Call her a fool, but chef-in-training Chloe Madison wants to have her cake and eat it too. So when her boyfriend dumps her for some French tart, she decides to start over from scratch—with a new life and job in Sugar Creek, Vermont. What could be sweeter than cooking for an eccentric lady who’s crazy for desserts? What could be more tempting than joining a club called the Cupcake Lovers? Just one thing: local business-hunk Devlin Monroe…
AND HE’S THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE
Although he’s the grandson of Chloe’s fun-loving boss, Devlin Monroe is all work and no play. Micro-managing the family business, he doesn’t have time to indulge in life’s sweetest pleasures—until he meets Chloe. How can he resist such a vibrant, beautiful woman who brings so much passion to the table? But when old grudges and secrets threaten to destroy the Cupcake Lovers, Devlin must decide if his feelings for Chloe are a recipe for disaster—or a sinfully delicious ever-after…
Storytelling comes naturally to award-winning author Beth Ciotta. Limiting herself to one sub-genre does not. Dubbed “fun and sexy” by Publisher’s Weekly, Beth specializes in writing Romantic Comedy with a Twist of Suspense and is published in contemporary, historical, and paranormal romantic fiction. “I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than writing stories where everyone (except the villain, of course) gets a happy ending!”
Beth lives in New Jersey with her husband, two zany dogs, and one crazy cat. Although writing takes up most of her time, she still performs occasionally as a singer, character actress, emcee, and storyteller. To support literacy, Beth also works at her local library.
To learn more about her chaotic life you can visit her Web site at www.bethciotta.com
Through most of the book, this story was pretty good. Nothing special, but a fun romance in a small town with a big (extended) family realistically and lovingly portrayed. But then the complexity of the characters starts to simmer and develop and I became first attached, and then (to my dismay) unable to put it down.
Devlin starts well-enough as a man who loves his family and loves to help them. Unfortunately, he's highly competent and very often right so the best way to help them, obviously, is to cajole, browbeat, and maybe even manipulate them into doing what he thinks is best. Oh, he's not terrible and his intentions are pure and all, but he's definitely confident and that leads him to being judgmental. And then Beth Ciotta takes it to the next level and we start to see his mushy middle—and not just because Chloe softens or "tames" him, but rather because through her, he sees the destructive side of his strengths and begins to see the need to redirect himself.
A similar process happens with Chloe—a woman of passion looking to wring out the best that life has to offer. She's charming and caring and used to winning people over to her schemes and sometimes they work out but always, always there's the next thing coming should the current one fail. Oh, she's not a complete flake but she's used to landing on her feet and that leads her to being impulsive and more than a little unpredictable. And then Beth Ciotta takes it to the next level and we start to see the steel core at the center of her and her ability and passion once truly committed—and not just because Dev inspires or steadies her, but rather because through him, she sees the fear behind her passion and begins to see the need to confront that fear and wrest stability from it.
So yeah, I fell a little in love with them both and their struggle to be more than they are right now and their recognition of the strengths they bring to each other—valuing their differences while forging their common vision as a team working together. But more, I really liked Ciotta's deft touch with the characters and her ability to show the depth of their weaknesses even as they commit to overcoming them. And I particularly like that at the end, you can see that they both still have a ways to go, but that they recognize that even as they commit to each other and their future together. It was a very strong ending and I can't wait to see if Ciotta can pull that off consistently in future novels in the series.
A note about Steamy: Pretty low, all things considered. There are a few flirty bits with blazing kisses and brief dips into dangerous territory, but there's really only one actual explicit sex scene. It does have some length to it, though that's largely because there's a break in the middle...
Fool For Love is the first book in the Cupcake Lovers series.
The story is set in the picturesque setting of Sugar Creek. If like me you have a sweet tooth then this would certainly be the dream place to live. Especially as they have a cupcake club where they swap recipes and ideas. For anyone good at baking there is also some wonderful recipes to try at the end of the book.
Chloe is the main character who decides to make some changes in her life by coming to Sugar Creek to be a house keeper for the grandmother of Devlin Monroe. She doesn't reckon for bumping into the gorgeous Devlin who sets her heart racing.
