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Could Have Been Sweet #2
Could Have Been Closer
Turns out, fairy tales lie about the happily ever afters.
After wasting almost two years on a guy my parents don’t know about, the clock strikes midnight, and I’m left staring at a different tale as old as time—the one called he cheated on me with his secretary.
Curses.
Unwilling to return home and admit I’m a catastrophic failure, I strand myself in Golden Shore, New York with nothing but a hastily-packed duffle bag, my cat, and a determination to figure things out before I’m kidnapped.
Enter prince charming.
Elliot Carter—my brother’s best friend and the man who completely broke my heart as a child—finds me in my lowest moment, offers a chivalrous hand, and takes me home to his little castle off the coast.
He’s a cop. I know it’s just his duty to help damsels in distress. But if fifteen-year-old me thought the twenty-two-year-old man wove dreams out of clouds, nineteen-year-old me does not stand a chance against twenty-six-year-old Officer Ellie who is freshly scruffed and tattooed.
In spite of his rejection before, I still want him.
All I need to know is if he’s changed his mind about wanting me.
Could Have Been Closer is a laugh-out-loud, age-gap, closed-door romcom with grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, and fairy tale happily ever after. Also, a cat in a tux, which is very important to mention.
After wasting almost two years on a guy my parents don’t know about, the clock strikes midnight, and I’m left staring at a different tale as old as time—the one called he cheated on me with his secretary.
Curses.
Unwilling to return home and admit I’m a catastrophic failure, I strand myself in Golden Shore, New York with nothing but a hastily-packed duffle bag, my cat, and a determination to figure things out before I’m kidnapped.
Enter prince charming.
Elliot Carter—my brother’s best friend and the man who completely broke my heart as a child—finds me in my lowest moment, offers a chivalrous hand, and takes me home to his little castle off the coast.
He’s a cop. I know it’s just his duty to help damsels in distress. But if fifteen-year-old me thought the twenty-two-year-old man wove dreams out of clouds, nineteen-year-old me does not stand a chance against twenty-six-year-old Officer Ellie who is freshly scruffed and tattooed.
In spite of his rejection before, I still want him.
All I need to know is if he’s changed his mind about wanting me.
Could Have Been Closer is a laugh-out-loud, age-gap, closed-door romcom with grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, and fairy tale happily ever after. Also, a cat in a tux, which is very important to mention.
234 pages, Paperback
First published August 24, 2022
48 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Evergreen
38 books332 followersCamilla Evergreen is an alias of USA Today bestselling author Anne Stryker. Originally intended as a dumping ground for all things lacking fantasy, Camilla/Anne came to the shocking discovery that writing sarcastic, chaotic romcoms full of quippy heroines and adoring heroes has a kick to it.
Camilla/Anne’s neurodivergent tendencies leave her hyperfocused on writing sweet and sassy romances from dawn till dusk and lending whatever her current creative obsessions are to her characters. From arranged marriages to falling for the boss, there’s lots of love to go around.
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorannemilla
Camilla/Anne’s neurodivergent tendencies leave her hyperfocused on writing sweet and sassy romances from dawn till dusk and lending whatever her current creative obsessions are to her characters. From arranged marriages to falling for the boss, there’s lots of love to go around.
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorannemilla
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 9, 2025
Childhood Crush
Juliette came from a well respected family and as the youngest child she was spoiled and coddled by everyone. Even her big brother’s best friend.
Having lied to her family saying she was away at college when she had been living with a guy and keeping house, her idea of a celibate relationship until marriage fell through. Without other options she took her cat and fled with little more than the clothes on her back.
Elliott, a police officer was out for a run after dark and found Juliette and her cat sitting on a park bench in the dark. He took her home and a clean romance ensues. Ms. evergreen is an excellent writer, but this story was a tad boring. Three stars for well drawn characters.
Juliette came from a well respected family and as the youngest child she was spoiled and coddled by everyone. Even her big brother’s best friend.
Having lied to her family saying she was away at college when she had been living with a guy and keeping house, her idea of a celibate relationship until marriage fell through. Without other options she took her cat and fled with little more than the clothes on her back.
Elliott, a police officer was out for a run after dark and found Juliette and her cat sitting on a park bench in the dark. He took her home and a clean romance ensues. Ms. evergreen is an excellent writer, but this story was a tad boring. Three stars for well drawn characters.
September 18, 2022
I don't know. I lot of this story rubbed me the wrong way. Having finished it, and looking at it as a whole, it seems like a cautionary tale about how the current generation of young adults are being raised. Are emerging adults being allowed to develop self-reliance skills that set them up for success as successful adults? Throughout the story I was hoping for the moment when Juliette would experience a moment of clarity. She had a clarifying moment, where she realizes her parents set her up for failure as a functional adult, but her Elliott just seems to coddle her and not encourage any type of growth in this area. I've read a few age gap romances, but this one just made me slightly uncomfortable. Maybe that was the point of the story. The romance stays clean, doesn't go beyond kissing, but geez. These fictional characters need therapy.
October 26, 2023
Finished this in one sitting
No words
Just read it .
No words
Just read it .
June 15, 2025
Camilla Evergreen writes really good fantasy romances. This isn't one. To be fair, it's not supposed to be, but it is more fantastic than the vampire cat novel. This book needed more grounding in reality and less fantasy.
