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The Nearness of You
Perfect for fans of Kelly Rimmer or Dorothy Koomson, THE NEARNESS OF YOU is filled with tension and heartache that will stay with you long after the final page.
Falling in love isn't a choice...
Since the moment they met, Ryan and Taylor have shared an unspoken bond. Taylor's drawn to Ryan more strongly than she thought possible and for some reason only he seems able to lift her out of the darkness in her past.
But Ryan is with Marcy - her best friend.
Marcy stood by Taylor when everything else had fallen apart, and Taylor refuses to risk their friendship now. Somehow she needs to resist what she's feeling. Yet, when Marcy leaves for a few weeks just as Ryan moves in to their shared flat, the tension grows to unbearable proportions. As the line between right and wrong becomes blurred, Taylor will have to decide whether she can - or should - turn away from what might be the love of her life.
Evocative, moving and heartrendingly romantic, this is a story about real life, true love and the power of friendship
Falling in love isn't a choice...
Since the moment they met, Ryan and Taylor have shared an unspoken bond. Taylor's drawn to Ryan more strongly than she thought possible and for some reason only he seems able to lift her out of the darkness in her past.
But Ryan is with Marcy - her best friend.
Marcy stood by Taylor when everything else had fallen apart, and Taylor refuses to risk their friendship now. Somehow she needs to resist what she's feeling. Yet, when Marcy leaves for a few weeks just as Ryan moves in to their shared flat, the tension grows to unbearable proportions. As the line between right and wrong becomes blurred, Taylor will have to decide whether she can - or should - turn away from what might be the love of her life.
Evocative, moving and heartrendingly romantic, this is a story about real life, true love and the power of friendship
- GenresRomanceContemporary
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2016
8 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Sareeta Domingo
10 books92 followersSareeta Domingo is the author of If I Don't Have You [Jacaranda Books, 2020], The Nearness of You [Piatkus/Little,Brown, 2016], and creator, editor and contributing writer of upcoming romantic fiction anthology Who's Loving You [Trapeze, 2021]. She has also written numerous erotic short stories and an erotic novella with Pavilion Books. Her books for Young Adults are published under S.A. Domingo, including Love, Secret Santa [Hachette Children's, 2019]. She has contributed to publications including gal-dem, Black Ballad, Stylist and Token Magazine, and has taken part in events for Hachette Books, Winchester Writers’ Festival, Black Girls Book Club and Bare Lit Festival among others. She lives in South East London.
sareetadomingo.com // @SareetaDomingo (Twitter) // @SareetaDomingoAuthor (Insta)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 5, 2016
★★★ 3.5 Stars ★★★
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Amazon US | Amazon UK
This debut novel from author Sareeta Domingo, follows Taylor Jenkins and her battle to come to terms with her mother's suicide, and the realisation that she is falling in love with her best friends boyfriend.
Taylor and Ryan crossed paths in a chance meeting in a London cinema, a moment that left them both with a feeling of something left unresolved, and with no way of contacting each other. That is, until Taylor's best friend Marcy introduces her to her new boyfriend, who is in fact, the very man she let get away that fateful night.
Not only is she struggling to deal with this reality, but Taylor is also trying to come to terms with the aftermath of finding a man's body floating in the River Thames, which brings up memories of her own mother's death. She is feeling lost and alone, and needing to decide what path to take in order to live a contented life.
When Marcy asks Taylor if Ryan can stay with them since he has no place to stay, she can't say no without raising suspicions, but when Marcy gets a gig dancing overseas, Taylor and Ryan are forced to spend more and more time together, and it's not long before they need to confront the fact that they have feelings for each other.
There is a love triangle element, and although things are wrapped up quite nicely (and maybe a bit too quickly) in the end, I felt it was realistic, and I appreciated the friendship between Taylor and Marcy and how it was dealt with.
The Nearness of You reads more as a women's fiction than a romance and since I am a total romance junkie I perhaps didn't enjoy it as much as I could have. I absolutely loved the tension and angst between Taylor and Ryan, and adored reading the parts of the book where you could feel the yearning and the want. When things started to get moving it was almost at the end and I found myself feeling disappointed that I didn't get more of this because I thought it was the best part of the book.
If Sareeta Domingo decides to concentrate more on the romance element of her stories, I would happily read more from her in the future because I loved the writing, and the character depth. A great debut novel.
The Nearness of You is a standalone novel, told in the heroine's POV
ARC gratefully received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
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Now LIVE!
Amazon US | Amazon UK
This debut novel from author Sareeta Domingo, follows Taylor Jenkins and her battle to come to terms with her mother's suicide, and the realisation that she is falling in love with her best friends boyfriend.
