Close to You: A Fusion Novel (Fusion, #2)

by Kristen Proby

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the second novel in her sizzling Fusion series. 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?
*Paperback edition includes EXCLUSIVE date night recipes*

• ISBN10: 0062434764
• ISBN13: 9780062434760
• Publish Date: 8 September 2016 (first published 9 August 2016)
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 5 April 2024
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc
• Imprint: William Morrow Paperbacks
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 320
• Language: English

Reviews

[nitzan_schwarz]

So, I find that often my least favorite books in series or by favorite authors are the "childhood friends turned lovers" verity. It's not because I don't like the trope - quite the opposite, it's one of my favorite premises. But, there is just something about it that makes authors... lazy, in my eyes.

Like, okay - I get it, they have this shared past. They've loved each other for ages but never acted on it. Cool. But I didn't get to see that, so it's not enough for you to just tell me this. You have to establish it. You have to make me feel it and believe it. Perhaps give me insight to these childhood times. You need to show me this love, and it's somehow doubly hard for authors to do when they have this crutch of "they are childhood friends. They've known each other for ages" to lean on. It's the same with me and soul mates - I love the idea, but it often just gives authors a way out of building and establishing the relationship.

Also, this novel was very, very predictable to me. The second they slept with each other for no protection and Cami was all calm because of the pill, I thought there was going to be a pregnancy plot line. The moment it was revealed Addie was pregnant, I knew for sure there will be. And ultimately, this baby was just such a throwaway, meant to add some tension to the story. That was resolved in two seconds flat. On the one hand, I'm happy this didn't drag. On the other, did you have to kill a baby for it? Sure, it made me emotional, but eventually I just kind of wondered what was the point. This was clearly done just for the "emotional weight" and not for any other story reasons, because it gave nothing to this characters

Oh, and let me just tell you... I don't find a guy breaking into the girl's place when she hasn't invited him romantic. You can tell me they're childhood friends and are comfortable with each other, you can try to make it seem okay by saying the girl used to break into his place to, but what this is is plain creepy. Stop.

[Eve1972]

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...