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Close to Me (The Callahans Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 3,152 ratings

A sexy, enemies to lovers sports romance by New York Times bestselling author, Monica Murphy

Asher Davis is many things to me.

My first crush. My first kiss.

And most importantly, the boy who’s broken my heart more times than I can ever count.

Yet there is something about the brooding bad boy that I can’t resist.

We’re those people you see in high school who avoid eye contact with each other in the hallway, even though we know where the other is at all times. We’re miserable when we’re forced to work together in class, our gazes full of hatred. And we are also that couple you gossip about when they win homecoming prince and princess their sophomore year…

The irony is not lost on me because I'm so far from being his princess. I’m the girl he toys with when he’s bored. And he’s definitely not my prince, no matter how badly I want him to be. The back and forth is what kills me the most. I’m equally torn between wanting to run to him
and away from him, and he knows it.

Finally it’s our senior year and we’re months away from never having to see each other again when disaster strikes—and brings us closer together. All it takes is one heated touch, and I’m burning for Ash. Hotter than I ever have. But will that burn turn into a devastating fire we can’t come back from? Or can we actually make it work this time?

Close to Me is book one in the standalone Callahans series.

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There are 7 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is like a sexy angst filled treat that readers will absolutely devour. I can't wait for the next!" --#1NYT Bestselling Author Rachel Van Dyken

"As a long-time fan of Monica Murphy, I have to say
Close to me is one of her best books! Autumn and Ash scorched my kindle with their chemistry, sexual tension, and the perfect amount of angst. I devoured this in one sitting! An engrossing coming of age, enemies to lovers tale, Close to Me is a definite one-click! Fans of Drew and Fable from One Week Girlfriend won't want to miss this next generation story." -- USA Today bestselling author Lex Martin

"[Murphy] did not hold back when it came to the
full teenage angst." Kitty Kat's Crazy About Books

"This book needs to be experienced page by page, word by word.
The story flowed exquisitely and flawlessly leaving me completely captivated and entranced. I felt myself never wanting it to end. I am so happy to have found this book that I fell in love with so deeply. This book is a book that you do not want to pass up. It is a must read and an absolute favorite of mine." K&M's Sultry Reads

" [I]Enjoyed this read, and
can't wait to see what's next for the Callahan kids!!" Mells_Views

"If you are a fan of a high school/ New Adult romance, then this is one you should read.
I love Monica Murphy's books and this was no different. I can't wait for more of her books to come!!!" Book Bitches Blog

"
Holy ANGST!!! This book is filled with so much angst and raw emotion." Book Bitches Blog

"
Close to Me is full of feels and I appreciated that the author didn't waste time with unspoken truths. Everything is laid bare and she lets Ash and Autumn figure out which way they want to go in their relationship, even when it hurts." MJ, Goodreads Reviewer

"
The angst, the banter, the push and pull--were all pretty exciting." Bender Dreamer Girl

"Holy moly....Ash and Autumn's story was perfect and had me reminiscing back to my high school days. Their story is full of angst, sexiness, drama, quarterback and cheerleader. I was sucked into their world instantly and held my attention all the way through.
Monica Murphy has delivered another series that has me dying for the next book." Rhonda, Goodreads Reviewer

"First and foremost I just have to say bravo Monica Murphy, because Drew Callahan as a dad, wow. And Fable as a mom, even more wow. You brought two of my all-time favorite characters back to me, and even though they are secondary to the story, they are still the same Drew and Fable that everyone loves. As for Autumn and Asher, the chemistry between these two was amazing from the jump. To watch them both evolve and their attraction for each other evolve, was seriously amazing.
And the angst, my land, the angst with this one, you could feel it. The back and forth kept me on the edge of my seat. I have nothing but amazing things to say about this book, and I'm going to need book 2 asap!" Stacie, Goodreads Reviewer

