Nicole James knew it was not better to have love and lost.
She never expected that love to swagger back into her life. Sure, she pined after Griffin Chase all through childhood, but that was a lifetime ago. Now she sells romantic dreams in a small lingerie shop, and he lives big dreams as a world-famous rockstar. What could he possibly want from her?
Grif's only passion had always been music, but the thrill is gone. The last time chords and lyrics came easy was when he created them for Nicole. He needs his best friend to help him rediscover a love for music.
With over 6 million books sold (and counting), Kathia’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world. They’ve received starred reviews from Booklist, have consistently earned Editor’s Picks for Best Romance, and have been featured by O, The Oprah Magazine and Entertainment Weekly.
Kate (aka Kathia) has written over 50 romcom and paranormal books so far, as well as a couple romantasy screenplays and various poems (her ode to the color orange is particularly moving). Full of hope and bonds of found family and friendship, her stories feature sassy, independent women who just want love and earthy men full of heart who are more than able to rise to the occasion.
Süße Unterhaltung für einen ruhigen Abend, wenn das Kind kränkelnd neben einem auf dem Sofa liegt.
Die Story an sich war nett zu lesen, aber nichts, was aus der Masse heraus sticht. Etwas nervig fand ich es, dass hier zwei Geschichten erzählt wurden, fast so als sei die Geschichte von Nicole und Griffin nicht genug ...
Alles in Allem war es eine nette Lektüre für Zwischendurch mit sympathischen Charakteren und einem angenehmen Schreibstil.
Kann gut und gerne auch als Standalone gelesen werden - meiner Ansicht nach!
This was a good, quick read. I liked the characters and the plot was different enough that it kept my interest. At first, I didn't think I would like the secondary plot, but in the end it definitely added to the story. I might just have to visit Laurel Heights again!
“A true love lasts a lifetime.” “I just want to live my passion.” What does that mean, exactly? What does it entail? What happens when an old flame reappears when you thought you had all of your romantic candles tucked safely away? Nine years has passed when Nicole James’s best friend, soul mate, and first love suddenly reappears. Griffin (Grif) Chase is a music icon and male wet dream for thousands of female fans of all ages. Success is no guarantee for continued inspiration and Grif was caught in an impasse and has come home to his roots in the attempt to relight the inspirational flame. His roots are with Nicole, so he presents her with a most unexpected request. She knew that acquiescing to this appeal could have far-reaching effects; for both of them. This is a dual romance. Sixteen-year-old Rachel Rosenbaum has recently lost her mother in an automobile accident. In an attempt to recover the loss and make new beginnings, her father moved the two of them from New York to San Francisco. Even without her personal loss, starting school in a strange city is daunting. Her natural innocent shyness and introverted personality marked her as an easy target for the harder elements in her class. Her situation seemed almost unbearable until she met Aaron Hawke. Nicole and Rachel find a common ground and meet at Romantic Notions, a lingerie shop that Nicole worked at. Together they find strength and support to face their romantic and emotional dilemmas.
This is the eighth book in the Laurel Heights series. Kate Perry, the author of numerous romances, displays a unique talent in combining love, romance, and erotica in just the right doses in her novels, making a refreshing and innocent change to most of the other books in this genre.
One of the things I enjoy about Kate Perry's writing is that it's not affected. Her stories that make up the Laurel Heights series are composed with great dialogue, seemingly real characters, and a natural flow to the HEAs.
Here with You brings together Nicole, who works in lingerie store but has hidden artistic talent, and Griffin, her childhood best friend, who abandoned her to chase his dream of becoming a musician. He's lost his muse and knows exactly where to find her.
I like the secondary storyline of Rachel, who is struggling after relocating to San Francisco from New York with her dad. There are some really poignant moments in her interactions with the "sons of anarchy" mean girls, Nicole, her dad, and the teen hottie.
