is no better way to put it.
Although the thought of a wife cooling her heels while I enjoy her husband arouses me, the mention of haste takes that small pleasure away. The mother-in-law, the classical villain trying to tear the two MC apart just because she doesn't want to share the family fortune. More proof -> Is there no privacy between them? No secrets? There must be something, or I will never be able to break them apart.
These are the thoughts of the sister-in-law who in other reviews have CONFIRMED that has slept with Kane.
Gideon’s hand has slid down to the curve of Eva’s hip, which sways as she walks.
He’s got to have a dick the size of my pinky, and her breast implants probably slosh like a waterbed when he rams his tiny cock into her.
I smile, picturing it.
Yep, I feel better already.
This woman blatantly derives pleasure from wishing and wanting harm on another woman. The woman in question is Eva who just complimented Amy (sister-in-law) on her gorgeous suit. Another thing I had issue with ->
I’m sore between my legs and sticky. There’s no mistaking that I’ve had sex, but I don’t remember it. The woman was essentially r*ped. I am sorry but I cannot.... cannot determine what is worse? That this was used as a plot device? That she did not care this happened? That she is married? That this is never re-visited again? So we're back to it being used as a plot device?
She’s been a good friend to me, even though I despise her. 🤦🏻♀️
So right off the bat, in the book, Sylvia mentions this book is NOT romance but is a mystery and about 3 women and 2 of them are awfully portrayed. Lily is well Lily, I can't mention much about her without spilling into the spoiler category. So I'll save her for then.
Kane HAS slept with everything with a pulse and if that gives you the ick, I suggest not digging in. Considering it is not really addressed but also Lily has been shown laughably ok with it. At least EVA was genuine in her jealousy. Lily is so bland and her character is supposed to be this onion with multiple peels and in the end it all falls short. I felt no chemistry between the two and no reason as to why Kane was obsessed with her. In fact, she goes out of her way to be nice to the sister-in-law, which strengthens my view point that all women in the book are portrayed badly except the h.
None of this could've prepared me for the ultimate crime:
I tease you to lighten the mood, and it appears effective.
I’m as still as you are, wary now. You’re too clever. You grasp a far-reaching but correct conclusion with a tiny slip on my part. Now you’re wearing the keen look of a sniper who’s locked in on his target.
Rolling away, I move to slide off the bed. You lunge for me, yanking me back under you. The look on your face breaks my heart.
Who're you and what are you doing here? Well I am glad you asked. You are Kane. Yep the book refers to Kane (from Lily's POV) as YOU and not him or he or even they or them. But other POV like his mom, AMY, Witte make no references to you... Just Lily. I can imagine the smex 😉, can you?
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ SPOILER REVIEW ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
This book is embellished with pretty words and sparkly baubles to tell what seems to be a simple book without anything major actually happening in the book. Onto Book 2
⚪️ SPOILER FREE REVIEW
So Close by Sylvia Day comes soooo close to actually being decent. I grew up on Gideon and Eva. In fact, I've read those books so much that even to this day, I remember every event that happened in all of those books. I have been waiting for this book since 2017... and for it to completely fall short? I am actually disappointed.
First I wanna say that in Crossfire we have a scorned woman in the name of Deanna Johnson who was left behind after Cross was done using her and she come back for revenge. I actually respected Deanna. In this book, my goodness, the women are sooo badly portrayed that this actually strengthens my idea that this is an embellished version of a soap opera. There is no better way to put it.
Although the thought of a wife cooling her heels while I enjoy her husband arouses me, the mention of haste takes that small pleasure away. The mother-in-law, the classical villain trying to tear the two MC apart just because she doesn't want to share the family fortune. More proof -> Is there no privacy between them? No secrets? There must be something, or I will never be able to break them apart.
These are the thoughts of the sister-in-law who in other reviews have CONFIRMED that has slept with Kane.
Gideon’s hand has slid down to the curve of Eva’s hip, which sways as she walks.
He’s got to have a dick the size of my pinky, and her breast implants probably slosh like a waterbed when he rams his tiny cock into her.
I smile, picturing it.
Yep, I feel better already.
