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Laurel Heights #2
Close to You
"Perry is a storyteller, weaving magic wherever she goes, much to the delight of her millions of fans." – The Literary Shed
When Treat Byrnes walks into her bookstore café, Eve Alexander wants to eat him up. Bad boy isn’t her usual flavor, but for the sexy contractor, she’s willing to take a walk on the wild side.
Treat has a history of falling for damsels-in-distress, but Eve doesn’t need rescuing. Not even when her café is sabotaged. Only when Treat finds out the saboteur is his own mother, he knows he has to do something before things go too far.
Fall in love with the Laurel Heights series:
Book 1: PERFECT FOR YOU
Book 2: CLOSE TO YOU
Book 3: RETURN TO YOU
Book 4: LOOKING FOR YOU
Book 5: DREAM OF YOU
Book 6: SWEET ON YOU
ABOUT KATE:
Writing as Kate Perry, Kathia Zolfaghari tells stories about hope, and dreams, and the bonds of friendship and family. Her acclaimed novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world, and her books have been translated into several languages. All 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.
When Treat Byrnes walks into her bookstore café, Eve Alexander wants to eat him up. Bad boy isn’t her usual flavor, but for the sexy contractor, she’s willing to take a walk on the wild side.
Treat has a history of falling for damsels-in-distress, but Eve doesn’t need rescuing. Not even when her café is sabotaged. Only when Treat finds out the saboteur is his own mother, he knows he has to do something before things go too far.
Fall in love with the Laurel Heights series:
Book 1: PERFECT FOR YOU
Book 2: CLOSE TO YOU
Book 3: RETURN TO YOU
Book 4: LOOKING FOR YOU
Book 5: DREAM OF YOU
Book 6: SWEET ON YOU
ABOUT KATE:
Writing as Kate Perry, Kathia Zolfaghari tells stories about hope, and dreams, and the bonds of friendship and family. Her acclaimed novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world, and her books have been translated into several languages. All 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.
267 pages, ebook
First published February 20, 2012
316 people are currently reading
3484 people want to read
About the author
Kate Perry
63 books1,536 followersWith 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
February 28, 2013
This was a sweet read but terribly sad in parts.
I really loved Eve and Treat together, both were fun and very likable. I'm a sucker for any romance centered around sweets and coffee!
The character that really held my interest was Treat's mom, Margaret. Her behavior was terrible until the end but I really felt for her and her "broken" spirit. I was so happy to see her find herself again (and the passion that was missing).
In all honesty I love romances between older couples (40's, 50's, 60's+) because I feel these H/h's have a lot to share and usually know what they want and don't want! OK, off my box.
This was a fun read and I gave it an extra star because of Margaret and Grant! :)
October 31, 2017
I'm still trying to figure out why someone would name their kid "Treat".
February 14, 2016
Finding someone who you click with, who you love, is such a rare thing.
oh yes it is! Finding someone like Treat Byrnes is like out of this world kind of thing. At least in my pov. Why do i say that? Maybe because of how sweet that guy is. From what i see, he's the bad-naughty-gentleman-mama's boy type. And it so cute and sexy at the same time.
I love the story. It's endearing. Yeah it is. It lacks some emotional parts that i am craving like the drama and agony and stuff. Haven't
cried in a book for a while. But i really like this! Eve and Treat's first encounter. Sooo cute! :) and every time they meet it's always 'how their faces lit up' description that makes me smile. It's sooo adorable. :) the mother thing is also good.
I love how flirty Rick is! When he met Olivia it's sooooo smooth. If i was Olivia i wouldn't mind at all if he asked me out right there. :)
I’ve never believed in Fate before, but I’m willing to if she’s going to lead me to you.
i knooow! Sooo cheesy! Just thinking about this line, makes me want to sing "Where have you been all my life...." by Rihanna! :)
This book is all smiles for me. :)
April 10, 2013
Super sweet fast lovers from across the street story!