Devlin is certainly the perfect love interest and will no doubt set a few readers hearts a flutter. It was certainly entertaining seeing the two coming together
Fool For Love is a light hearted and entertaining read. I expected it to be your usual run of the mill chick lit book of which it was a bit more racier that I expected, but that is by no means a bad thing. Will be interesting to see what is in store for us readers in the rest of the series.
If you haven’t visited Sugar Creek you really should. Beth Ciotta writes a heartwarming story filled with realistic characters you’d love to meet.
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Sugar Creek. It’s a small town, nestled in the Thrush mountains and filled with interesting people, charming shops and businesses—the type that look old-fashioned from the outside while offering all the modern conveniences inside.
It’s also the home of the longstanding Cupcake Lovers Club, a community organization that raises money for various causes, including helping the families of the military. They sure come up with some scrumptious cupcake recipes. In fact, Beth offers quite a few tasty recipes at the back of the book, some simple to do, some a bit more complicated, and all look yummy!
Speaking of yummy things, there is Devlin Monroe. Well, I’ll let the heroine, dessert chef, Chloe Madison, describe him, “…freaking gorgeous, chocolate hair, blueberry eyes, a beefcake body clad in gray canvas khakis and plaid oxford shirt, the long sleeves rolled midway up his muscled forearms. Not that she was checking him out.”
Oh yes she was and he was doing the same and ready to initiate a whole lot more until he realizes she’s the new chef, driver, and companion his grandmother, Daisy, has hired without any input from him—a big no-no. She could be a flim-flam artist out to take his innocent and wealthy grandmother to the cleaners. Investigation has already shown she’s flighty (and boy didn't that backfire on him)
Dev’s family is interesting and all fiercely independent people who, on a good day, roll their eyes at their overprotective interfering big brother. Link and Luke are charming rogues. Then there is Rocky, his sister, determined to put her dream into reality with Red Clover Inn and do it on her own.
If there is a theme in this wonderful story it’s don’t be afraid to dream and make the dream reality.
I enjoyed the fun, tongue in cheek, references to the movie, Driving Miss Daisy. I have to say I love Dev’s grandmother; she’s feisty, adventurous, and daring. Dev doesn’t have a sweet innocent grandma, even if she does bake cupcakes. This grandma pulls Chloe into all sorts of adventures designed to turn Dev’s hair white and bring a stutter to Chloe’s heart. This grandma believes in grabbing life with both hands and following your dreams. My kind of woman!
There is a lot of sizzle between Dev and Chloe. There's also a lot of fun and laughter. The two have a rough road to Happy-ever-after, but it’s a fun road!
I’m really looking forward to the next story (I sure hope it's about Jayce and Rocky) set in Sugar Creek!
3.25 stars This was a nice sweet romance but man it contained way too many POV. I would have rather it concentrated on the main h/H than find subplots with H's sis friend with benefits, her first, his grandmother and so much more.
I never read Beth Ciotta's stories before -- but for the past couple of months I have been on M/F contemporary romance mood, and this one appeared on my "Readers Also Enjoyed" GR page several time, so I thought I'd give it a try.
Well, I guess I have to add another small-town romance series on my list!!
After her fiancé dumped her for a Parisian tart right on what supposed to be her happiest day, being graduated from Culinary Arts Institute with honors, Chloe Madison decides to accept her best friend's offer to come to Sugar Creek, Vermont, and become a cook and companion for 75 years old Daisy Monroe.
Meanwhile, Devlin Monroe, Daisy's oldest grandson is not feeling so happy with the decision, especially since he is excluded from interview process. Devlin is careful and very fierce when it comes to protect his family, so he doesn't want this city girl to take advantage. Especially when Chloe's past -- courtesy of some personal investigation, done by Devlin's best friend, Jayce -- shows a free spirit and impulsive woman, who seems to get by with other people financing her.
Small-town romance is one of my favorite tropes when it comes to M/F CR and this one has all the right recipes. I love how sparks fly immediately during Chloe and Devlin's first meeting, even though they don't know each other back then. The whole conversation at fruit section at the only grocery store at Sugar Creek is entertaining (it involves a very good advice on picking melon *grin*).
Of course after they know each other, it's not an easy route for love. Devlin is too much of a protective and controlling guy -- a first-born syndrome, most definitely. While Chloe is determined to get back on her feet again, and being attracted to a guy with same traits like her father and her ex-fiancé is totally a bad idea.