In this story, the main character, Juliette has been lying to her parents for two years about where she is and what she's doing. While they believe she's been enrolled in college and getting an education, she's been living with Martin, a man who is somehow okay with her being his live-in girlfriend while they have no physical relationship. I am all for choosing marriage before sex, but the idea that this guy, who is no saint, would choose to go along with this plan is just hard to swallow. If the author had implied that he allowed it because he was benefitting from Juliette's parents' money, then it would make sense, but there is no mention of that. In fact, it appears that he has been supporting her all this time. Granted, she's been a very efficient and kind live-in maid, but that's not the same thing as a girlfriend.
Also in the story is a cat that wears a tux and a top hat and is somehow allowed into restaurants and pretty much anywhere else Juliette wants to take him. I get it, a good trainer could train the cat to walk without a leash throughout the city and even tolerate the silly outfit. But when Juliette uses a fake service animal vest, that got my hackles up. No people, don't do that. Ever. Emotional support animal? Sure, there is a place in the world for those. But to conflate them with an actual trained service animal that can mean life and death for its partner? That's not cool. Not cool at all.
The romance involves Juliette with Elliot, a man seven years older than she is. Technically, at 19 years old, Juliette is an adult, but emotionally? She's about 12. It's not really her fault. She has been coddled and wrapped up in bubble wrap her entire life. I know a little bit about that because I have a close relative who came into my life at 19 and she had a lot of the same issues. It's a very difficult thing to overcome and requires strenuous effort on the part of everyone involved to bridge that kind of emotional delay.
Juliette never gets that support.
She has gone from one adult to another, seeking someone to handle reality for her so she doesn't have to. Elliot should have been pushing her to overcome her past, but instead, he seems to want to just take over from her parents. It's exactly the wrong way to handle her issues and it gives strong ick vibes.
Some of the scenes between the characters are cute and Ms. Evergreen always does a wonderful job of showing us how love should feel. But this time around, the fantasy was too strong and the reality too bleak.
Juliette needed a job and some education. Not a Mrs. degree.
3 needs-to-grow-up stars
In this story, the main character, Juliette has been lying to her parents for two years about where she is and what she's doing. While they believe she's been enrolled in college and getting an education, she's been living with Martin, a man who is somehow okay with her being his live-in girlfriend while they have no physical relationship. I am all for choosing marriage before sex, but the idea that this guy, who is no saint, would choose to go along with this plan is just hard to swallow. If the author had implied that he allowed it because he was benefitting from Juliette's parents' money, then it would make sense, but there is no mention of that. In fact, it appears that he has been supporting her all this time. Granted, she's been a very efficient and kind live-in maid, but that's not the same thing as a girlfriend.
Also in the story is a cat that wears a tux and a top hat and is somehow allowed into restaurants and pretty much anywhere else Juliette wants to take him. I get it, a good trainer could train the cat to walk without a leash throughout the city and even tolerate the silly outfit. But when Juliette uses a fake service animal vest, that got my hackles up. No people, don't do that. Ever. Emotional support animal? Sure, there is a place in the world for those. But to conflate them with an actual trained service animal that can mean life and death for its partner? That's not cool. Not cool at all.
The romance involves Juliette with Elliot, a man seven years older than she is. Technically, at 19 years old, Juliette is an adult, but emotionally? She's about 12. It's not really her fault. She has been coddled and wrapped up in bubble wrap her entire life. I know a little bit about that because I have a close relative who came into my life at 19 and she had a lot of the same issues. It's a very difficult thing to overcome and requires strenuous effort on the part of everyone involved to bridge that kind of emotional delay.
Juliette never gets that support.
She has gone from one adult to another, seeking someone to handle reality for her so she doesn't have to. Elliot should have been pushing her to overcome her past, but instead, he seems to want to just take over from her parents. It's exactly the wrong way to handle her issues and it gives strong ick vibes.
Some of the scenes between the characters are cute and Ms. Evergreen always does a wonderful job of showing us how love should feel. But this time around, the fantasy was too strong and the reality too bleak.
Juliette needed a job and some education. Not a Mrs. degree.
3 needs-to-grow-up stars
August 28, 2022
4.8 out of 5 stars!
"It feels like I've gone backwards from happily ever after endings to witch-filled beginnings." - Jules
Juliette's supposed "fairytale" came to a rude end when she found her beloved "prince" in bed with his secretary. . . Is there like a hot-secretary-you-will-cheat-on-your-spouse-with subscription somewhere? Broken hearted and not wanting to go home to the parents who may or may not know about her current life. Jules is stranded.
Cue real prince charming, Elliot Carter! Only he's seven years older than Jules and her older brother's best friend. Meaning no. Off limits, yet something's always been there but because of several reasons, including legal ones. The answer was always N-O. But living under the same roof may just change things. Or will Jules have her heart broken again? Can she really find that fairytale with a happily ever after?
This is Book 2 of the "Could Have Been Sweet RomCom", but it can be read as a standalone. The only thing is you won't get the little giggly feelings of seeing the couple from book one. Little Easter eggs from book one here and there. It won't spoil anything for book one, other than the fact the couple gets together and are expecting! Though when you go into a RomCom you know there will be love interests, a couple blossoming, and finally coming together.
"And a woman shouldn't be getting married to anyone who can't even recognize her after a full night of dancing." - Elliot
Amen! Loved Elliot, especially when I read this line. Like seriously!? If you are dancing with someone you are pretty close in proximity to one another so how can you not recognize them later? Did the Prince not put his contacts in? Or was he forced to not wear his glasses so he could look more handsome and perfect at the ball? Elliot's character was fantastic being a big protective teddy bear. He's also trying so hard to not cross any boundaries. Not wanting to loose anyone in his life that's very important to him.