October 4, 2017
Nice easy read. What you would expect from a Kate perry romance.
June 24, 2014
3.5-4 stars
This was a pretty good story. I liked both Treat and Eve and their story was enjoyable.
Eve used to work in marketing for her father but managed to leave that behind to start up her dream coffee/book shop. She has a welcoming place, greets her customers with a smile and bakes wonderful pastries for her customers but she's struggling a bit with making ends meet until the shop starts making a profit. When Eve finds out about an chef (who Eve loves) with a new cookbook coming out that's looking for the right place for a launch party, Eve's convinced that if she can get the launch party to take place at her shop, it'll take her in to solvency.
Treat owns his own construction company and is a good guy. His father died 8 years ago and his mother (Margaret) owns a tea shop locally but Treat worries about her as she hasn't been the same since his dad died. When Treat is at his mother's shop, Margaret asks him to spy on the coffee house across the way as she's worried she's losing customers to the shop. Treat tries to refuse but gets pushed in to it.
Treat goes to the coffee shop and finds that he likes Eve very much. They flirt a bit and Treat tries the coffee and a pastries, even taking a pastries back to his mother afterwards. He is resolute in his refusal not to do any more spying for his mother, telling Margaret that the place is completely different and not a direct competitor of her tea shop (which doesn't just do tea but does proper tea services like you'd see in England and her shop doesn't even open until noon). Regardless of Treat's reassurances, Margaret isn't going to be dissuaded in her belief that Eve's shop will put her out of business. Margaret is also worried about some other money issues due to a downturn in the economy and since she lost her husband she feels her shop is the only thing she has (other than Treat). To be honest, it seemed a bit weird to me that it took Margaret until 8 years after her husband's death to realize her life is nothing but a shop she admits to herself that she really doesn't like and not much else. But maybe it took a while to build up? Anyways...Treat didn't plan to return to Eve's shop but finds that he really wants to see her again (not to mention he loved her coffee and pastries). Treat has a tenancy to be attracted to women that need saving but Treat realize very quickly that Eve is a strong and independent woman that doesn't need him to get by. That doesn't mean that Treat doesn't still want to help her when things get rough. Eve really likes Treat and finds herself looking for him to come in to the shop. She hasn't taken time for romance recently but suddenly Eve's hoping to change that with Treat.
After a few visits in to the shop, Treat asks Eve out and their date goes great. It soon becomes apparent that they're good with each other. The only issue becomes the problems that Eve is having with Margaret, the horrible owner of the tea shop across the street. Eve has had issues with Margaret competing with Eve for the launch party and having fliers for her shop handed out to Eve's customers as they enter and leave her store in order to make trouble for her. Eve has further issues with a rash of bad (and false) Yelp reviews and a false tip to the health department, both of which she can't prove but she thinks are Margaret's fault. Eve doesn't realize that Treat is Margaret's son and shares her issues with him. He's surprised by his mother's actions but realizes that she hasn't been acting like herself recently and has an unhealthy fixation with Eve's shop. Treat tries talking to his mother but she quickly starts avoiding her calls as her actions get worse. Treat is worries about not telling Eve about the fact that Margaret is his mother and intends to tell her but thing keep getting in the way. There's some additional issue caused by Margaret and when everything explodes there's some major drama unloaded. Margaret comes to her senses and realizes that she's hurting people and sets out to fix things. Treat and Eve have some issues to work out but they manage to get past the mis-understandings and come together for their HEA.
This was a very enjoyable story. I liked Eve and Treat a lot and liked their story. Margaret was a real witch (with a B) when she kind of lost her mind for a bit but seemed a decent sort once she got past her brief bout of insanity. Overall the story was good and the only annoying characters was the bad guy (or woman in this case). I'll probably read more of this series in the future. I'd recommend this story. :)
* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a pretty good job.
This was a pretty good story. I liked both Treat and Eve and their story was enjoyable.
