Close to My Heart

The Calloways #3

by Lea Coll

I’ll do anything to protect her. Even if it destroys me…

No one is as close to my heart as Sutton. We’ve been best friends forever, and I love her.

I’m also in love with her.

Not that she knows it. I can’t risk losing her over something as unpredictable as romance.

So, when her grandmother issued the ultimatum to marry or lose everything, I didn’t intend to get involved.

But I did.

I suggested she marry me.

We’re complete opposites. She’s an heiress, and I grew up on a Christmas tree farm. She can have anyone she wants…and I only want her.

The odds of this marriage ending in happily ever after are slim. I know that.

What I don’t know is how I’m going to make it out of this thing with my heart intact. I guess that’ll ultimately be up to Sutton, though.

Especially since my heart has been hers from the beginning.

Close to My Heart, book 3 in the Calloway series, is a sexy, sweet and spicy, friends to lovers contemporary romance novel that can be read as a standalone. Download today, and get ready to fall for Wes and Sutton.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Amazon, Anthologies, Chick Lit, Christmas

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2024

About the author

Lea Coll is a USA Today bestselling author who writes sweet and sexy happily ever afters. She worked as a trial attorney for over ten years. Now she stays home with her three children, plotting stories while fetching snacks and running them back and forth to activities. She enjoys the freedom of writing romance after years of legal writing.

She grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and currently resides in Maryland with her family.
For new releases, sneak peaks, and updates check out Lea's website and sign up for my newsletter.
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Lea Coll ist eine Bestsellerautorin von sexy Liebesromanen mit Happy-End-Garantie. Sie arbeitete über zehn Jahre lang als Prozessanwältin. Inzwischen lebt sie mit ihrer Familie in den USA und genießt nach Jahren als Juristin die Freiheit, sich völlig dem Schreiben widmen zu können. Lea Colls prickelnde Geschichten entstehen, während sie sich um die Aktivitäten ihrer drei Kinder und deren Snacks kümmert.

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Reviews

[Jeanne Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story but...

Holy moly, the editor was not in the game here... There were several glaringly wrong words, the capper being "vowel renewal" ceremony--TWICE! Do we blame a writer using speech wreck, or the fact no one bothered to proofread and catch these goofs?

Really detracted from what was basically a good (if frustrating) story.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wes and Sutton have been best friends since they were little. They've always been their for each other. So it should come as no surprise when Sutton is in trouble, Wes steps up to the plate. She's been in love with her best friend since day one and she's not sure if accepting his offer is the right thing to do.

Wes on the other hand sees this as his chance to finally make her his. He loves her and would walk to the end of the earth to make sure she's safe and at the end of the day his.

Their fear of what ifs and not trusting their feelings almost breaks them up, but when family makes them see just how right they are for each other, nothing will stand in their ways to the HEA.

* * * Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog * * *

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the connection between Sutton and Wes, the easy way they have with each other, the way they know each other so well. They may have completely opposite backgrounds, especially with regard to wealth and social standing, but neither cares one wit about that. It does not matter to them at all. It is not wealth that spurs Sutton to find a husband per her grandmother’s stipulation. It is the desire to preserve the history and legacy of the estate and the past generations of her family. Sutton has found a safe haven with Wes and his family that she has been able to turn to when her family has been neglectful, far too demanding or simply uncaring of her feelings.

Wes is a protector through and through, not just because it is part of his job. He protects and supports those he cares for and that has included Sutton since they were young children. He might say that his marriage of convenience offer is his way of protecting her from the greedy suitors her mother has lined up for her, but really he can’t stand the thought of her marrying anyone other than him. It is his chance to get her to see him as something more than a friend. He has no idea that Sutton also has deeper feelings for him. They certainly have combustible chemistry, as they discover on their wedding night. Where is the trust when it comes to revealing their feelings? Over the span of their relationship, they have both become masters of hiding their attraction and love from the other. They have wasted years being afraid to admit their feelings, fearing damaging the connection they already had. His family is not above nudging or teasing them into opening their eyes and seeing what is really between them. They offer unconditional support too, something her family seems unable to do

I found Wes and Sutton’s story to be both heartwarming and entertaining. I eagerly await the next book in this series and discovering how another Calloway has found a happily ever after. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book and the other books in this series.

