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Fusion #2
Close to You
Camilla, “Cami,” LaRue was five-years-old when she first fell in love with Landon Palazzo. Everyone told her the puppy love would fade—they clearly never met Landon. When he left after graduation without a backward glance, she was heartbroken. But Cami grew up, moved on, and became part-owner of wildly popular restaurant Seduction. She has everything she could want...or so she thinks.
After spending the last twelve years as a Navy fighter pilot, Landon returns to Portland to take over the family construction business. When he catches a glimpse of little Cami LaRue, he realizes she’s not so little any more. He always had a soft spot for his little sister’s best friend, but nothing is soft now when he’s around the gorgeous restauranteur.
Landon isn’t going to pass up the chance to make the girl-next-door his. She’s never been one for romance, but he’s just the one to change her mind. Will seduction be just the name of her restaurant or will Cami let him get close enough to fulfill all her fantasies?
After spending the last twelve years as a Navy fighter pilot, Landon returns to Portland to take over the family construction business. When he catches a glimpse of little Cami LaRue, he realizes she’s not so little any more. He always had a soft spot for his little sister’s best friend, but nothing is soft now when he’s around the gorgeous restauranteur.
Landon isn’t going to pass up the chance to make the girl-next-door his. She’s never been one for romance, but he’s just the one to change her mind. Will seduction be just the name of her restaurant or will Cami let him get close enough to fulfill all her fantasies?
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2016
About the author
Kristen Proby
126 books15.5k followersKristen Proby is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.
When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.
When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 730 reviews
March 20, 2023
4 stars!
Ever since I read Listen to Me, I was more than ready to get my hands on Close to You. I really liked Cami and Landon in the first book, AND I knew it was going to be a brother’s best friend book and those rarely disappoint.
After being away for a long time in the Navy, Landon is home for good. Landon has always had a soft spot for Cami. First, she was too young, then she was married. Now he’s here, she’s here, they’re both single and nothing is stopping him from being with her. Landon and Cami were great together. They had fantastic chemistry and no matter what obstacles life threw at them, they figured it out. Landon was super sweet and their story was uber romantic.
Kristen Proby always gives me the perfect balance of sweet and sexy. Her books are always light and easy reads with just the right amount of emotion and little to no angst. I love that sort of read and I really needed it with all the heavier books I’ve read lately. It’s a feel good book and that is exactly what I needed. I’ve enjoyed this Fusion series lots and can’t wait to read about the other girls in this group of friends that have yet to be featured!
Ever since I read Listen to Me, I was more than ready to get my hands on Close to You. I really liked Cami and Landon in the first book, AND I knew it was going to be a brother’s best friend book and those rarely disappoint.
Landon is my other best friend, Mia’s older brother. Addie, Mia and I grew up together and I’ve been in love with Landon for as long as I can remember.Cami is the numbers girl in the group of friends that own and run Fusion. She is divorced and still friends with her ex-husband. In fact, she’s known to try to set him up with different girls. I kind of love this about her. She knows her ex, Brian, is a good guy. He just wasn’t the right guy for HER. That guy is Landon, her best friend Mia’s older brother. It’s always been Landon.
After being away for a long time in the Navy, Landon is home for good. Landon has always had a soft spot for Cami. First, she was too young, then she was married. Now he’s here, she’s here, they’re both single and nothing is stopping him from being with her. Landon and Cami were great together. They had fantastic chemistry and no matter what obstacles life threw at them, they figured it out. Landon was super sweet and their story was uber romantic.
Kristen Proby always gives me the perfect balance of sweet and sexy. Her books are always light and easy reads with just the right amount of emotion and little to no angst. I love that sort of read and I really needed it with all the heavier books I’ve read lately. It’s a feel good book and that is exactly what I needed. I’ve enjoyed this Fusion series lots and can’t wait to read about the other girls in this group of friends that have yet to be featured!
August 21, 2016
Another beautifully sexy and sweet read.
Well done Ms Proby, you never cease to amaze me with your wonderful characters and stories!
I love this author and all of her books. Each and everyone of them. She has the gift to immerse her readers into plot that, albeit fairly light on angst and drama, is always heavy on heart.
Close to me is book two in the sizzling Fusion Series and told this time the story of Camilla “Cami” LaRue and Landon Palazzo. Cami is one of the five best friends and owners of the hottest new restaurant called Seduction in Portland and she’s also the financial officer in the group.
Cami has loved London her whole life, going through a marriage just to move on with her life and forget about him when he left after graduation and enrolled in the Navy as a fighter pilot, breaking her heart in the process. Now she’s a divorced woman, still friend with her ex husband and not anymore a teenager carrying a torch for someone she used to know and who has always considered her only as his little sister’s best friend. What she doesn’t know yet is that the crush wasn’t always one-sided.
When Landon returned to Portland after suffering an injury ending his Naval career of 12 years, he doesn’t know what to do with his life. It wasn’t supposed to end like this. Flying isn’t just what he does, it’s who he is. Being discharged from the Navy and having to adjust to a normal life is not something easy to do for him and it hurts more than any injury from the crash. Taking over the family construction business leads him to work in close proximity with Cami. London has had feelings for her for a long time but didn't think they were appropriate while they were younger and therefore, kept them hidden from most of the people around him. No one other than his father knew that Cami was the reason why he went away.
Cami and London wind up reconnecting under different circumstance this time. For London, having to see Cami everyday awaken all the things he has fantasized about for longer than he can remember. He’s now determined to go after her and he knows there is nothing he won’t do to keep her in his life. Sparks fly between them, but will Cami be able to open her heart to the one man who broke it all those years ago?
I completely and totally loved these wonderful characters. Everything about them was sweet and I enjoyed their well-balanced personalities. And the chemistry was there; everything was there. This story made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.There was many things I really liked about this book and one of them was the strong relationship between the girls. A very diverse and close-knit group of very loyal friends, who did wonderfully as supporting characters.
If like me you enjoy reading a book full of romance and heart you will love this one!
Well done Ms Proby, you never cease to amaze me with your wonderful characters and stories!
I love this author and all of her books. Each and everyone of them. She has the gift to immerse her readers into plot that, albeit fairly light on angst and drama, is always heavy on heart.
Close to me is book two in the sizzling Fusion Series and told this time the story of Camilla “Cami” LaRue and Landon Palazzo. Cami is one of the five best friends and owners of the hottest new restaurant called Seduction in Portland and she’s also the financial officer in the group.
Cami has loved London her whole life, going through a marriage just to move on with her life and forget about him when he left after graduation and enrolled in the Navy as a fighter pilot, breaking her heart in the process. Now she’s a divorced woman, still friend with her ex husband and not anymore a teenager carrying a torch for someone she used to know and who has always considered her only as his little sister’s best friend. What she doesn’t know yet is that the crush wasn’t always one-sided.
When Landon returned to Portland after suffering an injury ending his Naval career of 12 years, he doesn’t know what to do with his life. It wasn’t supposed to end like this. Flying isn’t just what he does, it’s who he is. Being discharged from the Navy and having to adjust to a normal life is not something easy to do for him and it hurts more than any injury from the crash. Taking over the family construction business leads him to work in close proximity with Cami. London has had feelings for her for a long time but didn't think they were appropriate while they were younger and therefore, kept them hidden from most of the people around him. No one other than his father knew that Cami was the reason why he went away.
