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Cochran/Deveraux #8

The Closer I Get to You

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The Closer I Get to You by Melanie Schuster released on Mar 28, 2006 is available now for purchase.

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

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163 people want to read

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Melanie Schuster

34 books126 followers

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5 stars
210 (71%)
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60 (20%)
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20 (6%)
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4 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Jazzypom.
100 reviews
August 11, 2008
This book went on 100 pages too long.

Paris and Titus have known each other for a while now, through her family connections, shared events, and just time. Paris has a yen for Titus, but Titus is really distant, and has his own reasons for not getting involved. Through various incidents, Titus' resolve is tested and he does a REO Speedwagon and can't fight this feeling any more (in a nutshell).

On the face of the book, via the blurb, I thought the story would be relatively straight forward. If the writer had stuck to the blurb - in terms of Titus and Penelope and didn't put the stalker subplot in (which added nothing to the story), it would have been better.

For instance, Titus has an interesting back story, and if say, Titus and Paris were trying to piece his background so that they could have moved forward; the reader would have been simultaneously awed and moved by what made Titus what he was, instead of having three pages of rumination by Titus' mama.

Cotdamn, it was long. I excepted a "Where's John Galt?" at the end of it, you know? Also, the writer could have put the 'suspense' part (if she wanted it) by having incidents connecting to Paris and Titus investigating his past (the way how it's played out in the novel is rushed and bordering on the implausible).

I guess I'm supposed to be in love with Paris, the main character, because she was good at everything, and everyone loved and respected her, like a proper Sue. The only person(s) that didn't love her promptly was either drugged to the gills or mad as a hatter.

What, there's no-one who's neutral or just distant towards Paris? RLY? The only thing I respected about Paris was her attitude towards getting intimately involved with Titus, and her (relatively) level headed assessment of when he cruelly used her and dumped her. But that was soon removed by her Sueness again.

Titus was a bit better than Paris, but no more likeable, I'm afraid. I was put off by him calling Paris "baby" all the time. Like my brothers say, you only call a woman baby so that you don't slip up by calling her someone else's name (you're acting kinda shady in calling me baby). It would have been an interesting narrative device if he had moved from calling Paris 'baby' to just 'Paris' to show her (and us), how she moved from the margins of his thought to the centre. His nickname for her is really, really silly too.


In addition, the book is bogged down by excessive fawning descriptions of every blessed thing that Paris wears, and the rooms they are in, and on and on and on. Then, to wit, even though we know that Paris is supposed to be a successful talk show host, she doesn't seem to do much of nothing (what happened to the back room brain storm meetings? Or the research? Or the tracking? Or the ho hum of assistants). I always find it strange in a lot of romance novels, you don't really get an idea of what the characters do beyond the obvious.

Also, this book was so crowded with characters, I wanted something badly to happen to thin the herd. In the prologue we were introduced to about seven characters, and then more and more kept being added at each chapter. Then there was another subplot with Paris' matchmaking (what?), and by the time I got to the end, I wanted out.


59 reviews
June 25, 2017
Brilliant As Usual

Paris & Titus what a fantastic storyline. Miss Matchmaker finally matched. The story behind Titus's life was compelling and very emotional, brilliant twist in the storyline.
Profile Image for Lillian.
27 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2018
Paris Paris Paris

I love seeing them grow and Titus come to his own conclusion after being a jackass but its a beautiful story nonetheless
9 reviews
March 15, 2025
Good read

This is one of my favorites books. I will probably read it over and over again. Great story and great characters.
Profile Image for D.lee.
203 reviews14 followers
January 30, 2012
As with all Ms Schusters books, I loved this book. I have been waiting for Paris and Titus' story for a long time and it was definitely worth the wait. As was expected being the man that he is Titus got in deeper than he expected and let his mouth get him in trouble. Even though everybody sees Paris as an innocent sweetheart, she lets Titus know she is not a whimp. I thought Paris' added adventure was a nice twist and I'm glad the questions about Titus' heritage were answered. I can't wait to read the next installment. Max and Aunt Ruth are gonna be priceless. Great read!!!
Profile Image for Crystal.
392 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2015
Another great Cochran/Deveraux book. I am so glad that Titus and Paris found love in each other. Paris is truly remarkable and she brought something to Titus' life that he had closed himself off to without him even knowing that she had done it. Her gentle spirit is just what he needed to heal all his wounds. There were destined to be together and once she got over being shy and he realized where his heart belonged everything was alright in their world and there is another couple in wedded bliss that will bring happiness and a house full of babies.
Profile Image for SassyMama.
1,016 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2007
Sweet Read