[S Paschal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sutton has been given an ultimatum - get married or lose your inheritance. She wants nothing more than to preserve the home her family has lived in for generations and share its history and splendor with the public. Her mother, much more enamored with the money she will inherit, pushes Sutton into a series of bad dates to try to find her a husband from 'the right type of people.' Wes Calloway, her best friend since elementary school, hates that she is being forced into marriage, but he also hates that none of her potential suitors are him. He's been attracted to Sutton for years, but, afraid to ruin their friendship, he's never tried to make their relationship into something more. What he doesn't know is that Sutton feels the same way.

After the umpteenth bad date, Wes offers himself up to Sutton to be her fake fiance/husband. He can't stand the thought of losing Sutton to someone else. Finally admitting his feelings, he has a plan to take their relationship to the next level. When Sutton agrees, he couldn't be happier.

While the physical part of their relationship intensifies quickly, neither Wes nor Sutton are quite ready to be in an adult relationship. They definitely have a lot of chemistry. But both refuse to discuss their feelings with the other. Sutton, used to taking care of herself due to her disinterested and somewhat negligent parents, is so used to functioning in this way that at the first sign of a problem, takes off on her own to solve it. She won't let herself get used to relying on anyone. Wes, when he's hurt by Sutton's hot and cold behavior isn't confident enough in his own great qualities to express his hurt and intentions to her.

Both Wes and Sutton have some growing up to do. They need to learn to be open and up front about what they want and what they feel. As they grow into their new relationship, we see Wes's supportive and loving side as well as Sutton's difficulty with ceding control. As they grow together, however, they make a lovely couple.

Four stars for this small town, friends to lovers romance.

This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you Best Friend since you were a child needs you help you will do EVERYTHING in your POWER to make it happen .. even if you have to get MARRIED !!

Sutton Rosesmith is a wealthy socialite BUT she isn’t like her family, she is simple, down to earth and loves her friends like they are her family. So, when her grandmother changes her will and make a stipulation for Sutton, she does the only thing she know what to do to be able to save her family home .. get MARRIED !!

Wes Callaway has been in LOVE with Sutton since under the slide the first time he saw her on the play ground and would to anything for her include .. ger MARRIED even if he doesn’t know how she feels about him because as long as Sutton is happy .. Wess is happy until it ALL falls apart ….
We all know how close the Callaway’s are they the whole family would do anything for Sutton even of her own family wouldn’t .. that is what friends do, they stick together and these two have been stuck together forever .. BUT .. they cant get the formal I Love You’s out of the way because they are both scared they will loose the friendship they have had for so many years .. and with Wes being a “Farmer” as Suttons mother puts it .. he isn’t worthy of her even with him being a police officer !!
These two need to learn to listen to there hearts and NOT family or others because others opinions are just getting in the way of there HAPPINESS !!

The back and forth with these two characters is loving and caring BUT friendship is more important than anything to them so will they be able to get past it to get to the good parts ????

You will find your self turning the pages faster and faster to make sure they MAKE IT !! Loved it !!

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books of Ms. Coll's, and I'm a big fan! Wes and Sutton had been friends since he introduced himself to her under the slide at recess, and they had been inseparable ever since. Wes comes from a hard working family who own a Christmas tree farm and work in law enforcement and Sutton was raised in a privileged family, with an estate, staff and an overbearing mother! When Sutton's Grandmother changes her will, requiring that she marry before she can inherit her dream, the family estate. As Sutton's mom parades a gaggle of eligible (as she sees it) men, and Wes watches her date these men, he realizes the best solution is to marry the woman he has been in love with for most of his life. Sutton agrees because she sees it as the only solution, and she has been in love with her best friend forever. Can they turn this marriage of convenience into something real? When Sutton's grandmother has a health scare that puts her in the hospital, the guilt that consumes Sutton is so overwhelming that she questions her decisions and lying to her grandmother.

This is a beautiful story, one of friendship, family, love, trust and acceptance. The Calloway's are a wonderful family, completely bonded in their love and support of each other. The characters are developing over the course of this series and they make my heart happy to read them. You don't have to start at the beginning of the series, but why would you not. These men of Pine Valley farm will melt your heart

