What do you think?
Rate this book
Cupcake Lovers #2
The Trouble with Love
Rocky Monroe’s bad luck is legendary. So it stands to reason that during a quick trip to New York on behalf of the Cupcake Lovers’ forthcoming book, she winds up in the arms of the one man she never wants to see again. So what if he’s also the man she can’t stop dreaming about? Mouth-watering Jayce Bello has always been Rocky’s biggest mistake, and she’s not going to let history repeat itself … unless she gets a new taste of his delicious kisses.
When Jayce Bello left Sugar Creek ten years ago, it was the right thing to do—for him and for Rocky, his best friend’s little sister. But one passionate night with gorgeous, reckless Rocky is enough to prove that she’s the missing ingredient in his happiness. Now, with scandalous secrets souring the sweetness of the Cupcake Lovers’ club, Jayce needs to convince Rocky that their love is something to savor …
When Jayce Bello left Sugar Creek ten years ago, it was the right thing to do—for him and for Rocky, his best friend’s little sister. But one passionate night with gorgeous, reckless Rocky is enough to prove that she’s the missing ingredient in his happiness. Now, with scandalous secrets souring the sweetness of the Cupcake Lovers’ club, Jayce needs to convince Rocky that their love is something to savor …
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 26, 2013
5 people are currently reading
917 people want to read
About the author
Beth Ciotta
42 books470 followersStorytelling 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
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 2, 2014
The trouble with this book (see what I did there?) is that the central story is actually kind of meager. We start the book knowing that Jayce and Rocky are in love and that all they really need to do is communicate, really, for it to fall together. You have maybe a novella's worth of things an enterprising author can do to get in their way before things get ridiculous and readers tune out.
Ciotta's solution to the "problem" is to throw in every other relationship around them as part of the story. She didn't compromise the HEA from the first book, but we do get a lot of Chloe and Dev as well as Luke and Sam and even Daisy and Monica playing out their own romantic trajectories (to varying degrees of success). The thing is, all that cruft hanging around the main story diffuses the connection somewhat and left it a lot less compelling than the first book was.
And can I say, in public, that the whole Cupcake Lovers thing is stupid? Please? Or will her fans firebomb my house if I do? I mean, I have a hard time imagining an organization of baking women in 1942 putting the word "lovers" in their name just for starters. And I can't imagine that people sent cupcakes through the mail to soldiers in WWII (actually, I can imagine that, I just can't imagine the soldiers being that thrilled by the months-old crumbs they'd actually receive). And the charitable work around the organization, while a cute idea, just doesn't stand up to scrutiny much, either. How much charity can cupcakes actually generate in a small Vermont town, anyway? Yeah, I get that the author has a thing for cupcakes, but let's not lose our heads over it, please.
The cupcake thing wouldn't be so bad, but pages of really clunky exposition are wasted on it at the start of this novel and I literally (italics to indicate that, yes, I do know what the word means and I'm actually using it correctly here) rolled my eyes at how awkward it was.
Okay, that's out of my system (I think).
Anyway, it's sad that so much had to be pushed in around the central couple in this story because Jayce is nine kinds of hot (waaaaay yummier than any cupcake ever hatched). Rocky is pretty engaging on her own, too, so what we get of them together just worked. Every time Jayce pulled Rocky closer, every intimate step they made towards one another, was near perfect. He's that tough competent guy you just want to hold tight and reassure that everything will be better and she's that insecure pugnacious girl you want to cheer on as she tackles her heart's desire. They're a good match and seeing them work towards trust and care was a delight.
So yeah, that three stars is a touch harsh given how thrilled I am with the central couple. There was enough disconnect from the other elements, though, that I couldn't quite boost it to four. Oh, and also because
A note about Steamy: Like the first, this was pretty light. A single explicit scene, with some flirty bits tossed in throughout. Which is a real shame as Ciotta outlined some other encounters I wouldn't have minded being on-camera. Or should I not admit that in public?
Ciotta's solution to the "problem" is to throw in every other relationship around them as part of the story. She didn't compromise the HEA from the first book, but we do get a lot of Chloe and Dev as well as Luke and Sam and even Daisy and Monica playing out their own romantic trajectories (to varying degrees of success). The thing is, all that cruft hanging around the main story diffuses the connection somewhat and left it a lot less compelling than the first book was.