The supporting cast, introduced in previous Laurel Heights novels, are as strong as ever. Perry has created a community that I am definitely interested in continuing to follow. Like others in this series, Here with You is stand-alone, if you want it to be. Yes, there are characters the flow through all the books, but the main story of Nicole and Griffin is captured within these pages.
It's just a nice way to spend a few hours reading.
Closer to a 3.5 than anything else, let's be fair.
I picked this one up at the recent RWA conference because it looked cute. I liked the cover and I thought the premise sounded like something that pushed a lot of my storytelling buttons.
I was right. It was cute, in all the right ways. It had enough weight to not be annoying- I enjoyed the subplot of the teenager trying to get over her mother's death while finding love of her own- while not being heavy.
I have always been a fan of the trope "old friends fall in love" or "old loves come back together" and this was a nice version of that.
I did think that even though the author actually brings it up in the book, the fact that when the supermodel tells the tabloids that she's engaged to Grif, the fact that Nicole actually does get mad about it did annoy me a little bit. I felt like she was doing so well to not fall for that trap and then failed to communicate when she really needed to do a good job at it. *sigh*
All in all, I felt like it was a fun, fast, light read that I would pass on to anyone who likes a quick romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It was okay, but nothing that really stands out. Add to that the fact the guy drives away from his best friend to go try to become famous and never speaks to her again for 9 years. There's no explanation for this. None. After one short conversation when he shows up to someone else's wedding reception uninvited, everything is forgiven. Yeah right.
Here With You was a bright spot in my week. The main character's fear of success was realistic, so much is lost when fear gets in the way. An easy read with a great mix of serious and lightheartedness.
Quickly turned into one of my favorites because of the Rachel sub-plot. Loved how it tied in with the main story (unlike other Kate Perry books in this series).
So when I want a book that is going to be free from angst that has a sweet and funny storyline and is going to give me a happy ever after then Kate Perry is my go to girl. I love her books and her writing style. I will hold my hand up and say that her Laurel Heights books are my favorite and I so want to live in that neighborhood. I want all those characters as my friends. LOL
Here With You is number eight in the series and its Nicole and Griffin’s story (Yes he is call Griffin and yes he is a musician). Nicole and Griffin had been best friends during their school days and when high school ends Nicole is left heartbroken when Griffin ups and leaves to pursue his dreams to become famous singer. Fast-forward nine years and Griffin is back and now the two have to deal with feelings they both have for each other but have never really addressed. They are a cute couple and I liked the chemistry the two had together.
Kate Perry always has a second storyline going in her books and in this one it was about Rachel. I liked Rachel she was a sweet young girl and her story was heartwarming and emotional. Rachel has just moved to Laurel Heights, she is still struggling to come to turn with her mother’s death, has difficult relationship with her dad and is dealing with the drama of being the new girl at school.
I like how Kate’s books always contain some of the earlier characters so you can always get an insight to what they have been up to. Also how at the end of each book she gives little hints about which are the next two characters that will be in the next book. I’m going to say that I think the next book will be Bull and Joey’s story or Scott and Julie story or both.
This wasn’t my favorite of the series but I still enjoyed it. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading one of Kate Perry’s books then I would recommend that you do as don’t think you will be disappointed.
I'm glad this book popped into my recommendations list. Thankyou!
Kate Perry is the new love of my life. I like the simplicity in her writings.
I love Nicole and understand the hesitations to work up the courage to go for something and not think about failure. She and Griff have good sparks although i find Griff's reason for leaving and leaving without trying to keep in touch with his important bestfriend for years to be immature and frankly VERY selfish. So basically he stumbles in getting muse for his music. Nicole being a nice girl and softie at heart agrees to forgive him AND help him. I dont think there's much girls out there like her. Dont get me wrong, i think of it as a PLUS. Just that Griff didnt seem so deserving at the start. But in the end if he's the one that makes her happy and in the end pushed her to be brave enough to venture.. then he's the one for her.
Other big pluses are the other characters of Laurel Heights.. which is why im diving into the series head first.