Cami and London wind up reconnecting under different circumstance this time. For London, having to see Cami everyday awaken all the things he has fantasized about for longer than he can remember. He’s now determined to go after her and he knows there is nothing he won’t do to keep her in his life. Sparks fly between them, but will Cami be able to open her heart to the one man who broke it all those years ago?
I completely and totally loved these wonderful characters. Everything about them was sweet and I enjoyed their well-balanced personalities. And the chemistry was there; everything was there. This story made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.There was many things I really liked about this book and one of them was the strong relationship between the girls. A very diverse and close-knit group of very loyal friends, who did wonderfully as supporting characters.
If like me you enjoy reading a book full of romance and heart you will love this one!
August 20, 2016
From Author Kristen Proby comes this second novel in her Fusion series. CLOSE TO YOU is Cami and Landon's story...
I get lost in you,” I whisper, wishing I could see her face, but not wanting to move her. Mm,” she says. “But it’s the kind of lost that’s like being found.” I blink, processing her words, and know, in this moment, that there will never be anyone else for me."
Cami has loved Landon for as long as she can remember, but Landon has never given her any indication that he feels anything more for her than friendship. When he leaves to join the Navy, Cami knows it's time to grow-up and move on. Twelve years and a failed marriage later Cami is part-owner of Seduction and content with her life. That is until Landon moves back home and those old feelings start to surface again.
Landon has always loved Cami, but she was just too young. Keeping those feelings hidden he goes off to join the Navy and give Cami time to experience life. An accident leads to his being discharged from the Navy and unable to fly again. Now living back home, one look at the woman Cami has become, Landon knows nothing is going to stop him from making her his.
I really enjoyed this one. It was SUPER sweet and had virtual NO angst. In fact, I kind of wish there had been at least a small amount of angst. I wanted Cami to hold out a bit and really make Landon work to get her to go on a date. Alas, she pretty much fell into his arms and they cruise happily along through the whole book. Still I'm sure that a lot of readers will appreciate the lack of drama. It certainly didn't lessen the enjoyment I got from reading this one. I LOVED the wonderful friendships between Cami and her "girls". Her interactions with her nephew Steven. Her hilarious conversations with the "demon" cat...
Really what can I say. I laughed, I smiled, I even shed a tear or two. I can't wait for Kat's book (even though I had kind of hoped it was going to be Mia's. And I REALLY hope that DR is going to pop up in a future book) Two thumbs up...
February 20, 2017
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*Amazon*
This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine by Kristen Proby because these characters are amazing. One of the reasons I like this author so much is because she creates a strong sense of family and friendship in all of her books, and the Fusion series has one of the tightest friendships I've ever read. Taking these five very different characters and bringing them all together as best friends is a work of genius.
In Close to You the story focuses on Cami, the friend that does the business and financial side to Seduction. When she was young she fell in love with Landon, her friends older brother, but nothing ever came of it other than a close friendship with him. A friendship that ended twelve years ago when he joined the Navy and she got married. Now he's back home for good and Cami tries her best to avoid him. He's the one that got away and she isn't sure if she actually wants him, not after he left her life so easily the first time. Landon has a lot to to prove but he refuses to give up until he makes her his.
Starting this book I was both excited and nervous because I love a good friends-older-brother story, but they can also be very angsty. I like a bit of angst in my books but not too much where there's just drama on every page. I was pleasantly surprised throughout this book, though, because there wasn't a bunch of unnecessary drama, instead it was full of sweet moments that had me swooning.
I loved Landon and how hard he worked at being the man Cami needed in her life. Together they were really cute, her trying to fight an attraction she's had for years and him chasing after her. The best thing about Landon was how he sort of pushed himself into Cami's life, but he didn't do it in an overbearing way that most Alpha Heroes do. I lust after my Alpha's like nobody's business, but he was a nice change of pace from the rest.
Overall, this was a sweet and heartfelt story with an amazing group of characters. The author has a way of leaving just the tiniest of hints about the next book to set them up and drive me completely bonkers. Already impatiently waiting for the next.
ARC kindly provided via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
*Amazon*
This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine by Kristen Proby because these characters are amazing. One of the reasons I like this author so much is because she creates a strong sense of family and friendship in all of her books, and the Fusion series has one of the tightest friendships I've ever read. Taking these five very different characters and bringing them all together as best friends is a work of genius.
In Close to You the story focuses on Cami, the friend that does the business and financial side to Seduction. When she was young she fell in love with Landon, her friends older brother, but nothing ever came of it other than a close friendship with him. A friendship that ended twelve years ago when he joined the Navy and she got married. Now he's back home for good and Cami tries her best to avoid him. He's the one that got away and she isn't sure if she actually wants him, not after he left her life so easily the first time. Landon has a lot to to prove but he refuses to give up until he makes her his.
Starting this book I was both excited and nervous because I love a good friends-older-brother story, but they can also be very angsty. I like a bit of angst in my books but not too much where there's just drama on every page. I was pleasantly surprised throughout this book, though, because there wasn't a bunch of unnecessary drama, instead it was full of sweet moments that had me swooning.
I loved Landon and how hard he worked at being the man Cami needed in her life. Together they were really cute, her trying to fight an attraction she's had for years and him chasing after her. The best thing about Landon was how he sort of pushed himself into Cami's life, but he didn't do it in an overbearing way that most Alpha Heroes do. I lust after my Alpha's like nobody's business, but he was a nice change of pace from the rest.
Overall, this was a sweet and heartfelt story with an amazing group of characters. The author has a way of leaving just the tiniest of hints about the next book to set them up and drive me completely bonkers. Already impatiently waiting for the next.
ARC kindly provided via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2016
Title: Close to You
Series:Fusion #2
Author: Kristen Proby
Release date: August 9, 2016
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
I just looked at Kristen Proby's backlist, and it appears that this is my twelfth book that I've read by her. This author used to be one of my go-to authors. I knew what to expect and I was just fine with that. She writes light, steamy, and feel-good stories about groups of friends that will put a cheesy grin on your face.
I'm not sure if the formula has lost some of its shine, or if my tastes have simply changed, but the last few books of hers I've read haven't had that wow factor like they used to. Regardless of that fact, I still found the story to be a fun and frothy romance with loads of sweetness. If that's what you're in the mood for, this will be right up your alley.
Cami has known Landon ever since they were kids. They grew up together and she developed a major crush on him that evolved into what she thought was unrequited love. Little did she know, her best friend's brother had deeper feelings for her as well. He was just better at hiding them.
I was a young girl being raised by elderly parents, my siblings already out of the house, and this boy would smile at me, and I felt like I was home.
I liked that the feelings were originally two-sided but never pursued. Landon was a little older than her and felt that she needed time to grow up some. But before he had a chance to make his feelings known, she was married to someone else and he was away in the Navy. They both always regretted that they were never given a chance to see what could have happened between them. She was the girl-next-door who got away, and he was the love of her life whom no one could ever compare.
Now Landon is back in town to start over after being discharged from service and they quickly discover that their feelings have never died down in all their time apart. Supported by their friends, they decide to explore a romantic relationship and see where it goes. The attraction between them flared quick and bright. They had a type of chemistry that was deep seated, one that had been nourished through years of unfulfilled feelings for each other. And when they came together, you could really feel their passionate connection.
I want to kiss her madly and lay her back on this couch and uncover her body, inch by inch, discovering what makes her moan and what makes her sigh.