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close to My Heart has us back with the Calloway family with all the banter and family times. We get Wes and Sutton's story and it is a sweet, easy-to-read, marriage of convenience of two friends who deep down have strong feelings for one another that everyone can see but each other. Ms. Coll had my full attention right from the start with how Wes made sure Sutton was safe and in his arms. Talk about a man after your heart. Boy was he the perfect best friend for Sutton. Sutton wanted more to life than what she had. Yes, she had the money and the social status but she was missing a family that had fun, always joked around, and was always there for one another. What she wanted was what her best friend Wes had, the family that she dreamed of being a part of. When things in her life go a little off-kilter, Wes is the one who steps up and helps Sutton get what she needs but deep down Wes did it for a little bit of selfish reasons, being able to be with Sutton all the time. What started as a marriage of convenience ended up being a marriage of love.
I could not put this book down. Wes was swoon-worthy, Sutton was a woman who stood her ground, and her grandmother was a woman who wanted the best for her granddaughter however went about it unusually and the rest of the Calloways are always a joy to read about. I can't wait to see what Ms. Coll gives us with Ryder's book.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage of Convenience between Childhood friends
Sutton and Wes have known each other since they were in elementary school. They've always been there for each other but never let each other know about their true feelings for the other. Now Sutton's grandmother has changed her will to make it so Sutton has to be married in order to inherit the family mansion. Sutton wants to give virtual and real tours of the mansion and incorporate family history. Her parents only care about the money and would sell the home to developers. Sutton's grandmother wants her to be settled with a marriage. Her mother keeps making her go on dates with guys only interested in a payout from her inheritance. Wes isn't able to stand it any more and suggests that they get married. Will this be the point where they can tell their true feelings to each other? When Sutton's grandmother has a health scare, Sutton is consumed by guilt from lying about her marrage. Will this tear Wes and Sutton apart? Will they be able to make a real marriage? I really like this family series. I'm looking forward to the rest of the family's stories. I received an early copy of the book to read and review. I'm leaving my honest review.

[Jill M (Embrace the Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to hold this book so close to my heart and not let go. Who doesn’t love a friends to lovers romance with a happily ever after. It was a sweet treat getting to go back on the Calloway Farm and get Wes and Sutton’s story. It’s like coming home to that captivating farm and the cute little small town.

Wes and Sutton’s friendship has spanned years and I love the connection and bond they have. Wes is that sexy alpha how he’s so protective of Sutton. Sutton is so down to earth and sweet even with they way she was brought up. You can clearly see they have had a thing for each other and have both been hiding it from the other and denying themselves.

When the tide turns and these two come together it is like magic. After all the years they gave in to their inner most dreams and it just puts a smile on your face. But with any true romance there are bumps along the way or lousy parents in Sutton’s case.

This story is filled with family, swoony romance and a forever kind of love. You’ll be swept away in the story and not want it to end. I can’t wait to get the next Calloway story.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sutton Rosesmith comes from an extremely wealthy family and much has been expected from her. Her only true close friend, since grade school, has been Weston Calloway. When Sutton learns that her grandmother has changed her will, she turns to Wes for support. She must marry, while her grandmother is alive, in order to inherit her home. Her home, a local landmark, has been in her family for generations and she can’t bear to think of it being sold or even worse, torn down. She tries dating, to find someone for a brief marriage, but when one of her dates makes her uncomfortable, she turns to Wes who rushes to her side. Wes offers to marry her to protect her and her home, but will her family accept him…after all he is just a Christmas tree farmer? Sutton has always enjoyed her time spent with his close-knit family, but will his family accept their temporary marriage? Will they finally realize that they have always been so much more than just close friends? The emotions and closeness of the Calloway family is so genuine and truly heartwarming . I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close to My Heart by Lea Coll, book three in the Calloway Brothers series, is a wonderful, heartwarming, healing, best friend, marriage of convenience love story. It is a story about friendship, family, love, trust and acceptance. Wes and Sutton have been best friends since they were little; meeting under the slide during recess. They've always been there for each other. So it should have come as no surprise when Sutton was in trouble, Wes steps up to the plate. She's been in love with her best friend since day one and she's not sure if accepting his offer is the right thing to do. Wes on the other hand sees this as his chance to finally make her his. He loves her and would walk to the end of the earth to make sure she's safe and at the end of the day his.

Their fear of what ifs and not trusting their feelings almost breaks them up, it is only when family makes them see just how right they are for each other, nothing will stand in their ways to the HEA. What started as a marriage of convenience ended up being a true marriage of love.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Wes and Sutton

Romance trope: friends to lovers
Series: The Calloways
Length: 260 pages

Plot: Wes and Sutton have been best friends since middle school (?), so of course he's going to be there for her when she starts having trouble with her family. Specifically, she needs to get married to earn her inheritance. At first, Wes, is just a sounding board when Sutton goes out on dates, looking for someone who might do to fulfill the requirements of her grandmother's will. But he can't stand to see her with those other guys, so he's finally going to make his move, even if it's just as a friend.