This woman blatantly derives pleasure from wishing and wanting harm on another woman. The woman in question is Eva who just complimented Amy (sister-in-law) on her gorgeous suit. Another thing I had issue with ->
I’m sore between my legs and sticky. There’s no mistaking that I’ve had sex, but I don’t remember it. The woman was essentially r*ped. I am sorry but I cannot.... cannot determine what is worse? That this was used as a plot device? That she did not care this happened? That she is married? That this is never re-visited again? So we're back to it being used as a plot device?
She’s been a good friend to me, even though I despise her. 🤦🏻♀️
So right off the bat, in the book, Sylvia mentions this book is NOT romance but is a mystery and about 3 women and 2 of them are awfully portrayed. Lily is well Lily, I can't mention much about her without spilling into the spoiler category. So I'll save her for then.
Kane HAS slept with everything with a pulse and if that gives you the ick, I suggest not digging in. Considering it is not really addressed but also Lily has been shown laughably ok with it. At least EVA was genuine in her jealousy. Lily is so bland and her character is supposed to be this onion with multiple peels and in the end it all falls short. I felt no chemistry between the two and no reason as to why Kane was obsessed with her. In fact, she goes out of her way to be nice to the sister-in-law, which strengthens my view point that all women in the book are portrayed badly except the h.
None of this could've prepared me for the ultimate crime:
I tease you to lighten the mood, and it appears effective.
I’m as still as you are, wary now. You’re too clever. You grasp a far-reaching but correct conclusion with a tiny slip on my part. Now you’re wearing the keen look of a sniper who’s locked in on his target.
Rolling away, I move to slide off the bed. You lunge for me, yanking me back under you. The look on your face breaks my heart.
Who're you and what are you doing here? Well I am glad you asked. You are Kane. Yep the book refers to Kane (from Lily's POV) as YOU and not him or he or even they or them. But other POV like his mom, AMY, Witte make no references to you... Just Lily. I can imagine the smex 😉, can you?
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ SPOILER REVIEW ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
This book is embellished with pretty words and sparkly baubles to tell what seems to be a simple book without anything major actually happening in the book. Onto Book 2
July 10, 2019
I have never written a review on this site before. I usually only use Goodreads to keep track on books that I want to read, and figure out when they are going to be released. But at this point, I'm done. I absolutely loved Sylvia's Crossfire series, and was beyond excited for the Blacklist duet. But when an author puts a teaser in a book for a new, and extremely anticipated series, then does ABSOLUTELY nothing regarding that series from then on...f*ck you. I don't know if I feel more annoyed or disrespected as a fan of her work. You KNOW putting that teaser in would have everyone chomping at the bit to get their hands on the new series. And then for years you give people nothing. NOTHING. No book, no release date, no explanation. And then you have the audacity to announce a new book, and AGAIN no explanation on why we keep sitting on our hands for the Blacklist series. I'm done, and I am not even going to apologize for it. You have shown zero consideration towards your readers and yet still expect them to support you in the future. After years of us spending our money to support your traveling life, we, at the very least, deserve a f*ucking explanation. Thanks for nothing.
June 10, 2023
I’ve had to dnf the audiobook. In fact, I was so angry at the terrible quality of the narration I’ve actually returned it.
The narrator for Aaliyah is dreadful, reading in a monotone like she’s reading instructions in a way that does nothing for the storytelling but what made it unacceptable was that the pace and volume of her voice was inconsistent too, like different sentences had been recorded at different times in different spaces then just spliced badly together. It was so dreadful it made it impossible to listen to and to follow what was going on. I might try the ebook but what a weird story this is, I was hoping for something more like Gideon and Eva not this odd thriller vibe, devoid of passion and likeable characters. Bummer.
The narrator for Aaliyah is dreadful, reading in a monotone like she’s reading instructions in a way that does nothing for the storytelling but what made it unacceptable was that the pace and volume of her voice was inconsistent too, like different sentences had been recorded at different times in different spaces then just spliced badly together. It was so dreadful it made it impossible to listen to and to follow what was going on. I might try the ebook but what a weird story this is, I was hoping for something more like Gideon and Eva not this odd thriller vibe, devoid of passion and likeable characters. Bummer.
August 28, 2023
The way this book had soooo much potential....
