Review Sunday – Page 93 – Books-n-Kisses

August 5, 2015August 2, 2015

Kelly reviews Chase the Darkness by JD Tyler

TITLE: Chase the Darkness
SERIES #: Alpha Pack #7
CHARACTERS: Micah Chase & Jacee
AUTHOR: JD Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: August 4, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The author of Wolf’s Fall returns with her “hot and to die for”* Alpha Pack—a top-secret band of Navy SEALs with Psy powers and shifter prowess whose dangerous missions sometimes require a more intimate call to duty…

Believed dead by his Pack mates, Micah Chase, a wolf shifter and Dreamwalker, was held captive for months, subject to tortures that left him physically scarred and emotionally unsettled.

Now under the care of the Alpha Pack’s doctors, he’s been prescribed an experimental healing drug, but he still can’t shake the nightmares. Even more damning is that Micah’s problems pose a danger to his team, and if he doesn’t get himself under control, they’ll all suffer a terrible fate.

There is a key to his salvation. Jacee is a beautiful coyote shifter, and though her kind is hated, she’s falling in love with a man whose very future is in her hands. Together they’ll face his personal demons as well as a deadly enemy—and for both of them desire has never come with such risk.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Chase the Darkness is Micah’s story. We had learned of Micah at the beginning of the series. But he was captured and the Alpha Pack had thought he was dead. But after being rescued Micah could not remember the depth of the pain and horrors he went throught. But as time went by more and more memories came out. Micah has so many demons in this book. But it was good to see him work through them. Thankfully Micah has found his mate.
Jacee has always known what the Alpha Pack was, well not exactly, but she knew they were shifters. What she didn’t know was that her mate has been there waiting for her. So when Micah walks into her bar reality hits her like a ton of bricks. But the question is will she be strong enough to be his mate?
Chase the Darkness was another good story in the Alpha Pack series. I really enjoyed watching Micah become himself again. I liked getting to know Jacee better. And as always it was great to see all the Alpha Pack shifters. Chase the Darkness was good, but a little slow for me at times. But I enjoyed it. And the ending. Can’t wait to see what is in store next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

August 4, 2015August 2, 2015

Kelly reviews All Wound Up by Jaci Burton

TITLE: All Wound Up
SERIES #: Play by Play #10
CHARACTERS: Tucker Cassidy & Aubry Ross
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: August 4, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the latest Play-by-Play novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Quarterback Draw, a sexy baseball player is done striking out…
Tucker Cassidy is going through a slump—but not on the field. It’s his dating life that’s suffering. After having a painful altercation involving his ex-girlfriend’s knee, Tucker is convinced it couldn’t get worse…until a gorgeous doctor comes to the rescue at his most embarrassing moment.
As the daughter of the owner of the St. Louis Rivers, Dr. Aubry Ross has been around jocks all her life. She knows the ins and outs of all their games, and she isn’t interested in playing.
When Tucker repeatedly lands in the hospital where she’s working, Aubry starts to think he’s getting injured just to see her. Tucker is both funny and sexy, and Aubry is pleasantly surprised to discover he actually respects her job.
When her father disapproves of their relationship, Aubry knows she’d rather lose Tucker than have him lose his job. But Tucker isn’t about to let threats of a trade get in the way of a game-changing love

REVIEW:
Tucker Cassidy is a raising star pitcher in a family of football players. But Tucker knows who he is and what he wants. Oh and did I mention that he is hot, confident, wears glasses and has his eyes set on a very stubborn doctor who doesn’t want to give him the time of day. Tucker was amazing. I loved reading his story. Loved that he is the odd man out in his family. I love the journey that Tucker goes on in All Wound Up. Even when Tucker is a bit of a jacknut he is still amazing.

Aubry Ross doesn’t believe she has time for a relationship. She is too busy focusing on her job. But when she runs into Tucker Cassidy when he is down and out she pulls out the doctor card (which was hilarious). While Tucker is very hot Aubry doesn’t have time. That is until Tucker ends up in her ER two more times. But the third run in she can’t say no to him. So she will give him one chance, one date and that is it.
Oh Aubry… Poor thing doesn’t have any idea what is in store for her.

