Close to You (Through the Years, 1)

An epic and emotional coming-of-age romance for fans of Chloe Walsh.

Milow can’t speak. Her father took her voice before she ever had a chance to use it, leaving her trapped in silence and haunted by memories no one should ever endure. Every day is a reminder of what was taken from her, and every moment is a quiet battle to survive the shadows of her past.

When she arrives at a new foster home, Milow expects nothing. Just another place where she doesn’t belong and isn’t loved. But then she meets Ashby, her new foster brother, who has lived through his own hell. Somehow, he sees her, and without words or judgment, he understands her in a way no one else ever has.

Growing up together, their bond deepens into something unbreakable. Ashby becomes her protector and the one constant in her life. They spend years leaning on each other, but childhood doesn’t last forever, and that closeness starts to shift into something more complicated and intense.

As they grow older, the world gets crueler. The bullying Milow has endured her whole life never lets up, and it only becomes heavier. At the same time, the pressure on Ashby keeps building as school and swimming demand more from him.

Milow has to decide how much of herself she can risk in a world that has never treated her gently, while Ashby has to choose what he’s willing to sacrifice to reach his goals.

But after everything, they know one truth: no matter what it costs, they will always choose each other.

Content warnings: anxiety, skin picking disorder, bullying, mental and physical child abuse.