Commentary: I didn't enjoy the little time jumps - I would have rather seen two or three dates than get a paragraph saying that it's been a few months and she's gone on dates. It felt like filler every time there was a time jump, and most of the time, it was just Wes saying that he hadn't done anything yet but he was definitely going to. Also, the end where he got so mad seemed out of character for him. It was an okay story, but there was a lot more talking about what they were going to do than there was actual doing, and that made the story drag at times.

Previous book in the series: Every Beat of My Heart
Next book in the series: Follow My Heart

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wes has been keeping some secrets! So has Sutton. But you know who realized it all long ago? Two people who seem to be trying to pull some strings while guiding them toward finally being open and honest about how they feel. And I sort of love both of those sneaks for it.

Sutton is definitely learning to spread her wings a little bit with Wes so firmly by her side. I mean, she’s pushing back against someone who should actually love her, but never seemed to truly care. She’s falling more for the guy she thought would never want her, and she’s also learning that love can truly defeat just about any roadblock if allowed. Add in her EPIC truth-telling with a grovelly twist and I have to adore her. Heck, I even like Teddy more now, and I have been concerned about his refusal to compromise in any way up until now.

I guess if there’s a miracle to be had, love, a certain two meddling people who want love for their families, and these two can definitely make it happen. So now I already want MORE. And yet, I must wait. Impatiently. But I shall wait.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close To My Heart has us back spending time with the Calloway family and if you love small town romance look no further than Sutton and Wes’s friends to lovers, marriage of convenience story.
Wes and Sutton have been friends since childhood and as they got older they both hide their true feeling fearing their special bond would be broken if they crossed the line. Sutton’s grandmother has plans for her granddaughter and she is determined to see her married so she threatens to sell the family home on her death if Sutton isn’t married..
After a series of disastrous dates it’s time for Wes to step up and offer himself as a husband but what happens when feelings come into play.
One click this gem now to find out.
I loved everything about this book, I fell hard and fast for Wes and Sutton is the girl I would love in my corner but what took this book to another level was watching two friends take a leap of faith and risk it all for love.

[Theresa Natole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sutton and Wes have been best friends forever. Her mother would never approve of him because he was not one of them. He is not wealthy, not a trust fund baby, simply not of their class. But Wes has been in love with Sutton for what seems like forever. Maybe since the first time they became friends under the slide
Sutton and West are from completely different upbringings. Sutton preferred spending holidays with his family because Wes's family was all about love so unlike her own.
When her grandmother made the stipulation for an order for Sutton to inherit her family home Sutton must be married. Wes could not stand by and watch her marry another man so he offered to marry her himself. What he didn't know was Sutton also had strong feelings for him.
Can these two best friends finally admit to one another how they truly feel and instead of an ending to this fake marriage actually realized their marriage could be what forevers are all about. A marriage of love.

[Reg Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another sweet but sexy romance from Lea. Previous Calloway books have introduced us to the beautiful wealthy heiress, Sutton Rosesmith when she often visited her best friend, Wes Calloway at Pine Valley Farm. She has had more than friendly feelings for Wes for a long time now but is too afraid of losing his protective caring and relationship. When her grandma the matriarch informs the family that she is sick and has only months to live she also issues an ultimatum to Sutton that she must marry or lose the estate. Sutton runs to Wes but he doesn't like the thought of any other guy putting his hands on Sutton and sabotages a date that Sutton has. It is a frustrating slow burn because we can all see clearly that these two are meant for each other and no other despite the class difference. When they finally come together sexually and physically the sensuality is delicious and the love for each other just pours out. Received this arc and have voluntarily reviewed.

[Edie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Close to My Heart - Lea Coll
Omg you guys would you do the same Wes did for Sutton? Would you be willing to marry your best friend to help them out? I mean for Wes and Sutton it worked out because Wes has been in love with her since he first met her in the playground. But if it was you would you be willingly marry them knowing you madly in love with them but there may be a possibility that they might never feel the same? I think if you don’t know or feel they could love you that would be torture for me living with them knowing on paper they are your significant other but not being able to really love them. However I’m glad it wasn’t like that for these two. I loved that we get to watch the relationship all unfold in a different way than the beautiful friendship they had. I loved seeing them face their feelings once that they are living together as married couple. It was nice and something else entirely. It was an emotional yet fun book and would highly recommend.