As always Ms. Burton bring us an amazing Play by Play story. I just love this series!! I can’t wait for the next Cassidy man to go down. Barrett better be ready!!!

August 3, 2015August 2, 2015

Kelly reviews Wolf Trouble by Paige Taylor

TITLE: Wolf Troubles
SERIES #: SWAT #2
CHARACTERS: Xander Riggs & Khaki Blake
AUTHOR: Paige Taylor
PUBLICATION DATE: August 4, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s in trouble with a capital T…

There’s never been a female on the Dallas SWAT team and Senior Corporal Xander Riggs prefers it that way. The elite pack of alpha male wolfshifters is no place for a woman. But Khaki Blake is no ordinary woman.

When Khaki walks through the door attractive as hell and smelling like heaven, Xander doesn’t know what the heck to do. Worse, she’s put under his command and Xander’s protective instincts go on high alert. When things start heating up both on and off the clock, it’s almost impossible to keep their heads in the game and their hands off each other.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I was so excited for Xander’s book. He is all tall, dark, stubborn and dreamy. But I found Wolf Troubles to be a little slow. I enjoyed the tension, lust and relationship that Khaki has with Xander. She is the perfect match for him. But for me this book focus a little too much on Khaki’s training and then throwing her for a better word to the wolves on her first mission. I did like Khaki, but there was just a small disconnect for me.
All and all it was a good book and I am happy I read. I am looking forward to the next SWAT book.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

July 31, 2015July 28, 2015

Natasha reviews The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward

TITLE: The Bourbon Kings
SERIES #: The Bourbon Kings #1
CHARACTERS: Lane & Lizzie
AUTHOR: J.R. Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: July 28, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood delivers the first novel in an enthralling new series set amid the shifting dynamics of a Southern family defined by wealth and privilege—and compromised by secrets, deceit, and scandal….

For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege—as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.

For Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted—and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane’s beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets.

As family tensions—professional and intimately private—ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive.respectable people to swoon.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts As a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels, I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately it just wasn’t as addicting as I’d hoped it would be. The characters each have very different personalities, but not much that makes them particularly memorable or likable. I didn’t feel like I got to know many of them very well. While interesting, they didn’t stick out too much to me. The story also moved very slowly, it definitely wasn’t a page turner. More of a casual stroll type of read. Some may definitely enjoy that, it just wasn’t my favorite kind of story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Penguin Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

July 30, 2015July 28, 2015

Kelly reviews The Hotter You Burn by Gena Showalter

TITLE: The Hotter you Burn
SERIES #: The Original Heartbreaker Series
CHARACTERS: Beck Ockley & Harlow Glass
AUTHOR: Gena Showalter
PUBLICATION DATE: July 28, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter is back with a sizzling Original Heartbreakers story featuring a troubled playboy and the woman he can’t resist…
Beck Ockley is ruthless in the boardroom…and the bedroom. He’s never been with the same woman twice, and vows he never will. With a past as twisted as his, meaningless sex keeps the demons at bay. His motto: One and done. No harm, no foul.
Harlow Glass is the most hated girl in town. The beautiful artist is penniless, jobless and homeless. When she sneaks into Beck’s home—her ancestral estate—for food, she’s shocked by his early return…and her immediate, sizzling and intense attraction to him.
For the first time in Beck’s life, he can’t get a woman out of his mind. All too soon, friendship blooms into obsession and he’ll have to break her heart…or surrender his own.