Taylor and Ryan crossed paths in a chance meeting in a London cinema, a moment that left them both with a feeling of something left unresolved, and with no way of contacting each other. That is, until Taylor's best friend Marcy introduces her to her new boyfriend, who is in fact, the very man she let get away that fateful night.
"Do you ever feel like you've dropped into some alternative universe, and you just have to go alone with it, until things right themselves?"
Not only is she struggling to deal with this reality, but Taylor is also trying to come to terms with the aftermath of finding a man's body floating in the River Thames, which brings up memories of her own mother's death. She is feeling lost and alone, and needing to decide what path to take in order to live a contented life.
When Marcy asks Taylor if Ryan can stay with them since he has no place to stay, she can't say no without raising suspicions, but when Marcy gets a gig dancing overseas, Taylor and Ryan are forced to spend more and more time together, and it's not long before they need to confront the fact that they have feelings for each other.
"The problem is, I don't want to forget it,"
he whispers urgently
"I can't, Taylor, I can still feel you."
There is a love triangle element, and although things are wrapped up quite nicely (and maybe a bit too quickly) in the end, I felt it was realistic, and I appreciated the friendship between Taylor and Marcy and how it was dealt with.
The Nearness of You reads more as a women's fiction than a romance and since I am a total romance junkie I perhaps didn't enjoy it as much as I could have. I absolutely loved the tension and angst between Taylor and Ryan, and adored reading the parts of the book where you could feel the yearning and the want. When things started to get moving it was almost at the end and I found myself feeling disappointed that I didn't get more of this because I thought it was the best part of the book.
If Sareeta Domingo decides to concentrate more on the romance element of her stories, I would happily read more from her in the future because I loved the writing, and the character depth. A great debut novel.
The Nearness of You is a standalone novel, told in the heroine's POV
ARC gratefully received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
July 26, 2016
Sareeta Domingo’s debut novel, The Nearness of You is a heart-breaking romantic tale. But there is not only romance; the story also touches on more serious and dramatic topics.
In her twenties, Taylor Jenkins lives with her best friend Marcy, and Marcy’s boyfriend, Ryan, whom Taylor had previously met at a cinema, forming an instant connection with him. When Marcy leaves on a world dancing tour, Taylor and Ryan are left to struggle with their growing feelings for each other.
But that is not Taylor’s only battle. When she finds a man’s body floating in the Thames, memories of her own mother’s suicide surface, and this also becomes the story of Taylor coming to terms with that tragedy.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Taylor and her friend, Marcy. Best friends since Taylor’s mother’s suicide, the share a strong bond. But is that tie strong enough to weather the love that develops between Ryan and Taylor?
As Taylor –– uncertain about her future after graduating from college, and stuck working in a bookshop –– witnesses the dreams of those around her coming true, she begins to question what she needs to find her own happiness.
The author writes beautifully –– prose filled with tension and heartache –– evoking Taylor’s feelings with deep empathy. I would highly recommend this moving tale of loss, true love, real life and friendships.
In her twenties, Taylor Jenkins lives with her best friend Marcy, and Marcy’s boyfriend, Ryan, whom Taylor had previously met at a cinema, forming an instant connection with him. When Marcy leaves on a world dancing tour, Taylor and Ryan are left to struggle with their growing feelings for each other.
But that is not Taylor’s only battle. When she finds a man’s body floating in the Thames, memories of her own mother’s suicide surface, and this also becomes the story of Taylor coming to terms with that tragedy.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Taylor and her friend, Marcy. Best friends since Taylor’s mother’s suicide, the share a strong bond. But is that tie strong enough to weather the love that develops between Ryan and Taylor?
As Taylor –– uncertain about her future after graduating from college, and stuck working in a bookshop –– witnesses the dreams of those around her coming true, she begins to question what she needs to find her own happiness.
The author writes beautifully –– prose filled with tension and heartache –– evoking Taylor’s feelings with deep empathy. I would highly recommend this moving tale of loss, true love, real life and friendships.
June 14, 2016
Something you might not know about me is that I love London. I spent 6 weeks in London three years ago and fell in love with the city. So when I saw Tower Bridge on the cover of this novel, along with the entwined couple that screamed romance, I couldn't wait to read this story.