And can I say, in public, that the whole Cupcake Lovers thing is stupid? Please? Or will her fans firebomb my house if I do? I mean, I have a hard time imagining an organization of baking women in 1942 putting the word "lovers" in their name just for starters. And I can't imagine that people sent cupcakes through the mail to soldiers in WWII (actually, I can imagine that, I just can't imagine the soldiers being that thrilled by the months-old crumbs they'd actually receive). And the charitable work around the organization, while a cute idea, just doesn't stand up to scrutiny much, either. How much charity can cupcakes actually generate in a small Vermont town, anyway? Yeah, I get that the author has a thing for cupcakes, but let's not lose our heads over it, please.
The cupcake thing wouldn't be so bad, but pages of really clunky exposition are wasted on it at the start of this novel and I literally (italics to indicate that, yes, I do know what the word means and I'm actually using it correctly here) rolled my eyes at how awkward it was.
Okay, that's out of my system (I think).
Anyway, it's sad that so much had to be pushed in around the central couple in this story because Jayce is nine kinds of hot (waaaaay yummier than any cupcake ever hatched). Rocky is pretty engaging on her own, too, so what we get of them together just worked. Every time Jayce pulled Rocky closer, every intimate step they made towards one another, was near perfect. He's that tough competent guy you just want to hold tight and reassure that everything will be better and she's that insecure pugnacious girl you want to cheer on as she tackles her heart's desire. They're a good match and seeing them work towards trust and care was a delight.
So yeah, that three stars is a touch harsh given how thrilled I am with the central couple. There was enough disconnect from the other elements, though, that I couldn't quite boost it to four. Oh, and also because
A note about Steamy: Like the first, this was pretty light. A single explicit scene, with some flirty bits tossed in throughout. Which is a real shame as Ciotta outlined some other encounters I wouldn't have minded being on-camera. Or should I not admit that in public?
April 2, 2013
I knew when the minute that Rocky and Jayce were together in Fool for Love that I was going to love them as a couple. There was just something about the two of them together that I loved. So you can imagine how excited I was for their book to come out. I can tell you, it was definitely worth the wait and I was a little sad when it was all over.
Rocky has been in love with Jayce Bello since she was a young girl. But Rocky's world came crashing down when she Jayce's proposal of marriage when she was seventeen is seen as a duty rather than a heartfelt confession of love. Thirteen years later, Rocky is still harboring that resentment towards Jayce. She tries to channel some of her energy into other things: her B & B, the Cupcake Lovers and her family, but Rocky's convinced she has bad luck. And it seems that bad luck is following her as she goes to New York City with her nemesis to speak with a book publisher about the Cupcake Lover book they are trying to publish for charity. Good thing the last person she wants to reach out to for her, aka Jayce, is there when she needs it most.
Jayce and Rocky has a lot of personal demons they need to dig through in order to get to a place where they can actually have some sort of a relationship. There's Rocky's misunderstanding of just what that proposal meant all those years ago, Jayce's demons when it comes to his family and then all the feelings they have towards each other and if they are on the same page with each other when it comes to a relationship. They have the sex stuff down, but it's all the other stuff that seems to get in their way. The good thing about Jayce and Rocky was once they did get things out in the open, they talked about just what they needed to do to move forward. In some stories you have to wonder if the couple will ever to go their HEA. With this one, you knew Jayce and Rocky were going to make it, no matter what life threw in their way.
A Cupcake Lovers book wouldn't be complete without having practically the entire town of Sugar Creek, VT show up in the pages. They do not disappoint and they add a level of comic relief to the story that has me wishing they were in it more. And Beth Ciotta wets our appetites for book three, Luke's story. You'll have to read this book to figure out just who Luke's going to be paired up with, but I can tell you I can wait.
Rocky has been in love with Jayce Bello since she was a young girl. But Rocky's world came crashing down when she Jayce's proposal of marriage when she was seventeen is seen as a duty rather than a heartfelt confession of love. Thirteen years later, Rocky is still harboring that resentment towards Jayce. She tries to channel some of her energy into other things: her B & B, the Cupcake Lovers and her family, but Rocky's convinced she has bad luck. And it seems that bad luck is following her as she goes to New York City with her nemesis to speak with a book publisher about the Cupcake Lover book they are trying to publish for charity. Good thing the last person she wants to reach out to for her, aka Jayce, is there when she needs it most.