Eve used to work in marketing for her father but managed to leave that behind to start up her dream coffee/book shop. She has a welcoming place, greets her customers with a smile and bakes wonderful pastries for her customers but she's struggling a bit with making ends meet until the shop starts making a profit. When Eve finds out about an chef (who Eve loves) with a new cookbook coming out that's looking for the right place for a launch party, Eve's convinced that if she can get the launch party to take place at her shop, it'll take her in to solvency.
Treat owns his own construction company and is a good guy. His father died 8 years ago and his mother (Margaret) owns a tea shop locally but Treat worries about her as she hasn't been the same since his dad died. When Treat is at his mother's shop, Margaret asks him to spy on the coffee house across the way as she's worried she's losing customers to the shop. Treat tries to refuse but gets pushed in to it.
Treat goes to the coffee shop and finds that he likes Eve very much. They flirt a bit and Treat tries the coffee and a pastries, even taking a pastries back to his mother afterwards. He is resolute in his refusal not to do any more spying for his mother, telling Margaret that the place is completely different and not a direct competitor of her tea shop (which doesn't just do tea but does proper tea services like you'd see in England and her shop doesn't even open until noon). Regardless of Treat's reassurances, Margaret isn't going to be dissuaded in her belief that Eve's shop will put her out of business. Margaret is also worried about some other money issues due to a downturn in the economy and since she lost her husband she feels her shop is the only thing she has (other than Treat). To be honest, it seemed a bit weird to me that it took Margaret until 8 years after her husband's death to realize her life is nothing but a shop she admits to herself that she really doesn't like and not much else. But maybe it took a while to build up? Anyways...Treat didn't plan to return to Eve's shop but finds that he really wants to see her again (not to mention he loved her coffee and pastries). Treat has a tenancy to be attracted to women that need saving but Treat realize very quickly that Eve is a strong and independent woman that doesn't need him to get by. That doesn't mean that Treat doesn't still want to help her when things get rough. Eve really likes Treat and finds herself looking for him to come in to the shop. She hasn't taken time for romance recently but suddenly Eve's hoping to change that with Treat.
After a few visits in to the shop, Treat asks Eve out and their date goes great. It soon becomes apparent that they're good with each other. The only issue becomes the problems that Eve is having with Margaret, the horrible owner of the tea shop across the street. Eve has had issues with Margaret competing with Eve for the launch party and having fliers for her shop handed out to Eve's customers as they enter and leave her store in order to make trouble for her. Eve has further issues with a rash of bad (and false) Yelp reviews and a false tip to the health department, both of which she can't prove but she thinks are Margaret's fault. Eve doesn't realize that Treat is Margaret's son and shares her issues with him. He's surprised by his mother's actions but realizes that she hasn't been acting like herself recently and has an unhealthy fixation with Eve's shop. Treat tries talking to his mother but she quickly starts avoiding her calls as her actions get worse. Treat is worries about not telling Eve about the fact that Margaret is his mother and intends to tell her but thing keep getting in the way. There's some additional issue caused by Margaret and when everything explodes there's some major drama unloaded. Margaret comes to her senses and realizes that she's hurting people and sets out to fix things. Treat and Eve have some issues to work out but they manage to get past the mis-understandings and come together for their HEA.
This was a very enjoyable story. I liked Eve and Treat a lot and liked their story. Margaret was a real witch (with a B) when she kind of lost her mind for a bit but seemed a decent sort once she got past her brief bout of insanity. Overall the story was good and the only annoying characters was the bad guy (or woman in this case). I'll probably read more of this series in the future. I'd recommend this story. :)
* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a pretty good job.
April 1, 2013
3.5 stars
This is one of those sweet, typical romance novels. It's an easy and mostly fluffy read. I read the whole thing in just a few hours. It was a nice little literary salve after reading several emotionally draining books lately.