From the moment they met in a very vulnerable state for the two of them, Ryan and Taylor have shared an inexplicable bond. But nothing can become of it because Ryan is with Marcy. Taylor's best friend. After he moves in with them, Taylor finds the tension between them unbearable at times, but she must stick up for the girl who stood by her through her worst moments. But when Marcy leaves for a few weeks, Taylor and Ryan are continuously drawn to each other and find it harder and harder to remember why they can't be together…
Ugh, why are British books like 100% more lovable than American books? Just the mannerism and parts of speech that were so normal to them in this book seriously stole my heart. To me, this book reminded me of a British version of Something Borrowed with the whole my best friend is dating the guy I love trope and, you know what? I loved every minute of it. Taylor was actually not really a likable character, but I found myself absolutely loving her because of how raw and relatable she was. She has had some crappy things happen in her life and she's just not in a great place in her life. Not to mention the guy she loves is sleeping with her best friend down the hall. Ugh, my heart just breaks for her!
I was so engrossed in this story that I never wanted to put it down. Taylor and Ryan tried so hard to not want each other and to try and be happy with other people, but that's not as easy as it sounds. While the story may be cliche to some, I really loved Ryan's character and how Marcy was actually a really likable character and you really understood why Ryan and Taylor couldn't be together. Did I mention that they're British? Because they are. And it was awesome.
Overall, I loved how quirky, raw, and real this book was. Taylor is pretty much the least perfect person out there and she has real insecurities and sad moments that we all have. It was refreshing to have such real and flawed main character. If you want a real, forbidden (and British!) love story with a main character whose fragile state is something we all can relate to, you need to pick up The Nearness of You.
From the moment they met in a very vulnerable state for the two of them, Ryan and Taylor have shared an inexplicable bond. But nothing can become of it because Ryan is with Marcy. Taylor's best friend. After he moves in with them, Taylor finds the tension between them unbearable at times, but she must stick up for the girl who stood by her through her worst moments. But when Marcy leaves for a few weeks, Taylor and Ryan are continuously drawn to each other and find it harder and harder to remember why they can't be together…
Ugh, why are British books like 100% more lovable than American books? Just the mannerism and parts of speech that were so normal to them in this book seriously stole my heart. To me, this book reminded me of a British version of Something Borrowed with the whole my best friend is dating the guy I love trope and, you know what? I loved every minute of it. Taylor was actually not really a likable character, but I found myself absolutely loving her because of how raw and relatable she was. She has had some crappy things happen in her life and she's just not in a great place in her life. Not to mention the guy she loves is sleeping with her best friend down the hall. Ugh, my heart just breaks for her!
I was so engrossed in this story that I never wanted to put it down. Taylor and Ryan tried so hard to not want each other and to try and be happy with other people, but that's not as easy as it sounds. While the story may be cliche to some, I really loved Ryan's character and how Marcy was actually a really likable character and you really understood why Ryan and Taylor couldn't be together. Did I mention that they're British? Because they are. And it was awesome.
Overall, I loved how quirky, raw, and real this book was. Taylor is pretty much the least perfect person out there and she has real insecurities and sad moments that we all have. It was refreshing to have such real and flawed main character. If you want a real, forbidden (and British!) love story with a main character whose fragile state is something we all can relate to, you need to pick up The Nearness of You.
August 9, 2016
The Nearness of You by Sareeta Domingo centers around Taylor, a young twenty something, dealing with the emotional pain of her mother's suicide when she was 16. Taylor lives with her best friend Marcy, and Marcy's boyfriend, Ryan. Unbeknownst to Marcy, Taylor and Ryan met previously at a cinema and felt an instant connection. Marcy soon leaves as a dancer as part of a world tour, leaving Taylor and Ryan to fight their feelings for one another in her absence. After finding a body of a man who committed suicide, Taylor struggles with being able to stop thinking about her mother's own suicide. As Taylor witnesses everyone around her succeeding in life, she begins to question what she wants out of life and what will finally make her happy.
The Nearness of You was more than I expected it to be. I went in expecting to read a plot about the conflict of two best friends in love with the same guy. However, Domingo addresses the heavier subject of suicide and the emotions felt by those affected by it. Domingo's writing is beautiful. She describes Taylor's emotions in such a way that you're able to feel the emotion of her character. For anyone who has been affected by suicide, I feel this book may help them by reading Taylor's emotional journey.
Something I found extremely relatable about this story was Taylor's uncertainty about her future and what she wants out of life. It can be difficult after graduating college to see the dreams of the people around you coming true, while you remain feeling stuck where you are. Taylor struggles with this feeling as she watches her best friend live out her dream of traveling the world as a dancer, while she is stuck working in a bookstore.
I loved the relationship between Taylor and Marcy. The two girls have been best friends since before Taylor's mom committed suicide and they have this unbreakable bond. Marcy is constantly worried about Taylor as she watches her struggle, and as a result, Taylor keeps some secrets from Marcy that test their friendship. We also can't forget the fact that Taylor is in love with Marcy's boyfriend Ryan.