This was a cute little story. Different from the others in the series in that the second romance involves two high school kids: Rachel & Aaron.
It reminded me a bit of twilight in that Rachel is new to the school and town and she ends up being the lab partner to 'the cute guy' in school. But it's kept a sweet, clean romance. Just 2 teens getting to know each other and dating.
The other romance though between Nicole and Griff is alot hotter. Griff certainly had his nerve coming back after not contacting her all those years. I like the way she helps him get his muse back. The character K.T is a bit odd though. She seems just thrown in to give someone to advise him. And being a girl, I kept waiting for Nicole to find out about her.
Favorite scene: Kinda of hard to find. There were several that were nice, but nothing really stands out. Two would be the flowers every other day and the 'ground rules' between Rachel and her dad.
Another fun, light read in the Laurel Heights series.
This is about Nicole, who took over Olivia's lingerie store, and her best friend Griffin who's a top selling "crossover" pop/rock star. They were best friends growing up until he pursued his music career for the past 10 years. He pops back into her life because he realizes he loves her and needs her as his muse. She's not sure.
We also meet Rachel, a high school student, recently moved to SF because her mom died and after acting out back in NYC, her father decides a change of pace would be better. Rachel is grieving, her dad is generally absent, and she has a love interest named Aaron who pursues her. R writes a poem about her mom and wants Griffin to read/record it. So there's a crossover between the two storylines.
Super cute yet probably the deepest of all the entire series.
Look, I have issues with this series because they're not very deep and probably could be... but taking them for what they are, they're fun.
A better rendition for me of second-chance-at-romance than the novella that read before it. Of course being a full length book, which went into details from primary and secondary characters pasts rather than just basically a snippet in time of only a few weeks, this story resonated with me as a bit more of what real life can deal out.
Grif and Nicole and Rachel all connected well with each other as well as the reader because they did not come across as plastic people but rather well thought out characters whose different problems made them easy to relate to across a wide reading audience.
Tugging at the heartstrings this book was a fast, easy read that I would recommend to anyone who is into contemporary second chance romances that also touch on deeper subject matters than just lust and sex.
ilove this book. at first i actually kind of lost not remembering the characters, but then i remembered when i read it. i really love it though, that the ladies in Laurel Heights find happiness. it look to me like Laurel Heights is a perfect neighborhood to live in. i'd really love to live in a lovely neighborhood like that. full of love and friends.
i love Griffin and Nicole story, just like the other laurel heights books. i guess with nicole money man getting in the kill for the florist and bull making a move on joey i'm assuming that there will be another laurel heights book? oh god, i really can't wait. >.<
What I like about this book is plainly the romance. Nicole and Rachel are similar in some way, not very romantic. Griffin and Aaron were their opposites. They clocked though. I also notice something very interesting about their romance, where it revolves around a specific point the High School Senior year. Both romace had it and I find that very interesting and different. If I talk about it more I'm afraid it will spoil the book.
I also found the antics quite refreshing and the dialogues still as humorous and engaging as usual. Is it too early to say that Perry specializes in really fun and witty conversations? Reading both Dream with you and Here with you shows me her knack for wit. It's something that I really appreciate. It's a good book. It's fun and interesting.
Ok I know everyone probably like this story but I wanted to see her get mad at him. More than she did, I mean really who just leaves like that no word nothing. He left for YEARS people and then poof right back in her life. And if they really were best friends wouldn't that have hurt her more. Esp since he came back to get something from her, even if that was just inspiration?
Rachael & Aaron
I had tears so many times with their story not really there story more her loss and how deeply it affects her and everything around her. I think this was the story I didn't know I need but really glad I got to read. It broke my heart and put it back together again with hope. Great book
This was the first book i had on pre order with Kobo. It arrived this morning at 7.30am and I foolishly starting reading it . At 8.30 I'd called my boss and said i would be starting late today, at 10.30 I had finished the book ! I just love the writing style of Kate and get so lost in her books, that the rest of the world passes me by literally!!! Can't wait for the next one, which of the two characters at teh end will be the star of the next book .... I hope its out very soon and I need my Laurel Heights fix soon. Think I need to go back and start again and read about some of the earlier characters who are taking a back seat now.