[GuiltyPleasures · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sutton and Wes—they’ve been best friends since they were 7 years old and met each other under the slide at recess. She’s from a wealthy family that is cold and quite deficient in the area of affection; his family is more salt of the earth but full of love and support for one another. So when her grandmother states she is changing her will so that the estate goes to charity unless Sutton is married, Wes and Sutton agree to enter into a marriage to fulfill the requirement. The fact that each is secretly in love with the other one helps, but since neither wants to rock the boat of their friendship by declaring feelings, they fall apart when their notice for marriage is revealed. Until she takes things into her own hands with a little encouragement from her grandmother and films the truth on her social media platforms. And then they can get to work on their HEA. This book needs editing, though.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back with the Calloway family and this is Wes and Sutton’s story. Sutton’s grandmother has pulled a fast one, and her dying wish is for Sutton to marry. She then speeds up the process by announcing at Thanksgiving, she will donate the one thing Sutton wants the most, if she does not marry soon. Upset, Sutton heads to her best friend Wes Calloway. A storm slows her down, and she does need to be rescued.

After she explains the situation to Wes, he is not pleased as he feels he should be the one to marry her. Her mother has suitable men lined up, at least Wes gets to meet the ones Sutton likes.

I love their relationship, how he protects her, and how well they know each other. Will he step up? I hope you will be as entertained as I was by the brothers' good-natured teasing.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lifestyle that Sutton was raised in meant she could have anything she wanted financially however the same cant be said emotionally. When her grandmother advises that there is a caveat when it comes to inheriting the family home which requires her to marry, she is faced with a choice between someone of her mother’s choosing or her best friend Wes.

Wes will do anything for Sutton and that includes marrying her to ensure her family home isn’t in jeopardy. He doesn’t want Sutton to be taken advantage of and he knows that he has her best interest at heart however it will also force them to face what their feelings for each other truly are.

The journey of Sutton and West is heartwarming and filled with romance and emotion as with the help of their families realize that they are destined to be so much more than friends.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wes and Sutton have the best story. It was such a loving and caring story and I enjoyed it immensely. I love the protectiveness that Wes has over Sutton and the lengths he goes to to ensure her happiness. He is the most beautiful man inside and out.

This story like all the others in the series centers around the Calloway brothers, in particular Wes. The story has a lot of ugliness in it from Suttons parents and it will make you mad quite often. I did enjoy Sutton's grandmother. She was a sneaky old women with a sharp mind and full of whit.

This story is the journey of two individuals who have known each other since childhood. Both in denial of what their true destiny should be. You will have the opportunity to see them grow and bloom brightly. It is full of sexy fun and sweet love. A true heartfelt story. A story that would be a perfect Hallmark movie.

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Best Friends since meeting under the slide in grade school Wes and Sutton have always been there for each other.
Now Sutton has a BIG problem, her grandmother wants her to get married before she dies or she won't leave her family estate to her.
While Sutton is upset, Wes is even angrier for her and as she starts dating her mothers picks for suitable husbands he also becomes jealous.
With some nudging from his self-conscious, some goading from his brothers whether they were serious or not he finally proposed himself. And it should be the perfect solution if only these two could confess their feelings.
Unfortunately even though Wes's whole family is for this relationship, there are others very against every part of it.
Will these best friends, finally have a conversation and admit their feelings or let everything be destroyed?
Another wonderful addition to the Calloways.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[LLS · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great addition to this series! Wes and Sutton have been best friends since childhood. They both love each other but don't want to ruin their bond. Wes has always been protective of her and won't let anyone hurt her, even her own family. When her grandmother gives Sutton an ultimatum and tells her that unless she is married before she passes away, Sutton will not inherit the family home. Sutton has plans for the home and is devastated. She allows her mother to set her up on dates to find a suitable match. Wes is not happy with this and asks her to marry him instead. He tries to make sure that she gets everything she wants even if it hurts him in the long run. I really enjoyed reading their journey to happiness! Can't wait for more!

[Lisa Broadman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great story in the new Calloway Brothers series and is the story of Sutton and Wes. This is a wonderful friends to more story with a marriage of convenience thrown in for fun! It is the super swoony story of two BFFs who’ve always felt more for one another and their fake marriage helps them realize that they have always been each other’s HEA.

Sutton comes from ridiculous wealth and family that is full of drama and pretense yet she has remained incredibly down to earth and real. All she has ever wanted was to preserve her family name and share her family history with the public. She is brave and very stubborn. Wes and his very down to earth family give her the big part of her life that she is missing – family. She has always known Wes was special but she never really recognized her true feeling until she was with him every day.