Jayce and Rocky has a lot of personal demons they need to dig through in order to get to a place where they can actually have some sort of a relationship. There's Rocky's misunderstanding of just what that proposal meant all those years ago, Jayce's demons when it comes to his family and then all the feelings they have towards each other and if they are on the same page with each other when it comes to a relationship. They have the sex stuff down, but it's all the other stuff that seems to get in their way. The good thing about Jayce and Rocky was once they did get things out in the open, they talked about just what they needed to do to move forward. In some stories you have to wonder if the couple will ever to go their HEA. With this one, you knew Jayce and Rocky were going to make it, no matter what life threw in their way.
A Cupcake Lovers book wouldn't be complete without having practically the entire town of Sugar Creek, VT show up in the pages. They do not disappoint and they add a level of comic relief to the story that has me wishing they were in it more. And Beth Ciotta wets our appetites for book three, Luke's story. You'll have to read this book to figure out just who Luke's going to be paired up with, but I can tell you I can wait.
December 26, 2018
3.5 stars
Now that I knew what I was in for after reading the first book, multiple POV, story lines I enjoyed this much more. h/H had a second chance HEA, they slept together once when h was 17, H 22 but have been outs ever since because the heroine felt insulted by H's marriage proposal the very next day. Now the hero plans on letting her escape anymore and wants a genuine chance with her while also dealing with moving back home and his parent's death. There were many other storylines but I was engaged.
Now that I knew what I was in for after reading the first book, multiple POV, story lines I enjoyed this much more. h/H had a second chance HEA, they slept together once when h was 17, H 22 but have been outs ever since because the heroine felt insulted by H's marriage proposal the very next day. Now the hero plans on letting her escape anymore and wants a genuine chance with her while also dealing with moving back home and his parent's death. There were many other storylines but I was engaged.
April 20, 2013
I was so happy to spend more time in Sugar Creek!! :)
This is Rocky and Jayce's story. From a very young age Rocky was in love with Jayce, her big brother's friend. After one big night together on Rocky's 17th birthday, she misunderstands Jayce's reaction and decides to avoid him as much as possible from then on. Not hard to do when Jayce moves away and first joins the police force, then starts up his own PI business in the big city.
Rocky is not into relationships, and 13 years later she's still managing to avoid Jayce. She is fiercly independent, running a B & B on her own...even if it is falling apart because she can't afford the upkeep! During a lull in business, Jayce is in town and Rocky's brother decides Jayce should stay at her B & B. Dev has no idea what's happened with Jayce and Rocky, just that there is a huge rift between him and he doesn't like it!
Being pushed together proves to Jayce that the spark is still there. Rocky still does it for him, and it's more than just a sexual haze of lust! Despite Rocky feeling it too, she still wants to hang onto her grudge and is happy to see the last of him when he heads back to the city. But Jayce just keeps showing up and rescuing her! When Rocky goes to the city for a weekend, gets mugged and hit by a car, it's Jayce she calls and who comes. He doesn't tell her right away, but he's also moving back to Sugar Creek. The time he spent with her just shows him she's worth fighting for, and he's willing to put his all into having a relationship with Rocky!
Of course, Rocky is livid when she finds out he's coming back...but next thing Jayce is helping her with a stalker problem and they've come clean about their past relationship with her brothers. Rocky has a lot on her plate...with a loan from Dev she's renovating the B & B, and she's also putting in a lot of work for the CupCake lovers and the book deal they hope to get! Does she have time for a relationship with a guy who pushes all of her buttons? Can she let go of past hurts and see what's right in front of her? Does Jayce have what it takes to win her back and the patience to wait for her?
I loved, loved this second book in the CupCake lovers series!!! It was a fast, smooth read with a lot of action packed into it! I loved revisiting with all the characters from Fool for Love and catching up with them. I liked how even though The Trouble with Love focuses on Rocky and Jayce we spend a lot of time with Chloe and Dev and their romance, lots of laughs again with Grandmother Daisy, and wondering what everyone else will do next!!
I loved Jayce!! He left Sugar Creek because he felt it would be too difficult to face Dev everyday after what he and Rocky had done, but he had other issues that made him unhappy in Sugar Creek too. Hopefully he can resolve these issues or find some peace from them and move on and be happy! I'm really rooting for him!
Rocky I had a bit of trouble with because I just could not understand what her problem was!!! As far as I could tell there was no reason for her to be so relationship wary, never wanting help with anything, not wanting to let anyone close. I found it a bit much she held a grudge against Jayce for so long, making them both miserable.