My only problem with this story was that I really wanted more scenes between Taylor and Ryan. Based on the description, I felt this book would be more of a romance and I was disappointed at the lack of romance. I would definitely classify this book as more of a drama as it centers around the personal affects of a serious subject matter.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this story. I can definitely see myself picking up another book by this author in the future. If you're looking for an emotional story about loss, love, friendship, and figuring out how to be happy, I definitely recommend this book.
The Nearness of You was more than I expected it to be. I went in expecting to read a plot about the conflict of two best friends in love with the same guy. However, Domingo addresses the heavier subject of suicide and the emotions felt by those affected by it. Domingo's writing is beautiful. She describes Taylor's emotions in such a way that you're able to feel the emotion of her character. For anyone who has been affected by suicide, I feel this book may help them by reading Taylor's emotional journey.
Something I found extremely relatable about this story was Taylor's uncertainty about her future and what she wants out of life. It can be difficult after graduating college to see the dreams of the people around you coming true, while you remain feeling stuck where you are. Taylor struggles with this feeling as she watches her best friend live out her dream of traveling the world as a dancer, while she is stuck working in a bookstore.
I loved the relationship between Taylor and Marcy. The two girls have been best friends since before Taylor's mom committed suicide and they have this unbreakable bond. Marcy is constantly worried about Taylor as she watches her struggle, and as a result, Taylor keeps some secrets from Marcy that test their friendship. We also can't forget the fact that Taylor is in love with Marcy's boyfriend Ryan.
My only problem with this story was that I really wanted more scenes between Taylor and Ryan. Based on the description, I felt this book would be more of a romance and I was disappointed at the lack of romance. I would definitely classify this book as more of a drama as it centers around the personal affects of a serious subject matter.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this story. I can definitely see myself picking up another book by this author in the future. If you're looking for an emotional story about loss, love, friendship, and figuring out how to be happy, I definitely recommend this book.
May 6, 2016
First of all.. Don’t you just love that cover?? That cover was definitely the thing that made me want to read it before I even read the book description. But after reading the book description I definitely wanted to read ‘The Nearness of You’ even more.
‘The Nearness of You’ is definitely a book that will stay with me. It’s heartbreaking, sad and moving. What definitely made this book unforgettable, is the way this book just felt real to me. It’s hard to explain what I mean with that, but I’m going to try.. The emotions in this book were just so good described you almost started to feel them yourself. For example with the romance part, you know that it is wrong but you still want it to happen.. but then again not really. Okay.. I’m not making much sense. LOL! Let’s continue..
The main character Taylor has had a hard life. She went through what no one should have to go through. But the one thing that keeps her going is the friendship between her and her best friend Marcy. But Marcy is very different than Taylor. Marcy is sparkly, happy and outgoing. While Taylor just feels down and doesn’t know what to do with her life. One day, Taylor meets Ryan who makes her feel all kinds of thing she never felt before. She feels like he understands her without knowing her. But afraid of what she feels, she leaves without getting names or phone numbers. Months later she meets him again, but now he is Marcy’s boyfriend. Yep.. It’s really that bad!! Sigh..
This book really grabbed me. Although Taylor doesn’t think so herself.. I found her character very strong and brave. To get through what she went through.. I don’t know if I would have been able to go on. Her melancholy and her feelings are just so understandable. And even though this book was sad and heartbreaking, it really worked.
And Marcy? Well.. I wish I had a friend like her.
The writing was easy to follow. There were a view parts that felt like it was missing something. For example the way Ryan felt. You know how he feels near the end of the book because he is telling Taylor. But for the most part in this book I just felt like he was playing Taylor a little. Which is just weird, because in everything he does he seems like a good guy.. But I just wished we had a little more inside in his feelings.
This book, set in the beautiful streets of London was definitely a great and touching read. I definitely recommend it. If you enjoy a good story which you makes feel all kinds of emotions.. This one is for you.
‘The Nearness of You’ is definitely a book that will stay with me. It’s heartbreaking, sad and moving. What definitely made this book unforgettable, is the way this book just felt real to me. It’s hard to explain what I mean with that, but I’m going to try.. The emotions in this book were just so good described you almost started to feel them yourself. For example with the romance part, you know that it is wrong but you still want it to happen.. but then again not really. Okay.. I’m not making much sense. LOL! Let’s continue..
