Closer Than Ever by Lisa Elliot is a beautiful second chance sapphic romance set in breathtaking Scotland.
Anna lives a quiet life in the Scottish Highlands where she works at Glenbuinidh whisky distillery. She longs to settle down, get married, and raise her kids in her beautiful small town. When her adventurous American friend who was her first love comes back into her life, Anna’s routine-oriented world is thrown for a loop.
Having quit her high-flying corporate job in New York City in order to find her life’s purpose, Hayley heads to Scotland where she talks her long-lost best friend, Anna into joining her on a two-month adventure through Scotland. As the two spend more time together, their connection is undeniable, leaving them both wondering if they’re only just friends. Can Anna open herself up to the first woman she ever loved or will she seek the safety of her carefully ordered world?
Writing
Closer Than Ever is an absolutely wonderful story that hooked me from the first page. Lisa Elliot opted to tell this story through Anna’s (third-person) point of view which I feel was an excellent choice. Readers are intimately close to Anna’s emotions surrounding her love for Hayley and being left to decipher Hayley’s true feelings added an air of mystery and intensified the longing.
Their present-day story is interspersed with glimpses from a decade ago. The details Lisa Elliot gives at each point are perfectly placed, giving readers just enough each time which definitely heightens the anticipation.
The journey throughout Anna’s home country is filled with picturesque landscapes, exciting adventures, and heartfelt conversations, all wrapped up in a snazzy campervan that Anna used her skills to spruce up! I enjoyed learning about Scotland and found myself following their journey using Google Maps!
Pros And My Favourite Parts
Lisa Elliot infused so much heart into this beautiful second-chance romance. Anna has spent the better part of the last decade working for Glenbuinidh Whisky Distillery, working out, building furniture, and not taking many risks. She knows deep down that Hayley isn’t just her first love but the love of her life. Her feelings, emotions, and longing add so much depth to this tale.
Hayley is a lovely character who is charming, adventurous, and spontaneous and it’s adorable that Anna has such a difficult time saying no to her. While they’ve spent a decade apart and have both lived very full lives, they are still the other’s perfect match. As they learn who they each are now, it only adds to the depth of their feelings for one another. Oh! The chemistry between them is palpable and when they finally succumb to their mutual longing, they are downright combustible!
Lisa Elliot also does a wonderful job addressing Anna’s anxiety. Anxiety is something that many people struggle with (including me) and the details she incorporates into Anna’s story are so accurate and relatable. Their connection is so deep that Hayley recognizes Anna’s struggles and is able to support and help her through some of her more anxious moments. The epic squeeze on the last platform at Go Ape is one of my absolutely favorite moments!
Heads Up
Closer Than Ever is a spin-off of Lisa Elliot’s book called Louder Than Words but can be read as a standalone story.
The Conclusion
Closer Than Ever is hands down one of the best second-chance romances I’ve read because while it’s a slow burn, the pacing is absolutely perfect, the dialogue is effortless, and the story is swoon-worthy. Anna and Hayley are relatable and captivating characters whose emotional and physical journeys are engaging and filled with so much growth for both characters. Their story is filled with longing, honesty, vulnerability, and bravery. and proves that it’s never too late for a second chance. I absolutely love everything about this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful second-chance, slow-burn romance!
Excerpt from Closer Than Ever by Lisa Elliot
“I’ve been thinking. Now, just hear me out.” Hayley held up her hands. “Come with me. Come on a road trip around Scotland with me. It makes perfect sense.”
Anna replayed Hayley’s words over in her head, unsure if she heard her correctly. “Go with you on your trip?”
“Yes.”
“You want me to go with you on your wild and crazy adventure? Have you met me?” She could feel her brow furrowing.
Hayley laughed, leaning forward. “Yes, Anna, I have met you. And that’s why I know that it’ll be good for you. Mix things up a little. Maybe even get a little crazy and do something spontaneous. Seriously, think of all the good times we could have. It would be just like the old days.”
“I have a job. I can’t just up and leave at the drop of a hat even if I wanted to.”
“I know.” Hayley pressed her lips together, looking guilty. “I should have asked you sooner.”
Anna couldn’t believe that Hayley would even want her to go with her. “The full trip around Scotland? Or just parts of it?”
“The full trip. All of it. We only live once. Life is short. Now that I’m here, it’s clear that you need to come with me.”
“In the campervan together?”
“We’ve shared an apartment before.”
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 979-8861516761
Publisher: Indie Author
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