My reasoning for giving this an average rating was simply that there seemed to be absolutely no conflict at all in the plot. Even when they faced a tragic moment at one point, there never was a struggle or an excess of difficulty. They seemed to move from one phase of the relationship to the next with no bumps or setbacks. Which in my opinion, led to the story falling flat. However, if you're looking for a quick and entertaining read that's drama free, this could be the right book for you.
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March 22, 2017
3.5 Sugary Sweet Stars
How light and fluffy is this book, you ask?
Pretty damn light and fluffy, I tell ya!
Yes, the angst and drama level for this one is mighty low but sometimes you need a little fluff to get you through your day. For times like that, this book is absolutely perfect. Kristen Proby brings a mix of steam and sweet that just works for me.
How light and fluffy is this book, you ask?
Pretty damn light and fluffy, I tell ya!
Yes, the angst and drama level for this one is mighty low but sometimes you need a little fluff to get you through your day. For times like that, this book is absolutely perfect. Kristen Proby brings a mix of steam and sweet that just works for me.
August 12, 2016
In case you didn’t know, Kristen Proby is an expert at series. She builds these worlds with these fantastic characters you can’t help but want to know and love. I am so excited for this new series and can’t wait to read their stories.
This is the second book in the Fusion series. This is Cami and Landon’s story, oh and it’s my favorite type of story: she falls for her friend’s brother. I love these stories so imagine my complete shock and happiness when I discovered that!
Cami is a sensible girl, she has her whole life on track and always tries to make the right decision. Landon is the guy that got away, the one she has measured every other guy up against, and he is back! When the story begins, Landon has just been medically discharged from the Navy. He is not happy about his career ending and having to move back but isn’t sure where to go with his life now.
Cami is so excited to see him but isn’t sure she even knows who Landon is anymore. Regardless, once these two get together sparks begin to fly. I loved these two together. Landon was so direct in his feelings and never left me guessing where he stood. Cami was vulnerable and her genuineness had me cheering for her to get her man from the beginning.
In Close to You Proby delivers a sweet and sexy story with just enough angst to keep you turning the page. I love how the story isn’t over the top but focuses on their connection and feelings instead. If you are a fan of the With Me in Seattle series you have to read this! This series has me so excited what’s to come for the other ladies!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Fusion series. This is Cami and Landon’s story, oh and it’s my favorite type of story: she falls for her friend’s brother. I love these stories so imagine my complete shock and happiness when I discovered that!
Cami is a sensible girl, she has her whole life on track and always tries to make the right decision. Landon is the guy that got away, the one she has measured every other guy up against, and he is back! When the story begins, Landon has just been medically discharged from the Navy. He is not happy about his career ending and having to move back but isn’t sure where to go with his life now.
Cami is so excited to see him but isn’t sure she even knows who Landon is anymore. Regardless, once these two get together sparks begin to fly. I loved these two together. Landon was so direct in his feelings and never left me guessing where he stood. Cami was vulnerable and her genuineness had me cheering for her to get her man from the beginning.
In Close to You Proby delivers a sweet and sexy story with just enough angst to keep you turning the page. I love how the story isn’t over the top but focuses on their connection and feelings instead. If you are a fan of the With Me in Seattle series you have to read this! This series has me so excited what’s to come for the other ladies!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2017
“You are mine, do you understand me?”
Cami has been in love with her best friend’s brother since childhood. But even though they’ve always been good friends and he’s always been there for her, he’s never seen her as anything except a friend. But nothing, not him leaving for the Navy ten years ago, her getting married and divorced, has made her get over him. And when Landon is injured and discharged from the Navy, Cami knows it’s time for her to get over her crush, otherwise seeing him constantly is going to be unbearable.
Landon is devastated when the career he loves is suddenly over. He has no idea how his life will have purpose again without doing what he loves. The only good thing is that he’ll be near his family and the people he cares about again when he moves back home. Especially Cami. Her crush on him has never been a secret, but his had been, because before she had been too young for him and then later she was married. But now the more he sees her, the more he wants her and this time he’s not going to keep his feelings a secret.
The crush she’s had on me since we were kids has never been a secret. I managed to keep mine hidden, but Cami never did.
I love the strong heroines this author writes and Cami was a great heroine. She loves numbers and doesn’t like taking risks. I loved that she didn’t just fall into Landon’s arms, but that she tried to keep her distance from him and his sudden interest in her made her very wary.
“Loving you has always come as easy as breathing for me, and falling in love with you is no different. I admire you. Your strength of character. Your humor. Your intelligence. You are impressive and not a little scary, Cami.
Landon was amazing. I love how he pursued Cami, how hard he tried to convince her that he wanted her, that he’s always wanted her. I was so relieved that he didn’t have a playboy past and that he had felt the same way about her all those years ago, he just never could make his move.
“All I know is, there was my life before knowing that you’re my world, and this is my life after, and everything before just seems so . . . small.”
I was a bit hesitant about reading this book because it seemed that Cami has always pined over Landon and he never appeared to feel the same (which I don’t like in books), and him suddenly getting feelings for her seemed a little unbelievable. But I should have known that this author wouldn’t disappoint. Their romance was sweet and a bit of a slow-burn. They’ve known each other since childhood, and even though both of them had feeling for the others for years, they still had so much to learn about each other and that was just perfect for them.
I adore these five friends and how amazing they all are and how great their friendship is. I can’t wait to read all of their books!
I absolutely adore this Kristen Proby’s writing. She writes amazing characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. Her romances are always so sweet and sexy with so much emotion. Her books are a must read for all romance fans.
August 10, 2016
4.5 - "I couldn't have pictured it any better than this." Stars!
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If like me you have been an avid reader of Kristen Proby books since the early days of the With Me in Seattle series, then you will know that the one thing this author excels at is setting up is a group of people, whether it be familial or friend, and giving them their own separate books whilst building up a diverse and engrossing series around their stories. Close to You is the second book in the Fusion series, and I am ashamed to say I haven’t as yet read the first book Listen to Me although obvious this is a series, this book was easily read as a standalone.
"I’ve watched you from a distance for years, caring for you, worrying about you, thinking of you… I’ve felt pulled to you my entire life… I couldn’t explain it, and I couldn’t wish it away even when I tried. You’ve never left me. I’ve carried you with me always."
Another thing Kristen excels at is taking the tried and tested tropes and giving her characters well written, easy-going stories with bearable levels of drama and angst, and Landon and Cami’s story certainly hit those points perfectly. Best friends older brother, is one of my favorite tropes, and the reconnection between them after almost ten years without any meaningful contact was sweet to start, sexy through the middle and then an emotional roller-coaster towards the end.
"I promise to go easy on you."
Nothing really new or predictable about the plot with this one, but Landon was a sweetheart, and Cami for the most part was the kind of woman you would want to call ‘friend’. The secondary characters, and the other women involved in Fusion Restaurant gave great depth to their story-line, and offered up enough detail about themselves so you are going to know who’s who when it comes to the forthcoming books in the series. I do need to now go back and read Listen to Me, so I am up to speed with Jake and Addie’s story, and well just because I know it will be another outstanding read, like this one was.
Another winner for me, from this author, and I cannot wait to get my hands on Blush for Me Kat’s book, Which is due for release March 2017.
ARC generously provided via Edelweiss, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Its LIVE
Amazon US - www.amazon.com/Close-You-Fusion-Krist...
Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk/Close-You-Fusion-Kri...
B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/close...