I love their chemistry, and I love how they romance built slowly. Chloe starts to fall in love with the small town, gaining friends, and finding that 'click' moment of what she wants to do with life. While Devlin is learning to give leeway to his family, knowing that his good intention is not always seen as something 'helpful' or being respectful for her family members. I love romance story where the characters develop and grown with one another.
And then, there's the whole bunch of secondary characters! At first I have a hard time keeping up with who is who, but quickly I get the hang of it and I love each and every one of them. From Daisy, then Devlin's siblings: Luke and Rocky, Devlin's cousins: Sam and Nash, and Chloe's best friend, Monica. They all round up the story with their own meddling and secrets and gossips and wit and FUN. Also note that there's a huge teaser about follow-up romance being part of this story, with the whole thick tension between Rocky (Devlin's sister) and Jayce (Devlin's best friend). I think their story will be delicious.
So as a start of a new-to-me series, this is definitely promising. I'm looking forward to reading the next book (with Rocky and Jayce) and spend more time with these characters.
Fool for Love is the first book in Beth Ciotta's Cupcake Lovers contemporary romance series. I started out thinking it would be a fluffy small town romance, but instead I got a really well written, insightful and sexy small town romance, with a lot more going on than just the blossoming passion between the main characters.
Chloe Madison has just been dumped by her boyfriend and she's feeling very sorry for herself, especially as he did it on what should have been one of the most happiest days of her life. She'd finally finished something and had achieved, with honours, a culinary arts degree. Pouring her heart out to her friend, Monica, who lives miles away in the small town of Sugar Creek, suggests that she come to stay for some R&R. Monica manages to get Chloe a live in cooking post with an elderly lady, who also happens to have a very sexy grandson. Chloe reluctantly agrees.
Devlin Monroe hasn't had a relationship in a very long time. After his heart was broken a few years previously he's put all his efforts in building the family empire of businesses. When he finds out that his Grandmother has hired a live in cook without consulting him, his first thought is to phone his friend and ask him to look into Chloe's background. He isn't happy with what he finds out. Plus, while out getting dinner he bumps into a most intriguing woman who has him flirting and lusting after her like no other woman. And then he finds out that his feelings are for the woman who's looking after his Grandmother, Chloe Madison.
I loved the opening few chapters. They really set up the scene, and the characters just came alive on the page. I loved every one I was reading about (maybe with the exception of Tasha - she's just nasty) and felt connected to them straight away.
Yes, Fool for Love is a fairly gentle read. There are no overly sexually explicit scenes and it is a small town romance. However, it's so utterly sweet and charming with characters that are three-dimensional, with distinct personalities, that I just fell in love with each and every one of them. There is some heat, but most of it comes from the emotions of Chloe and Devlin, and their ever growing sexual tension and frustration rather than the bedroom, which didn't bother me in the slightest. Sometimes it's nice to just read about the romance and leave the sex between the characters subtle.
Of course Devlin and Chloe go through a few ups and downs and although their romance is based on the hate to love trope, I didn't quite believe some aspects. Devlin doesn't come across as the most infuriating man I've ever read. His actions and words weren't enough to warrant the anger that Chloe feels at times. I knew that they were attracted to each other as they say as much a number of times, but that real level of hate/love just wasn't there for me. However, I did enjoy their banter, it was sweet, funny and it built up just enough that I was dying for them to just get together already!
One of the most shining character's of the book is the grandmother, Daisy. Daisy is 75 years old and yet she has the energy and feistiness of somebody much younger. She wants to do things that she hadn't done in the past and wants to be adventurous. Sometimes this adventurousness gets her into trouble and the fact that Chloe is with her means that Chloe is tarnished with the same brush - much to Devlin's annoyance. This doesn't help Devlin with regards to understanding or even liking Chloe even though deep down he has a nagging feeling that she is not the gold digger he think she is.
There are lots of other characters but we don't really get to see them much, apart from Rocky, Devlin's sister. I was hoping to get to know the supporting cast a bit more than I did, especially at the Cupcake Lovers club who meets up to talk recipes, make cupcakes and have a good gossip. The side-romance between Rocky and Jayce, Devlin's best friend, really gives you a delicious taster of what's to come in the second book of the series. I can't wait to read that one! Sometimes the supporting cast were a bit too nice (minus Tasha). I think that may be why I loved Rocky and Jayce so much as they have a murky history together and both seem a bit bad.