I'm still so sad it never lived up to what was promised from the teaser at the end of the Crossfire series. The Blacklist duet is more thriller/suspense than romance, and we have all different POVs EXCEPT for the hero's. The main heroine's POV is 2nd person, which was a struggle to read.
I know I'm still going to read the sequel when it releases, but I'm just not going to go into it with any expectations.
I'm still so sad it never lived up to what was promised from the teaser at the end of the Crossfire series. The Blacklist duet is more thriller/suspense than romance, and we have all different POVs EXCEPT for the hero's. The main heroine's POV is 2nd person, which was a struggle to read.
I know I'm still going to read the sequel when it releases, but I'm just not going to go into it with any expectations.
Want to read
April 9, 2016I really hope we don't have to wait till next year for this one. I read what she had at the end of One with You and it looks really good. What I really hope that Blacklist doesn't drag like Crossfire.
January 23, 2023
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ronin House for an advance copy of this book.
I am sorry to say, this book was a disappointment. Loving everything about Day's Crossfire series, I was so excited to read a new novel set in that world. The premise sounds amazing: a mysterious beautiful woman comes back from the dead? Her powerful, long suffering husband will do anything for her? A mystery mixed with a love story? I was so on board with it! The cover art is also absolutely gorgeous.
It started off rocky with me right for the bat. Context clues have this book set back in like, 2016? It feels old for a new book. Also, the husband, Kane Black, is a misogynistic jackhole who purposely uses women for sex, then cruelly discards and demeans them afterward. Somehow this doesn't become common knowledge among his elite and selective social circle over several years, and there's a never ending supply of women who fit his exacting looks and taste being fed to him. Women don't learn to avoid him. Then we're supposed to give him a pass because he's broken over his dead wife? Nope.
Lilly is some kind of super clever, psychologist badass with amnesia who successfully navigated NYC for 6 years and never was seen or heard by anyone associated with her all knowing powerful husband?
People are stuck in crawling downtown NYC traffic and yet the second they get out of their vehicle they are hit by a car that just speeds away, without getting caught or seen on traffic cams?
Amy is a super hard working, brilliant marketing person with an ultra successful company, but one night of sex turns her into a broken, alcoholic who doesn't remember anything from day to day for years?
Don't even get me started on the internalized misogyny displayed by the Mother, Aliyah. All of these women think the most horrible thoughts about each other's looks. Everyone is described as rail thin, small chested, lithe, tall, willowy, etc. Then one has "curves" and she's fat and fake?
Then there's one of the characters being described as "mixed race but still somehow conventionally attractive". That line needs to go.
The plot is slow, meandering, contradictory and doesn't wrap up well in the end.
I wish I had better things to say about this one, I think the premise is excellent but the execution just isn't here.
I am sorry to say, this book was a disappointment. Loving everything about Day's Crossfire series, I was so excited to read a new novel set in that world. The premise sounds amazing: a mysterious beautiful woman comes back from the dead? Her powerful, long suffering husband will do anything for her? A mystery mixed with a love story? I was so on board with it! The cover art is also absolutely gorgeous.
It started off rocky with me right for the bat. Context clues have this book set back in like, 2016? It feels old for a new book. Also, the husband, Kane Black, is a misogynistic jackhole who purposely uses women for sex, then cruelly discards and demeans them afterward. Somehow this doesn't become common knowledge among his elite and selective social circle over several years, and there's a never ending supply of women who fit his exacting looks and taste being fed to him. Women don't learn to avoid him. Then we're supposed to give him a pass because he's broken over his dead wife? Nope.
Lilly is some kind of super clever, psychologist badass with amnesia who successfully navigated NYC for 6 years and never was seen or heard by anyone associated with her all knowing powerful husband?
People are stuck in crawling downtown NYC traffic and yet the second they get out of their vehicle they are hit by a car that just speeds away, without getting caught or seen on traffic cams?
Amy is a super hard working, brilliant marketing person with an ultra successful company, but one night of sex turns her into a broken, alcoholic who doesn't remember anything from day to day for years?
Don't even get me started on the internalized misogyny displayed by the Mother, Aliyah. All of these women think the most horrible thoughts about each other's looks. Everyone is described as rail thin, small chested, lithe, tall, willowy, etc. Then one has "curves" and she's fat and fake?