Elliot's also a cop and I enjoyed this one scene of revenge on the ex boyfriend. Since you know, murdering someone is frowned upon and Elliot couldn't loose his job. Jules also didn't want to see him end his career or ruin his life. Her older brother and Elliot are rather protective of her. I think Camilla just wrote out an example of what to do with an ex you lived with who cheats. . . It's diabolical, I heard the lemon version of the evil payback.
Jules you could tell was the baby of the family. Which, you get to see the down side, borderline toxic, of being the youngest child. A feeling of being wrapped in bubble wrap or glass since day one. No one wanting to break you and always handling you with care.
Jules is for sure a Disney Princess and I am nominating her for said role! After you read about Peanut, her cat, you will completely understand! Which I absolutely love Peanut and his gentleman ways. Elliot even calls it out in his head about Jules being a Disney Princess. Believing magic runs through her veins and wanting to give Jules every bit of her fairytale vision. But would that be inappropriate?
This book is a very clean read! There are innuendos all throughout the book because we are dealing with adults. I also loved how they wished to save things for after marriage but the author made it feel real. How the characters even admitted to having a hard time keeping their hands to themselves. Wanting to go further but knowing it wasn't right and respecting each other's boundaries.
Elliot's job is being a Police Officer. He does mention some of the things he has had to handle as a cop. Namely sexual harassment cases that led to worse case scenarios. Someone not wanting to speak up or worry others. There's a scene of sexual harassment but it doesn't go far. It's stopped and the matter is quickly taken care of.
This is a fantastic clean romance read! With comedy, witty banter, age-gap, close proximity romance, and a lot more. One more character I will mention is Louie or Lou! I would love to have a book with him as the main character. He's the person you don't know you need in your life until you meet him. He may be goofy and jumps into things quickly, but when he gets serious, you listen. He's able to read people within a second of meeting them.
I am very much excited for Book #3 coming out next month! (September 2022) I am ready for the next couple and the plans for the couple sound very interesting. One character is asexual and aromantic! I love a diversity to characters and their orientations.
Enjoy the romantic comedy with a happy ending and give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
"It feels like I've gone backwards from happily ever after endings to witch-filled beginnings." - Jules
Juliette's supposed "fairytale" came to a rude end when she found her beloved "prince" in bed with his secretary. . . Is there like a hot-secretary-you-will-cheat-on-your-spouse-with subscription somewhere? Broken hearted and not wanting to go home to the parents who may or may not know about her current life. Jules is stranded.
Cue real prince charming, Elliot Carter! Only he's seven years older than Jules and her older brother's best friend. Meaning no. Off limits, yet something's always been there but because of several reasons, including legal ones. The answer was always N-O. But living under the same roof may just change things. Or will Jules have her heart broken again? Can she really find that fairytale with a happily ever after?
This is Book 2 of the "Could Have Been Sweet RomCom", but it can be read as a standalone. The only thing is you won't get the little giggly feelings of seeing the couple from book one. Little Easter eggs from book one here and there. It won't spoil anything for book one, other than the fact the couple gets together and are expecting! Though when you go into a RomCom you know there will be love interests, a couple blossoming, and finally coming together.
"And a woman shouldn't be getting married to anyone who can't even recognize her after a full night of dancing." - Elliot
Amen! Loved Elliot, especially when I read this line. Like seriously!? If you are dancing with someone you are pretty close in proximity to one another so how can you not recognize them later? Did the Prince not put his contacts in? Or was he forced to not wear his glasses so he could look more handsome and perfect at the ball? Elliot's character was fantastic being a big protective teddy bear. He's also trying so hard to not cross any boundaries. Not wanting to loose anyone in his life that's very important to him.
Elliot's also a cop and I enjoyed this one scene of revenge on the ex boyfriend. Since you know, murdering someone is frowned upon and Elliot couldn't loose his job. Jules also didn't want to see him end his career or ruin his life. Her older brother and Elliot are rather protective of her. I think Camilla just wrote out an example of what to do with an ex you lived with who cheats. . . It's diabolical, I heard the lemon version of the evil payback.
Jules you could tell was the baby of the family. Which, you get to see the down side, borderline toxic, of being the youngest child. A feeling of being wrapped in bubble wrap or glass since day one. No one wanting to break you and always handling you with care.
Jules is for sure a Disney Princess and I am nominating her for said role! After you read about Peanut, her cat, you will completely understand! Which I absolutely love Peanut and his gentleman ways. Elliot even calls it out in his head about Jules being a Disney Princess. Believing magic runs through her veins and wanting to give Jules every bit of her fairytale vision. But would that be inappropriate?
This book is a very clean read! There are innuendos all throughout the book because we are dealing with adults. I also loved how they wished to save things for after marriage but the author made it feel real. How the characters even admitted to having a hard time keeping their hands to themselves. Wanting to go further but knowing it wasn't right and respecting each other's boundaries.
Elliot's job is being a Police Officer. He does mention some of the things he has had to handle as a cop. Namely sexual harassment cases that led to worse case scenarios. Someone not wanting to speak up or worry others. There's a scene of sexual harassment but it doesn't go far. It's stopped and the matter is quickly taken care of.