"I loved how Drew and Fable were a part of this book though. I love them! Can Ash and Autumn be civil to one another? Will it turn out to be more? I really enjoyed reading this book about Autumn and Ash!
If you loved Drew and Fable's books, then you'll enjoy this one too! Can't wait for Jake's story!" Michelle, Goodreads Reviewer

"
I couldn't put this book down! Their chemistry drips from the pages. It was nice having Drew and Fable still be prominent since they were my favorite.. Ash and Autumn definitely gave them a run for their money!" Jackie, Goodreads Reviewer

"
This book is full of angst, banter and chemistry, making one exciting story. I loved the timeline in the story, showing the couple grow independently and together." Obsessed Book Reviews

About the Author

Monica Murphy is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of dozens of romantic novels, including the One Week Girlfriend and the Rules series. She also writes romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson. A native Californian, she is the mother of three children and lives in the foothills below Yosemite National Park.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08176R2W6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Monica Murphy Publishing LLC (February 11, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 11, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 417 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 3,152 ratings

About the author

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Monica Murphy
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Never miss a release! Sign up for Monica's newsletter to get new book alerts (copy/paste) ➜ https://bit.ly/Monicanewsletter

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Monica Murphy is a New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere, along with their four cats and one crazy dog. She's a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to sometimes putting her characters through tough, angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Monica is also known as USA Today bestselling romance author Karen Erickson (http://karenerickson.com).

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
3,152 global ratings

Review this product

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the story and found it easy to read. They appreciated the well-written and easy-to-follow writing style. The characters were praised for their engaging personalities and heartfelt content. However, some readers felt the pacing was too slow.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

49 customers mention "Story quality"41 positive8 negative

Customers enjoyed the story. They found it engaging with a strong plot and storyline. The banter between Asher and Autumn was praised. Readers also appreciated the family interactions and thought the book was an amazing start to the next generation.

"...And gosh did I ever fall in love. This story had me smiling, laughing, melting and swooning as well as crying at the trials of young love...." Read more

"...This started out strong on plot and storyline. Around a third of the way through it started reminding me of another book I read...." Read more

"...Sarah McEwan did really well for Autumn and I liked her voice but didn’t love it. All in all an amazing installment about Drew & Fables..." Read more

"Good read. Decent plot. Nice characters. Happily ever after for our couple. Multi trope with enemies to lovers as main lead for story." Read more

46 customers mention "Readability"46 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the book's readability. They found it enjoyable, fun, and sweet with steamy moments. The story was described as mellow and quick, not an excruciating passionate story.

"...This was seriously an addicting read. Oh yeah! Asher and Autumn were great characters that I loved...." Read more

"Over all a good book, kinda got annoyed by the back and forth towards the end however still worth the read!" Read more

"...I could not put this book down from beginning to end it was so good. Her writing style is amazing and right on point...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book that I randomly was scrolling and found. I wish it was better communication but honestly I like the different povs...." Read more

21 customers mention "Romance"21 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book. They find it an engaging introduction to young love, with a great love-hate relationship. Readers appreciate the new friendships, first romances, and serious issues. They also like the buildup in their relationship and the twist at the end. The book perfectly captures contemporary young adult romance with its push and pull.

"OMG! Exhilarating! Monica Murphy perfectly captures contemporary YA romance with the push and pull, the non-stop drama, the yearning, a super dose..." Read more

"What a wonderful introduction to young love. Monica Murphy keeps me guessing...." Read more

"...this series will go bc I really enjoyed this couple and the family with Small time feel...." Read more

"Good read. Decent plot. Nice characters. Happily ever after for our couple. Multi trope with enemies to lovers as main lead for story." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing style"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style engaging and easy to read. They appreciate the well-written, addictive story with a predictable happy ending. The technical writing and editing are good, with few errors.

"...Technical writting is good. Great editing, very few errors...." Read more

"...Her writing style is amazing and right on point. I love the growth of all the characters in the book and it leaves you wanting for more...." Read more

"I love this author no other way to put it, I’m simply addicted to her writing style, how the conflicts are over top, and how seamless everything..." Read more

"...Writing that age group is usually hard and I thought it was well written but sometimes the book was just a little too long...." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the characters engaging.