I'd highly recommend this fantastic romance! There's laughter, love and a little spice to heat things up!!! I absolutely can't wait for the next book in this series!!
This is Rocky and Jayce's story. From a very young age Rocky was in love with Jayce, her big brother's friend. After one big night together on Rocky's 17th birthday, she misunderstands Jayce's reaction and decides to avoid him as much as possible from then on. Not hard to do when Jayce moves away and first joins the police force, then starts up his own PI business in the big city.
Rocky is not into relationships, and 13 years later she's still managing to avoid Jayce. She is fiercly independent, running a B & B on her own...even if it is falling apart because she can't afford the upkeep! During a lull in business, Jayce is in town and Rocky's brother decides Jayce should stay at her B & B. Dev has no idea what's happened with Jayce and Rocky, just that there is a huge rift between him and he doesn't like it!
Being pushed together proves to Jayce that the spark is still there. Rocky still does it for him, and it's more than just a sexual haze of lust! Despite Rocky feeling it too, she still wants to hang onto her grudge and is happy to see the last of him when he heads back to the city. But Jayce just keeps showing up and rescuing her! When Rocky goes to the city for a weekend, gets mugged and hit by a car, it's Jayce she calls and who comes. He doesn't tell her right away, but he's also moving back to Sugar Creek. The time he spent with her just shows him she's worth fighting for, and he's willing to put his all into having a relationship with Rocky!
Of course, Rocky is livid when she finds out he's coming back...but next thing Jayce is helping her with a stalker problem and they've come clean about their past relationship with her brothers. Rocky has a lot on her plate...with a loan from Dev she's renovating the B & B, and she's also putting in a lot of work for the CupCake lovers and the book deal they hope to get! Does she have time for a relationship with a guy who pushes all of her buttons? Can she let go of past hurts and see what's right in front of her? Does Jayce have what it takes to win her back and the patience to wait for her?
I loved, loved this second book in the CupCake lovers series!!! It was a fast, smooth read with a lot of action packed into it! I loved revisiting with all the characters from Fool for Love and catching up with them. I liked how even though The Trouble with Love focuses on Rocky and Jayce we spend a lot of time with Chloe and Dev and their romance, lots of laughs again with Grandmother Daisy, and wondering what everyone else will do next!!
I loved Jayce!! He left Sugar Creek because he felt it would be too difficult to face Dev everyday after what he and Rocky had done, but he had other issues that made him unhappy in Sugar Creek too. Hopefully he can resolve these issues or find some peace from them and move on and be happy! I'm really rooting for him!
Rocky I had a bit of trouble with because I just could not understand what her problem was!!! As far as I could tell there was no reason for her to be so relationship wary, never wanting help with anything, not wanting to let anyone close. I found it a bit much she held a grudge against Jayce for so long, making them both miserable.
I'd highly recommend this fantastic romance! There's laughter, love and a little spice to heat things up!!! I absolutely can't wait for the next book in this series!!
April 23, 2022
I kind of flip flopped on the whodunit part of this, but I'm glad of how it turned out. I'm looking forward to see how the outcome continues to advance throughout the next book. I'm hoping that's it's not just dropped as a topic in the series.
I liked how they both came to terms with their pasts and moved forward instead of allowing things to make them bitter people.
I liked how they both came to terms with their pasts and moved forward instead of allowing things to make them bitter people.
July 30, 2014
3.5 stars
I kept going back and forth between 3* and 4* for this ... and after several days musing about it, I decided to go with the middle part. I have what I like and dislike from this book.
Thirteen years ago, spirited and tomboy Rocky seduced his big brother's best friend, Jayce. They had sex. The morning after, Jayce (who was 22 at that time) sort-of-proposed Rocky (who was 17) that they should get married. Rocky thought that it was out of duty rather than love. So she pushed him away and Jayce went. But clearly Jayce and Rocky still carry torch for one another after all this time.
So, on one hand, I loved the idea of reunited lovers. When Jayce and Rocky were together, they were pretty hot :). However, Rocky sometimes was SO stubborn and quickly jumped into conclusions that sometimes just making me nuts. Like when she thought Jayce was asking her for marriage out of sense-of-duty. It was something that they could discuss about, but Rocky was so certain about it, she refused to. At the same time, I also liked Rocky because I could connect with her when it came to her need for independence, to make it on her own, without help from her successful father or brothers.