Then there's one of the characters being described as "mixed race but still somehow conventionally attractive". That line needs to go.
The plot is slow, meandering, contradictory and doesn't wrap up well in the end.
I wish I had better things to say about this one, I think the premise is excellent but the execution just isn't here.
February 16, 2023
2 absolutely gutted stars for me.
I was luckily in the 'first 100' Netgalley readers and grabbed this book immediately. I would normally read a blurb, maybe a review, think about it etc, but no...I just went for it as fast as I could click! I mean, it's Sylvia Day FFS!!!
Ughhh big mistake.
You see, every bone in me wanted the visceral feelings of Bared To You, the entire Crossfire series to be fair, sadly (and I mean SADLY 😢😢😢) though, it's so far from that I don't think I'll read her books again.
I don't know what happened to SD's writing in the seven years (or more!) we all waited, but this book is as slow as the wait we had for it.
It felt disjointed, every chapter took me out of the story of a character and into another one. There's way too many POVs for one book. It made it tedious. The sex felt passionless and let me tell you, this author writes beautifully passionate scenes - so I just don't know why everything was so predictable in this one? I do think it was partly due to me not particularly liking any of the characters. It constantly felt like something was...missing?
I finished the book, but I know if I'd paid for it, I'd have dnf'd or returned. By the point at which we found out the main premise of the story (no spoilers) I didn't really care anymore, just wanted it done.
I'm absolutely gutted. I wanted this to be EPIC, but it feels like SD wrote it out of obligation rather than passion ...and it showed.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for gifting me an ARC. I hope from us 'first 100' you get 99 terrific reviews and mine is the one-off.
I was luckily in the 'first 100' Netgalley readers and grabbed this book immediately. I would normally read a blurb, maybe a review, think about it etc, but no...I just went for it as fast as I could click! I mean, it's Sylvia Day FFS!!!
Ughhh big mistake.
You see, every bone in me wanted the visceral feelings of Bared To You, the entire Crossfire series to be fair, sadly (and I mean SADLY 😢😢😢) though, it's so far from that I don't think I'll read her books again.
I don't know what happened to SD's writing in the seven years (or more!) we all waited, but this book is as slow as the wait we had for it.
It felt disjointed, every chapter took me out of the story of a character and into another one. There's way too many POVs for one book. It made it tedious. The sex felt passionless and let me tell you, this author writes beautifully passionate scenes - so I just don't know why everything was so predictable in this one? I do think it was partly due to me not particularly liking any of the characters. It constantly felt like something was...missing?
I finished the book, but I know if I'd paid for it, I'd have dnf'd or returned. By the point at which we found out the main premise of the story (no spoilers) I didn't really care anymore, just wanted it done.
I'm absolutely gutted. I wanted this to be EPIC, but it feels like SD wrote it out of obligation rather than passion ...and it showed.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for gifting me an ARC. I hope from us 'first 100' you get 99 terrific reviews and mine is the one-off.
Want to read
September 13, 2024New review!! 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
So Close by the amazingly talented Sylvia Day was magnificent!!! I couldn't put it down once I started! And believe me really tried!
In this riveting novel, a powerful man finds his world turned upside down when his wife, long thought dead, miraculously returns. Can you imagine seeing the woman you loved and lost appearing out of the clear blue when years ago you lost her to a tragic death at sea and if that wasn't enough, you also have to deal with an even greater threat: a formidable family of women determined to take control of the company youve build up! The plot is a thrilling blend of corporate intrigue, power struggles, and emotional upheaval as the protagonist battles both external forces and his obsession with a woman who looks like his dead wife but can't possibly be her. The author masterfully weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and obsession, making for a gripping read that keeps you hooked until the very last page. With well-developed characters and a storyline full of unexpected twists, this book is a must-read for fans who love thrillers and complex family dynamics. And the steamy scenes between Kane and Lily hot as fuck! Their are so many players and all are fascinating and complex as hell. Get ready for the ride of your life and some pretty fucked up people. Because this book has them in spades! I can't wait to read book 2 Too Far and see who's gonna comes out on top! Until next time Luv's😉💋
So Close by the amazingly talented Sylvia Day was magnificent!!! I couldn't put it down once I started! And believe me really tried!
