It’s been awhile since I’ve done one of these! Not enough time in the day, it seems. But this time, I’ve got something extra-awesome. Ready for it? Not only do I have a reading recommendation, but the author stopped by to chat about her newest release!
Let’s talk books first. (Ah, books…) I discovered Kate Perry thanks to a freebie she was offering. That was Close to You. And I thought it was a fantastic blend of sweet friends, smoldering chemistry and interesting family dynamics. Then I realized it was just one of a series. So you know me…I ignored it.
HELL NO! I glommed. I gobbled up the Laurel Heights series. Which, just FYI, I didn’t know what a real place until I googled it before I interviewed Kate. You guys know I love a series, and I love ones where they are friends and are creating their own family of people they choose.
When I heard the next book was releasing soon, I knew I had to bug the heck out of politely ask Kate if she would do an interview. Lucky for me, she said yes! So let’s see what she has to say about her book, Laurel Heights, and some random singer I’ve heard of once or twice before…
Jeanette: Thanks so much for taking time to talk. I’m really excited to have you here! I didn’t realize Laurel Heights was a real place until I Googled it. What made you choose LH for a setting?
Kate: Laurel Heights has everything in four city blocks. Bookstore? Check. Lingerie shop. Check? Coffee Shop? Check that five times. Throw in restaurants, toy stores, jewelry shops, beauty salons, Pilates studios, bakeries, and even a ribbon shop, and Laurel Heights has as much going on as some small towns. It’s bustling and cute and intimate and the people in the neighborhood really know each other, so it was the perfect setting for a series about strong, independent business women and the men who fall in love with them.
Jeanette: Sounds like a fantastic spot, full of fresh inspiration. The businesses that you create and use as settings (almost as characters themselves), are they inspired by any real-life LH businesses? Or completely, 100% original places you wish you would see there?
Kate: A little bit of both, but I’ve changed names, descriptions, and details to protect the guilty.
Jeanette: Is there another place in the world you would love to set a new series?
Kate: Maybe… *wink*
Jeanette: Cruel! Just cruel.
Kate: Seriously though, if you read the next few books in the Laurel Heights series you’ll be introduced to a special character who’s getting a new series in a spectacular new location. Stay tuned!
Jeanette: Will do! Speaking of “next few books”… Here With You, Book Eight of the series, released on April 25th. Do you have a plan for how many books total the series will hold?
Kate: I have two more planned, with possibly a novella thrown in the mix somewhere. But I like to listen to what my readers are clambering for, so those plans could change. Or I could decide to give it all up and become a backup dancer for Justin Timberlake. You never know. I like to keep my options open.
Jeanette: Kate’s bringing sexy back… Okay, so I will not be a backup SINGER, that’s for sure! Can you tell my readers about Here With You?
Kate: Here With You is about unrequited love, lost love, first love, and boy-next-door love.
Nicole and Grif grew up together and she was always in love with him, until he moved away and had the nerve to become a famous rock star. Now Grif’s back looking to recapture his musical muse, and he just might get true love out of the bargain.
Jeanette: Rock stars, lost love, boy next door, little bit of everything! And speaking of music stars…I have to ask. How often do you get confused for Katy Perry online? 
Kate: We’re actually the same person. I’m sickeningly talented.
Jeanette: I have to hate you now.
To start reading Here With You, you can find it for the Nook HERE, for your Kindle HERE, for Kobo HERE, and if I’m missing any more links, I’ll find them and get back to ya. But really, you WANT to get on that. Cause I am!
Thanks for stopping by, Kate! And readers, really. You need to get out there and check out the Laurel Heights series. It’s a wonderful respite from the heavy things in life, and you’ll love getting swept away with the LH crew!
To stalk interact with Kate Perry online, you can find her website HERE, and she resides on Facebook THIS WAY. If you do the tweet thing, she’s a-tweetin’ over YONDER.
Standard Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with, nor do I receive payment/compensation for, any recommendations I give on my blog or any other social media outlets. These opinions are mine alone and I receive nothing for them but the pleasure of sharing books that I’ve enjoyed with other romance readers. All books were purchased myself unless otherwise noted.
To see more recommendations I’ve made, check out past Reading Recommendations.