"...Their personalities, their conversations, their chemistry...my my my! I was a goner, charmed beyond words. Filled with heartfelt goodness...." Read more

"...Her writing style is amazing and right on point. I love the growth of all the characters in the book and it leaves you wanting for more...." Read more

"Good read. Decent plot. Nice characters. Happily ever after for our couple. Multi trope with enemies to lovers as main lead for story." Read more

"...(Happily Ever After) ending which is always nice and the characters are cute together." Read more

5 customers mention "Heartfelt content"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartfelt and engaging. They say Autumn has a huge heart and sees the good in everyone. The story makes them laugh, cry, and feel happy.

"...I was a goner, charmed beyond words. Filled with heartfelt goodness. And gosh did I ever fall in love...." Read more

"...I love how they help Asher when he is in need. Autumn has this huge heart and sees the good in everyone. I love that she never gives up on Asher...." Read more

"...This is one amazing book and makes you happy, laugh, scream, cry and get angry. Love books that make you feel everything!" Read more

"...Ash is troubled but Autumm is strong, matured and kind with him. She help Ash but he help her too...." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some find the second generation Fable and Drew children great, and they love Teddy Hamilton's narration. Others feel the story is a bit slow in the beginning and feels rushed at times.

"...About halfway through it went kinda flat for me. It was slow, they kept going back and forth, got a bit boring and I started skimming pages...." Read more

"...As always, I loved Teddy Hamilton’s narration! He was ALMOST too mature as a teen boy however but it worked out in the end...." Read more

"...But I did not like the storyline that much. I disliked Autumn throughout the book. She acted silly and stupidly...." Read more

"...even though it spanned the course of their high school years, it felt rushed to me. And their ending is somewhat left up in the air...." Read more

6 customers mention "Angst content"4 positive2 negative

Customers have different views on the angst content. Some find it intense, with plenty of drama and chemistry. Others feel it's a little too angsty and lacking in spice.

"...with the push and pull, the non-stop drama, the yearning, a super dose of angst, a scorching attraction, and the all consuming rush of first love...." Read more

"...It was a little angsty and had the perfect amount of spice." Read more

"This story is a all consuming, full of drama, angst, and scorching chemistry. Once I picked up this book I couldn't put it down, it was that good." Read more

"...This is one amazing book and makes you happy, laugh, scream, cry and get angry. Love books that make you feel everything!" Read more

Contemporary YA with an edge.
4 out of 5 stars
Contemporary YA with an edge.
Close To Me details the relationship between Autumn Callahan and Asher Davis, spanning all four years that they're in high school together. Autumn is the daughter of NFL great Drew Callahan, whose own love story was chronicled in the One Week Girlfriend series (which I have not read, so no, you do not have to have the previous stories to follow Close To Me).Autumn is a "good girl", who never breaks the rules, tries hard not to disappoint her parents, and dates the right kind of guy. But she keeps finding herself inexplicably drawn to the *wrong* guy, Asher "Ash" Davis, who, while he has a bright future in football, comes from a broken home and continually makes the wrong choices. There is definitely an attraction between them, but they're also very wrong for each other... or so they think. They spend a lot of their time bickering, pushing each other away for one reason or another.As an adult, I found quite a few moments between Ash and Autumn to be somewhat problematic, so I had to remind myself that they're both teenagers, and teenagers aren't always the most mature bunch. There is plenty of angst, which I love, sexy times and optimism. Better yet, there is also enough character development to keep me invested. Honestly, I kept waiting for some catastrophic moment between the two that would thrust us into the future to find Autumn and Asher apart as adults, but this remained strictly a contemporary YA novel, which I was not expecting. That's not a bad thing, but I hope Murphy revisits Ash and Autumn down the line, when they're both older.I have read a handful of Murphy's novels now and have always enjoyed them. I read CTM in one day, if that tells you anything. She's a talented writer, so I'm looking forward to reading more of the Callahan series as they come. If I knock this story for anything, it's the unstable psycho ex-girlfriend subplot that felt a little out of place and rather generic. Other than that, I found myself really enjoying Autumn and Asher's story.Definitely recommend to Murphy fans, and anyone who likes a bit of an edge to their YA romances.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2020
    OMG! Exhilarating! Monica Murphy perfectly captures contemporary YA romance with the push and pull, the non-stop drama, the yearning, a super dose of angst, a scorching attraction, and the all consuming rush of first love. I loved every moment, the first meeting, the first kiss, the heartache, and so much more. Be prepared to take a trip down memory lane, to those awkward, self-centered teenage years, where this author will make you burn for these two, and oh what an Exhilarating feeling that brings.