In this riveting novel, a powerful man finds his world turned upside down when his wife, long thought dead, miraculously returns. Can you imagine seeing the woman you loved and lost appearing out of the clear blue when years ago you lost her to a tragic death at sea and if that wasn't enough, you also have to deal with an even greater threat: a formidable family of women determined to take control of the company youve build up! The plot is a thrilling blend of corporate intrigue, power struggles, and emotional upheaval as the protagonist battles both external forces and his obsession with a woman who looks like his dead wife but can't possibly be her. The author masterfully weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and obsession, making for a gripping read that keeps you hooked until the very last page. With well-developed characters and a storyline full of unexpected twists, this book is a must-read for fans who love thrillers and complex family dynamics. And the steamy scenes between Kane and Lily hot as fuck! Their are so many players and all are fascinating and complex as hell. Get ready for the ride of your life and some pretty fucked up people. Because this book has them in spades! I can't wait to read book 2 Too Far and see who's gonna comes out on top! Until next time Luv's😉💋
Want to read
November 3, 2022Nov. 3, 2022: Okay, I re-read the excerpt at the back of ONE WITH YOU after finishing the Crossfire quintet (again!), and it was mind-numbingly good. So then I checked Ms. Day's website, and lo and behold: a publication date.
What.
I take everything foolish Emily stated earlier in 2020 (I was frustrated, okay). I am beyond excited to see where this series takes us because whew, Amy and Aliyah and Lily. What a dynamic set of women this book will contain.
And more Eva, of course! We stan a businesswoman.
Aug. 3, 2020: LMAO. Ok. I give up. Officially. If this book ever actually sees the day of light, I will be wizened, disillusioned, and probably too crone-y to enjoy it
The longer we wait, the less we care...and we've been waiting for two years...and counting...
Not gonna lie though, I would still eat this shit up when it comes out. But I'll just wait for when the library gets a hold of a copy, instead of forking over my hard-earned money.
Have at it.
What.
I take everything foolish Emily stated earlier in 2020 (I was frustrated, okay). I am beyond excited to see where this series takes us because whew, Amy and Aliyah and Lily. What a dynamic set of women this book will contain.
And more Eva, of course! We stan a businesswoman.
Aug. 3, 2020: LMAO. Ok. I give up. Officially. If this book ever actually sees the day of light, I will be wizened, disillusioned, and probably too crone-y to enjoy it
The longer we wait, the less we care...and we've been waiting for two years...and counting...
Not gonna lie though, I would still eat this shit up when it comes out. But I'll just wait for when the library gets a hold of a copy, instead of forking over my hard-earned money.
Have at it.
not-for-me
March 2, 20203/1/20 - Honestly. I'm starting to think this author's name should be changed to Sylvia 'That'll Be the' Day. Because this book is nowhere in sight.
7/4/17 - Another day, another Sylvia Day release date pushed forward. I wonder which publisher is to blame this time.
7/4/17 - Another day, another Sylvia Day release date pushed forward. I wonder which publisher is to blame this time.
April 3, 2023
First off, doesn’t that cover stop you in your tracks. It sure did me. Then add in all the other goodies, a fabulous story and an award winning author, how could I go wrong. We all know things can happen, our expectations can be dashe, but Sylvia Day caught me from the beginning and kept me til the end. Well done, Sylvia.
His grief knows no bounds. A love he cannot let go. He is obsessed with his wife. Madly in love with his wife. Married to his wife…even in death. He has a charisma that draws women to him like a moth to a flame…and they will get burned.
Witte…so much more than he appears to be. He met with Kane Black, planning on turning down his job offer. He couldn’t resist him either. They have been together for six years. Together, Kane found a reason to go on, to prosper. Witte taught him how to dress for success, protected him, allowed him to pull himself together when he was lost in the pits of despair.
A glimpse. A look of terror. Lily…She is like a Phoenix, risen from the dead. Is she going to burn down the world? What’s the story?
A family more treacherous than any outside enemy.
Things that crawl around in the shadows can never be trusted.
At times I thought it was familiar, but it didn’t take long for Sylvia Day to have me meandering down a convoluted path of betrayal and danger, intrigue and surprise. I love a story I cannot figure out and she kept me guessing.