The main character Taylor has had a hard life. She went through what no one should have to go through. But the one thing that keeps her going is the friendship between her and her best friend Marcy. But Marcy is very different than Taylor. Marcy is sparkly, happy and outgoing. While Taylor just feels down and doesn’t know what to do with her life. One day, Taylor meets Ryan who makes her feel all kinds of thing she never felt before. She feels like he understands her without knowing her. But afraid of what she feels, she leaves without getting names or phone numbers. Months later she meets him again, but now he is Marcy’s boyfriend. Yep.. It’s really that bad!! Sigh..
This book really grabbed me. Although Taylor doesn’t think so herself.. I found her character very strong and brave. To get through what she went through.. I don’t know if I would have been able to go on. Her melancholy and her feelings are just so understandable. And even though this book was sad and heartbreaking, it really worked.
And Marcy? Well.. I wish I had a friend like her.
The writing was easy to follow. There were a view parts that felt like it was missing something. For example the way Ryan felt. You know how he feels near the end of the book because he is telling Taylor. But for the most part in this book I just felt like he was playing Taylor a little. Which is just weird, because in everything he does he seems like a good guy.. But I just wished we had a little more inside in his feelings.
This book, set in the beautiful streets of London was definitely a great and touching read. I definitely recommend it. If you enjoy a good story which you makes feel all kinds of emotions.. This one is for you.
July 23, 2018
Wow.
I read this in one hurried sitting yesterday, and only the fact that I started early enough in the day to be able to finish it before 11PM saved me from reading well into the night. On that note alone I’m tempted to give it 5 stars, but to me, a book only gets 5 stars if I still like it that much after a reread. Chances are high though.
This is a standalone, single POV, new adult with boatloads of angst, written by an author not afraid to push all the heroine’s inner demons to the max. I loved that, and applaud the author for being able to be so ruthless towards characters she clearly loves. The result is a romance that almost reads as a thriller: it’s intense, gripping, and also explores good and bad with a HFN at the end (it’s NA) with a couple who I believe will stay together forever, but still have some growing to do.
The way the author pushes those inner-demon buttons (oh, the delicious angst) is also the reason why this book will not be for everyone.
It’s a love triangle in which lines between right and wrong are blurred (it’s in the blurb)... which translates into lines are crossed. I think it’s a strong point, because I think both the hero and heroine aren’t that grown up yet to be able to stay clear of that line, or to handle the situation in the way it should have been. They do the best they can, until they can’t, and learn as things go wrong.
I did wish the author would have been more explicit in the hero’s demons, and what kept him from doing the right thing, but at the same time, not spelling it out, also fits the story. Enough hints were given throughout the book for me to paint a picture.
Trigger warning: all throughout the book, the subject of suicide from the POV of the ones that were left behind.
I read this in one hurried sitting yesterday, and only the fact that I started early enough in the day to be able to finish it before 11PM saved me from reading well into the night. On that note alone I’m tempted to give it 5 stars, but to me, a book only gets 5 stars if I still like it that much after a reread. Chances are high though.
This is a standalone, single POV, new adult with boatloads of angst, written by an author not afraid to push all the heroine’s inner demons to the max. I loved that, and applaud the author for being able to be so ruthless towards characters she clearly loves. The result is a romance that almost reads as a thriller: it’s intense, gripping, and also explores good and bad with a HFN at the end (it’s NA) with a couple who I believe will stay together forever, but still have some growing to do.
The way the author pushes those inner-demon buttons (oh, the delicious angst) is also the reason why this book will not be for everyone.
It’s a love triangle in which lines between right and wrong are blurred (it’s in the blurb)... which translates into lines are crossed. I think it’s a strong point, because I think both the hero and heroine aren’t that grown up yet to be able to stay clear of that line, or to handle the situation in the way it should have been. They do the best they can, until they can’t, and learn as things go wrong.
I did wish the author would have been more explicit in the hero’s demons, and what kept him from doing the right thing, but at the same time, not spelling it out, also fits the story. Enough hints were given throughout the book for me to paint a picture.
Trigger warning: all throughout the book, the subject of suicide from the POV of the ones that were left behind.
June 25, 2016
*** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
The Nearness of You is the promising debut novel by Sareeta Domingo and it is Taylor Jenkins story. When Taylor meets Ryan, they share a strong connection. However, Ryan is Marcy, her best friend’s boyfriend and much as they try to ignore the connection and feelings they have they find that they can’t especially when Marcy goes away.
The Nearness of You was a heartfelt story about love, loss, and friendships. My heart went out to Taylor she had not had an easy life, and she was still struggling to come to turns with what had happened to someone very close to her. I felt Taylor's insecurities and fears were believable and realistic.