Nothing terribly exciting happens and the characters aren't ones you're likely to talk about with friends. But- like I said- it's a sweet little read. Perfect for the beach or a rainy day when you don't want to jump on the angst roller coaster. Or anytime when you want a read that doesn't require much thinking.
It is told from 3 different POVs and alternates just about every chapter. Normally I find this annoying and sometimes confusing. However, it worked well with this story and really helped tied everything together neatly- while keeping the story moving forward. You won't find the same scene hashed out in multiple POVs (I hate that!)
I was also relieved to read about older adults. And by older- I mean early 30's. It seems everyone is running to the New Adult bandwagon lately- and honestly- as a 30 something year old reader- I prefer to read stories where the characters are actual adults. Not young adults or new adults. Idk. I'm getting off my soapbox now!
So yeah- 3.5 stars. I'm pretty sure this was a freebie- I don't remember. If so- then it was worth the download. If it wasn't a freebie- then I hope I didn't spend more than $0.99 on it. Anything more and I'd wonder why I spent that much on this book. It's good- but not great.
This is one of those sweet, typical romance novels. It's an easy and mostly fluffy read. I read the whole thing in just a few hours. It was a nice little literary salve after reading several emotionally draining books lately.
Nothing terribly exciting happens and the characters aren't ones you're likely to talk about with friends. But- like I said- it's a sweet little read. Perfect for the beach or a rainy day when you don't want to jump on the angst roller coaster. Or anytime when you want a read that doesn't require much thinking.
It is told from 3 different POVs and alternates just about every chapter. Normally I find this annoying and sometimes confusing. However, it worked well with this story and really helped tied everything together neatly- while keeping the story moving forward. You won't find the same scene hashed out in multiple POVs (I hate that!)
I was also relieved to read about older adults. And by older- I mean early 30's. It seems everyone is running to the New Adult bandwagon lately- and honestly- as a 30 something year old reader- I prefer to read stories where the characters are actual adults. Not young adults or new adults. Idk. I'm getting off my soapbox now!
So yeah- 3.5 stars. I'm pretty sure this was a freebie- I don't remember. If so- then it was worth the download. If it wasn't a freebie- then I hope I didn't spend more than $0.99 on it. Anything more and I'd wonder why I spent that much on this book. It's good- but not great.
January 1, 2013
I definitely didn't like this book as much as I did the first in the series. I honestly found myself asking if it could have been written by a different person, it felt that different to me. The main characters were cute, but I didn't feel any of the heat and passion that I did with Greg & Freya in Perfect for You. And the "villain"? O.M.G. I only thought Freya's sister was bat-s--t crazy. Totally ludicrous, which totally took me out of the story.
Eve & Treat were a cute couple, don't get me wrong. But they just didn't have me all hot and bothered like Greg & Freya. That's the main reason I felt like someone else was at the helm of this one. I really hated that Treat got "swept away by passion" and couldn't tell her the truth much, much sooner in the book. I detest that type of conflict in romance novels.
Now, the worst part of this book was his mom. She was certifiably insane. Scary insane. She most definitely did NOT deserve a HEA with a man of her own, she deserved jail time. Or at least a long stay in a psych ward.
This whole series is full of ups and downs. Unfortunately this was one of the downs. Eve is featured prominently in the rest of the books in the series though, and she is quite likeable on her own.
Eve & Treat were a cute couple, don't get me wrong. But they just didn't have me all hot and bothered like Greg & Freya. That's the main reason I felt like someone else was at the helm of this one. I really hated that Treat got "swept away by passion" and couldn't tell her the truth much, much sooner in the book. I detest that type of conflict in romance novels.
Now, the worst part of this book was his mom. She was certifiably insane. Scary insane. She most definitely did NOT deserve a HEA with a man of her own, she deserved jail time. Or at least a long stay in a psych ward.
This whole series is full of ups and downs. Unfortunately this was one of the downs. Eve is featured prominently in the rest of the books in the series though, and she is quite likeable on her own.