Meanwhile, I liked Jayce when he was being persistent to knock down Rocky's wall. BUT, I also thought for an investigator, he truly didn't contribute anything to finding out about Jayce's stalker.
Oh, and talk about that stalker case? That was just too much drama for me. It was like this story was trying to find 'what could we do to wreck Rocky's life' even more.
Last... Ms. Ciotta seems to have a style of including updates/progress from previous lovers WHILE teasing readers with future couple. So while the main couple of this was Rocky and Jayce, we also got chapers/views from other characters ... we found out that Chloe got pregnant, we found out that Daisy was moving in with Vincent, and then there was this foreshadowing love triangle between Luke, Rachel, and Sam.
On one hand, I liked the idea that the other characters are still part of this story, that they are not just being pushed back to the background. On the other hand? I thought it also steal away time from Rocky and Jayce. ALTHOUGH, at the same time, Rocky and Jayce's thing was easily 'fixed', which means if Ms. Ciotta was only focusing on them, it might as well be novella rather than novel.
So yeah, this review was confusing because I WAS confused about how I felt too *lol*. Sorry about that.
PS: For a close family, these Monroes sure keep a LOT of secret from one another *LOL*
I kept going back and forth between 3* and 4* for this ... and after several days musing about it, I decided to go with the middle part. I have what I like and dislike from this book.
Thirteen years ago, spirited and tomboy Rocky seduced his big brother's best friend, Jayce. They had sex. The morning after, Jayce (who was 22 at that time) sort-of-proposed Rocky (who was 17) that they should get married. Rocky thought that it was out of duty rather than love. So she pushed him away and Jayce went. But clearly Jayce and Rocky still carry torch for one another after all this time.
So, on one hand, I loved the idea of reunited lovers. When Jayce and Rocky were together, they were pretty hot :). However, Rocky sometimes was SO stubborn and quickly jumped into conclusions that sometimes just making me nuts. Like when she thought Jayce was asking her for marriage out of sense-of-duty. It was something that they could discuss about, but Rocky was so certain about it, she refused to. At the same time, I also liked Rocky because I could connect with her when it came to her need for independence, to make it on her own, without help from her successful father or brothers.
Meanwhile, I liked Jayce when he was being persistent to knock down Rocky's wall. BUT, I also thought for an investigator, he truly didn't contribute anything to finding out about Jayce's stalker.
Oh, and talk about that stalker case? That was just too much drama for me. It was like this story was trying to find 'what could we do to wreck Rocky's life' even more.
Last... Ms. Ciotta seems to have a style of including updates/progress from previous lovers WHILE teasing readers with future couple. So while the main couple of this was Rocky and Jayce, we also got chapers/views from other characters ... we found out that Chloe got pregnant, we found out that Daisy was moving in with Vincent, and then there was this foreshadowing love triangle between Luke, Rachel, and Sam.
On one hand, I liked the idea that the other characters are still part of this story, that they are not just being pushed back to the background. On the other hand? I thought it also steal away time from Rocky and Jayce. ALTHOUGH, at the same time, Rocky and Jayce's thing was easily 'fixed', which means if Ms. Ciotta was only focusing on them, it might as well be novella rather than novel.
So yeah, this review was confusing because I WAS confused about how I felt too *lol*. Sorry about that.
PS: For a close family, these Monroes sure keep a LOT of secret from one another *LOL*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2013
I enjoyed the first book in this series, the first I'd read from author Beth Ciotta. I was looking forward to the next book in the series and the return to Sugar Creek, Vermont.
This time around we get Rocky and Jayce's story. For the record, Rocky is Rochelle and Jayce is some odd man's name. They had sex when Rocky seduced him on her 17th birthday. He's also her older brother's best friend and an honorary family member.
Besides their story we catch up with characters we met in the first book. This time around charming was too crowded with details, characters and coincidences. It didn't work for me.
See my eyes rolling at one too many times calling Jayce an "Adonis" and referring to Devlin's "blueberry blue eyes". Way too much. I also hated the too coincidental accidental pregnancy between Chloe and Devlin from the previous book. It was an especially cruel plot twist since Chloe's best friend, Monica who got Chloe to come to town has been struggling with infertility.
There's another book coming with Luke's story but since in this book he apparently steals the woman his widowed cousin, Sam has pined over I'm done with this series. Nothing in this one caught me up in delight including the cupcake recipes in the back.
Moving on....