Taylor and Ryan were sweet together and you could feel that they were struggling with the feelings that they had for each. I like Ryan and the way he was with Taylor. Marcy was a great best friend to Taylor and I like the relationship they shared.
There is a love triangle aspect to the story, which was one of the reasons why I wanted to read this book, I say I don’t like them but I know that I really do. I did feel that as love triangles usually go this one wasn’t as high on the angst and drama as I was expecting. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing because I still enjoyed the story, but I do think the author could have explored this aspect a little further and given me more romance.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, I adored the cover I think it’s very striking with those colours and the fact that it was set in London where I live was also a bonus. I would definitely read more from this author in the future, as I like her writing and the way she way was able to deal with a sensitive and weighty subject matter.
If you were looking for an emotional read one that is more than a story about a love triangle, then I would recommend you give this book try.
June 9, 2016
Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2016/06...
The Nearness of You tells the story of Taylor, who is still trying to get over her mother's suicide. At one of her lowest points, she meets a stranger with whom she immediately feels a connection. But the stranger turns out to be her best friend's (and flatmate) boyfriend. He is off limits, but as they spent more time together, the connection only intensifies.
The book is told from Taylor's point of view, so we get to know her quite well. She is suffering and feels stuck with a job she doesn't enjoy and no plans for the future. At first, I had the impression that she was a bit obsessed with the idea of Ryan, her best friend's boyfriend, and that she could only be whole again with him, which I found a bit too simple. They hadn't really talked yet and she was already convinced she loved him. As the story progressed though, I could tell that their connection was especial and it seemed like he felt the same way about her. It bothered me a little that he would do absolutely nothing about it (like actually leaving his girlfriend) and I think I would have understood him better if we had known what was going on in his head.
Something I enjoyed in this novel were the underlying sub plots and the topics they handled, like dealing with grief and depression or finding oneself again and I think Sareeta Doming handled them with tact and they flowed well with the rest of the story. Also, I found the friendship between Taylor and her best friend really interesting to read. It was one of those beautiful friendships that's stronger than family ties. And I was really happy with the ending, and how the love triangle was handled. So even if I did not enjoy the romance story as much as I was expecting, I did enjoy the book in its whole and found some parts really touching and sincere.
(review copy)
The Nearness of You tells the story of Taylor, who is still trying to get over her mother's suicide. At one of her lowest points, she meets a stranger with whom she immediately feels a connection. But the stranger turns out to be her best friend's (and flatmate) boyfriend. He is off limits, but as they spent more time together, the connection only intensifies.
The book is told from Taylor's point of view, so we get to know her quite well. She is suffering and feels stuck with a job she doesn't enjoy and no plans for the future. At first, I had the impression that she was a bit obsessed with the idea of Ryan, her best friend's boyfriend, and that she could only be whole again with him, which I found a bit too simple. They hadn't really talked yet and she was already convinced she loved him. As the story progressed though, I could tell that their connection was especial and it seemed like he felt the same way about her. It bothered me a little that he would do absolutely nothing about it (like actually leaving his girlfriend) and I think I would have understood him better if we had known what was going on in his head.
Something I enjoyed in this novel were the underlying sub plots and the topics they handled, like dealing with grief and depression or finding oneself again and I think Sareeta Doming handled them with tact and they flowed well with the rest of the story. Also, I found the friendship between Taylor and her best friend really interesting to read. It was one of those beautiful friendships that's stronger than family ties. And I was really happy with the ending, and how the love triangle was handled. So even if I did not enjoy the romance story as much as I was expecting, I did enjoy the book in its whole and found some parts really touching and sincere.
(review copy)
July 26, 2016
Sareeta Domingo’s debut novel, The Nearness of You is a heart-breaking romantic tale. But there is not only romance; the story also touches on more serious and dramatic topics.
In her twenties, Taylor Jenkins lives with her best friend Marcy, and Marcy’s boyfriend, Ryan, whom Taylor had previously met at a cinema, forming an instant connection with him. When Marcy leaves on a world dancing tour, Taylor and Ryan are left to struggle with their growing feelings for each other.
But that is not Taylor’s only battle. When she finds a man’s body floating in the Thames, memories of her own mother’s suicide surface, and this also becomes the story of Taylor coming to terms with that tragedy.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Taylor and her friend, Marcy. Best friends since Taylor’s mother’s suicide, the share a strong bond. But is that tie strong enough to weather the love that develops between Ryan and Taylor?
As Taylor –– uncertain about her future after graduating from college, and stuck working in a bookshop –– witnesses the dreams of those around her coming true, she begins to question what she needs to find her own happiness.
The author writes beautifully –– prose filled with tension and heartache –– evoking Taylor’s feelings with deep empathy. I would highly recommend this moving tale of loss, true love, real life and friendships.