REVIEW:
Beck Ockley is the love’em and leave’em type. He has never wanted a relationship and has seemed to be happy with his life. Beck could never imagine how his life was about to change when he finds intruder steals his blueberry pie.
Harlow Glass has been surviving by the skin of her teeth, but the temptation of freshly baked pie is too much to handle. Now she just needs to get into her house and out without anyone seeing her.
Beck, it is so hard to not like him. Even if he is a he-slut. I was rooting for him to pull his head out of his butt and get it together. Of course it can’t be that easy right? Nope. Beck and Harlow have to go round and round and round. They both are stubborn and want the same thing. But neither know how to go about it.
As always Ms. Showalter writes as story that tugs at our heartstrings, because anyone who has been in a relationship can understand where both Beck and Harlow are coming from. I loved every part of Beck and Harlow’s story. But while I love Beck and Harlow, I can’t wait for West’s story!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Harlequin (US & Canada) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

July 29, 2015July 28, 2015

Natasha reviews Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica

TITLE: Pretty Baby
SERIES #: N/A
CHARACTERS: Heidi, Chris & Willow
AUTHOR: Mary Kubica
PUBLICATION DATE: July 28, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A chance encounter sparks an unrelenting web of lies in this stunning new psychological thriller from national bestselling author Mary Kubica
She sees the teenage girl on the train platform, standing in the pouring rain, clutching an infant in her arms. She boards a train and is whisked away. But she can’t get the girl out of her head…
Heidi Wood has always been a charitable woman: she works for a nonprofit, takes in stray cats. Still, her husband and daughter are horrified when Heidi returns home one day with a young woman named Willow and her four-month-old baby in tow. Disheveled and apparently homeless, this girl could be a criminal—or worse. But despite her family’s objections, Heidi invites Willow and the baby to take refuge in their home.
Heidi spends the next few days helping Willow get back on her feet, but as clues into Willow’s past begin to surface, Heidi is forced to decide how far she’s willing to go to help a stranger. What starts as an act of kindness quickly spirals into a story far more twisted than anyone could have anticipated.

REVIEW: I loved Kubica’s first book, The Good Girl, so I was very excited when I saw her new release! This is definitely a dark story and not for the faint of heart. All of the characters are extremely flawed and their stories are told in pieces – from multiple points of view – throughout the entire book. Unfortunately for me, I felt the story was pretty slow moving. I kept reading because I knew Kubica would throw some type of crazy twist into the story that would throw off the reader. However, I ended up predicting what twists the story would take. Though the read was enjoyable, and Kubica is great at story telling, the story just wasn’t my favorite. That said, I still really like this author and her work so I will keep my eyes open for more stories from her.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

July 28, 2015July 26, 2015

Kelly & Kimberly review Thrill Me by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Thrill Me
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold
CHARACTERS: Del Mitchell & Maya Farlow
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: July 28, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Meet the Mitchell brothers of Fool’s Gold, California—five gorgeous men who’ve left a trail of broken hearts in their wake…
Maya Farlow learned the hard way to depend only on herself, so when she fell too deeply for the bad-boy charms of Del Mitchell, she did the only thing she could—she ran. Stunned, Del left Fool’s Gold to make his name and fortune in extreme sports.
Now ten years later, Maya’s been hired to promote her hometown’s new slogan, The Destination for Romance. The celebrity spokesman is none other than Del, the man she dumped but never forgot. Awkward!
Although Del’s not the type to hold a grudge, he’s determined to avoid falling a second time for the woman who broke his heart. He’s a daredevil, not an idiot. Trouble is, in all his adventures, he never found a rush as exhilarating as Maya’s kiss. Maybe risking his heart will prove to be the biggest thrill of all

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts Maya Farlow is back in Fool’s Gold. She has finally found a place that she wants put down roots. Maya finally has found her place in a family. The only thing that is missing is the love of her life. And unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) for Maya, the love of her young life just walked through her door.
Del Mitchell, has not been home in ages. When he does come home it is for a short time, there are too many memories for him in Fool’s Gold. The last person he ever thought he would be working with again is Maya Farlow.
Del and Maya were so much fun to read. They both are so stubborn it is not funny, okay it is funny. There is so much banter back and forth. It is always so much to read about a second chance love story. I do hope to see more about Del and Maya in future books. 🙂

Another great trip to Fool’s Gold. And I am so looking forward to the rest of the Mitchell brother’s stories. I am already looking forward to the youngest Mitchell brothers!!!! I want know more!!!