Fool for Love is a wonderful small town romance with great characters, sexy romance and just an all round lovely story. This is definitely a book to read when you want something light but which is still well written and full of substance. A delicious start to the Cupcake Lovers series. I'm now off to read book two.
Reviewed by Valerie Book provided by the publisher for review Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Beth Ciotta has hit a homerun with this book! I was hooked from the first chapter and retreated into the world of laughter and romance until I turned the last page! I absolutely love books that have small town characters and while this one does, it has so much more…
Chloe gets dumped by her fiancee right at the get-go. She is totally crushed and decides to accept her best friend’s suggestion to move to Sugar Creek, Vermont – as a personal companion, no less. What’s haunting her, besides being dumped, is that she seems to start projects and never finishes them. The ONLY thing she’s ever finished is culinary school. In the beginning, going to Vermont is a way to run away from the pain she’s feeling. Besides her love life being in the toilet, her relationship with her dad is estranged because of that very fiancee. In a nutshell, she’s in a bad place in her life and needs some cheering up.
Enter my favorite character of this story, hands down – Daisy Monroe. An elderly ball-of-fire determined to live life her way, not the way her family wants her to. She drives a caddy that is the size of a tank, wants to go tubing down the river in her skivvies, and lives life to the fullest. She can’t believe how prude and reluctant Chloe is. She reminds her that she’s young yet a totally boring dud and invites her to join their town’s Cupcake Lover’s Club. Chloe does have a culinary degree, after all, so she can contribute to the club Daisy reminds her.
And as the story unfolds, the fireworks start to fly. From the first time Devlin sees Chloe, he’s starstruck with her looks. THEN, he finds out she’s been hired to take care of his most beloved docile grandmother (snort). AND, then he finds out that Chloe’s a flaky person with a checkered past. He has enough to do trying to save his family’s department store which is about to be stomped on by a local Wal-Mart.
Be prepared for laugh out loud moments as Daisy gets Chloe into trouble over and over, both with the law and with Devlin. Enter all the other characters of Sugar Creek and you have a fun read that you will want to read again just to enjoy the laughs over and over!
The back of the book has reader-submitted cupcakes too!
Chole Madison has just had her long-term boyfriend inform her that his leaving her for another woman and moving to France to be with her – and he decides to do this on the day she is arranging to celebrate the fact she has graduated culinary school with honours (I know she’s lost a real gem). With nothing to lose she decides to take her friends advice and become a companion/cook in the small town of Sugar Creek. If you have a sweet tooth like me this is the place you would want to be, sounds like delightful morsels of dessert are made each week thanks to a longstanding cupcake club.
I liked the introduction of Devlin’s family, his gran sounds fun, and his sister clearly has a story/book to come. However, the introduction of one sibling – Luke, I wasn’t so keen on, having 3 women on the go, even if they know about one another, had me wrinkling my nose in displeasure.
Overall, this was a cosy and light one time read, which I did enjoy. I liked the main characters - serious Devlin and cooking whiz Chole are a good fit, thanks to their differences. Devin doesn’t trust Chole, due to info he finds out about her and due to his own bad history with women, but one think he cannot deny/control is his attraction to her. Will now be taking it to my uni book exchange so someone else can enjoy the paperback.
The idea that the cupcake club is based on is pretty interesting - women baking for the troops and charity. I really liked this story and getting to know the people in the small Vermont town.
What I enjoyed: * Daisy was a hoot. Although she took it a bit too far, you have to admire her attitude towards life. * Devlin and Chloe made a good couple, they balanced each other well and both seemed willing to work to overcome their issues. * The rest of the family. I like they had some real problems without too much reality taking over my fiction.
Fool for Love is a sweet, steamy, funny, and charming romance with well-developed characters who are easy to relate to and totally draw you into the novel.
Cupcakes are almost another character in this novel. All the talk about cupcakes will definitely inspire your sweet tooth and leave you longing for cupcakes. It also has recipes for cupcakes at the end.
I would have liked this more if the hero secretly investigating the heroine to find out if she was a suitable companion for his grandmother hadn't been a major plot point. But I liked the world that was being set up a lot, so that aspect of it was good. And I'm very curious about the next book, which is better.
