Review of Close to Me (The Callahans Book 1) by Monica Murphy
Sometimes a book comes along that resonates so deeply, it feels like a reflection of your own youthful heart, and Close to Me is just that for me. Written by the talented Monica Murphy, this enemies-to-lovers sports romance swept me off my feet, reminding me of the magic and angst of first love and everything that comes with it.
The story centers around Autumn Callahan, the daughter of Drew and Fable from Murphy’s previous works, and Asher Davis, the quintessential bad boy with a troubled past. As they navigate their senior year of high school, it quickly becomes clear that their relationship is far from straightforward. Their history is colored with first loves, first heartbreaks, and a complicated twirl of emotions that makes their connection electric. I found myself enveloped in the whirlwind of their interactions—sassy with just the right amount of tension. Asher’s charismatic yet aloof demeanor contrasted beautifully with Autumn’s sweet but feisty persona, creating a dynamic that was hard to resist.
What resonated with me most was the depiction of young love’s complexities. Murphy expertly balances moments of humor with those of profound emotion, capturing the sense of urgency that often accompanies teenage relationships. There’s a line in the book that perfectly encapsulates this sentiment: “It’s not about the past; it’s about finally choosing each other.” This quote resonated with me because it speaks to the heart of the story—the struggles of letting go of past hurt to embrace true love.
I appreciated Murphy’s writing style, which is both evocative and relatable. The pacing, while a bit slow in the beginning, ultimately felt deliberate, allowing the reader to savor the character development as Autumn and Asher’s relationship blossomed. The narrative flows smoothly, with shifts in perspective that allow us glimpses into both characters’ motivations, enhancing the emotional stakes. It was refreshing to see the author’s ability to weave in subplots concerning family dynamics—especially Asher’s tough upbringing—without overshadowing the romance.
Despite some mixed reactions about pacing and character maturity noted in reviews, I found these elements added to the authenticity of the teenage experience. Readers get to experience both the highs and lows, the insecurities, and the thrill of just being young and madly in love. The references to the struggles of high school life reminded me of my own experiences, contributing to a nostalgic connection that I found especially engaging.
Close to Me is a delightful introduction to Murphy’s Callahans series and a testament to her prowess in crafting compelling characters and relatable storytelling. I would highly recommend it to anyone who cherishes YA romances filled with humor, heart, and a touch of drama—particularly fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope. For those who have ever navigated the tumultuous waters of first love, this book will feel like a warm embrace.
In an age where love stories often veer toward the dramatic, Close to Me manages to balance sincerity and playfulness, leaving readers with a sense of hope. Overall, Murphy has delivered a reader’s dream wrapped up in the all-too-familiar feelings of that wild, exhilarating ride we call first love. After turning the last page, I found myself yearning for more—ready for Autumn’s next adventure and the promise of what’s to come in the next books of the series.
You can find Close to Me (The Callahans Book 1) here >>