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Fool’s Gold is my favorite summer vacation spot and I look forward to my visits every year and this summer was no exception.

This is a story about second chances. Maya broke Del’s heart in a way he never really got over but he did move on. Maya on the other hand really didn’t. Del has always been her first love and her biggest regret after letting him go out of fear. But here they are again working together on a campaign for Fool’s Gold tourism. And if you know anything about Fool’s Gold you just know Mayor Marsha had a hand in this set up.

Maya and Del just click from chapter one. Maybe because we know there is a history and certainly because Mallery can spin a tale like no other. There is happiness, sweetness, sadness and everything between but mostly there is love. Love for Maya and Del as well as for the people that surround them.

I think I say this in every review of a Susan Mallery book You can read this as a stand alone but if you haven’t read the Fool’s Gold series I can’t understand why not. Mallery is the perfect storyteller. If you are a fan of contemporary small town romance then Mallery should be at the top of your must buy list.

I’ve already booked my vacation for next summer to Fool’s Gold and I can’t wait!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Harlequin (US & Canada) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

July 27, 2015July 26, 2015

Kimberly reviews No One Needs To Know by Kevin O’Brien

TITLE: No One Needs To Know
CHARACTERS: Laurie
AUTHOR: Kevin O’Brien
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/28/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A SECRET WORTH KILLING FOR…
In July 1970, actress Elaina Styles was slain in her rented Seattle mansion along with her husband and their son’s nanny. When the baby’s remains were found buried in a shallow grave close to a hippie commune, police moved in—only to find all its members already dead in a grisly mass suicide.

AGAIN…
Now, decades later, a film about the murders is shooting at the mansion. On-set caterer Laurie Trotter ignores gossip that the production is cursed. But then people start dying…

AND AGAIN…
As Laurie digs deep into what happened all those years ago, the truth emerges more twisted than any whispered rumor, as a legacy of brutal vengeance reaches its terrifying climax…

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3.5 Hearts

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I really enjoyed this book. It was not a sit on the edge of your seat thriller but the story is engrossing and interesting. I have not read any of this previous books so I can not compare but I thought this was pretty good.

The story is about a Charles Manson type murder movie but soon the crew starts being murdered and Laurie is there to solve the crimes. I have always been interested in the Manson murders so I thought I would enjoy this but there wasn’t a lot of that to be honest.

If you enjoy a little suspense then give the book a try. Do not expect to be blown away but I think you will like the book anyway.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

July 24, 2015July 21, 2015

Kelly and Kimberly review Over The Top by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Over the Top
SERIES #: Maverick Montana #4
CHARACTERS: Hawk Rain & Dawn Freeze
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: July 21, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dawn Freeze had a huge crush on Hawk Rain for years, and the entire town knows it. It’s understandable―the man is total hotness. That tall, lean body. Intense dark eyes. And always one foot out the door. Now he’s on leave for exactly one week. And this time, he’s made it crystal clear that he only wants one thing. Her.
Hawk’s been fighting his attraction to Dawn for as long as he can remember. She’s his best friend’s little sister, and that means hands-off. Except now she’s all grown up, and her sweet sexiness is exactly what he craves. But just as Hawk allows himself one mindblowingly intense night with Dawn, he learns that everyone he loves is in danger. Especially her.
And the only way to protect Dawn is to push her away.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Heart FINALLY!!!! Good golly I feel like I have waited forever for Hawk and Dawn’s book. 🙂 Okay, maybe not FOREVER. But since Against the Grain (bk 1) came out back in 2013. I have been waiting. And Over the Top is was well worth the wait.