Da http://leggerefantastico.blogspot.com Non vi avevo ancora parlato de La Ricetta Segreta dell' Amore perchè a dire la verità ne sono venuta a conoscenza quasi per caso. L' ho messo in lettura, incuriosita dalla storia d' amore espressa nella trama e cosa mi sono trovata alla fine? Un romance davvero scritto bene, emozionante e travolgente sotto molti punti di vista. In realtà la storia e molto semplice e gli elementi all' interno di questa potrebbero essere identificati nei soliti clichè delle storie d' amore. Beh sapete cosa vi dico? A me piacciono questi clichè e adoro leggere storie come queste, che ti prendono sin dall' inizio e sono capaci di farti volare con la fantasia romantica. Come vi dicevo la storia è semplice e fin da subito conosciamo Chloe Madison, una ragazza irrefrenabile, solare e simpatica che, in questi anni ha nascosto la parte indomabile di sè per colpa del suo calmo e dispotico fidanzato più grande di lei e probabilmente anche a causa di un padre severo e rigido che non ha mai saputo comprendere e supportare la figlia nelle sue decisioni. Dopo essersi diplomata con la lode al corso culinario per diventare chef, Chloe viene inaspettatamente mollata dal fidanzato per colpa di un' altra donna e a lei non resta che leccarsi le ferite e piangersi disperatamente addosso. L' occasione per riscoprire sè stessa e dimenticare i suoi ultimi anni d' amore con Ryan giunge inaspettatamente con l' amica Monica e la possibilità di diventare cuoca e dama di compagnia di un' esuberante vecchietta, Daisy Monroe, in un paesino abbarbicato sulle montagne del Vermont, Sugar Creek. Per Chloe è l' occasione giusta per riprendere in mano la sua vita, entrare a far parte delle Cupcake Lovers e perchè no, anche conoscere l' amore. Quest' ultimo arriva sotto le sembianze di Devlin Monroe, il nipote di Daisy, un uomo riservato, prudente e maniaco del controllo. Scottato da diverse storie d' amore finite male, Devlin sarà dapprima colpito, poi contrario ed infine emotivamente coinvolto dalla dolce Chloe. Eppure segreti di famiglia, fraintendimenti, e promesse scottanti, daranno del filo da torcere all' amore sbocciato e incontrollato dei due. La Ricetta Segreta dell' Amore è un romance davvero coinvolgente, molto scorrevole e sorprendendemente romantico. Non avevo mai sentito parlare di Beth Ciotta, nè di questo libro, e quando ho iniziato la lettura mi sono chiesta perchè un romanzo così adorabilmente romantico non era entrato direttamente nella mia wish list. Sono rimasta rapita da Sugar Creek e da quella famiglia Monroe così ricca di problemi ma così effervescente e amabile, che ho davvero finito per innamorarmi dell' intero stuolo di personaggi. Da Chloe a Dev, immersi nei loro problemi e fantasmi del passato, ma intenti a dominarli e a trovare conforto e sollievo uno tra le braccia dell' altro, la storia si avvale di personaggi minori come Rocky e Luke, Sam e Daisy, la vera istigatrice e conduttrice della scena, a Jayce per finire con Adam e Nash. La Ricetta Segreta dell' Amore è un romance con una parte erotica breve ma ben sviluppata e romantica. Una storia deliziosa in cui si amalgamano perfettamente cibo e amore. La tensione emotiva, erotica e sensuale che si respira è palpabile e definita ad ogni passo. All' interno della storia, popolata da numerosi protagonisti tutti ben congeniati e divertenti, e parallelamente a questa, prenderanno forma diverse probabili storie d' amore, che vedremo approfondite nei prossimi volumi. Sia chiaro, questo romanzo è auto-conclusivo. Nei prossimi cambieranno i personaggi, comunque parzialmente conosciuti in questo, e si svilupperanno le storie lasciate in sospeso. Prima fra tutti, sono molto curiosa ed entusiasta, di saperne di più per quanto riguarda Rocky e Jayce, rispettivamente sorella e migliore amico del protagonista maschile de La Ricetta Segreta dell' Amore. Per concludere vi consiglio questo romanzo perchè, seppur semplice e ricco dei soliti "già visto", saprà deliziarvi con la cucina e una storia d' amore tutt' altro che floscia o banale. Un libro adatto al periodo estivo, da leggere magari sotto l' ombrellone. Una storia fresca e romantica.