If like me you have been an avid reader of Kristen Proby books since the early days of the With Me in Seattle series, then you will know that the one thing this author excels at is setting up is a group of people, whether it be familial or friend, and giving them their own separate books whilst building up a diverse and engrossing series around their stories. Close to You is the second book in the Fusion series, and I am ashamed to say I haven’t as yet read the first book Listen to Me although obvious this is a series, this book was easily read as a standalone.
"I’ve watched you from a distance for years, caring for you, worrying about you, thinking of you… I’ve felt pulled to you my entire life… I couldn’t explain it, and I couldn’t wish it away even when I tried. You’ve never left me. I’ve carried you with me always."
Another thing Kristen excels at is taking the tried and tested tropes and giving her characters well written, easy-going stories with bearable levels of drama and angst, and Landon and Cami’s story certainly hit those points perfectly. Best friends older brother, is one of my favorite tropes, and the reconnection between them after almost ten years without any meaningful contact was sweet to start, sexy through the middle and then an emotional roller-coaster towards the end.
"I promise to go easy on you."
Nothing really new or predictable about the plot with this one, but Landon was a sweetheart, and Cami for the most part was the kind of woman you would want to call ‘friend’. The secondary characters, and the other women involved in Fusion Restaurant gave great depth to their story-line, and offered up enough detail about themselves so you are going to know who’s who when it comes to the forthcoming books in the series. I do need to now go back and read Listen to Me, so I am up to speed with Jake and Addie’s story, and well just because I know it will be another outstanding read, like this one was.
Another winner for me, from this author, and I cannot wait to get my hands on Blush for Me Kat’s book, Which is due for release March 2017.
ARC generously provided via Edelweiss, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
July 26, 2016
*ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.*
Landon is super sexy I need him
I really enjoyed this I was dyin to read this story after get a lil sneak peak at the end of Listen To You I really like these 5 girls there al so different but got on so well an I luvd Cami from the first book was dyin to know her story she is so sweet but can b quite sassy when she wants to b she as alway had a crush on Landon and Landon is Mia's brother so he was alway around and they get on so well together an have spent a lot of time together when they were younger she didn't think that he felt the same way about her as she did him but when he goes to join the Navy to b a pilot it breaks Cami's heart but she as to get on with her life an she does her best but Landon is alway in the back of her heart an when he has to leave the Navy after an accident an his back home in near her al the time Landon want his friend back but she doesn't know if she can just b friends cause her feels r just to strong for him as they were when she was sixteen
This story is just great I m a huge fan of KP's her writing is amazing an her books alway make me smile an this story was just great I luv friends to lovers an these characters just had me luvin them together they r super hot together an Cami as quite a dirty mouth an is very sexy but Landon is so hot an his luv for Cami is so cute an once they share there feels for each other it just makes me luv them more an then there is Scoot the cat he is so funny I was laughing at the way Cami was with Scoot she is so funny
I can't wait for more of this series these girls can sure keep the men on there toes an I luv that we got more of Addie an Jake there just great an getting more of there story is good the book had a nice flow about it but al her books have it I never hide how much I luv her books an I can't recommend them enough an this is just great an I highly recommend it xxx
Landon is super sexy I need him
I really enjoyed this I was dyin to read this story after get a lil sneak peak at the end of Listen To You I really like these 5 girls there al so different but got on so well an I luvd Cami from the first book was dyin to know her story she is so sweet but can b quite sassy when she wants to b she as alway had a crush on Landon and Landon is Mia's brother so he was alway around and they get on so well together an have spent a lot of time together when they were younger she didn't think that he felt the same way about her as she did him but when he goes to join the Navy to b a pilot it breaks Cami's heart but she as to get on with her life an she does her best but Landon is alway in the back of her heart an when he has to leave the Navy after an accident an his back home in near her al the time Landon want his friend back but she doesn't know if she can just b friends cause her feels r just to strong for him as they were when she was sixteen
This story is just great I m a huge fan of KP's her writing is amazing an her books alway make me smile an this story was just great I luv friends to lovers an these characters just had me luvin them together they r super hot together an Cami as quite a dirty mouth an is very sexy but Landon is so hot an his luv for Cami is so cute an once they share there feels for each other it just makes me luv them more an then there is Scoot the cat he is so funny I was laughing at the way Cami was with Scoot she is so funny
I can't wait for more of this series these girls can sure keep the men on there toes an I luv that we got more of Addie an Jake there just great an getting more of there story is good the book had a nice flow about it but al her books have it I never hide how much I luv her books an I can't recommend them enough an this is just great an I highly recommend it xxx
August 9, 2016
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
If you are a fan of best friend little sister trope then Kristen Proby has written the book for you. Close To You was such a sweet, charming, and sexy read that was brimming with so much love. I am a complete sucker when it comes to fated lovers, maybe it’s the hopeless romantic in me but whatever the reason may be, Proby has whipped up a romance that was delectably sweet and will have you flying high!!!!
“Loving you has always come as easy as breathing for me, and falling in love with you is no different. I admire you. Your strength of character. Your humor. Your intelligence. You are impressive and not a little scary, Cami.”
Cami LaRue has always been in loved with her best friend’s older brother, Landon Palazzo. She knew Landon has always been the one and the reason why she ended her marriage to Brian. Fast forward to several years later, Cami is part owner of a successful restaurant with her best friends and is very good friends with her ex-husband. As for her love life, it has always been on the back burner that is until Landon Palazzo returns back home after serving the Navy for 12 years and this time, Cami wants Landon to know that she has always loved him. It’s been only him.
Landon returns back home to Oregon and is instantly greeted by Cami. She has always been off limits since she was so young back then but now that she is here standing in front of him, Landon makes it his mission to show Cami that he has always loved her too. So after twelve years of waiting, will Cami finally get her happily ever after with Landon?
Close To You was definitely your feel good happy book. This book will make you swoon and believe that their is no expiration period when it comes to love. For Cami she has always been waiting for Landon to see her more than just a friend and it took Landon coming back home to realize that. So if you are ready to fall in love with a story that will make your hearts flutter and give you that warm fuzzy feeling then this book is definitely for you.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Kristen Proby
If you are a fan of best friend little sister trope then Kristen Proby has written the book for you. Close To You was such a sweet, charming, and sexy read that was brimming with so much love. I am a complete sucker when it comes to fated lovers, maybe it’s the hopeless romantic in me but whatever the reason may be, Proby has whipped up a romance that was delectably sweet and will have you flying high!!!!
“Loving you has always come as easy as breathing for me, and falling in love with you is no different. I admire you. Your strength of character. Your humor. Your intelligence. You are impressive and not a little scary, Cami.”Cami LaRue has always been in loved with her best friend’s older brother, Landon Palazzo. She knew Landon has always been the one and the reason why she ended her marriage to Brian. Fast forward to several years later, Cami is part owner of a successful restaurant with her best friends and is very good friends with her ex-husband. As for her love life, it has always been on the back burner that is until Landon Palazzo returns back home after serving the Navy for 12 years and this time, Cami wants Landon to know that she has always loved him. It’s been only him.
Landon returns back home to Oregon and is instantly greeted by Cami. She has always been off limits since she was so young back then but now that she is here standing in front of him, Landon makes it his mission to show Cami that he has always loved her too. So after twelve years of waiting, will Cami finally get her happily ever after with Landon?