Told from multiple points of view, the characters are fascinating, good and bad alike. Family means nothing to…most of…them. They have ulterior motives and desires, willing to sacrifice anything to fulfill them. As their true faces are revealed, I am disgusted and delighted.
Some of my favorite characters are Amy, who is a raging alcoholic driven to insanity? Aliyah is someone who would step over a dead body to get to the money. Witte, well, a total surprise and I love him. Can I have one of my own? Kane. We cannot reveal too much or there will be a spoiler alert. The same applies to Lily…and a few other characters who were hidden in the shadows but rose to the surface as we neared the end. They were a pleasant surprise and I cannot wait to read more about them…in a future story.
I tripped and stumbled over the I and you writing style, so it did affect the pacing of the story. Also, I had no idea this would be a series. That is a good and bad thing, because the story isn’t finished…and by the time I reached the end I was happy it wasn’t, Because I want more.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of So Close by Sylvia Day.
His grief knows no bounds. A love he cannot let go. He is obsessed with his wife. Madly in love with his wife. Married to his wife…even in death. He has a charisma that draws women to him like a moth to a flame…and they will get burned.
Witte…so much more than he appears to be. He met with Kane Black, planning on turning down his job offer. He couldn’t resist him either. They have been together for six years. Together, Kane found a reason to go on, to prosper. Witte taught him how to dress for success, protected him, allowed him to pull himself together when he was lost in the pits of despair.
A glimpse. A look of terror. Lily…She is like a Phoenix, risen from the dead. Is she going to burn down the world? What’s the story?
A family more treacherous than any outside enemy.
Things that crawl around in the shadows can never be trusted.
At times I thought it was familiar, but it didn’t take long for Sylvia Day to have me meandering down a convoluted path of betrayal and danger, intrigue and surprise. I love a story I cannot figure out and she kept me guessing.
Told from multiple points of view, the characters are fascinating, good and bad alike. Family means nothing to…most of…them. They have ulterior motives and desires, willing to sacrifice anything to fulfill them. As their true faces are revealed, I am disgusted and delighted.
Some of my favorite characters are Amy, who is a raging alcoholic driven to insanity? Aliyah is someone who would step over a dead body to get to the money. Witte, well, a total surprise and I love him. Can I have one of my own? Kane. We cannot reveal too much or there will be a spoiler alert. The same applies to Lily…and a few other characters who were hidden in the shadows but rose to the surface as we neared the end. They were a pleasant surprise and I cannot wait to read more about them…in a future story.
I tripped and stumbled over the I and you writing style, so it did affect the pacing of the story. Also, I had no idea this would be a series. That is a good and bad thing, because the story isn’t finished…and by the time I reached the end I was happy it wasn’t, Because I want more.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of So Close by Sylvia Day.
January 8, 2023
Well what to say about this book. I was so excited to get a copy of this and was hoping for a Crossfire experience.
It was not. I had to force myself to read it and had no idea what was going on until the book was 85% finished and even then this books leaves only a glimpse into what is actually going on. Learning some of the story close to the end of the book showed me how much needless stuff was put in this story unless maybe there is some sort of plan for it in the next book? The character development was also terrible. Zero connection with the characters. I will read the next one for closure.
It was not. I had to force myself to read it and had no idea what was going on until the book was 85% finished and even then this books leaves only a glimpse into what is actually going on. Learning some of the story close to the end of the book showed me how much needless stuff was put in this story unless maybe there is some sort of plan for it in the next book? The character development was also terrible. Zero connection with the characters. I will read the next one for closure.
Want to read
April 21, 2016I'm excited for this one the little teaser at the end of one with you has me a little obsessed already... I'm very sad to say goodbye to Gideon and Eva. .. I was hoping for some more on Cary tho..is there really a baby is it his? do him and trey work out ...ugh I want more!!!!
March 20, 2019
Can somebody explain to me how it is possible that this book is not out yet?
I think ms Day has a tendency to start things without finishing it and I won't be reading anything else from her unless the whole series is out entirely!!!
I am so upset!!!!
I think ms Day has a tendency to start things without finishing it and I won't be reading anything else from her unless the whole series is out entirely!!!
I am so upset!!!!
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