This is the first book I’ve read by Beth Ciotta but it will definitely be the first of many. From the very first page I just fell in love with the story and the characters.
Chloe is in Sugar Creek to get over an ex and get her life back on track. While she’s a tad flighty and artistic - her huge heart and wonderful personality made me love her instantly and want the best for her.
And then there was Devlin. I’m pretty sure Ms Ciotta went right into my brain and pulled out everything I love about a leading man. He’s grumpy, gorgeous, thinks his way is the best way and is just so intrigued - and infuriated - by the way Chloe breezes into his world and knocks his socks off. And Devlin is also one of my favourite names for book boyfriends. Perfection all round.
As I said, Devlin and Chloe infuriate and spark up against each other from the very second they meet. There’s a lot of sexual tension and you’ll likely get that delicious jump in your tummy each time their passion runs away with them. There’s some sexy times thrown in for good measures. I do enjoy the sexy times.
I also have to give a special mention for Daisy, the naughty grandma. She was absolutely the coolest and I loved it her and her craziness and meddling.
Alongside the main love story between Dev and Chloe, we also get a bit of background into Rocky’s love life and some of her history with Dev’s best friend, Jayce. This is a teaser for the next book in the series, The Trouble with Love.
At the end of the book you also get a few cupcake recipes which is a nice bonus. I love my cupcakes almost as much as the sexy times. While a few ‘recipes’ are bake a boxed cake mix and add a pre-bought frosting, I suppose that’s not the main reason for the book so I shouldn’t complain and this won’t affect my rating of the book - just the cupcakes themselves!
I genuinely adored every moment of this story. I fell hard for Chloe and Devlin and their delightful romance. But I also fell in love with Daisy, Rocky, Monica, Luke, Sam and the whole Cupcake Lovers crew. And don’t forget Sugar Creek. I want to move to this (fictional, dammit) Vermont town and live there with the whole colourful, messy bunch. And I cannot wait to get my greedy little paws on the rest of the Cupcake Lovers series and visit with everyone in Sugar Creek all over again. 5 well-deserved stars.
This was my first romance by Beth Ciotta and it will certainly not be my last. Fool for Love has most of the things I enjoy most in my romances, a broken-hearted heroine, a over-bearing hero, a crazy cast of secondary characters and decedent desserts, how can you go wrong?
A broken-hearted, Chloe Madison comes to Sugar Creek after taking a companion/cook position with Daisy Monroe, a senior member of the Cupcake Lovers and Grandmother of Devlin Monroe, our strikingly handsome, over-bearing, bossy-pants hero. As the oldest child in the Monroe family, Dev feels the responsibility of caring for his family, especially his Gran, who has a mile long wild streak. Devlin doesn't trust Chloe and he isn't shy about her knowing it, but the truth is that as much as he doesn't trust her, he also wants to take off all her clothes and spend a few hours, or days, alone with her until his lust is sated. This could be a problem.
Chloe has been dealing with controlling men all of her life, from her father to her last cheating boyfriend, Ryan. So when it comes to Devlin Monroe, she isn't going to be a pushover, even if his kisses make her girly parts all tingly. Between trying to keep Daisy out of trouble, keeping Dev off her pa-tooty, and trying to help the Cupcake lovers out-smart their current president, Chloe has her hands full, and falling in love with Dev is something she is trying to avoid.
Chloe and Dev have the kind of chemistry that will keep you turning page after page just to see what will happen next.
We also get a sneak peak of what is to come in the cupcake lovers series. We have Rocky, Dev's sister and two men who could steal her heart, then we have sexy, little brother Luke and womanizing, cousin Nash, who could have their own romances coming. I can't wait to find out who is next to fall in love in Sugar Creek.
I would definitely recommend Fool for Love to anyone who loves a sweet, small town romance. If you enjoyed Hope Ramsay's Last Chance series, you will love Fool for Love.
On the day Chloe Madison finds out she's graduated from Culinary School with honors, her live-in boyfriend dumps her for the "french tart" he's been seeing. Dejected and trying to find meaning to her life, she hops a plane to Sugar Creek, Vermont hoping her temporary job as a cook and companion will give her the boost that she needs. She never expected that the quirky town, a baking group and a micro-managing financial wizard were exactly what she needed.
I loved Chloe. She may have come off as being flighty and free spirited, but she was a woman who cared deeply and was determined to make sure she enjoyed life to the fullest after the death of her mother. While she saw her life in Sugar Creek as temporary, the residents and the town had a way of soothing Chloe's soul and giving her a reason to set down permanent roots somewhere and make a definitive decision on what she wanted to do with her life.
Chloe also proved to be the ultimate balm to micro-managing financial wizard Devlin Monroe's ways. Devlin took everything too seriously and liked to control whatever he could. But he couldn't control Chloe. While that annoyed him, he also found that for the first time he found the one thing that had him willing to let go of some of his ways.
Chloe and Dev were cute together. They were the ultimate proof that opposites do attract. She brought some spice to Dev's boring life and he kept her grounded and gave her the reason to finally find what she wanted to do.
A cute, fun read and definitely a series that I will look for more books in.
Sweet small town family oriented story rich with drama, romance, and friends that are always supportive. The first of a new contemporary romance series by Beth Ciotta.
Chloe Madison has tried a dozen different career paths but has passed culinary school with honors. When her long time boyfriend decides to move on without Chloe, she heads to Sugar Creek, Vermont for a job as a personal chef. Devlin Monroe helps finance, manage and support several family business ventures. When Chloe shows up to work for his Grandmother, he is concerned about her erratic work history and at the same time attracted to her vibrant life style living to the fullest.
I really enjoyed visiting Sugar Creek and all the different friends and family. Sometimes with a new storyline, introductions to a dozen different characters can be confusing, but Beth Ciotta put this group together with ease and simplicity. I had no trouble following and identifying each person as the story progressed. And I want to know more about them. Will Monica and Leo succeed? Will Rusty and Jayce settle their past? I want to know these things. This was Chloe and Devlin's romance as they jump into life. I can't wait for the next Cupcake book by Beth Ciotta.
I won this book from a Goodreads First Reads contest.
Dopo pochi capitoli mi sembrava di essere a Sugar Creek ad annusare i fantastici profumi di cibo che si alzavano dalle parole stampate, circondata da questa variegata ridda di personaggi che mi riempivano di curiosità: fino alla fine non ho fatto che desiderare di essere nei panni di Chloe e, quando sono arrivata all’epilogo, ho abbandonato questo libro con rammarico, ma con un sorrisone esagerato sulle labbra. Recensione completa qui: http://libridilo.blogspot.it/2013/06/...
Questo romanzo si è rivelato un'autentica sorpresa positiva. Non mi aspettavo che fosse così carino! Per carità non è niente di particolarmente originale, con tanti cliché. Ma quando i cliché vengono usati nel modo giusto proprio non mi dispiace. Gli ingredienti, per restare in argomento con il titolo, ci sono tutti e nella giusta dose: bellezza, amore, amicizia, famiglia, lavoro e denaro. Il tutto condito con ironia, sensualità e leggerezza, ma neanche troppa. Insomma il libro giusto per staccare da letture più pesanti senza restarne delusi.
Tra le pagine di questo romanzo troverete non solo dolci godurie, ma anche l'amore di una famiglia unita, l'affetto di amici che non mancano mai nel momento del bisogno e la lussuria di un amore scoppiato all'improvviso. Lasciarsi trasportare da questa lettura è veramente semplice, ti conquista con il suo cuore zuccherato al caramello e la sua anima ardente di passione. Recensione: http://chelibroleggere.blogspot.it/20...
A good start to a fun series. Chloe is a sweetheart and Dev is the responsible, uptight brother of the family. Chloe is hired to be a companion to Grandmother Daisy who is a handful. It was as much a pleasure to read about the two woman's antics as it was to watch Dev finally yank the pole from his rump and learn to loosen up to enjoy his lady-love Chloe.
this was a pretty good book! it flowed really nicely and i always was looking forward to reading it. my boyfriend even rates it a 3.5 which is surprising since hes a guy haha. he says they could make it a good movie SPOILER: cant wait to read the next one when she starts her cupcake place :) & my favorite character is definitely Daisy
I loved everything about this book. The setting was quaint and well described, the characters were developed and likeable (I wanted to join the Monroe family) and the story line was original. I also loved the cupcake angle. That enhanced the story.
Standard chicklit. I liked that the family was a big part of the story rather than just focusing on the would-be couple. And it talks about cupcakes a lot since the story pivots around the Cupcake Lovers Club. It was a cute twist.
This is the very first book that I've read from this author, and it started off really great.
Just a little background on me: I've recently gotten really obsessed with TV shows set in small quirky little towns like Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls), and Blue Bell (Hart of Dixie). After reading the synopsis for this book, I was thrilled to have finally found something set in a town resembling the ones that I've just mentioned, and it didn't really disappoint on that front. Sugar Creek seems just like Blue Bell, complete with a whole cast of colorful, and super quirky characters.
I did enjoy reading the book for the most part. As I said, I absolutely loved the small-town setting, and I don't really have any complaints about the main characters. I just wished the author took more time with the descriptions. I like having a pretty detailed idea of how the male and female leads look like. The author really didn't go beyond describing their hair and eye colors. I felt like I couldn't connect completely with them, because I didn't know how to picture them in my mind. Another thing that I would've changed if I could, is the ending. It just felt way too rushed. The main characters get into a fight and then within hours, they had made up. It just seems very anti-climactic. It would have been better if the fight wasn't resolved so easily, just to pull at the reader's heartstrings, ya know?
I will probably continue reading the other books in the series.
very interesting book in the sense that there wasn’t much of a plot. like of course, there’s a premise and small subplots but there’s not necessarily a larger plot. moving to vermont because your boyfriend of 2 years cheated on you with a parisian tart isn’t a plot. having random events happen isn’t also a plot.
this book was confusing at first because the amount of characters we were introduced to in the first like 20 pages was insane.
i also kept forgetting that these characters were in their early to late thirties because why do they act like that? how are you still a free spirit with no purpose in life and somehow still twist it to make it sound like a good thing?
the thinly, but not really, misogyny was also really hard to get into. i almost stopped reading cause the digs at women who get plastic surgery was so nasty and unnecessary. i truly believe the author was bullied by a Tasha in her younger years and decided the best way to get back at her was through writing.
like fuck you beth ciotta. dumb b*tch
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I won a signed copy of this book a couple years ago and neglected to read it until just recently. WHAT A MISTAKE! There is so much family involved that there's quite a sizable cast of characters, and I loved everybody (or hated appropriately). Daisy is unpredictable, and the family fun. Rocky must be the next book as there was a lot of personal stuff from here that felt like setup and was leftunfinished. Devlin is frustratingly endearing and totally sexy. Chloe is relatable and adorable. Her free spirit is infectious. Their conflict made a lot of sense and some bad luck often didn't help matters. Their chemistry and slow burn romance pushed things along beautifully. I was satisfied with the resolution, even if it felt short. Though, I have to admit, short or not, the ending was perfectly fitting.
Fool for Love was a delightful book the was lighthearted for the most part. I am itching to read more! Oh and there are even some cupcake recipes in the back!
This was so cute. Daisy is the star though. Devlin's grandmother is a total riot. She is hell bent on living life to the fullest no matter what and it gets her in trouble every time. Lol But seriously, I do love how Devlin fights so hard for his friends and family, even though he takes it a bit too far. Chloe is whimsical, but also a walking disaster on some instances, but it is funny at the same time. I liked all the interactions between the characters and looking forward to continuing on with this series.
Non mi ha emozionata particolarmente. Ho preferito altri libri di questo genere ma per lo meno qui la protagonista non è superficiale o perfettina, quindi si legge abbastanza bene. Devo ammettere che mi ha colpito molto di piú il personaggio di Rocky e, anche se lo stile dell’autrice non mi convince troppo, penso che proverò a leggere anche il secondo. Lettura veloce e leggera comunque. Certo, però, che molte cose rimangono incompiute. Immagino verranno spiegate nei prossimi volumi.
What an amazingly written story, with twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat and unable to put the book down even for a minute. The chemistry between Devlin and Chloe is so wonderfully written, from their very first moment. I loved this book, and would highly recommend reading it.