Close To You was definitely your feel good happy book. This book will make you swoon and believe that their is no expiration period when it comes to love. For Cami she has always been waiting for Landon to see her more than just a friend and it took Landon coming back home to realize that. So if you are ready to fall in love with a story that will make your hearts flutter and give you that warm fuzzy feeling then this book is definitely for you.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Kristen Proby
April 12, 2017
Camilla LaRue has been in love with Landon Palazzo since she was 5 years old but her dreams of forever went when he joined the Navy and disappeared from her life. Now after being discharged from the Navy due to an accident that left him unable to be a pilot and fly anymore (Have know idea why? that's not explained) he's back to claim Cami for his own. I just couldn't get into this at all, the characters were weak and the story line was predictable and sickly sweet with no substance at all. Narrated by Arielle Delisle and Roger Wayne.
August 7, 2016
This is the second book in the new sexy Fusion series by Kristen Proby this is full of heat, passion and laughs.
A friends to lovers story, Landon is Mia's big brother who Cami has been in love with FOREVER.
After a disastrous encounter after Landon comes home Cami has been thinking about her crush on Landon that maybe it was just that a teenage crush and now is the time to move on with her life and forget about him romantically and just be friends.
Landon has come home to Portland after leaving the Navy he begins working for his Dad's construction business his first job is expanding Seduction the restaurant Cami co-owns with her best friends.
Cami agrees to oversee the expansion before she knows about Landon's involvement. They begin working together, Landon feels that Cami is treating him differently and he does not like it.
Landon takes Cami out on dates taking time getting to know each other again after years of separation, things soon heat up between these two and they are sizzling in the bedroom and I loved all the banter and flirting between them Landon is super sexy I love him.
I loved the pace of their relationship and how they cope with what happens no silly misunderstanding they actually talk everything through.
I loved having all the girls together they are hilarious Kristen is fantastic at writing these kind of scenes and I have to mention how cute was Scoot the devil cat.
Cannot wait for Kat, Mia and Riley's stories.
Landon is an ex Navy fighter pilot so of course I was instantly in ❤️
My Landon
ARC received via Edelweiss for an honest review.
A friends to lovers story, Landon is Mia's big brother who Cami has been in love with FOREVER.
After a disastrous encounter after Landon comes home Cami has been thinking about her crush on Landon that maybe it was just that a teenage crush and now is the time to move on with her life and forget about him romantically and just be friends.
Landon has come home to Portland after leaving the Navy he begins working for his Dad's construction business his first job is expanding Seduction the restaurant Cami co-owns with her best friends.
Cami agrees to oversee the expansion before she knows about Landon's involvement. They begin working together, Landon feels that Cami is treating him differently and he does not like it.
Landon takes Cami out on dates taking time getting to know each other again after years of separation, things soon heat up between these two and they are sizzling in the bedroom and I loved all the banter and flirting between them Landon is super sexy I love him.
I loved the pace of their relationship and how they cope with what happens no silly misunderstanding they actually talk everything through.
I loved having all the girls together they are hilarious Kristen is fantastic at writing these kind of scenes and I have to mention how cute was Scoot the devil cat.
Cannot wait for Kat, Mia and Riley's stories.
Landon is an ex Navy fighter pilot so of course I was instantly in ❤️
My Landon
ARC received via Edelweiss for an honest review.
August 7, 2016
3.75 Stars
Review to follow...
ARC kindly provided by the author via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
Review to follow...
ARC kindly provided by the author via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
July 26, 2016
Cami has had a crush on Landon for as long as she or anyone else can remember.
Landon leaves town right after high school and never looks back. He has made a career as an Air Force pilot until an accident ends his career.
After his career ends, Landon returns home and is reunited with Cami.
Landon new about Cami’s crush on him but he says he left so she had time to grow up and give her room. He also says he’s not giving her any more room…he plans on making Cami his.
Close to You is a sweet, light and endearing romance. Starting as friends, the attraction was already there. We get to watch it grow, build and blossom with the occasional bump in the road.
The dialog is witty and fun, nothing overly intense or heart wrecking with friendships, family and a town you could call home.
I received this ARC copy of Close to You from William Morrow Paperbacks in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 9, 2016.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Written by: Kristen Proby
Series: Fusion
Sequence in Series: Book 2
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Publication Date: August 9, 2016
ISBN-10: 0062434764
ISBN-13: 978-0062434760
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Second Chances
Barnes and Noble | Amazon | itunes
Reviewed for:
Landon leaves town right after high school and never looks back. He has made a career as an Air Force pilot until an accident ends his career.
After his career ends, Landon returns home and is reunited with Cami.
Landon new about Cami’s crush on him but he says he left so she had time to grow up and give her room. He also says he’s not giving her any more room…he plans on making Cami his.
Close to You is a sweet, light and endearing romance. Starting as friends, the attraction was already there. We get to watch it grow, build and blossom with the occasional bump in the road.
The dialog is witty and fun, nothing overly intense or heart wrecking with friendships, family and a town you could call home.
I received this ARC copy of Close to You from William Morrow Paperbacks in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 9, 2016.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Written by: Kristen Proby
Series: Fusion
Sequence in Series: Book 2
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Publication Date: August 9, 2016
ISBN-10: 0062434764
ISBN-13: 978-0062434760
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Second Chances
Barnes and Noble | Amazon | itunes
Reviewed for:
August 14, 2016
*** ARC kindly provided by the publisher William Morrow Paperbacks, via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. ***
About half a year ago I read the first book in this series... “Listen to me” gave us the story of Addie and Jake and after finishing I wanted to read more about the other 4 amazing women in their group of friends.
This second book gives us Cami’s story. Cami has always loved 1 man. Her best friend’s brother Landon. She has broken off her loveless marriage and makes it her mission now to find a good girl for her ex. Who does that? It was fun to read about in the book. What she didn’t know is that Landon loved her too but she was too young. Landon has been a Navy pilot for the last 10 years with occasional short visits home. After Cami got married he stopped writting her. An accident forced him to leave the navy. Now he is home again. But is it home or is the navy home? What about their childhood feelings? How do you handle an evil cat that forces himself in your house (I’m typing this with a tiny black/white kitten on my lap) ;)
This was another fun and light romance without much drama. I’m not a too big fan of insta love but it worked for this book.
Looking forward to the next book which will give us Kat’s story. Yay!
About half a year ago I read the first book in this series... “Listen to me” gave us the story of Addie and Jake and after finishing I wanted to read more about the other 4 amazing women in their group of friends.
This second book gives us Cami’s story. Cami has always loved 1 man. Her best friend’s brother Landon. She has broken off her loveless marriage and makes it her mission now to find a good girl for her ex. Who does that? It was fun to read about in the book. What she didn’t know is that Landon loved her too but she was too young. Landon has been a Navy pilot for the last 10 years with occasional short visits home. After Cami got married he stopped writting her. An accident forced him to leave the navy. Now he is home again. But is it home or is the navy home? What about their childhood feelings? How do you handle an evil cat that forces himself in your house (I’m typing this with a tiny black/white kitten on my lap) ;)
This was another fun and light romance without much drama. I’m not a too big fan of insta love but it worked for this book.
Looking forward to the next book which will give us Kat’s story. Yay!