This is a fantastic clean romance read! With comedy, witty banter, age-gap, close proximity romance, and a lot more. One more character I will mention is Louie or Lou! I would love to have a book with him as the main character. He's the person you don't know you need in your life until you meet him. He may be goofy and jumps into things quickly, but when he gets serious, you listen. He's able to read people within a second of meeting them.
I am very much excited for Book #3 coming out next month! (September 2022) I am ready for the next couple and the plans for the couple sound very interesting. One character is asexual and aromantic! I love a diversity to characters and their orientations.
Enjoy the romantic comedy with a happy ending and give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
August 27, 2022
I barely finished reading this book and first of all, I want to thank The Author for trusting me and gave me a chance to read her book 2 of Could have been series.
Juliette for me is Cute and Cheesy at the same time, according to her personality and some of her behavior. It is like, at the beginning I found my self laughing a lot in Juliette's romantic moments, especially the time she's dreaming about to have her charming Prince and to live a happily ever after, how innocent and cute Juliette is!
Until the Elliot's role in this story made its value. I love both characters Elliot and Juliette and I can say they could be a cute and perfect couple, I mean I say it could because I am still guessing what will happen in the next book, so in other words, i can not wait to read the book 3 of this series which will release September 21, 2022.
I am in love with Camilla Evergreen's writing style and thank you so much for giving me this eArc. I enjoyed this book a lot and highly recommended to RomCom and Second change Lovers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Juliette for me is Cute and Cheesy at the same time, according to her personality and some of her behavior. It is like, at the beginning I found my self laughing a lot in Juliette's romantic moments, especially the time she's dreaming about to have her charming Prince and to live a happily ever after, how innocent and cute Juliette is!
Until the Elliot's role in this story made its value. I love both characters Elliot and Juliette and I can say they could be a cute and perfect couple, I mean I say it could because I am still guessing what will happen in the next book, so in other words, i can not wait to read the book 3 of this series which will release September 21, 2022.
I am in love with Camilla Evergreen's writing style and thank you so much for giving me this eArc. I enjoyed this book a lot and highly recommended to RomCom and Second change Lovers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
April 24, 2024different
In a market flooded with stubborn, strong, self-assured heroines, Juliette’s sheltered innocence stands out. She doesn’t fit in our world of modern heroines…or does she? Girl knows what she wants, and though her dreams may seem old fashioned, sheltered, or silly to the feminist mindset, I love that she owns who she is, what she wants, and has the strength of character to acknowledge her naivety and mistakes as she tries to navigate becoming an adult free of her wealthy helicopter parents. And Elliot. Whew! He fills the brother’s best friend role well, and I appreciate how he wants to give her room to chase her dreams while trying to maintain responsible boundaries as he battles his own feelings.
I really like that Ms. Evergreen’s characters aren’t run-of-the-mill, and neither are the romances and relationships between them. They keep me turning pages and excited to pick up the next book to see how she turns a trope on its head and injects it full of offbeat, dry humor. Clean, fun, and always packed with chemistry.
In a market flooded with stubborn, strong, self-assured heroines, Juliette’s sheltered innocence stands out. She doesn’t fit in our world of modern heroines…or does she? Girl knows what she wants, and though her dreams may seem old fashioned, sheltered, or silly to the feminist mindset, I love that she owns who she is, what she wants, and has the strength of character to acknowledge her naivety and mistakes as she tries to navigate becoming an adult free of her wealthy helicopter parents. And Elliot. Whew! He fills the brother’s best friend role well, and I appreciate how he wants to give her room to chase her dreams while trying to maintain responsible boundaries as he battles his own feelings.
I really like that Ms. Evergreen’s characters aren’t run-of-the-mill, and neither are the romances and relationships between them. They keep me turning pages and excited to pick up the next book to see how she turns a trope on its head and injects it full of offbeat, dry humor. Clean, fun, and always packed with chemistry.
June 2, 2025
Second in the Could Have Been Sweet quadrilogy and it’s as charming as the first. Sticking within set group of people, the first book dealt with publishing house artist, Harper, and the son and heir son of the owner, Cyprian. This next love story covers Cyprian’s best friend, Elliott, a police officer and Cy’s “baby” sister, Juliette.
Juliette is seven years younger than her brother and his two best friends, Elliott and Louis. Ever since she was a toddler, Juliette followed Elliott like a shadow and would ever drag her teddy bear down the hall whenever Cy had a sleepover. Juliette would inevitably be found in the morning curled up at Elliott’s side. Adorable when she was a child, but inappropriate for a young teen.
Sleepovers had become occasions for Elliott to have to keep his bedroom door locked, and when Juliette turned fifteen Elliott had no choice but to gently explain how things had to stop. A twenty-two year old freshly minted police officer could not have any sort of romantic relationship with someone of her age, as not only was the age difference frowned upon, but that it was illegal as well.
It has been over four years since that horrible day he broke Juliette’s heart, and Elliott is now living in a town along the NY coastline. Out jogging one night he is surprised to come across a nineteen-year old Juliette, sitting on a park bench with a cat, a duffel bag and a fresh bruise on her wrist.
Juliette has been living a lie- In a bid for freedom from the family that smothered her and kept her locked away like a princess in a tower, she leaves for college and dorm living only to move in with Marvin, a selfish boy only a few months older than her. Believing if she can care for him well enough that he will come to love and marry her, Marvin instead allows the girl who refuses to “put out” until marriage to act as his very own Cinderella- cook, clean, attend to his every need while he sleeps around behind her back.