In her twenties, Taylor Jenkins lives with her best friend Marcy, and Marcy’s boyfriend, Ryan, whom Taylor had previously met at a cinema, forming an instant connection with him. When Marcy leaves on a world dancing tour, Taylor and Ryan are left to struggle with their growing feelings for each other.
But that is not Taylor’s only battle. When she finds a man’s body floating in the Thames, memories of her own mother’s suicide surface, and this also becomes the story of Taylor coming to terms with that tragedy.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Taylor and her friend, Marcy. Best friends since Taylor’s mother’s suicide, the share a strong bond. But is that tie strong enough to weather the love that develops between Ryan and Taylor?
As Taylor –– uncertain about her future after graduating from college, and stuck working in a bookshop –– witnesses the dreams of those around her coming true, she begins to question what she needs to find her own happiness.
The author writes beautifully –– prose filled with tension and heartache –– evoking Taylor’s feelings with deep empathy. I would highly recommend this moving tale of loss, true love, real life and friendships.
May 24, 2016
I have met this book through audible podcast streaming. I was trudging back to home from running, exhausted. The scene was where Ryan and Taylor first met-rather they just existed in a same place with the very intimate interaction. Though Domingo's voice, weirdly I could picture Taylor vividly and since I have seen author's portrait, my Taylor was pictured just as the look of her. I absolutely loved reading this. As opposed to other characters in Romcom books, Taylor is indecisive, depressive or low, introverted, and scared. But she seems like a beautiful person. I also love the book kept its present tense narration style. However Marcy seems unrealistic to me partly because she didn't appear much and the POV was focused on Taylor, maybe. Another thing was as I read Ryan's POV on Domingo's website, I still got an impression that Taylor was speaking borrowing Ryan's name. I hoped it had revealed more Ryan in there and it was rather too short and I don't think it is written well for quenching readers' curiosities for peeping the other's POV.
May 30, 2016
The words needed to review this are not coming easy for me. The writing is beautiful but the subject matter difficult. Taylor is a beautiful young woman who has had lost her single parent tragically and at the very young age of 16. She is just coasting through life. She has a dead end job and is living with her best friend.
During one of her really down days she enters a quiet empty theater and attempts to spend an afternoon with just her tears. However, a gorgeous man spies her and for a few precious moments he holds her hand and helps her feel lighter. Taylor, of course, does not act on this moment and loses out. But as fate would have it, she and Ryan do meet again. But the circumstances are lousy and both of them are miserable.
Taylor struggles with even more tragedy but eventually she gets stronger and stronger and gets on her own feet. She finally discovers what she wants and who she needs! This is a deeply moving well written book. Sareeta has a real gift for story telling.
During one of her really down days she enters a quiet empty theater and attempts to spend an afternoon with just her tears. However, a gorgeous man spies her and for a few precious moments he holds her hand and helps her feel lighter. Taylor, of course, does not act on this moment and loses out. But as fate would have it, she and Ryan do meet again. But the circumstances are lousy and both of them are miserable.
Taylor struggles with even more tragedy but eventually she gets stronger and stronger and gets on her own feet. She finally discovers what she wants and who she needs! This is a deeply moving well written book. Sareeta has a real gift for story telling.
June 25, 2016
I got this book free through Goodreads giveaways!
Meh. This book was just not my cup of tea. I could not relate/connect with the main character, Taylor. I found her moroseness irritating. Then her pining after her best friend's boyfriend...ugh. It all left a bad taste in my mouth.
Meh. This book was just not my cup of tea. I could not relate/connect with the main character, Taylor. I found her moroseness irritating. Then her pining after her best friend's boyfriend...ugh. It all left a bad taste in my mouth.
May 30, 2016
I received this book courtesy of a goodreads giveaway. It wasn't quite what I expected there was elements of darkness and sorrow but yet hope and love mixed in, not the typical chick literature that I'm very much used to but it was still an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2022
"Cracks of sunshine really did lurk in the darkness back then- I just need to remember that. I need to let more of it break through when I can."
I loved this book, but not for the reason I thought I would. Based on the cover and title I assumed this was going to be an all-out romance, steamy, sexy book. It has aspects of that, but the majority of this book addresses a young woman's PTSD after having lost her mother to suicide. The Nearness of You addresses suicide and depression in a realistic and non-stigmatizing way. It's a little bit like a slice-of-life book, too.