August 10, 2016
This. Was. Awesome. I love it when a story leaves me smiling like a giddy fool! A super swoony hero doesn't hurt either. ;-)
I thought a great introduction was laid out right from the beginning giving a strong foundation for the story and I was all in! I loved these characters so much. Landon and Cami were just really genuine, great people. He was so sweet and sincere, he just made me melt! Cami was pretty fantastic too, such a great friend, so open and caring. They had great chemistry, I loved the story of them coming together and the massive crush they both had on each other, it was jut so heartfelt. I loved that longing Landon and Cami both had. I felt there was a really natural progression in their relationship and I loved the pursuit. It felt so easy and honest since they'd known each other for so long. They had some really nice steamy moments too. Chemistry indeed! ;-)
I thought this was a fun read. I found myself chuckling quite a bit, it was really entertaining and I was excited while reading it. It was truly enjoyable. I sat down to read and pretty much blew off my day because I was caught up in it all. It wasn't too heavy but there were a few emotional moments mixed in as well and a bit of drama, I definitely got choked up.
The writing was great. I liked the pace of the story and the development. I adore all the women and the relationships they have with one another. They're so fun together with their good natured ribbing but also really there for each other. It's a truly wonderful bond they have.
I loved it, it had such a playful feel! I loved the rhythm of the story, it was just highly entertaining, so lovely and real. A total feel good, friends to lovers story. :-)
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
I thought a great introduction was laid out right from the beginning giving a strong foundation for the story and I was all in! I loved these characters so much. Landon and Cami were just really genuine, great people. He was so sweet and sincere, he just made me melt! Cami was pretty fantastic too, such a great friend, so open and caring. They had great chemistry, I loved the story of them coming together and the massive crush they both had on each other, it was jut so heartfelt. I loved that longing Landon and Cami both had. I felt there was a really natural progression in their relationship and I loved the pursuit. It felt so easy and honest since they'd known each other for so long. They had some really nice steamy moments too. Chemistry indeed! ;-)
I thought this was a fun read. I found myself chuckling quite a bit, it was really entertaining and I was excited while reading it. It was truly enjoyable. I sat down to read and pretty much blew off my day because I was caught up in it all. It wasn't too heavy but there were a few emotional moments mixed in as well and a bit of drama, I definitely got choked up.
The writing was great. I liked the pace of the story and the development. I adore all the women and the relationships they have with one another. They're so fun together with their good natured ribbing but also really there for each other. It's a truly wonderful bond they have.
I loved it, it had such a playful feel! I loved the rhythm of the story, it was just highly entertaining, so lovely and real. A total feel good, friends to lovers story. :-)
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
August 21, 2016
This was kinda so-so for me. Definitely glad I read it and didn't keep avoiding it cause of some reviews.
What I Liked:
- The h had the biggest crush on the H growing up but didn't act like a brainless twit around him in the present. She's not acting like a little schoolgirl with a crush and the H actually has to make the moves.
- The H/h were adorable together. You can definitely feel their connection.
What I Didn't Like:
- The h was still great friends with her ex-husband. I just found it kinda awkward how she was desperately trying to set her ex up with women, even her friends! And how the H/h and the ex and his new girlfriend even went on a double date together!
- This is a second chance romance so obviously they both have been with others during the separation. I knew this was the case going into the book so I shouldn't be complaining too much but it kinda bothered me when they both confessed to loving each other from the start.
- The was something I read in a review and usually I'm all for spoilers but here I felt like it ruined the book a little for me cause I was just waiting for it to come.
- And I needed more from the epilogue!!
What I Liked:
- The h had the biggest crush on the H growing up but didn't act like a brainless twit around him in the present. She's not acting like a little schoolgirl with a crush and the H actually has to make the moves.
- The H/h were adorable together. You can definitely feel their connection.
What I Didn't Like:
- The h was still great friends with her ex-husband. I just found it kinda awkward how she was desperately trying to set her ex up with women, even her friends! And how the H/h and the ex and his new girlfriend even went on a double date together!
- This is a second chance romance so obviously they both have been with others during the separation. I knew this was the case going into the book so I shouldn't be complaining too much but it kinda bothered me when they both confessed to loving each other from the start.
- The was something I read in a review and usually I'm all for spoilers but here I felt like it ruined the book a little for me cause I was just waiting for it to come.
- And I needed more from the epilogue!!
March 5, 2020
La storia tra Landon e Cami è partita bene, mi stava prendendo, ma l'autrice li ha fatti dichiarare troppo presto, dopo di che per la restante parte del libro, noia, lui troppo perfetto e desideroso di accontentarla e viziarla, lei che si metteva tante paranoie; le uniche note di colore il rapporto di Cami con le sue amiche e il gatto posseduto...
September 22, 2016
Now, this wasn't a bad book. It just wasn't completely worth the three star rating. It was infuriating in some parts and quite happy. There weren't a lot of complications which I found annoying. I kinda wanted something with a bit more depth. Full review to come.
March 5, 2020
Cami conosce London da sempre, sono praticamente cresciuti insieme essendo lui il fratello maggiore di una delle sue migliori amiche. Il loro è un rapporto stretto ed un’amicizia vera che si interromperà all’improvviso e quasi nettamente il giorno in cui London deciderà di arruolarsi nella Marina Militare passando dodici anni in giro per il mondo. Ma ora, dopo un incidente che gli tronca la carriera, lui è tornato a Portland per restare e Cami non può più nascondere qual sentimento taciuto per tutta la vita.
Mi sono approcciata a questa lettura con buonissime intenzioni, la trama mi piaceva proprio e lasciava presagire milioni di piccole farfalle svolazzanti nello stomaco e fino a metà devo dire che le mie aspettative sono state pienamente rispettate, ma poi il patatrac. Si perché ahimè tutto succede nel primo 50%, il riavvicinamento, il corteggiamento e l’emozione di sapere che finalmente dopo tutta quell’attesa questo amore travaglio finalmente trionferà, ma poi mi sono chiesta “e adesso come la mettiamo? Che ci scriviamo nelle altre 100 e rotte pagine?” E la risposta purtroppo è stata il nulla. L’autrice ha riempito il resto della storia con tragedie e paranoie, che per carità saranno state anche commoventi, ma che su di me non hanno avuto nessun effetto e mi sono sembrate buttate lì per caso, o meglio, buttate lì per allungare un po’ la storia, quindi il voto è la sufficienza, ma per il rotto della cuffia.
Mi sono approcciata a questa lettura con buonissime intenzioni, la trama mi piaceva proprio e lasciava presagire milioni di piccole farfalle svolazzanti nello stomaco e fino a metà devo dire che le mie aspettative sono state pienamente rispettate, ma poi il patatrac. Si perché ahimè tutto succede nel primo 50%, il riavvicinamento, il corteggiamento e l’emozione di sapere che finalmente dopo tutta quell’attesa questo amore travaglio finalmente trionferà, ma poi mi sono chiesta “e adesso come la mettiamo? Che ci scriviamo nelle altre 100 e rotte pagine?” E la risposta purtroppo è stata il nulla. L’autrice ha riempito il resto della storia con tragedie e paranoie, che per carità saranno state anche commoventi, ma che su di me non hanno avuto nessun effetto e mi sono sembrate buttate lì per caso, o meglio, buttate lì per allungare un po’ la storia, quindi il voto è la sufficienza, ma per il rotto della cuffia.