Nicole and Griffin went through school together and when the graduated Grif left to pursue a music career. He never contacted Nicole in all 9 years he was away then he shows up at a wedding she is at asking to stay with her. Grif says she is his muse. Nicole is angry with him but agrees to let him stay. Good chemistry and humor between them! There is also a side story of Rachel a 16 year old whose father moved them to town from across the country and the trouble she has adjusting. This is second book I have read by Kate Perry and I was very surprised how much I enjoyed it because I did not like the first book I read by her.
Once again I enjoyed my visit to Laurel Heights. This was the story of Nicole and Griffin. Nicole and Grif had been best friends since junior high. After High School Grif left to follow his dreams of being a singer. Nine years later he is back famous but having lost his passion for the music. He's in need of inspiration and Nicole has always been that for him. The feelings between the two sizzle but can Nicole take the chance as she tries to find her own calling. There's also a nice subplot of Rachel a teenage girl struggling with the lost of her mom and how she can get over the lose
This was the first book from the Laurel Heights series that got me teary eyed... It definitely tugged at my heart! I loved how Nicole and Griffin's story crossed with Rachel's. My absolute favorite part is the radio interview. "A Song for Wendy" was just amazing! Another favorite of mine from the series. However, it so hard to pick a favorite! I just love this series. I love the "happily ever afters" and the way Kate Perry tells the story up to that point is effortless and interesting. You can count on her to deliver a page turner... :)
If you've read one laurel heights book, you've read them all! But I still love it! The first one was and will always be the steamiest love feat of them all!
I just love the town of laurel heights and how well knit the community is! Makes me want to move somewhere cute like that and open up my own shop!
I like that Kate incorporated a teenager this time, it was cute and touching.
The love making in this book was good but I need more! Like I said the first book with Greta had the most sultry love making. There just wasn't enough in this book!
one of the few I hadn't read yet in this series. I kind of love all the friends in this Laurel Heights series it is fun that they are in all the books, you kind of feel like you know them. Nicole James hasn't seen Griffin Chase since he left town to follow his dreams and he has made it big with his music and touring. Griffin needs a break from the fame on hectic life of being a rock star and write his next album. Nicole had been in love with Griffin all thru high school but never told him. Definitely a second chance romance- Fun Sexy and Easy read that makes me happy.
Laurel Heights is a great series with entertaining characters. I want to live in Laurel Heights as well.
Nicole is just your average working girl trying to decide what she really wants to do with her life, we've all been there. Griffin hasn't let fame go to his head.
I enjoyed the side story of Rachel dealing with school bullying and finding her way through the loss and upheaval in her life.
I loved this story between Nicole and Griffin. Who doesn't love a book with a rock star? Especially one who wants to get back to his roots. I really liked the relationship between these two. Having a past connection always provides interesting storylines in love stories. I like wondering whether two people can bring their lives together, or are the differences too much to handle? The journey these two take to find their love and passion was filled with lots of emotion. Loved it!
I loved this book. All the characters are awesome. I am definitely going to have to catch up on all of Laurel Heights books. Kate Perry does San Francisco as if it was a small town. I love the community and how they all come together. Grif and Nicole are perfect for each other and though it takes a while for Nicole to come around to that (and what a fun path that was to follow) the ending was beautiful!
One of the better books in the series. As usual, Perry offers up two romances in one, but this time, the subplot romance links with the main in that the subplot heroine, a songwriting teen who has lost her mother, wants to meet with and give a song to the rock star hero of the main plot. It was sweet and I liked it. There wasn't a whole lot of connection between the two stories, but it was enough. I really enjoyed it.