In Over the Top we finally get to see into Hawk’s mind. We get to find out what makes him tick, how he views his place in the world and what his darkest fears are. We also get to see the lenght he will go too to protect the ones he loves.
Dawn, we all know that Dawn is a tough cookie. She has to be with three older brothers. But when it comes to Hawk, well it is Hawk the man that she has loved forever. Hawk has forever been out of her reach, but that never stops her for trying to reach for him every chance she gets.
I have loved Hawk and Dawn from book one as I said above. I was so happy to finally read this book. Hawk and Dawn are a force of nature that fights against each other but when they combine they are the perfect storm. They complete each other in every way that is possible. There is so much I wish I could tell you but I don’t want to spoil the book. Just know that there are a lot of touching and slightly painful family moments in Over the Top. Jake had the best line ever in this book. You will know it when you get to it :). The future looks bright. And I am hoping that there are a few more stories up Ms. Zanetti’s sleeve, because I really want to know more about Reece and Adam.
Until next time Maverick, Montana…..

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts I have waited and waited for Dawn and Hawk’s story. I mean we have seen this love for the last three books and it is time for them to be together. Yea!

Hawk is the strong silent type. But he has been in love with Dawn for so long he can’t remember not being in love with her. And Dawn feels the same about Hawk but when she gave him a shot (in book #3) Hawk turned her down claiming they needed to be “just friends”… Don’t you hate when that happens? Well now Hawk is back home and the only thing he wants is Dawn in his bed but the problem is that puts her in danger. And that he just can not deal with.

I just LOVED this story! Maybe it was the waiting and feeling the build up of this couple since book 1 or maybe it really was the story and how Rebecca wrote it. Or maybe it was both. But no matter what I loved this story! The lines from The Lady Elks that begins each chapter are adorable! I enjoyed Mrs. Poppins and Mrs. Hudson. What cute old biddies they are! And the sex toy scene is priceless.

I have loved all the Lodge-Freeze boys and Hawk, who while not an official Lodge-Freeze he might as well be. But now I wonder who is next? Reese? Adam? While I know neither of them belong to the family the series is Maverick Montana not the family name so I am hoping Rebecca brings some more cowboys into our lives. But in the mean time Hawk has my heart… Dawn just has to stand in line.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Entangled Publishing, LLC: Brazen, in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

July 23, 2015July 19, 2015

Natasha reviews The Wrong Man by Kate White

TITLE: The Wrong Man
CHARACTERS: Kit & Matt
AUTHOR: Kate White
PUBLICATION DATE: June 16, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She wanted to be more daring, but one small risk is about to cost her everything—maybe even her life.
Bold and adventurous in her work as owner of one of Manhattan’s boutique interior design firms, Kit Finn couldn’t be tamer in her personal life. While on vacation in the Florida Keys, Kit resolves to do something risky for once. When she literally bumps into a charming stranger at her hotel, she decides to make good on her promise and act on her attraction. But back in New York, when Kit arrives at his luxury apartment ready to pick up where they left off in the Keys, she doesn’t recognize the man standing on the other side of the door. Was this a cruel joke or part of something truly sinister? Kit soon realizes that she’s been thrown into a treacherous plot, which is both deeper and deadlier than she could have ever imagined. Now the only way to protect herself, her business, and the people she loves is to find out the true identity of the man who has turned her life upside down. Adrenaline-charged and filled with harrowing twists at every turn, The Wrong Man will keep readers riveted until the final page.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:

I enjoyed this book so much. It was such a page-turner, I couldn’t put it down. I love a good suspense thriller and this was definitely that! Kit is a strong female lead character who I enjoyed getting to know. She makes one decision that drastically changes the course of her life. At first is happens in small ways that seem embarrassing, but not too big a deal – then the danger sets in! I liked how this book kept me guessing until the end. One big twist was fairly predictable, but not all of the ending was, which was good. I kept second guessing myself and my predictions until the very end. Great characters, great suspense, great read.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

July 22, 2015July 20, 2015

Kimberly reviews Under Contract by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: Under Contract
SERIES #: Falling Under #3
CHARACTERS: Ryan & Celestina
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/13/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The kinkier the sex, the higher the price tag…
Ryan Black has admired Celestina Sala from afar for years, her lush body and sensual nature calling to the dominant in him. For just as many years, Celestina was off-limits—married, proud and self-sufficient. But all that has changed, and now Celestina is in debt and in need…and available. Ryan proposes a contract: he’ll pay off her debt if she gives herself to him in bed, yielding control in exchange for the pain and pleasure he’ll bring them both.

