Far

Distance #1

by Gigi Vale

She fell for a fantasy. He created the illusion. Now the truth could tear them apart.

Mary
I’ve replayed it countless times in my mind. Analyzing every detail. Why did he leave without a word?

Connor
One night. I had to know what it would be like to be the one she wanted. To be close to her.

Mary Wempton leads a privileged but lonely life, working for her father's hotel company and enduring endless blind dates orchestrated by her overbearing mother. Her only solace is her online pen pal Chris, who she believes is her soulmate, until one fateful morning changes everything.

Connor Milton has been watching Mary since college, through every digital footprint she leaves behind. As a cybersecurity expert, surveillance is his profession. But when it comes to Mary, it's become his obsession.

When Connor discovers another man poses a threat to the hotel heiress at a party, he makes a split-second decision that changes everything. He takes the stranger's place, claiming one forbidden night with the woman who's haunted his every waking moment.

Now, Mary thinks she's finally found her dream man, but she has no idea he's the same dangerously compelling consultant working for her father or that he knows every intimate detail of her life. Connor should confess the truth, but he's addicted to her touch, obsessed with her safety, and willing to do whatever it takes to keep her.

Even if it means living a lie.

Ideal for fans of dominant heroes who know no boundaries when it comes to the women they desire, themes of surveillance and voyeurism, rich family dynamics, mistaken identity, workplace drama, and contemporary romance with suspenseful edges.

The spicy stalker/ billionaire romance 'far' is the first book in the interconnected Distance series, but it can be read as a standalone. Happily Ever After (HEA) is guaranteed. Dual POV. Please ensure that you check the content note site before reading.

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2024

About the author

🍬😈🌶️ A mix of sweet, dark and spicy

GIGI VALE is an indie author who blends sweet, dark, and spicy elements to craft captivating contemporary romances. She’s been dreaming up stories since her teenage years, but only recently found the courage to share them with the world. Now, she’s on a mission to bring the characters that live rent-free in her mind to life, fulfilling her passion for storytelling one book at a time.

Reviews

[Sammyll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Close and Closer first, I read about Mary amd Connor from there. Having gone to college together but not realising that they both had crushes on each other from afar, the book leads up to Connor impersonating Chris, a guy Mary had been messaging for months. Connor had been staking Mary since college, hacking into all her accounts and watching her from afar.

When they start a relationship, it starts on lies amd mistrust. Lots of angst, heartache and grovelling follow. I enjoyed the book but didn't love it the same as Bash and Lily's story. I look forward to reading the next book Near, as I enjoy reading about all the friends and love the writing style of Gigi. I hope there will be spin offs from the books too.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dessie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love everything Gigi Vale writes! It's always such an intense, passion filled storyline. The characters are always so relatable, flawed and just perfect. You won't go wrong reading a Gigi Vale book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very happy that I discovered this author. I love the writing style and that there is more than one point of view. Mary and Connor's relationship was fascinating to read. This book was exciting, steamy and leaves me wanting to read book two. This book creates intrigue for me and I felt compelled to read the book as fast as I could read to experience more of the characters. I have great expectations for the next book.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be honest when I first started this book I was very apprehensive about the stalker side of the story. I also read this after reading near and can say it didn't take away from the stories. Mary has a very image and status mother who is obsessed with Mary having a suitable suitor. To many dates that end disastrously leaving Mary wondering if there is anyone suitable for her. That is until she connects with Chris through messages and really connects and feels finally someone who wants her for her not her name or family connections just her. They agree to meet at the masquerade ball. Connor has become expert at Cybersecurity, he can literally get into any system he needs to and has. He's obsessed with the girl from college, from first seeing her he's been there in the background. He watches, reads, listens and can tell you anything there is to know about her. That is until he goes a step to far, but he has to protect her even if it means crossing a line. Now he's employed by her father to upgrade the security of their hotels. Can he finally meet her as himself. Can he win over her family, after all he doesn't come from their high standards and prestige. This story is one that will have you really feeling conflicted Connor crosses so many lines, yet at the same time he cares and worships Mary. Connor never opens up to anyone about his past and has secrets that are deep rooted. Can Mary dismantle his carefully constructed walls. Or will she back away and keep him at arms length. Although knowing Connor she knows she'll always be his Blue and he'll always be her Stalker. I couldn't put this book down even through in places I was saying "walk away now" I can honestly say Connor's heart was in the right place even if his ethics went a bit to far. I can wait to read the rest of this compelling series

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read from this Author and loved it. Mary has it all working for her father's hotel company. but there is one thing she would love someone to love. her mum keeps trying to match her with boring men. her best friends always there for her. and Mary finally meets the man she been talking to online. but not ends well. Conner gets a job at the hotel their Cyber security. don't want to say no more it's an amazing read with a few twists and turns and a hot read can't wait to start book 2 so recommend.

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing and left me wanting more. I can't wait to see what's next for this story. It's well written and the spice happens fast thank you for the chance to review this as an ARC 💙 this has me reading on from the very beginning

[Sandra Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Mary and Connor together! Their relationship is on fire! Yes there were ups and downs but what relationship doesn't have that? Their chemistry is on point and, even though he is a stalker, he is one handsome man.

They met years ago in college and both were too shy to say anything about it. Fast forward years later and they are inseparable. Of course, it started out with Connor lying to Mary the first time they met but it all comes down to them facing the fact that they are made for each other.

I love how they come together and how their relationship is like a roller coaster of emotions. This book is a page turner and don't get me started on their hotness in bed. Can we say hot?!

Definitely read this book and the other books in the series..if you dare!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Books and Daisies · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book jumps straight into the action from chapter one, but I struggled to stay engaged and found myself picking up other books in between—something I try to avoid because it makes the stories blur together.

The plot and characters had potential, but nothing truly stood out. There weren’t any particularly memorable moments pulling me in. The biggest frustration? A complete lack of communication. The entire conflict could have been solved if the characters just talked to each other, and I found myself wanting to scream at them.

That said, the angry, possessive spice? Definitely a highlight.🔥 Despite my struggles with the story, I did enjoy the conclusion. Overall, this was a 2-star read for me.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robin G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

far by Gigi Vale is a surprisingly hot and engrossing book. I wasn’t sure about the stalking, but when I embraced the fantasy/fictional aspect, I found I couldn’t put it down. The steamy scenes were hot, and just what I was looking for. This is book 1, and while I understand that the books can be read singly, I find myself wanting to delve into the next book right away. There are several side stories hinted in far, and I assume these are the basis for the other books. If you want some steamy, escapist romance, I highly recommend far.

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Kati · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little difficult. I love a good stalker romance. And both characters are mostly lovable. But the FMC needs to get her head checked. Talks to a guy for a little bit and decides to sleep with him as the first date because she is a V. Thinks she has some deep connection to him prior to the intercourse. Then the MMC I do honestly really like him but there was no real buildup for me. He was just there. Then demanding she was his and she just seems to "fight it" if you can even call it that. Just made the book feel so very long. I was really hoping for more.

[Rechal · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐ 𝟯.𝟱
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I read the third book in the series before this one, and that really helped me understand the storyline much better.

The book started off strong, and I was genuinely curious about how Connor would make his way into Mary's life. However, I felt that the way it played out was a bit too simple and didn't meet the level of intrigue I was hoping for.

The storyline involving Connor taking Chris places felt unnecessarily stretched out, especially when he could have been more upfront about it.

Overall, the book was good, but with a few adjustments, it could have been even better.