September 29, 2017
Overall this was a quick fantastic read. A little on the predictable side but I enjoyed it and OMG the girls talk was so hilarious and it was one of the best part of the book =))
August 4, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I love it when authors can write books in a series that are so very, very different. The first book in this series there was quite a bit of conflict and the characters had to work hard to figure out a way for their relationship to work and that story line worked for them, but in Close To You we get two people who have known each other for years; what we thought was an unrequited crush and now discovering each other at the adults they are. For the most part this book was drama free and honestly, I appreciated that so much. Not every relationship, not every couple has to have an angst filled courtship and being that these two had spent so much time together that they already knew each other well and thus moving from friends to lovers was pretty easy; but even in that they took some time to relearn each other as adults and just “be” together. I loved that about this book; there wasn’t a rush to sleep together but they still shared many intimate moments that became the foundation to their relationship.
Following an incident that had Navy aviator Landon ejecting out of his plane and resulting in his honorable discharge from the Navy, he is back in Portland and trying to pick up the pieces of his shattered life. As someone married to a pilot, I can tell you that being a pilot is part of their psyche and when they can no longer fly it messes with their heads immensely. While he’s glad to be home and around friends and family, Landon is feeling out of sorts and trying to figure out the next step in his life when Camille (Cami) reenters he isn’t very receptive at first, but working together on a project puts them in close proximity and sparks soon begin to fly.
I appreciated the easy way these two moved from friends to lovers; the fact that they were so comfortable with one another led them to just be themselves and enjoy one another as the adults they’ve become. They talked, they laughed, they did normal couple things together, and when the time was right the sex was off the charts. Sure there were some moments of what if this doesn’t work, how it will affect the other relationships in their lives, but for the most part this was a low stress, no drama relationship and I LOVED it. That’s not to say there weren’t some emotional moments because there absolutely were, but even those were handle with respect, kindness, and love.
This series and these characters have captured my attention and my heart and with each book Ms. Proby continues to give me everything I love about contemporary romance.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I love it when authors can write books in a series that are so very, very different. The first book in this series there was quite a bit of conflict and the characters had to work hard to figure out a way for their relationship to work and that story line worked for them, but in Close To You we get two people who have known each other for years; what we thought was an unrequited crush and now discovering each other at the adults they are. For the most part this book was drama free and honestly, I appreciated that so much. Not every relationship, not every couple has to have an angst filled courtship and being that these two had spent so much time together that they already knew each other well and thus moving from friends to lovers was pretty easy; but even in that they took some time to relearn each other as adults and just “be” together. I loved that about this book; there wasn’t a rush to sleep together but they still shared many intimate moments that became the foundation to their relationship.
Following an incident that had Navy aviator Landon ejecting out of his plane and resulting in his honorable discharge from the Navy, he is back in Portland and trying to pick up the pieces of his shattered life. As someone married to a pilot, I can tell you that being a pilot is part of their psyche and when they can no longer fly it messes with their heads immensely. While he’s glad to be home and around friends and family, Landon is feeling out of sorts and trying to figure out the next step in his life when Camille (Cami) reenters he isn’t very receptive at first, but working together on a project puts them in close proximity and sparks soon begin to fly.
I appreciated the easy way these two moved from friends to lovers; the fact that they were so comfortable with one another led them to just be themselves and enjoy one another as the adults they’ve become. They talked, they laughed, they did normal couple things together, and when the time was right the sex was off the charts. Sure there were some moments of what if this doesn’t work, how it will affect the other relationships in their lives, but for the most part this was a low stress, no drama relationship and I LOVED it. That’s not to say there weren’t some emotional moments because there absolutely were, but even those were handle with respect, kindness, and love.
This series and these characters have captured my attention and my heart and with each book Ms. Proby continues to give me everything I love about contemporary romance.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
January 9, 2018
This is second in a series and the first sets up both the friend dynamics and the business so you really don't want to start with this one.
Though I've tagged this as a romance, it isn't really one. Each main character has been in love with the other for decades. And each one knows him/herself to be in love with the other (though only Cami's crush was obvious enough that everybody knows about it). So it only really took connecting finally and for a confession to happen for this to culminate. Which means there wasn't much emotional development to explore.
And while it's true that both were excellent people, Proby took it to an unlikely extreme. For both, really. So you have the really perfect guy with the perfect girl and it all flows from there with nothing but manufactured drama to sustain enough conflict to have a (pretty short) book. And the drama was further cheapened by having the perfect people reacting perfectly to it (Landon more than Cami, but still).
So this is not really two stars, but it's close enough I'm rounding up. If nothing else, I got to spend some time with the Perfects.
A note about Steamy: There were three, maybe four, explicit sex scenes. And that'd normally be fine, but all of them felt like porn video tryouts so it exceeded my normal steam tolerance. What I'm saying is that it was raunchy enough that I felt like a city slicker visiting the Sexcapades Raunch during raunching season.
Though I've tagged this as a romance, it isn't really one. Each main character has been in love with the other for decades. And each one knows him/herself to be in love with the other (though only Cami's crush was obvious enough that everybody knows about it). So it only really took connecting finally and for a confession to happen for this to culminate. Which means there wasn't much emotional development to explore.
And while it's true that both were excellent people, Proby took it to an unlikely extreme. For both, really. So you have the really perfect guy with the perfect girl and it all flows from there with nothing but manufactured drama to sustain enough conflict to have a (pretty short) book. And the drama was further cheapened by having the perfect people reacting perfectly to it (Landon more than Cami, but still).
So this is not really two stars, but it's close enough I'm rounding up. If nothing else, I got to spend some time with the Perfects.
A note about Steamy: There were three, maybe four, explicit sex scenes. And that'd normally be fine, but all of them felt like porn video tryouts so it exceeded my normal steam tolerance. What I'm saying is that it was raunchy enough that I felt like a city slicker visiting the Sexcapades Raunch during raunching season.
August 7, 2016
4 solid stars
Close to You was a beautiful, sweet and heartfelt read, I really enjoyed it.
Review coming.
Close to You was a beautiful, sweet and heartfelt read, I really enjoyed it.
Review coming.
June 20, 2016
3.5 Stars
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and Edelweiss***
Review Originally Appeared on I'm A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore:
http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore....
Cami and Landon have a history. You find out that she has been in love with him practically her entire life in the first book in the Fusion series. You also discover that everyone knows about her crush on Landon.
There is a build-up that there were unresolved feelings; that they were going to have issues after Landon is forced to retire from the Air Force after an accident. However, there really aren’t. They flow fairly smoothly from the friends-to-lovers portion of their story.
The book felt a little flat to me. It was clear Cami was attracted to Landon, and you quickly discover that Landon feels the same way about her. There is little to no conflict, and just a little angst in this book. This would have worked for me, if I was not expecting more from the build-up that we were given in the first Fusion book.
Landon returns home after a career ending accident, but never really seems that conflicted. There are a couple of comments that he seems sad, but really nothing else, in fact, Landon and Cami never really discuss this, it happened, they move past it, with virtually no acknowledgement, much like the other events in the book that should have caused conflict or discussion.
The book isn’t bad, not at all. It is well written, the characters are likeable, you want to read about them, you want to see what happens to them, you want things to work out for them…but at the same time, you never feel that there is much doubt that things will be fine. Each crisis is handled in a “we are together, it is fine” manner that left me feeling that they less chose to be with one another than fell into a happy pattern. I also wanted to believe Landon chose Cami, not came back to her when his real choice is taken from him. This is addressed, sort of, but not fully.
Overall, I think I wanted the book to have more depth, to have more emotion. A friends-to-lovers story is fine, but there is usually a little conflict as each person navigates the new relationship. The lack of this, of any real need to adjust made me feel that this was a little flat, lacking in the real depth.