There are words for women who take money for sex, and none of them are nice ones. Celestina never thought she’d have to sink this low, but giving up control sounds more enticing than ever before. And suddenly it’s not about having to give in to Ryan. It’s about wanting to.
But when Ryan’s dark past comes to light, they may both be in over their heads. The terms of his contract say her body is his…but her heart may be another story.
One thing is for sure—now that Ryan has Celestina, he can never let her go.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
I wasn’t sure about this story but I am a fan of Jeffe Kennedy’s so I always request her books from NetGalley so I picked this one up too. And I am really glad I did.

Both Celestina and Ryan are suffering from loss even though they are very different kinds. What makes this work so well is they have had an attraction for a while they just were not in a place to do anything about the attraction but now they can. Ryan is not obnoxious about the money and power he has and I appreciated that. Celestina is a great character has well.

Kennedy wrote a really good book with this one and as always I will stay a fan.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

July 21, 2015July 21, 2015

Kelly reviews The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert

TITLE: The Coincidence of Coconut Cake
CHARACTERS: Al Waters & Elizabeth “Lou” Johnson
AUTHOR: Amy E. Reichert
PUBLICATION DATE: July 21, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
YOU’VE GOT MAIL meets HOW TO EAT A CUPCAKE in this delightful novel about a talented chef and the food critic who brings down her restaurant—whose chance meeting turns into a delectable romance of mistaken identities.

In downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lou works tirelessly to build her beloved yet struggling French restaurant, Luella’s, into a success. She cheerfully balances her demanding business and even more demanding fiancé…until the morning she discovers him in the buff—with an intern.

Witty yet gruff British transplant Al is keeping himself employed and entertained by writing scathing reviews of local restaurants in the Milwaukee newspaper under a pseudonym. When an anonymous tip sends him to Luella’s, little does he know he’s arrived on the worst day of the chef’s life. The review practically writes itself: underdone fish, scorched sauce, distracted service—he unleashes his worst.

The day that Al’s mean-spirited review of Luella’s runs, the two cross paths in a pub: Lou drowning her sorrows, and Al celebrating his latest publication. As they chat, Al playfully challenges Lou to show him the best of Milwaukee and she’s game—but only if they never discuss work, which Al readily agrees to. As they explore the city’s local delicacies and their mutual attraction, Lou’s restaurant faces closure, while Al’s column gains popularity. It’s only a matter of time before the two fall in love…but when the truth comes out, can Lou overlook the past to chase her future?

Set in the lovely, quirky heart of Wisconsin, THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE is a charming love story of misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and the power of food to bring two people together.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts The Coincidence of Coconut Cake is Amy E. Reichert’s debut novel. And it was a delightful book!!! While the storyline was a tad bit predictable, the characters and the journey were still a lot of fun to read. Oh and the coconut cake. Oh man!! I love me some coconut cake I am going to have to make this cake. Thank you Amy for including the recipe. Okay back to the review.
I really enjoyed Lou. She made me want to be her friend. I felt so much for everything that she goes through in this story. Lou may have thought she knew what she wanted but Fate always seems to have other plans.
Al, oh man!!! Let me just say that this Brit has it going on. He is a bit of a, how do I want to put this, stick in the mud in the beginning I fell in love with his stuffy, khaki wearing, grumpy, I can’t wait to leave this place, pain in everyone’s back side.
I really enjoyed this story. If you are looking for a fun, light and quick read that will leave you craving coconut cake. Or if you are looking for a new author to check out. I would suggest giving Ms. Reichert’s a try.
Can’t wait to see what she has next for us.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.