January 20, 2013
Very enjoyable, but not quite as 'sparky' as the first KP I read.
Eve is sweet, and Treat is a "bad boy that loves his mama." However, we just have to trust he's a bad boy, because he has long hair and a tattoo. He never really does anything "bad"...and there is nothing in his back story that explains it. I guess he just looks that way.
The villain is Gabe's mother, Margaret. And to be honest, I thought she was a great character. She is mean and vindictive to Eve, but you understand why, and you want her to overcome her actions. It all ends well, of course, and Margaret even has her own love interest.
Eve is sweet, and Treat is a "bad boy that loves his mama." However, we just have to trust he's a bad boy, because he has long hair and a tattoo. He never really does anything "bad"...and there is nothing in his back story that explains it. I guess he just looks that way.
The villain is Gabe's mother, Margaret. And to be honest, I thought she was a great character. She is mean and vindictive to Eve, but you understand why, and you want her to overcome her actions. It all ends well, of course, and Margaret even has her own love interest.
March 31, 2013
I was kind of impressed at the antagonistic part of this story. It was original, To me anyway!
A couple flaws such as location of store. At one point it was in Sacramento & another time near San Francisco?? 2 hours away from each other? Magic maybe?
This was worth it... A couple times I was a bit bored, but it was still actually worth my time & I did stick all the way through.
I am catching up with a bunch of reviews, so my memory on this book is kind of foggy.
A couple flaws such as location of store. At one point it was in Sacramento & another time near San Francisco?? 2 hours away from each other? Magic maybe?
This was worth it... A couple times I was a bit bored, but it was still actually worth my time & I did stick all the way through.
I am catching up with a bunch of reviews, so my memory on this book is kind of foggy.
March 3, 2013
Holy pastries, Nutella lattes, and steamy love scenes Batman. I've read a few books by Kate Perry, but this has been my favorite so far.
I read this straight through; I just couldn't get enough. From page one I was hooked.
If you haven't read any of Kate Perry's books, start now. She's great storyteller, and a talented writer.
I read this straight through; I just couldn't get enough. From page one I was hooked.
If you haven't read any of Kate Perry's books, start now. She's great storyteller, and a talented writer.
June 17, 2015
a sweet story.
with a slow pace, but good enought to entertain.
the characters could have been more developed.... but I liked Eve as a young woman that adores what she does!
But the way Margaret, deserves a story for herself, thought
with a slow pace, but good enought to entertain.
the characters could have been more developed.... but I liked Eve as a young woman that adores what she does!
But the way Margaret, deserves a story for herself, thought
June 27, 2013
great quick read. a little predictable of what was going to happen.
March 8, 2013
Cute and sweet. I enjoyed this book! Light read and very entertaining.
February 8, 2016
3 1/2 to 4 stars
June 22, 2014
Cute
Cute
well I really liked this book. cute, loving and well written story. dreaming and sweet love story that sweeps you of your feet :-)
Cute
well I really liked this book. cute, loving and well written story. dreaming and sweet love story that sweeps you of your feet :-)
March 29, 2015
Meh. The story was just 'meh'. His mom is insane. Their relationship was lust to love in a matter of 1 date.
September 11, 2015
Another sweet and fun read by Kate Perry. Her books are light and fluffy and fun. I'd recommend her books if you're looking for a no brainer that leaves you smiling :)
September 14, 2017
Eve Alexander owns coffee shop, and is about to go under... broke as in bankrupt. She has found a way to get herself back in the black when Treat walks in her store. Unknown to her Treat's mom, Margret sends him in there because she thinks Eve is stealing HER coffee shop customers. Sparks fly between them. I was surprised at how Treat's mom acted... and what she did t hurt Eve. Treat didn't tell Eve right away that his mom was Margret. There was just a lot of surprise of how far his mom would go to damage Eve's store! In the end things get worked out... which I cheered out loud. Great book all around.
June 15, 2020
Eve and Treat have lust at first sight, with interest for more.