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and Edelweiss***
Review Originally Appeared on I'm A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore:
http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore....
Cami and Landon have a history. You find out that she has been in love with him practically her entire life in the first book in the Fusion series. You also discover that everyone knows about her crush on Landon.
There is a build-up that there were unresolved feelings; that they were going to have issues after Landon is forced to retire from the Air Force after an accident. However, there really aren’t. They flow fairly smoothly from the friends-to-lovers portion of their story.
The book felt a little flat to me. It was clear Cami was attracted to Landon, and you quickly discover that Landon feels the same way about her. There is little to no conflict, and just a little angst in this book. This would have worked for me, if I was not expecting more from the build-up that we were given in the first Fusion book.
Landon returns home after a career ending accident, but never really seems that conflicted. There are a couple of comments that he seems sad, but really nothing else, in fact, Landon and Cami never really discuss this, it happened, they move past it, with virtually no acknowledgement, much like the other events in the book that should have caused conflict or discussion.
The book isn’t bad, not at all. It is well written, the characters are likeable, you want to read about them, you want to see what happens to them, you want things to work out for them…but at the same time, you never feel that there is much doubt that things will be fine. Each crisis is handled in a “we are together, it is fine” manner that left me feeling that they less chose to be with one another than fell into a happy pattern. I also wanted to believe Landon chose Cami, not came back to her when his real choice is taken from him. This is addressed, sort of, but not fully.
Overall, I think I wanted the book to have more depth, to have more emotion. A friends-to-lovers story is fine, but there is usually a little conflict as each person navigates the new relationship. The lack of this, of any real need to adjust made me feel that this was a little flat, lacking in the real depth.
July 24, 2016
I love EVERYTHING about this series!!! Close To You by Kristen Proby was ADDICTING, SEXY, and oh so ROMANTIC!
"I want you to open your eyes for me, sweetheart. I want you to look at me when I push inside you."
I just recently discovered Kristen Proby's work, and I gotta tell you, I think I'm in LOVE! Each release is better than the last. Each book brings me closer and closer to complete and utter joy! Proby is quickly jumping up the ranks of TOP AUTHOR for me. With CLOSE TO YOU, she just blew me away! This is Cami LaRue and Landon Palazzo's story and OH what an EPIC story it is. We got a taste of these two in book one of the incredibly FUSION series, Listen To Me, and ever since I finished that book, I've been on the edge of my seat waiting to get my greedy little passionate hands on CLOSE TO YOU. It DID NOT disappoint! If anything, it was better than the first, which is saying something, because the first book WRECKED ME too! I'm just beside myself while I'm writing this review. The minute I turned the last page, I wanted to start all over again. This book took my heart and squeezed it over and over again. This friends-to-lovers/second chance romance took me to my happy place from the start of chapter one.
Not only do you feel the love between Cami and Landon...you feel the love and the togetherness of Cami and her girlfriends. This group of women is GOALS for sure! They are always there for each other and the banter between all of them is just plain hilarious. I can't wait to see what awesomeness Kristen gives us next. Could it be Kat and her sexcation adventures? I can't wait to find out!
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
"I want you to open your eyes for me, sweetheart. I want you to look at me when I push inside you."
I just recently discovered Kristen Proby's work, and I gotta tell you, I think I'm in LOVE! Each release is better than the last. Each book brings me closer and closer to complete and utter joy! Proby is quickly jumping up the ranks of TOP AUTHOR for me. With CLOSE TO YOU, she just blew me away! This is Cami LaRue and Landon Palazzo's story and OH what an EPIC story it is. We got a taste of these two in book one of the incredibly FUSION series, Listen To Me, and ever since I finished that book, I've been on the edge of my seat waiting to get my greedy little passionate hands on CLOSE TO YOU. It DID NOT disappoint! If anything, it was better than the first, which is saying something, because the first book WRECKED ME too! I'm just beside myself while I'm writing this review. The minute I turned the last page, I wanted to start all over again. This book took my heart and squeezed it over and over again. This friends-to-lovers/second chance romance took me to my happy place from the start of chapter one.
Not only do you feel the love between Cami and Landon...you feel the love and the togetherness of Cami and her girlfriends. This group of women is GOALS for sure! They are always there for each other and the banter between all of them is just plain hilarious. I can't wait to see what awesomeness Kristen gives us next. Could it be Kat and her sexcation adventures? I can't wait to find out!
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
August 11, 2016
There was no sophomore jinx here. Absolutely another homerun with this sequel. This is definitely a series I will keep up with!
In Book 1, we learned that Camilla "Cami" LaRue was in love with her best friend Mia Palazzo's brother Landon. He was a navy fighter pilot and flying around the world so Mia gave up hope that they could ever be more.
In this Book 2, Landon has returned home to Portland after suffering a career ending injury. While Landon’s feeling adrift about his career, his feeling for Cami have never been more stable. The time is right, and thus Landon is ready to claim the only girl he has ever loved.
What I valued about this story was the simplicity in theme, yet richness in character. The trope ~Girl falls for best friend's brother is so common. Yet the author Kristen Proby wove a sweet yet engaging story about romance as well as friendships. It was so nice to read a book with a straight up love story that was uninterrupted by lame misunderstandings. Add this one to that rare group of adult romances without a manufactured conflict. Landon was the guy we thought he was, standup, loyal and loving. Cami was also the same girl from book 1, supportive, funny and giving. Landon and Cami had excellent chemistry yet their sex scenes didn’t over power their romantic journey. I adored them together.
The author did a great job weaving in the subplot of the friendship between the women. I am interested in the rest of the ladies and their respective love lives. Each character was appealing as they were so supportive of each other. It reminded me of the Sex and the City girls.
It made me smile a lot. It is a sign of great writing when an author takes a popular concept but still makes it enjoyable to the reader. I liked this book a lot and look forward to continuing the series.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
In Book 1, we learned that Camilla "Cami" LaRue was in love with her best friend Mia Palazzo's brother Landon. He was a navy fighter pilot and flying around the world so Mia gave up hope that they could ever be more.
In this Book 2, Landon has returned home to Portland after suffering a career ending injury. While Landon’s feeling adrift about his career, his feeling for Cami have never been more stable. The time is right, and thus Landon is ready to claim the only girl he has ever loved.
What I valued about this story was the simplicity in theme, yet richness in character. The trope ~Girl falls for best friend's brother is so common. Yet the author Kristen Proby wove a sweet yet engaging story about romance as well as friendships. It was so nice to read a book with a straight up love story that was uninterrupted by lame misunderstandings. Add this one to that rare group of adult romances without a manufactured conflict. Landon was the guy we thought he was, standup, loyal and loving. Cami was also the same girl from book 1, supportive, funny and giving. Landon and Cami had excellent chemistry yet their sex scenes didn’t over power their romantic journey. I adored them together.
The author did a great job weaving in the subplot of the friendship between the women. I am interested in the rest of the ladies and their respective love lives. Each character was appealing as they were so supportive of each other. It reminded me of the Sex and the City girls.
It made me smile a lot. It is a sign of great writing when an author takes a popular concept but still makes it enjoyable to the reader. I liked this book a lot and look forward to continuing the series.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2017
I really like Kristen Proby's books. I love how she focuses on actually developing a romantic connection between the male and female leads!
I adore how Cami and Landon have been in love with each other since forever and this is the story of when they finally act in their mutual feelings.
Landon is adorable as hell!
Also did I mention that he's Italian? SWOON
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