Wes is a very down to earth guy with a great family support even if they have their own issues. He’s a law officer and outdoors guy (like his other brothers) and has had Sutton in his life forever. She has always been special to him and he has loved having her part of his every day life. It’s his idea to get married so that she can inherit her family estate but when he makes the suggestion, he hadn’t fully understood the depth of his feelings until he was truly with her every day.
I really liked these two together but boy were they frustrating in how long it took each of them to figure things out and then admit it to one another! Once they admitted their feelings to one another, the chemistry became so hot! I loved that their families could see the feelings they had for each other, even if they couldn’t.

To me, side characters were significant in this story. I was so frustrated with Sutton’s grandmother but ended up really liking her. She wanted the best for Sutton even if she went about it in an unusual way. I loved Wes’s dad. I’ve been liking him all along but in this story he really began to shine for me. He is such a good dad – all he wants is to have his family be happy and even though he makes mistakes sometimes, he pushes for his family’s happiness. Seeing how much he cares for Sutton made my heart swell. He loves her too! And even Teddy – he made me like him more in this story too. I worry about how he will be and hope that Charlotte will help him but he won’t make it easy. It’s nice to see a kinder and gentler side to him.

I am loving these Calloways and can’t wait for more!

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wes and Sutton are longtime friends who come from diverse backgrounds. Sutton was raised in a wealthy family but she wants is to inherit her family home so she can preserve it, write about the history and open it for events and tours. Wes grew up on a farm and works as a natural resources officer - he likes his simple life. When Sutton’s grandmother says she has to be married to inherit the house, Wes offers to marry her. The attraction they have had for each other but never expressed comes to the surface. Can they turn something fake into something real?

I have read all the books in this series, as well as most of this author’s books and liked them all. This would work as a stand alone but I would read the others too!

I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lea Coll’s third instalment in the Calloways series, "Close to My Heart," has woven its way deep into my heart with its heartwarming and spine-tingling storyline. This tale of best friends, a marriage of convenience transforming into lovers is nothing short of enchanting. Sutton and Wes’s journey from grappling with insecurities to finally embracing their love is beautifully orchestrated, showcasing Coll's talent for capturing the essence of genuine connection.

The story navigates the delicate balance between friendship and romance, with Sutton and Wes’s reluctance to acknowledge their feelings adding a compelling tension. Their growth and eventual realization of being perfect for each other, a truth their friends and family have always seen, is both satisfying and moving. The catalyst of Sutton potentially losing her dream propels the story into an emotionally charged and unforgettable read.

Lea Coll has once again crafted a must-read that brings the Calloway family even closer to my heart. This is an epic love story that should not be missed.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A protective law enforcer/mountain man sweet on his lifelong best friend, marrying her so she could inherit her beloved family estate! What more do you want in a small town romance? Well, let me tell you, Lea did not disappoint with Wes and Sutton's story.

What began as a fake marriage ended up being so much more when their true feelings were revealed! A steamy, yet oh so deliciously seductive coming together of lifelong hopes to be each other's happily ever after! Another not to be missed read in The Calloway Brothers Series!

[Payton Box · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute friends to lovers, including a marriage of convenience to inherit Sutton’ family estate. I loved how Wes and Sutton are a perfect example of opposites attract but yet are still so similar, they just come from wildly different roles. Wes truly loves Sutton from the start, but it takes a minute for Sutton to realize her feelings and I love when she did. I also love the scheming grandmother plot line and this book hit that on its head with how wonderful Sutton’s grandmother is! I loved reading Wes and Sutton’s story and can’t wait to see what comes next!

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Best friends to lovers
-Marriage of convenience
-Forced proximity
-Small town

Wes and Sutton have been friends for a long time, despite their different backgrounds. His family and he are her safe haven from her family's drama.

Watching it all unfold and seeing them face their feelings now that they are living together and married has been something else.

Well written, funny, emotional, romantic and steamy.

I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Debra Shutters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in Falling For My Wife Collection and loved it and when I went to buy this e-book I found that I already had it in my library. Love reading how Sutton and Wes are best friends from childhood and both love each other but are afraid to tell each other because they don't want to ruin their friendship.When the Sutton Grandmother changes her will and tells Sutton she must marry she tells Wes about it. I was drawn in to keep reading to find out what is going how they deal with it and I love the ending. I look forward to reading more of Lea books.