Review: Close to You (Fusion #2) by Kristen Proby

Camilla, “Cami,” LaRue was five years old when she first fell in love with Landon Palazzo. Everyone told her the puppy love would fade—they clearly never met Landon. When he left after graduation without a backward glance, she was heartbroken. But Cami grew up, moved on, and became part-owner of wildly popular restaurant Seduction. She has everything she could want...or so she thinks.

After spending the last 12 years as a Navy fighter pilot, Landon returns to Portland to take over the family construction business. When he catches a glimpse of little Cami LaRue, he realizes she’s not so little any more. He always had a soft spot for his little sister’s best friend, but nothing is soft now when he’s around the gorgeous restauranteur.

Landon isn’t going to pass up the chance to make the girl-next-door his. She’s never been one for romance, but he’s just the one to change her mind. Will seduction be just the name of her restaurant or will Cami let him get close enough to fulfill all her fantasies?

Landon and Cami always had a thing for each other. Of course Cami never knew that her feelings were reciprocated. Too young for him at the time, Landon hid his feelings for Cami well. But now after suffering a career ending injury, Landon has returned home...and it’s time to get the girl.

These two characters fall into an easy romance, but with their established background it works. Of course at first Cami is weary of Landon’s intentions, and she’s not quite sure if it’s him she can’t trust or herself.

Close to You has everything you expect from a Kristen Proby novel. It’s full of sweet and sexy. Her men aren’t uber alphas, and the women are pretty strong and independent. There was however a moment toward the end that left me questioning a few things, and honestly, I wish the story was a bit longer to explore the feelings that would have been aroused by the situation. Overall though, this was a good addition to the Fusion series.

Review: Listen to Me (Fusion #1) by Kristen Proby

Listen to Me is the first book in the Fusion series. And what a start! A woman who tends to pick the wrong men in life meets a man who used to live in the spotlight. Addison has always been attracted to the bad boy rocker types, but the thing with those kind of guys is...they don’t stick around...they’re bad boys. Jake is a former rocker who used to live the bad boy life, but after nearly losing someone dear to him, he was happy to step off the stage and work behind the scenes.

A chance encounter has these two characters meeting, and the sparks flying. But Addison is adamant about finding a good guy for once. Leaving Jake with a lot to prove, not just to Addison, but to himself.

This was a refreshing read to see the roles reversed in a way. The past really left its mark on Jake, and while others affected may have moved on, he held on to the damage caused. He was vulnerable. Addison counterbalanced him perfectly. She’s strong, independent, and has no problems standing up for herself. Now if these two would just stop and spill their fears to each other...ah but then we wouldn’t have a story, would we?

If you’ve read a Proby book before, then you know she doesn’t just give us characters to read on a page, but instead presents us with a whole ensemble to love. And if you’re new to her books, then you’re in for a treat. Each one is filled with sweet men, strong women, and plenty of sexy times.

Seduction is quickly becoming the hottest new restaurant in Portland, and Addison Wade is proud to claim 1/5 of the credit. She’s determined to make it a success and can’t think of a better way to bring in new customers than live music. But when former rock star Jake Keller swaggers through the doors to apply for the weekend gig, she knows she’s in trouble. Addie instantly recognizes him—his posters were plastered all over her bedroom walls in high school—he’s all bad boy...exactly her type and exactly what she doesn’t need.

Jake Keller walked away from the limelight five years ago and yearns to return to what’s always driven him: the music. If he gets to work for a smart-mouthed, funny-as-hell bombshell, all the better. But talking Addie into giving him the job is far easier than persuading her that he wants more than a romp in her bed. Just when she begins to drop her walls, Jake’s past finally catches up with him.

Will Addie be torn apart once again or will Jake be able to convince her to drown out her doubts and listen to her heart?

Release Day Launch & Giveaway: A Promise Kept by Anissa Garcia

Closing her heart a long time ago, Grace Clark made a promise she’s vowed to keep. Having Hollywood heartthrob Evan Matthews move in next door with his alluring good looks, charisma, wit, and sexy smile is a temptation that runs the risk of compromising the importance of that promise.

Evan is drawn to his new neighbor. Grace is the exact opposite of the women he normally encounters. Enticing, down-to-earth, and confident, she captivates him. She has no problems facing off with Evan, and he soon realizes Grace is much more than just a challenge. He wants to prove himself to her.

Grace can see the man beyond the actor, and with more than just her pride at stake, she needs to hold tight to her promise before Evan breaks through all her walls, exposing her heart.

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“How many homes do you manage?” 

He walked with her across the yard and to her door.  “Mine, plus four more.  It’s an easy job most of the time.  Stephen is a friend of my father’s.  He’s always traveling and needed someone to look after all the small things he can’t.” 

“Gives you time to write?”

“Yes, definitely.  And I get discount on my rent.  He and my dad are close, so he didn’t hesitate to help me out.” 

“Well, I’m glad I rented this place.  And that my pipe leaked.”  He watched her body tense up as she turned to unlock her door.  “The cast party is on Friday night.  I’m renting a small shuttle to come pick us up.”

            “A shuttle?”  She stepped partially inside before turning.

            “Yeah, so everyone can party recklessly but get home reliably.  Besides, who wants to find parking and drive in downtown traffic, right?”

            “Smart move.” 

            “Be sure to wear a sexy costume, Grace.”

            “I don’t do sexy.”  Grace placed her bag on the hall tree and turned back toward him.  “And one date down, one to go.”

            “You are sexy.  And today was not a date.”

            “Says who?”

            “Me.”

            “See?  If this was in the old days, we’d define this as a date.” 

He laughed and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “It’s not the old days, honey buns.” 

She crossed her arms and continued.  “So what, in your opinion, defines a date, Mr. Matthews?”

            Evan grasped her arm and tugged her forward.  Their bodies were so close, and he could feel himself stir as he breathed in her scent.  His hand brushed her cheek, and his lips drifted near hers.  She didn’t push him away, but he knew if he got any closer she would.  “When I get to kiss you at the end of it, Gracie.  And I will eventually kiss you, doll.”  He winked at her and walked away, letting her settle with that notion and knowing he was getting closer to winning her over. 

 

About the Author

Anissa Garcia resides in Austin, Texas and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communications and English. She held an array of jobs including Public Relations Manager for Barnes and Noble. Wanting a change of pace, she moved to Los Angeles where she attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and trained full-time in theatre. After working in Hollywood, she returned to Texas where she has written articles for Cosmopolitan and Lady Couture. When not writing stories, watching movies, or drinking a latte, she loves to daydream about romantic fictional men.

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