I enjoyed this novel. I like Melanie Schuster's writting style. Enjoyed the romance between Titus and Paris. And also enjoyed the closeness of all her family and friends. She definitely was a loved, young woman. And once Titus realized that he loved her the story couldn't get any better. I mean the brother definitely put his foot in his mouth, but in the end, he redeemed himself beautifully with the help of Trey!
5 reviews
Read
October 1, 2009
This was a fantastic book to read. I love the fact the Titus didn't care about Paris's body type. He's a big man and like he said "he needs something to hold on to." I love the flow of the book and ms. schuster is one of my favorite romance authors. Pick the book up I promise you will not put it down until you read the entire thing. I read this book within 4 1/2 hours. I wanted to know what was gonna happen on the next page.
Profile Image for Paula.
40 reviews6 followers
January 1, 2014
I just loved this book. Melanie Schuster has never disappointed me. The youngest of the Devereaux female cousins is always matchmaking and meddling. Finally she has a chance to be with her true love. Paris makes self improvements for herself not for anyone else. In doing so, she sweetens the pot for protective lover Titus. I loved this story and encourage you to read the whole Devereaux-Cochran Series and share in the love, passion, heat and stuggles between the families !!
22 reviews
February 5, 2015
Mrs. Shuster did it again.

This book was the best one out of all her books. it was sweet , romantic and with very funny characters. you will not be disappointed after reading this book. it goes to show you that true love does exist for unexpected people. even though misunderstanding and bad judgements. this book will have you Ohhing and ahhing throughout the whole book. and will have you laughing thoughts the end. a must read! A+++
Profile Image for Whit.
3,667 reviews52 followers
October 2, 2023
Although I liked the story, the myriad grammatical errors hindered comprehension and disrupted the flow.

The various twists and turns enhanced the story but Paris and Titus seemed to spend most of their time trying to overcome the many obstacles in their way. The honeymoon in France was extremely confusing. I think I missed a chunk of the plot. Who is Corey?
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,032 reviews154 followers
September 21, 2012
Titus and Paris was a way that love should blossom and grew over time. Age again becomes an issue for one and that makes for an interesting first encounter.

This romance encompasses a little suspense and some drama also. But being a romance the love wins in the end.
Profile Image for Kelly .
406 reviews10 followers
January 25, 2015
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!

Titus and Paris are my new favorite couple!! This book was sexy and romantic, with a bit of drama and intrigue thrown in to make a die hard fan read all night until The End is on her Kindle! Awesome addition to the series!
770 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2015
Never give up on love

Melanie Schuster is an excellent writer and I truly enjoy reading this series. This book is very intense and hard to put down. This series is for the true romantic. Keep them coming.
Profile Image for Sophie Sealy.
379 reviews21 followers
January 27, 2015
Second to Bennie and Clay I absolutely love Paris and Titus, love them.
Profile Image for Tamika Featherstone.
35 reviews3 followers
Read
February 6, 2015
I love this series and I can't for books 9 & 10 to come out in ebook form, especially because I can't find the paperbacks anywhere. I waited a long time to read Paris's story.
785 reviews7 followers
March 23, 2015
The Closer of get to you

If you like love stories you will love this one really enjoyed it is so good chould not put it down hope you e joy it margie
Profile Image for Shannan Harper.
2,462 reviews28 followers
November 11, 2017
So I'm just literally finding out that this book was a part of a series. It was a good read, but I felt it was a little too longer than necessary.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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