Some prince- and the one responsible for her fresh bruise and broken soul.
Elliott offers Juliette a place to stay while she works up the courage to confess to her family, and insists on accompanying her to collect the rest of her things. The policeman with the gruff exterior and his protective instincts reawaken old emotions thought buried deep.
But Juliette is technically no longer off limits, and Elliott finds himself in pieces- horrified this jerk of a boyfriend dared try to destroy Juliette’s joyful look on life, recognizing how right it feels to have her there as Juliette settles in, and worry that should he and Juliette decided to try a relationship what his best friend and her parents would think of it all, given their long-standing affection for one another.
Yes, it’s a story that another author could take onto darker paths and squicky emotional manipulation, but really is a tender take of a princess finally fighting for the one man who was a kind protector of her childhood, and now the prince she has always desired.
Juliette is adorable and innocent, but she definitely knows what she wants and has the determination to do whatever it takes to get what she wants. With Peanut, her “service cat” she fills her scenes with so much joy and light that you cannot help but be drawn to her.
Elliott, poor Elliott- realizing his love is no longer a brotherly comfort to a young girl with a crush, but now a fierce attraction to a grown woman with whom he would do anything for, must recognize he never really was a common palace guard, but really a prince in disguise all along.
It’s a slower burn story as Juliette grows more comfortable claiming her own strength while regaining the parts of herself that Marvin tried to stamp out in order to keep her pliant and submissive. Nothing like the guy who claims to love you constantly bringing up everything about you that bothers him, while not bothering to consider her as a person at all. And for dear Elliott, he begins to understand the difference between someone being locked away from the world by a family claiming it’s for her own protection, and allowing her to find her wings and fly while keeping an eye out for her safety along the way.
Juliette is seven years younger than her brother and his two best friends, Elliott and Louis. Ever since she was a toddler, Juliette followed Elliott like a shadow and would ever drag her teddy bear down the hall whenever Cy had a sleepover. Juliette would inevitably be found in the morning curled up at Elliott’s side. Adorable when she was a child, but inappropriate for a young teen.
Sleepovers had become occasions for Elliott to have to keep his bedroom door locked, and when Juliette turned fifteen Elliott had no choice but to gently explain how things had to stop. A twenty-two year old freshly minted police officer could not have any sort of romantic relationship with someone of her age, as not only was the age difference frowned upon, but that it was illegal as well.
It has been over four years since that horrible day he broke Juliette’s heart, and Elliott is now living in a town along the NY coastline. Out jogging one night he is surprised to come across a nineteen-year old Juliette, sitting on a park bench with a cat, a duffel bag and a fresh bruise on her wrist.
Juliette has been living a lie- In a bid for freedom from the family that smothered her and kept her locked away like a princess in a tower, she leaves for college and dorm living only to move in with Marvin, a selfish boy only a few months older than her. Believing if she can care for him well enough that he will come to love and marry her, Marvin instead allows the girl who refuses to “put out” until marriage to act as his very own Cinderella- cook, clean, attend to his every need while he sleeps around behind her back.
Some prince- and the one responsible for her fresh bruise and broken soul.
Elliott offers Juliette a place to stay while she works up the courage to confess to her family, and insists on accompanying her to collect the rest of her things. The policeman with the gruff exterior and his protective instincts reawaken old emotions thought buried deep.
But Juliette is technically no longer off limits, and Elliott finds himself in pieces- horrified this jerk of a boyfriend dared try to destroy Juliette’s joyful look on life, recognizing how right it feels to have her there as Juliette settles in, and worry that should he and Juliette decided to try a relationship what his best friend and her parents would think of it all, given their long-standing affection for one another.
Yes, it’s a story that another author could take onto darker paths and squicky emotional manipulation, but really is a tender take of a princess finally fighting for the one man who was a kind protector of her childhood, and now the prince she has always desired.
Juliette is adorable and innocent, but she definitely knows what she wants and has the determination to do whatever it takes to get what she wants. With Peanut, her “service cat” she fills her scenes with so much joy and light that you cannot help but be drawn to her.
Elliott, poor Elliott- realizing his love is no longer a brotherly comfort to a young girl with a crush, but now a fierce attraction to a grown woman with whom he would do anything for, must recognize he never really was a common palace guard, but really a prince in disguise all along.
It’s a slower burn story as Juliette grows more comfortable claiming her own strength while regaining the parts of herself that Marvin tried to stamp out in order to keep her pliant and submissive. Nothing like the guy who claims to love you constantly bringing up everything about you that bothers him, while not bothering to consider her as a person at all. And for dear Elliott, he begins to understand the difference between someone being locked away from the world by a family claiming it’s for her own protection, and allowing her to find her wings and fly while keeping an eye out for her safety along the way.
August 22, 2022
A sweet and clean age gap romance.
Was a sweet and clean romance with a slow burn with kissing near the end. But doesn’t have the fun, witty banter that the first book had. It’s different but still good.
Had a few different tropes…brothers best friend, long time crush, age gap. Had some really cute moments, some funny moments, I won’t be able to look at little potatoes or small mandarins the same again 😉, and some 🤦♀️ moments.
I loved the friend who hit the nail on the head from the moment he walked through the door until he went home. He was a hoot and a tease and just what Elliott needed.
Juliette I actually felt sorry for. Brought up in a gilded cage with no way to find her feet in the world, soon learns some hard life lessons. And to be honest they aren’t really her fault but lie at the feet of her parents her treat her like cut glass but didn’t give her any guidance on not shattering, and when things do go wrong they go back to treating her like a child. Sad state of affairs indeed. But still very naive.
It was lovely to catch up with Poison and Shaine and their new addition too.
Worth the read even though a little on the cheesey side.
I received a complimentary copy and I’m leaving my honest review voluntarily
Was a sweet and clean romance with a slow burn with kissing near the end. But doesn’t have the fun, witty banter that the first book had. It’s different but still good.
Had a few different tropes…brothers best friend, long time crush, age gap. Had some really cute moments, some funny moments, I won’t be able to look at little potatoes or small mandarins the same again 😉, and some 🤦♀️ moments.
I loved the friend who hit the nail on the head from the moment he walked through the door until he went home. He was a hoot and a tease and just what Elliott needed.
Juliette I actually felt sorry for. Brought up in a gilded cage with no way to find her feet in the world, soon learns some hard life lessons. And to be honest they aren’t really her fault but lie at the feet of her parents her treat her like cut glass but didn’t give her any guidance on not shattering, and when things do go wrong they go back to treating her like a child. Sad state of affairs indeed. But still very naive.
It was lovely to catch up with Poison and Shaine and their new addition too.
Worth the read even though a little on the cheesey side.
I received a complimentary copy and I’m leaving my honest review voluntarily
March 16, 2023
funny fluffy princess
Interesting!
this once presents quite the moral conundrum!
The 19yr old heroine is in love with her childhood friend who is 26.. 7 years older.
So the whole book is spun around this angst of the age gap and her still being a teenager.
I have to say, it doesn't feel clear cut.
At 19, I really don't feel that the brain is fully developed enough to be setting destiny for the rest of your life-and yet.
In our grandparents generation, marrying at 19 was perfectly respectable. No matter if the from was 7 years older (stable job and mature a good thing).
Its all twisted up these days with the expectation that a 19yr old has still got a lot of living and learning to do.
Having this life long attachment to this friend tho- that changes the balance a little..
and yet!
so you see the whole time you're kind of wrestling with the distaste of the age gap scenario...
but she is a delightful little character and I appreciated that side.
Would love to read a historical novel with this sort of swoony feminine princess!
over all i enjoyed the book.
also 19 and 20 yr olds marrying didn't really raise a hair!
author puts forwards all these arguments too, and decided in the end ppl get to make their own choices.
Interesting!
this once presents quite the moral conundrum!
The 19yr old heroine is in love with her childhood friend who is 26.. 7 years older.
So the whole book is spun around this angst of the age gap and her still being a teenager.
I have to say, it doesn't feel clear cut.
At 19, I really don't feel that the brain is fully developed enough to be setting destiny for the rest of your life-and yet.
In our grandparents generation, marrying at 19 was perfectly respectable. No matter if the from was 7 years older (stable job and mature a good thing).
Its all twisted up these days with the expectation that a 19yr old has still got a lot of living and learning to do.
Having this life long attachment to this friend tho- that changes the balance a little..
and yet!
so you see the whole time you're kind of wrestling with the distaste of the age gap scenario...
but she is a delightful little character and I appreciated that side.
Would love to read a historical novel with this sort of swoony feminine princess!
over all i enjoyed the book.
also 19 and 20 yr olds marrying didn't really raise a hair!
author puts forwards all these arguments too, and decided in the end ppl get to make their own choices.
August 22, 2022
I am new to Camilla Evergreen as an author, and received my copy of ‘Could Have Been Closer’ as an ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Firstly, this book has made me wish I had read book one in the series. The easy to navigate writing style, well thought out romantic comedy plot, enabled this book to be the excellent lighthearted read I love to embrace and get stuck into.
When Juliette catches her scumbag boyfriend cheating with his secretary, and is left contemplating her next move. She ends up in New York with her adorable little smartly dressed cat where the story all spirals from there. Cue Eliot the handsome gentleman to sweep her off her feet, and prove that fairytales really do come true. He is the perfect book boyfriend you root for, and this book gives you the perfect romantic lovey dovey HEA, with some really laugh out loud moments.
This book gave me Princess Diaries vibes for a more mature audience, purely due to the cat and Juliette. It was a fun and enjoyable read and I would highly recommend to romance lovers and those who enjoy a quirky romantic comedy to delve into. Totally worth all 4 shining stars. Funny, flirty, and fantastic.
Firstly, this book has made me wish I had read book one in the series. The easy to navigate writing style, well thought out romantic comedy plot, enabled this book to be the excellent lighthearted read I love to embrace and get stuck into.
When Juliette catches her scumbag boyfriend cheating with his secretary, and is left contemplating her next move. She ends up in New York with her adorable little smartly dressed cat where the story all spirals from there. Cue Eliot the handsome gentleman to sweep her off her feet, and prove that fairytales really do come true. He is the perfect book boyfriend you root for, and this book gives you the perfect romantic lovey dovey HEA, with some really laugh out loud moments.
This book gave me Princess Diaries vibes for a more mature audience, purely due to the cat and Juliette. It was a fun and enjoyable read and I would highly recommend to romance lovers and those who enjoy a quirky romantic comedy to delve into. Totally worth all 4 shining stars. Funny, flirty, and fantastic.
August 24, 2022
This is a new to me author. This book has a fun set up for a brother's best friend trope. The story kinda parallels a fairy tale and since a fairy tale life is all Juliette desires it fits the story. There is a reference to Cinderella in the dialogue that made the whole cat thing fit too. I've lived with cats all my life and I've never seen a cat be trained to behave like a well heeled dog. At first I was thinking it was unrealistic but Cinderella talked to the animals and they listened and helped her so a perfectly behaved cat might as well be Juliette's thing. It fits with the fairy tale idea. I personally have issues with her being so young on her way to the marriage alter but again, I just think of it as a fairy tale and I don't fret so much.
Sex: kissing
Language: no
Violence: references to physical abuse, sexual harassment
*I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Sex: kissing
Language: no
Violence: references to physical abuse, sexual harassment
*I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 24, 2022
ARC Review
Dual POV/Age gap/brothers’ best friend
Really enjoyed the book. Juliette irritated me at times because as much as I love the idea of being treated like a princess she had no goals, her main purpose in life was to be a wife that being said, I really liked her the way she rationalizes things. I really love peanut and I’m so not a cat person.
Juliette finds her POS boyfriend cheating and realizes all the promises he made were just lies to keep her by his side. Elliot is her brother’s best friend who she had a crush on when she was younger, and he broke her heart when he told her nothing would come of them ever. He is also her knight in shining armor when he helps her after she leaves ex.
I can’t wait for the next book to come out, I think Camille is a great author and I loved both books I’ve read.
Dual POV/Age gap/brothers’ best friend
Really enjoyed the book. Juliette irritated me at times because as much as I love the idea of being treated like a princess she had no goals, her main purpose in life was to be a wife that being said, I really liked her the way she rationalizes things. I really love peanut and I’m so not a cat person.
Juliette finds her POS boyfriend cheating and realizes all the promises he made were just lies to keep her by his side. Elliot is her brother’s best friend who she had a crush on when she was younger, and he broke her heart when he told her nothing would come of them ever. He is also her knight in shining armor when he helps her after she leaves ex.
I can’t wait for the next book to come out, I think Camille is a great author and I loved both books I’ve read.
Read
April 25, 2025I don’t know what to rate this. If I set aside the known-each-other-since-childhood thing, I would be mostly ok with the age difference. If I set aside the age difference, I would be ok with the known-each-other-since-childhood thing. Or if this took place when Juliette was older—even just twenty-one or so. But having her nineteen, with the known-each-other-since-childhood thing, it just felt . . . icky. Or maybe it was the he’s-always-loved-her thing. I can understand that, factually, it means like an adored younger sister until they were reunited and she was grown up. But it just felt like the wrong way to explain without it feeling inappropriate. I don’t know. If I set aside the things that gave me pause, the actual story was nice. I loved the cat, with his little top hat and vest.
October 7, 2022
Princess and the Police and I didn’t gag once
I usually gag at the thought of someone thinking they are a “Princess”. Growing up in a home full of boys (only girl with 5 brothers), I definitely never understood the concept. I know it seems like I would, but it’s quite the opposite. This book was so good that I was able to look past the initial nauseated feeling that came with a spoiled little princess looking for her Prince Charming. The characters were just so endearing and lovable that it was actually a real joy to dive into their journey of love as they find themselves (cliche, but true) and come back together to find they were always meant to be together.
I usually gag at the thought of someone thinking they are a “Princess”. Growing up in a home full of boys (only girl with 5 brothers), I definitely never understood the concept. I know it seems like I would, but it’s quite the opposite. This book was so good that I was able to look past the initial nauseated feeling that came with a spoiled little princess looking for her Prince Charming. The characters were just so endearing and lovable that it was actually a real joy to dive into their journey of love as they find themselves (cliche, but true) and come back together to find they were always meant to be together.
August 24, 2022
Juliette and Elliot have known each other since she was five. He is ten years older than her and her brother Cy’s best friend. Each have cared for each other but Elliott never let his feelings be more than adoration until he sees her sitting in the park after catching her abusive boyfriend cheating. I really liked the story but the constant she is a child or little girl at nineteen grated on my nerves. Elliott was a good man though honoring her innocence. Good read and loved that Cy and Harper were in the story as well.
March 12, 2024
*insert unintelligible squealing*
The hot swoon of this book should be absolutely illegal - which as the author has pointed out to me, is concerning since our MMC is a cop.
This is an adorable, brother’s best friend, age gap romance with forced proximity and learning to stand up for yourself.
No cursing, no explicit scenes, but PLENTY of swoon worthy moments.
I love that Elliot encourages Juliette to be the most honest version of herself and I adore that she wants to take care of him.
I cannot love this book enough.
The hot swoon of this book should be absolutely illegal - which as the author has pointed out to me, is concerning since our MMC is a cop.
This is an adorable, brother’s best friend, age gap romance with forced proximity and learning to stand up for yourself.
No cursing, no explicit scenes, but PLENTY of swoon worthy moments.
I love that Elliot encourages Juliette to be the most honest version of herself and I adore that she wants to take care of him.
I cannot love this book enough.
March 23, 2024
Didn't love this as much as the first one but still great story. Knowing that I enjoyed the other books by this author I gave it a chance... I decided it was only the mistreated entitled princess vibe I didn't like, she definitely had the strength to deal with her challenges and it ended up working out. Clean romance, sucky ex, some odd knowing each other from childhood things but being adults now is better. Rom com but not as funny as the first. Lots of he said she said with talking through her brother.