Treat's toxic mom tries to sabotage Eve's business. But a man begins to show interest in her(despite her treating him like garbage) and it makes her slowly realize she's chosen to be a selfish shrew. Emphasis on SLOWLY.
Too much time was wasted on the machinations of his nightmare mother- trying to make her seem redeemable/aww shucks/no consequences necessary because she's sad, and not just a villainous plot device.
It drew the focus off Treat and Eve's romance. And probably Eve's personal growth. Which y'know, sucks.
Treat's toxic mom tries to sabotage Eve's business. But a man begins to show interest in her(despite her treating him like garbage) and it makes her slowly realize she's chosen to be a selfish shrew. Emphasis on SLOWLY.
Too much time was wasted on the machinations of his nightmare mother- trying to make her seem redeemable/aww shucks/no consequences necessary because she's sad, and not just a villainous plot device.
It drew the focus off Treat and Eve's romance. And probably Eve's personal growth. Which y'know, sucks.
June 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eve Alexander’s life takes an exciting turn when Treat Byrnes, a bad boy contractor with a complicated family, walks into her bookstore café. Their attraction is electric, but Eve’s no damsel in distress—even when her business is sabotaged. Treat’s struggle with family loyalty adds emotional complexity to their budding romance, making this story a satisfying mix of sexy, sweet, and heartfelt moments. It’s a great read for those who like romance with strong, independent heroines and flawed but caring heroes.
Eve Alexander’s life takes an exciting turn when Treat Byrnes, a bad boy contractor with a complicated family, walks into her bookstore café. Their attraction is electric, but Eve’s no damsel in distress—even when her business is sabotaged. Treat’s struggle with family loyalty adds emotional complexity to their budding romance, making this story a satisfying mix of sexy, sweet, and heartfelt moments. It’s a great read for those who like romance with strong, independent heroines and flawed but caring heroes.
August 23, 2021
Eve and Treat have a chemistry that they try to deny. Eve has weird things happening to coffee shop and she confides in Treat that she thinks the lady that owns the tea shop is behind them. Treat hides the fact the the tea shop owner is his mom. Treat's mom, Margaret, is having a hard time moving on after he husband died. This was an interesting book about Treat and Eve and how Margaret learns to move forward.
July 27, 2017
*3.5 STARS*
I thought this one was cute except the whole thing with the mother got a little extreme and then it dropped. That woman needed some serious help and they just kind of let it die.
Treat and Eve were a cute couple and I'm glad that things worked out, but I don't know how I'd feel about Treat's mom.
I thought this one was cute except the whole thing with the mother got a little extreme and then it dropped. That woman needed some serious help and they just kind of let it die.
Treat and Eve were a cute couple and I'm glad that things worked out, but I don't know how I'd feel about Treat's mom.
February 11, 2018
Another really good read by Kate Perry. I couldn't put it down and think I prefer this one to Perfect For You. It took me 3 hours to read and I will be reading more in the Laurel Heights series in the future.
February 24, 2018
Nothing special
She has cute really expensive shoes. He's got a mom going bat shit crazy. Such a match made in heaven.
She has cute really expensive shoes. He's got a mom going bat shit crazy. Such a match made in heaven.
October 7, 2018
Ok. The mother was a little crazy. I skipped through a lot of the story as it was kind of boring. There is a secondary love story, but I didn’t feel it was developed well.
September 28, 2020
The mom freaked me out and made no sense to me. Why would she do all that? But I thought the main characters were adorable.
December 30, 2020
This is a quick easy read as is this whole series. The characters are fun and likeable and the storyline is pretty sweet. Not much angst as is to be expected from Rom Com type of stories.
Nothing life altering, but still an enjoyable quick read.
Nothing life altering, but still an enjoyable quick read.
October 17, 2021
Cute with decent chemistry between the main characters. I thought the issues with Treat's mother were taken a tad too far but overall the plot was easy to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews