What do you think?
Rate this book
Do Me a Favor
Willa Lieu-Endicott moved from California to the Pacific Northwest to start over. Since her husband’s death, she’s been struggling to get back her old career as a cookbook ghostwriter. Unfortunately, her latest project—ghostwriting for a viral cooking sensation known more for his washboard abs than his meals—has her stuck.
Until she meets her new neighbor.
Hudson Clark, the handyman next door, lives on a farm with his parents and two adult children. He’s the opposite of everything she’s ever known. His happily chaotic life includes biker barbecues, an escape artist dog, and adorably menacing goats. He’s also got a sinfully sexy smile and a rumbling bass voice that makes her shiver. He inspires her.
From their first meeting, the two fall into an escalating cycle of favors, paybacks…and attraction, even though Willa’s trying to keep her distance.
They both have their own pasts to deal with. Now, they just have to figure out if they have a future.
A delectable rom-com about a widowed cookbook writer and a divorced handyman who find that it’s never too late for a fresh start.
Until she meets her new neighbor.
Hudson Clark, the handyman next door, lives on a farm with his parents and two adult children. He’s the opposite of everything she’s ever known. His happily chaotic life includes biker barbecues, an escape artist dog, and adorably menacing goats. He’s also got a sinfully sexy smile and a rumbling bass voice that makes her shiver. He inspires her.
From their first meeting, the two fall into an escalating cycle of favors, paybacks…and attraction, even though Willa’s trying to keep her distance.
They both have their own pasts to deal with. Now, they just have to figure out if they have a future.
A delectable rom-com about a widowed cookbook writer and a divorced handyman who find that it’s never too late for a fresh start.
303 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2024
1179 people are currently reading
26194 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Yardley
78 books1,412 followersCathy Yardley is an award-winning author of romance, chick lit, and urban fantasy, who has sold over 1.2 million copies of books for publishers like St. Martin's, Avon, and Harlequin. She writes fun, geeky, and diverse characters who believe that underdogs can make good and that sometimes being a little wrong is just right.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,006 reviews
February 3, 2025
I thought that maybe the small-town romance, sweet meet-cute, with older characters wasn't just my cup of tea until he started calling her “baby” in the most cringe way, and I lost it.
We have Willa, a forty-six years old widow whose entire personality is being horny, and for which she keeps claiming to not understand why.
And Hudson, a forty-one-year-old, father of two twins in their twenties, a big - sooo big it’s affirmed many, many times - handyman with a passion for fixing broken things and letting us know how much of a good, celibate man he is. A father who wants to let his kids live their lives so much that he doesn't even stand up for them if needed, but that's for another day.
Honestly, I've nothing against them. They make a cute couple and I'm happy everyone got their happy ever after.
But I'm wondering if all of this was necessary.
For example, Willa is a widower, it's a sad story but she’s ready to live again, yadda yadda yadda. Why, in the very first page, the stormy night in which she meets Hudson, she gives the impression she's afraid for her life?
Looking back, she wakes up because of the storm and she's worried about her husband needing help, but when you start a story like this, with little to no explanation, I'm just gonna assume she's in danger and waiting for something of that genre to happen because I don't know what you, author, know - which is: she's not in dangerous, there's no ex trying to murder her, the handyman will not end up in prison.
And let’s talk about him.
I don't hate Hudson, I believe he’s very noble and his profession is much needed, but he's also very annoying.
You're a good person because you don't sleep with women who could be your daughters, you’re a good person because you take care of others and love your community, you’re a good person because you don't want to scare the neighbour for whom you developed a crush. We get it, you're a nice man in a vile world.
Also, a very humble one.
↠ 2 stars (DFN @40%)
Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
We have Willa, a forty-six years old widow whose entire personality is being horny, and for which she keeps claiming to not understand why.
And Hudson, a forty-one-year-old, father of two twins in their twenties, a big - sooo big it’s affirmed many, many times - handyman with a passion for fixing broken things and letting us know how much of a good, celibate man he is. A father who wants to let his kids live their lives so much that he doesn't even stand up for them if needed, but that's for another day.
Honestly, I've nothing against them. They make a cute couple and I'm happy everyone got their happy ever after.
But I'm wondering if all of this was necessary.
For example, Willa is a widower, it's a sad story but she’s ready to live again, yadda yadda yadda. Why, in the very first page, the stormy night in which she meets Hudson, she gives the impression she's afraid for her life?
Looking back, she wakes up because of the storm and she's worried about her husband needing help, but when you start a story like this, with little to no explanation, I'm just gonna assume she's in danger and waiting for something of that genre to happen because I don't know what you, author, know - which is: she's not in dangerous, there's no ex trying to murder her, the handyman will not end up in prison.
And let’s talk about him.
I don't hate Hudson, I believe he’s very noble and his profession is much needed, but he's also very annoying.
You're a good person because you don't sleep with women who could be your daughters, you’re a good person because you take care of others and love your community, you’re a good person because you don't want to scare the neighbour for whom you developed a crush. We get it, you're a nice man in a vile world.
Also, a very humble one.
↠ 2 stars (DFN @40%)
Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
July 26, 2024
: ̗̀➛ 3 stars
This was such a sweet and cozy read, just didn’t feel too connected to the story/characters. I still had a good time reading it and I’d recommend!!🫶🏼
This was such a sweet and cozy read, just didn’t feel too connected to the story/characters. I still had a good time reading it and I’d recommend!!🫶🏼
July 31, 2024
✩ 4 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Love After Loss
➼ Mature MC’s (40’s)
➼ Small Town Romance
➼ Doggie Matchmaker (In cahoots w/🦨)
➼ Single Dad w/Adult Children
➼ Widowed FMC
➼ Processing Grief
➼ Fresh Start
➼ Slight Reverse Age Gap
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ One Bed
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Found Family
➼ Dual POV
This was my first Cathy Yardley novel, and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I was thrilled to discover that the majority of her published work is available on KU and that several of her most popular titles are also available in audio format. I’m looking forward to checking out more of her work in future. 🤗
I don’t often read books with mature MC’s, but this was a really nice change of pace. They were both “givers” which made for a sweet pairing. I can relate to Willa’s struggle to ask for or accept help - honestly do all women struggle with this? I always feel the need to prove that I am independent and can get by on my own. Why is that?! As he chipped away at her walls and encouraged her to lean on him, she helped him build his up - just a little - so he didn’t give away too much of himself. Gotta love a couple with good communication - No third act break up here!
The ending honestly felt a little anticlimactic to me, but I appreciated that they each wanted the other to put themselves first in some ways. I think our society places too much value on career aspirations, but if those dreams were important to them, it felt fitting that they pursue them. The fact that they would each support each other so thoroughly in that proved that they were well matched. Hudson was such a great MMC, you will love him! …but I still wish he was a werewolf. 😜
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Not me thinking the dog was a hott werewolf 🐺😆 I’m low-key disappointed. 😂
What to Expect:
➼ Love After Loss
➼ Mature MC’s (40’s)
➼ Small Town Romance
➼ Doggie Matchmaker (In cahoots w/🦨)
➼ Single Dad w/Adult Children
➼ Widowed FMC
➼ Processing Grief
➼ Fresh Start
➼ Slight Reverse Age Gap
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ One Bed
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Found Family
➼ Dual POV
This was my first Cathy Yardley novel, and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I was thrilled to discover that the majority of her published work is available on KU and that several of her most popular titles are also available in audio format. I’m looking forward to checking out more of her work in future. 🤗
I don’t often read books with mature MC’s, but this was a really nice change of pace. They were both “givers” which made for a sweet pairing. I can relate to Willa’s struggle to ask for or accept help - honestly do all women struggle with this? I always feel the need to prove that I am independent and can get by on my own. Why is that?! As he chipped away at her walls and encouraged her to lean on him, she helped him build his up - just a little - so he didn’t give away too much of himself. Gotta love a couple with good communication - No third act break up here!
The ending honestly felt a little anticlimactic to me, but I appreciated that they each wanted the other to put themselves first in some ways. I think our society places too much value on career aspirations, but if those dreams were important to them, it felt fitting that they pursue them. The fact that they would each support each other so thoroughly in that proved that they were well matched. Hudson was such a great MMC, you will love him! …but I still wish he was a werewolf. 😜
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Not me thinking the dog was a hott werewolf 🐺😆 I’m low-key disappointed. 😂
July 19, 2025
Thoughts
This was such a cute cosy short read, I don't often pick up mature MC's plots -- not intentionally just don't dig hard enough I guess😂🤷🏼♀️ -- I was invested from the first page -- I loved the idea of two adults finding love when they least expect it. This was my first reading experience with Cathy Yardley will definitely be exploring more of her reads in the future!
What to expect
▪︎ Love after loss
▪︎ Widowed FMC
▪︎ Mature MC's
▪︎ Small town setting
▪︎ Slow burn romance
▪︎ Forced Proximity
▪︎ One bed
▪︎ Handyman MMC
▪︎ Single Dad (adult children)
▪︎ Found family
▪︎ Dual POV
Plot Summary
Widowed and looking for a fresh start, Willa moves to the Pacific Northwest to reboot her career as a cookbook ghostwriter. Struggling with an uninspiring project, she finds unexpected inspiration in her new neighbor, Hudson—a rugged handyman with a loud, loving family and a farm full of chaos. As they trade favors and flirtation, their connection grows, but past grief and guarded hearts may stand in the way of something real.
This was such a cute cosy short read, I don't often pick up mature MC's plots -- not intentionally just don't dig hard enough I guess😂🤷🏼♀️ -- I was invested from the first page -- I loved the idea of two adults finding love when they least expect it. This was my first reading experience with Cathy Yardley will definitely be exploring more of her reads in the future!
What to expect
▪︎ Love after loss
▪︎ Widowed FMC
▪︎ Mature MC's
▪︎ Small town setting
▪︎ Slow burn romance
▪︎ Forced Proximity
▪︎ One bed
▪︎ Handyman MMC
▪︎ Single Dad (adult children)
▪︎ Found family
▪︎ Dual POV
Plot Summary
Widowed and looking for a fresh start, Willa moves to the Pacific Northwest to reboot her career as a cookbook ghostwriter. Struggling with an uninspiring project, she finds unexpected inspiration in her new neighbor, Hudson—a rugged handyman with a loud, loving family and a farm full of chaos. As they trade favors and flirtation, their connection grows, but past grief and guarded hearts may stand in the way of something real.
July 17, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up
I've been loving Cathy Yardley's romances featuring more mature adults! Do Me a Favor follows two characters in their 40's who find love when they least expect it. Willa is trying to start over after the death of her husband, moving into the house on an island her aunt left to her, and working on ghost-writing a cookbook. Hudson is her new neighbor, a handyman who raised his now-adult children alone and hasn't had a real relationship in decades. When his son's dog gets lost in a storm and ends up at Willa's house, they meet when he picks the dog up. And so begins a lovely slow-burn romance between complicated adults finding who they are in this later stage of life. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed, but overall I really enjoyed this and would recommend it. The audio narrators do a great job with each of the characters. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
I've been loving Cathy Yardley's romances featuring more mature adults! Do Me a Favor follows two characters in their 40's who find love when they least expect it. Willa is trying to start over after the death of her husband, moving into the house on an island her aunt left to her, and working on ghost-writing a cookbook. Hudson is her new neighbor, a handyman who raised his now-adult children alone and hasn't had a real relationship in decades. When his son's dog gets lost in a storm and ends up at Willa's house, they meet when he picks the dog up. And so begins a lovely slow-burn romance between complicated adults finding who they are in this later stage of life. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed, but overall I really enjoyed this and would recommend it. The audio narrators do a great job with each of the characters. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
did-not-finish
July 27, 2024DNF at 27% because there is a whole chapter devoted to the male love interest going out to find a hookup. It's disgusting to hear so much about his frequent hookups with strangers and then to watch him flirt with other women after he's met the heroine.
I hate when authors do this and I'm so disappointed.
I love that the characters are in their 40s. That's so unusual. It's a bummer that the author felt like including this crap.
I hate when authors do this and I'm so disappointed.
I love that the characters are in their 40s. That's so unusual. It's a bummer that the author felt like including this crap.
August 28, 2024
Really enjoyed this romance! I loved that it showed two older people who had plenty of life experience and loved that the heroine who didn't have kids, didn't change her feelings about that cause of the hero and his family.
Full Review:
I really enjoyed this "older romance" (the hero and heroine are in their 40s people) and thought the characters of Willa and Hudson were great. It's a nice slow burn romance and then we do get to see them together and working through how to make this work and if they want to. There are real challenges to certain things that I thought Yardley did a great job of not sweeping under the rug. The main reason why I gave this 4 stars and not 5 though was just after the twosome get together things move very very slow and then we jump ending part 1, ending part 2 and then the final ending. We just get timejumps and it felt very hollow and unnecessary.
"Do Me a Favor" has Willa Lieu-Endicott left her home in California to move into her dead aunt's home in Washington state. Willa does not know what she is going to do since money is running out and she needs to figure out what is next since her parents are pushing her to do something other than what she and her husband used to do. Willa, agrees to ghost write a cookbook for a new and "sexy" chef and struggles with it. It doesn't help that the next door neighbor and island handyman (Hudson) is her idea of sexy. Hudson is also struggling. He wants to be more than a handyman and knows that his two adult children are not going to need him forever. They all still live with his parents in the family home and he's wanting to do more, but he doesn't know what.
I liked Willa and Hudson separately and together (which is important in a romance read).
I also loved all of the food descriptions and their growing attraction to each other.
The secondary characters (Willa's best friend, Hudson's kids, his parents etc.) read very well to me and I thought their responses made sense in the context of the story. I just thought the whole book was good.
The writing was solid, but as I said above, the flow started to be a problem after a while. I started to get a bit bored and wanted things to progress and then it just felt like the book didn't know how to conclude.
All in all, I want to go back and read some of Yardley's other books. It's been years since I read any of her stuff and I liked this one a lot.
Full Review:
I really enjoyed this "older romance" (the hero and heroine are in their 40s people) and thought the characters of Willa and Hudson were great. It's a nice slow burn romance and then we do get to see them together and working through how to make this work and if they want to. There are real challenges to certain things that I thought Yardley did a great job of not sweeping under the rug. The main reason why I gave this 4 stars and not 5 though was just after the twosome get together things move very very slow and then we jump ending part 1, ending part 2 and then the final ending. We just get timejumps and it felt very hollow and unnecessary.
"Do Me a Favor" has Willa Lieu-Endicott left her home in California to move into her dead aunt's home in Washington state. Willa does not know what she is going to do since money is running out and she needs to figure out what is next since her parents are pushing her to do something other than what she and her husband used to do. Willa, agrees to ghost write a cookbook for a new and "sexy" chef and struggles with it. It doesn't help that the next door neighbor and island handyman (Hudson) is her idea of sexy. Hudson is also struggling. He wants to be more than a handyman and knows that his two adult children are not going to need him forever. They all still live with his parents in the family home and he's wanting to do more, but he doesn't know what.
I liked Willa and Hudson separately and together (which is important in a romance read).
I also loved all of the food descriptions and their growing attraction to each other.
The secondary characters (Willa's best friend, Hudson's kids, his parents etc.) read very well to me and I thought their responses made sense in the context of the story. I just thought the whole book was good.
The writing was solid, but as I said above, the flow started to be a problem after a while. I started to get a bit bored and wanted things to progress and then it just felt like the book didn't know how to conclude.
All in all, I want to go back and read some of Yardley's other books. It's been years since I read any of her stuff and I liked this one a lot.
February 17, 2024
ARC REVIEW (thanks NETGALLEY)
Yeah, I’m gonna dnf at 19% oh hey guess what? Apparently I have a trigger after all- it’s poor depictions of type 1 diabetes. Maybe if she had explained it better, that something happened to her husband but the way she depicts Willa’s husband as basically having a death sentence being diabetic was just ridiculous to me. Maybe I’m being defensive since my son is Type 1 and has been since he’s 3 years old it wouldn’t bother me so much but Yardley makes it seem like he’s defective and on borrowed time. She called his body immunocompromised which is a falacy. An auto immune disease does not equate to being immunocompromised. And Willa being a martyr for marrying him, stop. I could be totally wrong in my summary and maybe some other health issues arose for Stephen to have him pass away but I just Can’t read any further, totally bummed too since I love This author and later in life romances.
Yeah, I’m gonna dnf at 19% oh hey guess what? Apparently I have a trigger after all- it’s poor depictions of type 1 diabetes. Maybe if she had explained it better, that something happened to her husband but the way she depicts Willa’s husband as basically having a death sentence being diabetic was just ridiculous to me. Maybe I’m being defensive since my son is Type 1 and has been since he’s 3 years old it wouldn’t bother me so much but Yardley makes it seem like he’s defective and on borrowed time. She called his body immunocompromised which is a falacy. An auto immune disease does not equate to being immunocompromised. And Willa being a martyr for marrying him, stop. I could be totally wrong in my summary and maybe some other health issues arose for Stephen to have him pass away but I just Can’t read any further, totally bummed too since I love This author and later in life romances.
April 7, 2025
at least they were able to follow their passions in the end
September 1, 2024
I had to DNF
I just couldn’t get over the fact that he was 42 living with his parents 😭
I just couldn’t get over the fact that he was 42 living with his parents 😭
January 2, 2025
Not bad--I will have forgotten the whole thing by tomorrow though.
July 21, 2024
3.5 ★
This was a charming read. The small town trope will forever hold a special place in my heart, especially with how the family and friends rallied for our MC's in this one. It is so nice to see two characters in their forties without the cookie cutter romance plot. This book is a great example that experiencing true love, starting anew, following old dreams and finding family can happen at any age.
The first bit was slow going, but as I read on I ended up appreciating the pace set for Willa and Hudson's blossoming relationship. Their characters complimented one another so well. The supporting characters were well-developed and added to the charm of the small town and found family theme throughout.
One thing that left something to be desired was the ending. I feel the reader, and these characters, deserved a bit more. The conflict resolution and the characters HEA felt rushed and squeezed into the end of the story.
And still, it was enjoyable. Yardley’s writing is beautiful, and her characters felt authentic and relatable. Hudson is a star communicator and Willa continuously showed such braveness, thoughtfulness and growth. These two were clearly fated⎯I am so glad Noodle the escape artist led them to each other at exactly the right time in their lives.
This was a charming read. The small town trope will forever hold a special place in my heart, especially with how the family and friends rallied for our MC's in this one. It is so nice to see two characters in their forties without the cookie cutter romance plot. This book is a great example that experiencing true love, starting anew, following old dreams and finding family can happen at any age.
The first bit was slow going, but as I read on I ended up appreciating the pace set for Willa and Hudson's blossoming relationship. Their characters complimented one another so well. The supporting characters were well-developed and added to the charm of the small town and found family theme throughout.
One thing that left something to be desired was the ending. I feel the reader, and these characters, deserved a bit more. The conflict resolution and the characters HEA felt rushed and squeezed into the end of the story.
And still, it was enjoyable. Yardley’s writing is beautiful, and her characters felt authentic and relatable. Hudson is a star communicator and Willa continuously showed such braveness, thoughtfulness and growth. These two were clearly fated⎯I am so glad Noodle the escape artist led them to each other at exactly the right time in their lives.
February 15, 2025
I really enjoy Cathy Yardley's romances. Role Playing was one of my favorites of last year and this one was also adorable.
I absolutely love the fact that the author includes characters that are a bit older than you'd expect from a typical romance, and they're always so mature and communicative. I truly feel like the characters are good for each other and help each other grow as people. I love that they become each other's safe space!
The ending of this one wasn't necessarily my favorite, but I had a good time overall.
I absolutely love the fact that the author includes characters that are a bit older than you'd expect from a typical romance, and they're always so mature and communicative. I truly feel like the characters are good for each other and help each other grow as people. I love that they become each other's safe space!
The ending of this one wasn't necessarily my favorite, but I had a good time overall.
March 18, 2024
Willa, a widow in her mid-40s, inherits a house on an island in Puget Sound and gets a job ghostwriting a cookbook for a social media "sexy chef" (looking at you, Donut Daddy!). But guess what? He's NOT the MMC. That would be divorced local handyman and Certified Cinnamon Roll Hudson, who BTW has a grown daughter named Kimber (Jem fans represent!).
The problem for Willa is that she lost her mojo after her husband died, yet she's supposed to be writing a sexy cookbook for the sexy chef. And that's where Hudson steps in. He gets her to let go in all sorts of ways, not least when he invites her to his family's house for a BBQ and she inadvertently eats an entire cookie edible. (Shenanigans ensue, and it is delightful.)
I love a romance with older characters, and this book demonstrates why. We get a glimpse of the whole complex life that Willa has had until this point, which has included plenty of joy, creativity and grief. With older characters, you don't need to manufacture some trauma that happened in high school and that the 20something character is still obsessed with. Willa's trauma has been made over decades, and it feels richer and realer for it. It fuels her search for a purpose and, refreshingly, a steady income.
I also appreciated that Yardley wrote Hudson's ex-wife sympathetically. This woman certainly made choices that you could view with scorn, but she was never treated as a psycho hose beast, which I often find is the case when any Other Woman (past or present) appears in a romance. Life is complex and we all have a past. Yardley gets it.
My one criticism would be the timing: the bulk of the love story takes place over a single month, and then the characters make a huge decision that felt a little unrealistic to me. I also think it needed one more sex scene, because Hudson is HOTT and he and Willa are blazing together.
Overall, a solidly written romance with lots that I loved.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this digital advance reader copy.
The problem for Willa is that she lost her mojo after her husband died, yet she's supposed to be writing a sexy cookbook for the sexy chef. And that's where Hudson steps in. He gets her to let go in all sorts of ways, not least when he invites her to his family's house for a BBQ and she inadvertently eats an entire cookie edible. (Shenanigans ensue, and it is delightful.)
I love a romance with older characters, and this book demonstrates why. We get a glimpse of the whole complex life that Willa has had until this point, which has included plenty of joy, creativity and grief. With older characters, you don't need to manufacture some trauma that happened in high school and that the 20something character is still obsessed with. Willa's trauma has been made over decades, and it feels richer and realer for it. It fuels her search for a purpose and, refreshingly, a steady income.
I also appreciated that Yardley wrote Hudson's ex-wife sympathetically. This woman certainly made choices that you could view with scorn, but she was never treated as a psycho hose beast, which I often find is the case when any Other Woman (past or present) appears in a romance. Life is complex and we all have a past. Yardley gets it.
My one criticism would be the timing: the bulk of the love story takes place over a single month, and then the characters make a huge decision that felt a little unrealistic to me. I also think it needed one more sex scene, because Hudson is HOTT and he and Willa are blazing together.
Overall, a solidly written romance with lots that I loved.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this digital advance reader copy.
August 3, 2024
This book made me feel all tingly inside because at it’s core, it’s about a revival of dreams, goals, hopes, dreams, and second-chances. The main characters each have their own baggage, and are not expecting each other to change their respective lives so drastically. They fall hard & fast, which distracts both from certain aspects of their lives they should be healing. They encourage each other to pursue their deep desires and dreams, and help each other develop into their best possible selves. It was really touching to see how they both empower each other, and don’t drag down or make the other feel badly for anything. They are nothing but supportive & helpful to one another. They both heal themselves, by just being with each other. I don’t know if it’s because they are an older couple with lots of life experience or not, but it was very mature, nonetheless. There’s no 3rd act breakup - which I APPRECIATE! They go through some hard times in the 3rd half, but they get through it TOGETHER !!! Take notes, authors!!! I really enjoyed this one :-).
July 15, 2024
Following a death of a relative, forty something widow, Willa, moves to an island in the Puget Sound in Washington into a home she inherited. She’s had a rough couple years through taking a hiatus from her career as a cookbook ghostwriter to care for her diabetic husband until his death. She also still feels like a failure to her parents that never believed in her career path in the culinary arts field. Moving to the Pacific Northwest is an opportunity for her to start fresh two years after her husband’s death, but she never expected to find love in the hot next door single dad handyman, Hudson, and the rest of the Clark family, including their cute escape artist dog, Noodle, of course!
Wow! This book was SO refreshing. So original and raw and unlike any other romance I’ve read. ITS NEVER TOO LATE FOR LOVE FOLKS! 💕 Bonus points it was based in Washington State, near where I lived, and I’ve been to Whidbey Island before so it was super cool to be able to picture the actual location of the book.
I really enjoy Cathy’s writing style and it’s so easy breezy to read. There was also plenty of humor and some spice in this slow burn 🌶️ I always enjoy alternating POVs in my romance, but the dual audiobook narration by Elyse and Teddy was amazing and so entertaining I listened to the whole audiobook in less than 48 hours! *chefs kiss* 🤌🏼
It was my first time reading Cathy Yardley but she’s definitely an auto read author now!
4.5/5 ⭐️s
Thank you so much to Cathy, Literary Media Tours, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for the advance audiobook.
Wow! This book was SO refreshing. So original and raw and unlike any other romance I’ve read. ITS NEVER TOO LATE FOR LOVE FOLKS! 💕 Bonus points it was based in Washington State, near where I lived, and I’ve been to Whidbey Island before so it was super cool to be able to picture the actual location of the book.
I really enjoy Cathy’s writing style and it’s so easy breezy to read. There was also plenty of humor and some spice in this slow burn 🌶️ I always enjoy alternating POVs in my romance, but the dual audiobook narration by Elyse and Teddy was amazing and so entertaining I listened to the whole audiobook in less than 48 hours! *chefs kiss* 🤌🏼
It was my first time reading Cathy Yardley but she’s definitely an auto read author now!
4.5/5 ⭐️s
Thank you so much to Cathy, Literary Media Tours, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for the advance audiobook.
April 26, 2024
Netgalley ARC this was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and it fully lived up to my expectations. I teared up so many times. It was lovely to watch these two in their forties have their own character growth AND find happiness with each other. Because being in your forties does not make you too old to change your life. Absolutely loved it. A delightful relationship. So funny. And yeah I is it really loved watching them heal. CW historical death of spouse, caretaking, teen pregnancy.
February 17, 2025
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ♾️
Spice - 🌶.5
Trope - reverse age gap (46 and 42), mature MCs, strangers to lovers, neighbours, forced proximity, he remodels her house, he falls first, romcom, found family, second chance at love, single-guardian, divorce & widow, slow-burn, ghostwriter × handyman, small town, no third-act breakup, HEA
TW - off-page mention of spouse death, off-page mention of divorce
It was a simple story of two adults—with little to no spice— who have gone through some difficult moments in life, but never gave up and stopped growing. The characters were all very mature and loving. I have read many books but this is something I rarely find and I absolutely ate it. First 5-star read of the year!!
Hudson was swept away from their first meeting, and his description of Willa's beauty and character was poetic and beautiful. Willa, on the other hand, was such a geek, but she was also so HOTT.
The way Hudson acknowledged her grief and gave her space- when he clearly could've forced things in the heat of the moment- made my heart melt. Because we love considerate MEN!! They understood each other and that showed their maturity.
Sweet Hudson and Willa moments were to die for—they made me blush so badly—I didn't want those moments to come to an end.
The way Willa supported Hudson and pushed him to pursue his dreams showed how good of a person she was. She was the most sensible person I have read in a while, she took steps that were good for their future, and that was commendable. Loved how they both took a leap of faith in their lives and decided to achieve their dreams when they were considered too old to start over. Something about mature and sweet MCs falling in love gradually, is so lovely and peaceful.
Other favourite moments and characters -
* The Clark family was hilarious, trying to push Hudson towards Willa (whom he already liked).
* Jeremy and Kimber were two emotionally intelligent and smart adults/kids. I loved how their characters were different yet similar to each other. Kimber was smart and sassy, while Jem was loving and gullible —their twin bond was just too adorable.
* I had some good laughs throughout the book.
Watching Hudson and Willa go from strangers to friends to lovers was pure bliss. And, also see them work their feelings through over time – chef's kiss. This is now going to be one of my favourite comfort books and couple. Every word, every chapter was like a warm cosy hug and I wanted more.
The ending was so well written- it was clean, sweet and homey.
Loved it from the beginning to the end.
Definitely, recommended.
Overall 5/5 ♾️
Spice - 🌶.5
Trope - reverse age gap (46 and 42), mature MCs, strangers to lovers, neighbours, forced proximity, he remodels her house, he falls first, romcom, found family, second chance at love, single-guardian, divorce & widow, slow-burn, ghostwriter × handyman, small town, no third-act breakup, HEA
TW - off-page mention of spouse death, off-page mention of divorce
It was a simple story of two adults—with little to no spice— who have gone through some difficult moments in life, but never gave up and stopped growing. The characters were all very mature and loving. I have read many books but this is something I rarely find and I absolutely ate it. First 5-star read of the year!!
Hudson was swept away from their first meeting, and his description of Willa's beauty and character was poetic and beautiful. Willa, on the other hand, was such a geek, but she was also so HOTT.
The way Hudson acknowledged her grief and gave her space- when he clearly could've forced things in the heat of the moment- made my heart melt. Because we love considerate MEN!! They understood each other and that showed their maturity.
Sweet Hudson and Willa moments were to die for—they made me blush so badly—I didn't want those moments to come to an end.
The way Willa supported Hudson and pushed him to pursue his dreams showed how good of a person she was. She was the most sensible person I have read in a while, she took steps that were good for their future, and that was commendable. Loved how they both took a leap of faith in their lives and decided to achieve their dreams when they were considered too old to start over. Something about mature and sweet MCs falling in love gradually, is so lovely and peaceful.
Other favourite moments and characters -
* The Clark family was hilarious, trying to push Hudson towards Willa (whom he already liked).
* Jeremy and Kimber were two emotionally intelligent and smart adults/kids. I loved how their characters were different yet similar to each other. Kimber was smart and sassy, while Jem was loving and gullible —their twin bond was just too adorable.
* I had some good laughs throughout the book.
Watching Hudson and Willa go from strangers to friends to lovers was pure bliss. And, also see them work their feelings through over time – chef's kiss. This is now going to be one of my favourite comfort books and couple. Every word, every chapter was like a warm cosy hug and I wanted more.
The ending was so well written- it was clean, sweet and homey.
Loved it from the beginning to the end.
Definitely, recommended.
Overall 5/5 ♾️
August 14, 2024
- widow x divorced dad
- older woman/younger man
- lots of food descriptions!!!
- found family
- mutual thirst
- friends to lovers
- dog plays matchmaker
- no third act break up!!
Sweet and enjoyable read!
On the other hand...the author's depiction of type 1 diabetes wasn't great. Please do your research, it's not a death sentence ffs
Content warning: grief as a theme, sexual content, ageism, some harassment (not main pairing)
- older woman/younger man
- lots of food descriptions!!!
- found family
- mutual thirst
- friends to lovers
- dog plays matchmaker
- no third act break up!!
Sweet and enjoyable read!
On the other hand...the author's depiction of type 1 diabetes wasn't great. Please do your research, it's not a death sentence ffs
Content warning: grief as a theme, sexual content, ageism, some harassment (not main pairing)
July 22, 2024
Do Me a Favor is one of those books that puts a smile on your face. If I had to describe it in three words, I’d say it’s sweet, funny, and charming. With characters who will steal your heart and a plot that will warm it, this one is a big winner! The soul of this story revolves around two people who are essentially starting over in the love department. We have Willa, a woman who lost her husband and Hudson (her neighbor) who has been divorced. While both are certainly attracted to one another and have amazing chemistry they each have to deal with their past to have a successful future. Can they do that? You’ll find out if you read this one.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I’ve read a few of the authors’ books and can say that each one was likeable just like this one. If you’re looking for a book that’ll make you smile, then you truly cannot go wrong with this one!
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I’ve read a few of the authors’ books and can say that each one was likeable just like this one. If you’re looking for a book that’ll make you smile, then you truly cannot go wrong with this one!
July 17, 2025
Such a cute and fun quick read... but why is a 42 year old man still living with his parents??
November 16, 2024
Another great romance by Cathy Yardley. It's really nice to read about older couples, makes it much more relatable for me.
Unlike Role Playing, the secondary characters were almost all supportive and friendly which changed the tone considerably. While the book still focuses on heavier topics, like losing a spouse to illness, the tone is hopeful and positive.
I'm looking forward to checking out more books by Cathy Yardley, she is now among my favourite contemporary romance authors.
Unlike Role Playing, the secondary characters were almost all supportive and friendly which changed the tone considerably. While the book still focuses on heavier topics, like losing a spouse to illness, the tone is hopeful and positive.
I'm looking forward to checking out more books by Cathy Yardley, she is now among my favourite contemporary romance authors.
July 24, 2024
This was my second Cathy Yardley book, and I again really enjoyed it. It was exactly the comfort read I needed, and I loved seeing two 40-something main characters. The mmc is a single dad with adult children, and I thought he was an amazing dad. He takes amazing care of others, including the fmc, which were some of my favourite scenes, but I also loved seeing him realize he gets to do things for himself as well.
June 15, 2024
4.5 stars
ARC provided in exchange for review.
I’ll admit I’m typically too much of a mood reader to be tempted by an ARC offer, but Yardley’s Role Playing was an absolute favorite last year, so I jumped at the chance to read this one early.
It’s refreshing on a whole new level to read about characters in their 40s falling in love. Characters that have already lived a whole life of ups and downs, before having a new chance and love and happiness. Men and women that are older, but still sexy and interesting. I need more of this type of romance content in my almost forty year old life.
I’ll be honest and say I enjoyed Role Playing more, simply because I connected with Aiden on such a personal level. And Maggie was a charming grump.
But I loved Willa too. The way she felt the need to figure it all out on her own. That leaning on someone else or asking for help was harder than doing it alone. Yup yup yup. Watching a grown woman have to restart her career and build a new life. Navigate grief and regrets, while still moving forward. Not a new trope, but one I identify with more and more each year. I enjoyed the focus on her culinary career, which is rare for me. I worked in that industry for 20 years, and usually hate when it’s romanticized. But Willa’s experience in the industry is described pretty realistically and watching her work to turn her side hustle into something sustainable felt very on trend. I also liked the way social media factored in to Willa’s cookbook contract, without making her story line about influencers and Tik tok. Subtle.
The Hero, Hudson, is where I felt the need to drop a half star. Yardley did a great job describing a gentle loving father and family man, that had sacrificed a lot of his own dreams when he became a father at 20. This book focuses just as much on his journey towards making a space in his life for more personal goals and dreams. I loved the way he treated Willa and how he was 100% in to her from page one. He had his own flaws to overcome, but he wasn’t as dynamic as Yardley’s last Hero. But again, I just really connected with Aiden in the last book. I will say that he got a chance to shine in the last 20%, but his side quest felt a little to perfect and “romance reasons.”
Having read Role Playing and now Do Me a Favor, I can say that I really enjoyed how gentle and low angst both stories were. Without loosing any emotional impact. Maybe it’s because our characters are mature? They communicate their feelings! They have jobs, bills, complicated family dynamics. But they also enjoy the cozier moments of a new relationship. Yardley manages to make you feel those romantic butterflies and tension, without the hormonal drama and third act miscommunication.
There was lots of romantic physical touch, eye contact, small gestures. I love that stuff as much as anything else.
This book just felt like a warm hug. I’m already looking forward to whatever she writes next!
ARC provided in exchange for review.
I’ll admit I’m typically too much of a mood reader to be tempted by an ARC offer, but Yardley’s Role Playing was an absolute favorite last year, so I jumped at the chance to read this one early.
It’s refreshing on a whole new level to read about characters in their 40s falling in love. Characters that have already lived a whole life of ups and downs, before having a new chance and love and happiness. Men and women that are older, but still sexy and interesting. I need more of this type of romance content in my almost forty year old life.
I’ll be honest and say I enjoyed Role Playing more, simply because I connected with Aiden on such a personal level. And Maggie was a charming grump.
But I loved Willa too. The way she felt the need to figure it all out on her own. That leaning on someone else or asking for help was harder than doing it alone. Yup yup yup. Watching a grown woman have to restart her career and build a new life. Navigate grief and regrets, while still moving forward. Not a new trope, but one I identify with more and more each year. I enjoyed the focus on her culinary career, which is rare for me. I worked in that industry for 20 years, and usually hate when it’s romanticized. But Willa’s experience in the industry is described pretty realistically and watching her work to turn her side hustle into something sustainable felt very on trend. I also liked the way social media factored in to Willa’s cookbook contract, without making her story line about influencers and Tik tok. Subtle.
The Hero, Hudson, is where I felt the need to drop a half star. Yardley did a great job describing a gentle loving father and family man, that had sacrificed a lot of his own dreams when he became a father at 20. This book focuses just as much on his journey towards making a space in his life for more personal goals and dreams. I loved the way he treated Willa and how he was 100% in to her from page one. He had his own flaws to overcome, but he wasn’t as dynamic as Yardley’s last Hero. But again, I just really connected with Aiden in the last book. I will say that he got a chance to shine in the last 20%, but his side quest felt a little to perfect and “romance reasons.”
Having read Role Playing and now Do Me a Favor, I can say that I really enjoyed how gentle and low angst both stories were. Without loosing any emotional impact. Maybe it’s because our characters are mature? They communicate their feelings! They have jobs, bills, complicated family dynamics. But they also enjoy the cozier moments of a new relationship. Yardley manages to make you feel those romantic butterflies and tension, without the hormonal drama and third act miscommunication.
There was lots of romantic physical touch, eye contact, small gestures. I love that stuff as much as anything else.
This book just felt like a warm hug. I’m already looking forward to whatever she writes next!
July 13, 2024
This one was really cute!