I loved this book, but not for the reason I thought I would. Based on the cover and title I assumed this was going to be an all-out romance, steamy, sexy book. It has aspects of that, but the majority of this book addresses a young woman's PTSD after having lost her mother to suicide. The Nearness of You addresses suicide and depression in a realistic and non-stigmatizing way. It's a little bit like a slice-of-life book, too.
August 3, 2018
Very enjoyable. I appreciated how the friendship relationship was navigated in an awkward situation (heroine falls in love with best friend's boyfriend), and the friendship was maintained at the end.
It made me laugh, and cry.
All the smoking was weird, hardly anyone smokes in Australia, but I did notice lots of smokers in London, so maybe it's more of a thing there?
It made me laugh, and cry.
All the smoking was weird, hardly anyone smokes in Australia, but I did notice lots of smokers in London, so maybe it's more of a thing there?
November 19, 2018
Exceptional story that touches on so many important themes - mental health, romance and suicide. It's a touching read with great presentation - the way it is written has both character and sensibility. A joy from cover to cover.
April 26, 2024
I am such a sucker for rom com books. I am glad despite what happened, Taylor got to still be best mates with her friend Marcy and she got the guy. I mean one of them had to have him right? I really enjoyed reading this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2016
The Nearness of You is the debut novel by Sareeta Domingo. In it, we meet Taylor Jenkins. She is struggling with some difficult moments. Life has not been kind for her. And now, her best friend boyfriend's is the man she can't stop thinking about or wanting. But he is untouchable, even though they have previously met and felt such a strong connection.
But for Taylor, Marcy has been her rock and support when she needed it. Taylor is determined to stand by her best friend and be true But as Taylor and Ryan spend more time together, the tension becomes too much. And when they suddenly find themselves without Marcy, can they remain true?
Taylor struggled with so much loss and grief in her life, but as the story continued, you begin to see her grow and become strong. Ryan is a good guy, with mixed emotions. Marcy is the best friend with the heart of gold. How can these three survive?
Though you would think this was a romance, with the blurb and other comments, it is more a story of life, strength and choices, with a sprinkle of love.
I did enjoy the story and would read more from this author. The Nearness of You was a 3.5 star read for me.
But for Taylor, Marcy has been her rock and support when she needed it. Taylor is determined to stand by her best friend and be true But as Taylor and Ryan spend more time together, the tension becomes too much. And when they suddenly find themselves without Marcy, can they remain true?
Taylor struggled with so much loss and grief in her life, but as the story continued, you begin to see her grow and become strong. Ryan is a good guy, with mixed emotions. Marcy is the best friend with the heart of gold. How can these three survive?
Though you would think this was a romance, with the blurb and other comments, it is more a story of life, strength and choices, with a sprinkle of love.
I did enjoy the story and would read more from this author. The Nearness of You was a 3.5 star read for me.
June 13, 2016
I received this book in return for my honest review.
I really liked Taylor and Ryan as characters. I enjoyed that they didn't have their lives together, usually one character is super over achiever, but in this book main characters are struggling with life and I found that refreshing.
The plot line was what drew me in, I couldn't wait to find out if they would get together but I was anxious in case the story turned them in to cheaters. I was happy that Taylor respected her friendship and waited as long as she did, she had the best best friend ever.
My only critique would be that I found the story slow to get going and I felt that a little more back ground on Ryan could have oven the over all story a little more depth and perspective.
I would read more from this author.
I really liked Taylor and Ryan as characters. I enjoyed that they didn't have their lives together, usually one character is super over achiever, but in this book main characters are struggling with life and I found that refreshing.
The plot line was what drew me in, I couldn't wait to find out if they would get together but I was anxious in case the story turned them in to cheaters. I was happy that Taylor respected her friendship and waited as long as she did, she had the best best friend ever.
My only critique would be that I found the story slow to get going and I felt that a little more back ground on Ryan could have oven the over all story a little more depth and perspective.
I would read more from this author.
December 8, 2016
I enjoyed the book very much! It was a love triangle I actually liked. The author portrayed really likeable characters that were enjoyable to read something I find really important as a reader! All in all it was a realistic story, something I could relate. Special shout out to the authors writing and the character depth this is what did it for me!
July 6, 2016
I loved this book. It's a story of a young woman with lots of emotional baggage meeting Mr. Right at the wrong time and place. The writing was beautifully descriptive and flowing and had me hooked from the first chapter. I received this book in the Goodreads giveaway, so glad I did.
July 9, 2016
Love this love story!
September 6, 2016
A beautifully-written, intense, emotional love story. Highly recommended.
October 11, 2018
Reread Oct 2018: love this book so much. Upgraded to 5 stars.
Read
August 26, 2017I wasn't engaged by the writing style or the MC. This was a DNF for me.
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