The cat was awesome.
The cat was awesome.
December 27, 2025
I love this author. I love the way she writes people. But I just can’t get comfortable with this relationship. It’s not the age gap or the friend of her brother that bothers me. It’s how they interact that reminds me of a therapist and patient. She’s so inexperienced and broken down by her first and only bad experience with the world that he ends up being her therapist in a way that just really gives me the ick. Also, a princess attitude in the modern world additionally gives me the ick. I don’t disagree that a woman can be a woman however she wants but I couldn’t vibe with her.
August 15, 2022
What a cute, fun book! I can totally picture Juliette as this fairytale princess trying to get her happily ever after. All she needs is to get the prince of board. Elliot was such a sweet strong caring male lead! The perfect match for Juliette! And let’s not forget Juliette’s funny cat and his cute outfit. The cat really brought a lot of lightheartedness to the book! Love the idea that it’s ok to still want the fairytale we were raised on.
August 24, 2022
3.75 ⭐️
Arc read
Brothers best friend, age gap
This book was a sweet romcom :)
I wanted to give it 4 stars but at times I found Juliette annoying & didn’t like some things she did, but as you read on you realize why she is like that, and she’s learning. She eventually grew on me though.😅
OMG Peanut was so adorable to read about! And his little tux he wore! I wish my cat behaved as good as he did🤣
Arc read
Brothers best friend, age gap
This book was a sweet romcom :)
I wanted to give it 4 stars but at times I found Juliette annoying & didn’t like some things she did, but as you read on you realize why she is like that, and she’s learning. She eventually grew on me though.😅
OMG Peanut was so adorable to read about! And his little tux he wore! I wish my cat behaved as good as he did🤣
September 7, 2025
I love the flirting! The cuteness was awesome! The humor was fabulous as always with this author.
Content:
Style - Dual POV, Contemporary Romance (bro best friend, age gap, grumpy sunshine, childhood friend)
Intimacy - High (shared bed sleeping, pinned kissing, lap straddling, innuendo)
Language - None
Violence - Mild (bruise wrist, threats)
Potential Triggers - suffocating childhood, past parental death/ substance abuse, toxic relationship, harassment
Content:
Style - Dual POV, Contemporary Romance (bro best friend, age gap, grumpy sunshine, childhood friend)
Intimacy - High (shared bed sleeping, pinned kissing, lap straddling, innuendo)
Language - None
Violence - Mild (bruise wrist, threats)
Potential Triggers - suffocating childhood, past parental death/ substance abuse, toxic relationship, harassment
December 13, 2024
Liked this book alot
Ok, first of all Peanut stole the show in my opinion lol. This is not my typical type of book; I prefer my heroines more independent and strong. But once I got past that, our book Prince made up for it with his absolute swooniness. Just read it. You know you wanna. Camilla Evergreen writes amazing sweet romances. ;)
Ok, first of all Peanut stole the show in my opinion lol. This is not my typical type of book; I prefer my heroines more independent and strong. But once I got past that, our book Prince made up for it with his absolute swooniness. Just read it. You know you wanna. Camilla Evergreen writes amazing sweet romances. ;)
November 22, 2022
odd but funny too
Camilla Evergreen has a wonderfully odd sense of humor with this one. This sweet romance is one for the books. It is one of a kind and I've read tons of books, but not one like this one. I love the cat, and the rain.
Camilla Evergreen has a wonderfully odd sense of humor with this one. This sweet romance is one for the books. It is one of a kind and I've read tons of books, but not one like this one. I love the cat, and the rain.
November 26, 2022
I usually won’t give up on books very easily, but I just couldn’t finish this one. I enjoyed the first book in the series and was looking forward to reading this one…judging from the fact that it took me 4 days to get 27% of the way. Yikes.
January 28, 2023
Such a sweet & swooning story..
My 1st book by this author & I'm already consumed. It was SUCH a swoon worthy book. Filled with such love. I absolutely loved the characters & their morales. A great 5 ☆ read.
My 1st book by this author & I'm already consumed. It was SUCH a swoon worthy book. Filled with such love. I absolutely loved the characters & their morales. A great 5 ☆ read.
Read
September 13, 2023DNF at 50%
Although I reserve the right to pick this up down the road, I'm crying uncle for the time being. I've always been sketchy on age-gap romances, but this...this book took all the red flags from Cyprian's story, doused them in gasoline, and set them on fire. I just feel icky reading it.
Although I reserve the right to pick this up down the road, I'm crying uncle for the time being. I've always been sketchy on age-gap romances, but this...this book took all the red flags from Cyprian's story, doused them in gasoline, and set them on fire. I just feel icky reading it.
December 19, 2024
This had fairytale vibes mixed with a little bit of forbidden love and a lot of swoon-worthy moments including some “touch her and die” scenarios. Loved it and the theme of quit trying to please everyone and go after what you want in life. This also shed some light on the effects of being overly protective and sheltering your children. It all resonated with me and just reminded me not to put my children through what I went through.
August 19, 2025
Butterflies - he’s such a gentleman but also needs to speak up more - she’s sooo sheltered yet is a good charcter apart from when she’s with her parents - they really annoyed me - the kissing/discussions got a bit intense
November 3, 2022
Pushing myself to read it and at 59% decided to stop. The characters literally need therapy. There’s no clarity moment or growth for the characters just the same old argument.
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