I loved that the characters were older. I really loved that Willa was actually older than Hudson, you don't see that too often and it's always refreshing to see. The way their friendship starts out was super cute (hey noodle). Willa and Hudson were cute together and I loved seeing them grow to care for one another. Their story was sweet and had me laughing out loud at some points (thank you to the homemade cookies). I loved that Willa and Hudson were each able to help the other out with their life long goals and grow together as people. Overall, this was enjoyable and I will definitely be checking out other books from this author ☺️
I loved that the characters were older. I really loved that Willa was actually older than Hudson, you don't see that too often and it's always refreshing to see. The way their friendship starts out was super cute (hey noodle). Willa and Hudson were cute together and I loved seeing them grow to care for one another. Their story was sweet and had me laughing out loud at some points (thank you to the homemade cookies). I loved that Willa and Hudson were each able to help the other out with their life long goals and grow together as people. Overall, this was enjoyable and I will definitely be checking out other books from this author ☺️
January 12, 2025
Do Me a Favor is fun. It is entertaining. I like both characters so much. The comedy is there too. What I feel is missing is the drama. Miss Yardley writes it without any drama that keep her readers glue to the story.
I still enjoy it though.
3 stars
I still enjoy it though.
3 stars
May 19, 2025
This was a good read that I also listened to on audio. Willa Lieu-Endicott moved from California to the Pacific Northwest to start over. Since her husband’s death, she’s been struggling to get back her old career as a cookbook ghostwriter. Unfortunately, her latest project ghostwriting for a viral cooking sensation known more for his washboard abs than his meals has her stuck. Hudson Clark, the handyman next door, lives on a farm with his parents and two adult children. He’s the opposite of everything she’s ever known. I liked both of these characters. When Willa needs help with her stove, it’s Hudson who comes to the rescue. Their attraction to each other is quick but it’s the influence they have on each other that pushes them to reevaluate their own lives for a better future. This was my first time reading this author but not my last. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling I also liked the narration of this book. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 15, 2024
I really enjoyed Cathy Yardley’s book Role Playing, so I was super excited to pick up her latest book. It’s another sweet romance between older characters that also has a lot to the story outside of the main relationship. Willa has inherited her great aunt’s house on a small island in the Pacific Northwest. She’s trying to get her life back together after the death of her husband when she meets Hudson, a local handyman. The two become closer as he works on fixing up Willa’s house.
It’s great to see a romance between characters in their 40s who are dealing with different life issues. Willa is getting back into ghostwriting cookbooks after being out of work for a while taking care of her late husband. And Hudson has complex relationships with his different family members and what he wants to continue doing as a career. While he’s a handyman he has taken the step recently to become a contractor, but he also has some secret passions that he hasn’t been pursuing.
The romance between Willa and Hudson is a slow burn. There’s definitely attraction between the two of them right away, but actually expressing that to one another and progressing to a physical and romantic connection takes time. I liked seeing all the scenes of them getting to know one another, and Willa getting to know Hudson’s family. There are a lot of lovely scenes on his family farm and of them sharing food with one another.
Overall this was just a super adorable romance that occasionally dealt with some heavy topics as well. I absolutely flew through it. It’s not the steamiest book on the block, but I feel like Cathy Yardley still did a great job of showing the chemistry and connection between the characters. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s great to see a romance between characters in their 40s who are dealing with different life issues. Willa is getting back into ghostwriting cookbooks after being out of work for a while taking care of her late husband. And Hudson has complex relationships with his different family members and what he wants to continue doing as a career. While he’s a handyman he has taken the step recently to become a contractor, but he also has some secret passions that he hasn’t been pursuing.
The romance between Willa and Hudson is a slow burn. There’s definitely attraction between the two of them right away, but actually expressing that to one another and progressing to a physical and romantic connection takes time. I liked seeing all the scenes of them getting to know one another, and Willa getting to know Hudson’s family. There are a lot of lovely scenes on his family farm and of them sharing food with one another.
Overall this was just a super adorable romance that occasionally dealt with some heavy topics as well. I absolutely flew through it. It’s not the steamiest book on the block, but I feel like Cathy Yardley still did a great job of showing the chemistry and connection between the characters. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2024
After losing her husband, Willa is attempting to start over. But taking on a new house while trying to simultaneously revive her career as a cookbook ghostwriter feels like biting off more than she can chew.
Hudson is the handyman next door who unexpectedly enters Willa’s life. While the single dad has a hard time hiding his growing affection, the widowed Willa remains on guard. However, the more work he does on the house, the more even Willa’s walls begin to crumble.
Do Me A Favor is a sweet, second romance from author, Cathy Yardley. I appreciated this was a love story about people who were a little bit older, and perhaps had more reason to be jaded. It’s a breath of fresh air to read about middle aged meetings very once and awhile. Although I will never warm up to the quick switch in lovey dovey terminology in stories like these, I still suggest doing yourself a favor and picking up this reset take on romance.
Hudson is the handyman next door who unexpectedly enters Willa’s life. While the single dad has a hard time hiding his growing affection, the widowed Willa remains on guard. However, the more work he does on the house, the more even Willa’s walls begin to crumble.
Do Me A Favor is a sweet, second romance from author, Cathy Yardley. I appreciated this was a love story about people who were a little bit older, and perhaps had more reason to be jaded. It’s a breath of fresh air to read about middle aged meetings very once and awhile. Although I will never warm up to the quick switch in lovey dovey terminology in stories like these, I still suggest doing yourself a favor and picking up this reset take on romance.
February 16, 2024
Willa and Hudson meet one dark and stormy night. While she is shy and new to the area he offers to help her get her house back in order and introduce her to new people, including his family. Soon, their friendly relationship turns into more. This story was super sweet, and I loved that the main characters were older and the woman was older than the man! There was some spice, not a lot but the story goes from friends to lovers to the characters really stepping up for each other, helping each other to discover what they want in life. Will definitely recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley, Cathy Yardley and Montlake for allowing me to review this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley, Cathy Yardley and Montlake for allowing me to review this ARC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,006 reviews