Close to You is a fast, light contemporary romance that leans heavily on community dynamics, family tension, and a love story that ignites almost as soon as the characters meet. While it’s an easy and quick read, it also comes with a few frustrations, particularly when it comes to character development and pacing.
From the start, I struggled with Margaret. Her behavior toward Eve feels petty, controlling, and unnecessarily hostile, and it’s hard to warm up to her for much of the book. As Treat’s mother and the owner of a “competing” tea house, Margaret quickly becomes the primary source of conflict, but her actions often come across as spiteful rather than nuanced. Even when her motivations are eventually explained, the damage she causes, especially to Eve’s struggling business, makes her difficult to sympathize with.
Eve, on the other hand, is easy to root for. She’s poured everything into her bookstore café, Grounds for Thought, and is constantly on the edge of financial collapse. The threat of bankruptcy, bad reviews, and sabotage creates stakes that feel very real. Her passion for her shop and her determination to make it work are the strongest elements of the story. The potential book launch and competition with The Crumpet add a nice layer of tension to the setting.
The romance between Eve and Treat blossoms extremely quickly. Treat is immediately smitten, supportive, and protective, and while he’s a likable character, the relationship escalates at a pace that may feel rushed for some readers. Emotional intimacy, physical intimacy, and declarations of love all arrive in rapid succession, leaving little room for slow-burn tension. If you enjoy romances where feelings develop organically over time, this may feel too abrupt; if you prefer instant chemistry and devotion, it will likely work better for you.
Where the book does succeed is in its cozy atmosphere and sense of community. Laurel Heights feels lived-in, with side characters like Olivia and Grant providing warmth and contrast to the main conflict. Margaret’s eventual reckoning (owning up to her actions, supporting Eve, and opening herself up to a second chance at happiness) does offer a satisfying resolution, even if it feels a bit too neat given the harm she caused earlier.
Overall, Close to You is a light, drama-filled romance with a likable heroine, a devoted love interest, and a strong small-town vibe. Its biggest weaknesses are its rushed romance and an antagonist who’s hard to forgive. Still, for readers looking for a quick, comforting read with a guaranteed happy ending, it delivers exactly that.