    This was seriously an addicting read. Oh yeah! Asher and Autumn were great characters that I loved. There was so much tension and animosity between them but this crazy attraction and chemistry as well. They meet at the beginning of their freshman year of high school. Autumn has just moved to this school and is the good girl with a famous football father that was in the NFL and now is the new high school football coach. Autumn always worries that boys will use her to get close to her father. Ash is the hot, bad boy, quarterback, with a troubled family life, from the wrong side of the tracks.

    From the moment they meet their chemistry is electric. As each year passes they are thrown together at different times and they continue to fight their feelings and connections even as those feelings grow stronger. I was rooting for them from the beginning. Everything about this storyline and the characters captivated me. Their personalities, their conversations, their chemistry...my my my! I was a goner, charmed beyond words. Filled with heartfelt goodness. And gosh did I ever fall in love.

    This story had me smiling, laughing, melting and swooning as well as crying at the trials of young love. But I never stopped turning the pages. Oh no! So mesmerized with the story, main characters, and secondary characters and their journey. Loving the new friendships, first romances and serious issues as well as some family dynamics that made this fantastic. This also definitely took me back to my first book by Monica Murphy that I read and which started my love of her writing, which was ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND with Fable and Drew. CLOSE TO ME is about their daughter and I loved catching up with them once again. Loved it!
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2025
    Over all a good book, kinda got annoyed by the back and forth towards the end however still worth the read!
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2022
    Not the first book I've read by this author, liked the other ones better. This started out strong on plot and storyline. Around a third of the way through it started reminding me of another book I read. About halfway through it went kinda flat for me. It was slow, they kept going back and forth, got a bit boring and I started skimming pages.
    Technical writting is good. Great editing, very few errors.
    Normally I would have given it 2 stars, but because I have read and rated her other books higher, I gave it 3 cause maybe my expectations were too high.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
    Ash and Autumn at the beginning were not close. At first you think they might get together but don’t. Then the next year another thing. It’s this push pull type of thing that a boy is mean when they like a girl but the girl doesn’t realize it. Autumn is with someone else but it’s doesn’t feel right now spark. Ash always gave her a spark but senior year he’s with someone else. So they can’t be fully together until he breaks up with her but Ash has other things to deal with. His mom and mom’s boyfriend aren’t the best and are mean and hurtful to him. He starts living with the Callahan and everything is getting messy.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024
    What a wonderful introduction to young love. Monica Murphy keeps me guessing. Sometimes I’m not too excited by her books and they drag on…other times (more often than not mind you) she knocks my socks off. Like in this book. I figured I’d like it, as Monica wrote it, but wasn’t sure I’d love it and boy did I love it! This book had all the growing pains, the angst and awkwardness of teenaged relationships. These two circles around each other for years until they finally met at the right time.
    Our young h, Autumn, is the daughter of Drew & Fable Callahan (from One Week Girlfriend series). I loved getting to check in with them again and see how they’ve grown!! How their family has grown. Thanks to these amazing parents, Autumn grew up in a safe, healthy and loving home. The complete opposite of your H, Ashes upbringing.
    He has had a hard life so far. His family is a super sad one, trashy and loveless. He is determined to make it out of there and is doing everything he can to get a football scholarship, even though he doesn’t feel he will ever amount to much. He takes the chance anyway.
    These two finally collide Senior year and the story REALLY takes off.
    The joys of young love are spïced up with some steam as well as vulnervulnerabilities that have you rooting hard for them to win!!
    Of course I listened to the audible book too and gobbled this story up like the thirsty girl I am! As always, I loved Teddy Hamilton’s narration! He was ALMOST too mature as a teen boy however but it worked out in the end. Sarah McEwan did really well for Autumn and I liked her voice but didn’t love it.
    All in all an amazing installment about Drew & Fables eldest child. I love seeing into the future and characters we have fallen for in past books! I am rushing off now to grab the Sophomore for Jake’s book to find out why he is so mad at the world.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2024
    So this is my first book by this author. I just found it through a Facebook ad and decided I'd try it out. I could not put this book down from beginning to end it was so good. Her writing style is amazing and right on point. I love the growth of all the characters in the book and it leaves you wanting for more. But not only wanting for more but wanting to read like before all this happens like to go into the past and how did they get here. It made me want to read everything in the series and go back to find more of her books to read. You would definitely not regret reading this one it'll hook you from beginning and you'll want to read everything she writes.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Stephanie Groves
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Star!
    Reviewed in Canada on January 14, 2023
    The story of Asher and Autumn will fabulous to read.

    Everything Monica Murphy writes is magic!

    Don’t miss out on this one - well worth it!
  • Fernanda Mendoza
    4.0 out of 5 stars Bastante tierno para ser de Monica Murphy
    Reviewed in Mexico on November 23, 2022
    Es un libro bastante diferente a lo que Monica Murphy generalmente escribe, es muchísimo más light, por decirlo de alguna manera. Sin embargo es un libro bastante bueno, transcurre en un lapso demasiado corto, lo cual no me convence del todo pero tampoco me quejo (mucho)
    Report
  • Gisela Rodrigues
    5.0 out of 5 stars Um livro focado mais em drama adolescente
    Reviewed in Brazil on September 11, 2022
    É um livro que trata de assuntos pesados, como abuso e relacionamentos tóxicos, em uma visão adolescente, mas com um final feliz.
    Porém é estranho como tudo deu certo pros personagens principais e as consequências foram leves, vendo que alguns dos acontecimentos não se resoveria da forma como aconteceu no livro.
  • Dona M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Young love
    Reviewed in India on August 30, 2021
    Loved the book. Young love with complications , it was easy read and emotional seeing ash and autumn fall in love.
  • Alice K.
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a FANTASTIC ROLLER COASTER RIDE! 😍
    Reviewed in Germany on April 17, 2021
    WOW!
    What a rollercoaster ride! Woah that was INTENSE!
    Well I know that Monica Murphy is brilliant! I love her writing style and all the characters she created and will create! ❤
    The Callahans Series is the spin-off of the One Week Girlfriend Series and with CLOSE TO ME it was the perfect start!
    I've to admit that I read Fighting For You first and was so curious to start with reading the rest books in the right order!
    Awwwwww!
    And meeting Autumn and Ash for the really first time was AWESOME!
    OMG what a couple!!! I loved to see their developments through the school years and what they've been through too!
    I couldn't deal with all my feelings! WOW!
    I loved the sparks between Autumn and Ash! This like-hate-like-hate! God! Sometimes I got really frustrated! I've to admit that! But this frustration was really worth it!
    Autumn and Ash are like fire and ice and although they're the complete opposite I think they're perfect for each other! ❤
    I ENJOYED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!
    AND it made me curious to read the stories of Autumn's siblings too! This series is soooo ADDICTING!
    Oh! And I HAVE to read the story of Fable and Drew (Autumn's parents) too!
    Ha! So a lot of planning for an obsessed bookaholic now!

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