This time around we get Rocky and Jayce's story. For the record, Rocky is Rochelle and Jayce is some odd man's name. They had sex when Rocky seduced him on her 17th birthday. He's also her older brother's best friend and an honorary family member.
Besides their story we catch up with characters we met in the first book. This time around charming was too crowded with details, characters and coincidences. It didn't work for me.
See my eyes rolling at one too many times calling Jayce an "Adonis" and referring to Devlin's "blueberry blue eyes". Way too much. I also hated the too coincidental accidental pregnancy between Chloe and Devlin from the previous book. It was an especially cruel plot twist since Chloe's best friend, Monica who got Chloe to come to town has been struggling with infertility.
There's another book coming with Luke's story but since in this book he apparently steals the woman his widowed cousin, Sam has pined over I'm done with this series. Nothing in this one caught me up in delight including the cupcake recipes in the back.
Moving on....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2013
The second book in Beth Ciotta’s Cupcake Lover’s series was just as much fun as Fool for Love. We get to learn what the heck happened between Rocky & Jayce.
Rocky Monroe has had a major problem with Jayce Bello for all of her life, it is a love/hate relationship. But when Rocky finds herself in the big city mugged and slightly hit by a car the first person she calls is Jayce.
Jayce has never really understood what he did wrong all those years ago. All he knows is that Rocky still hates him, but Jayce is going to change that. With or without Rocky’s help.
Rocky and Jayce have some major history which makes their interactions so much fun. I wanted to talk some sense into Rocky. But she is beyond stubborn and has to learn the hard way. And boy does she learn.
If you have read Fool for Love then you will understand the tension between Rocky and Jayce. While you could read The Trouble with Love alone I think it would be best to read Fool in Love first.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review. Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com
Rocky Monroe has had a major problem with Jayce Bello for all of her life, it is a love/hate relationship. But when Rocky finds herself in the big city mugged and slightly hit by a car the first person she calls is Jayce.
Jayce has never really understood what he did wrong all those years ago. All he knows is that Rocky still hates him, but Jayce is going to change that. With or without Rocky’s help.
Rocky and Jayce have some major history which makes their interactions so much fun. I wanted to talk some sense into Rocky. But she is beyond stubborn and has to learn the hard way. And boy does she learn.
If you have read Fool for Love then you will understand the tension between Rocky and Jayce. While you could read The Trouble with Love alone I think it would be best to read Fool in Love first.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review. Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com
July 10, 2013
I really liked this book, which I won in a Good Reads chat with the author. It is my first taste of Beth Ciotta's books, and it is quite good. I will definitely be getting more of her books. In this story, Rocky Monroe is remodeling her bed-and-breakfast establishment, but has to make a quick trip to New York on behalf of her Cupcake Lovers club, of which she is president. Her brothers insist that Jayce Bello, long-time family friend, check up on her since she is new to the city. Of all the men in the world, Jayce is just the one that she does not want to see because of some past history between them, but as it happens, he is the one who helps her out and whose arms she happens to fall into. Things get more complicated when it becomes known that Jayce has decided to relocate his cyber-investigation business back in his hometown - the same place where Rocky lives. Throw in a zany grandmother, two posessive brothers, an arch rival, some good friends, a stalker, and an arsonist, and you have quite a good story!
To Beth Ciotta - Thanks for a great book and a great read! I will definitely be reading more of your books!
To Beth Ciotta - Thanks for a great book and a great read! I will definitely be reading more of your books!
March 17, 2013
As much as I enjoyed Rocky as the feisty, independent female lead in this story, it was Jayce who really stole my heart. Weary of the big city, he heads home to confront his troubled past and go after the only girl he's ever loved. I just could not help rooting for these two.
In addition to the fun of watching Rocky and Jayce make their way toward happily ever after, I loved the chance to keep up on the lives of the cast of characters introduced in Fool for Love...Dev and Chloe, and where their romance is headed. Daisy, the Monroe matriarch with her funky wardrobe and "life is short" attitude. And just as we got to see a little spark of Rocky and Jayce's story in the previous book, we get a glimpse of Luke's future in this one.
*Advance Reading Gallery
In addition to the fun of watching Rocky and Jayce make their way toward happily ever after, I loved the chance to keep up on the lives of the cast of characters introduced in Fool for Love...Dev and Chloe, and where their romance is headed. Daisy, the Monroe matriarch with her funky wardrobe and "life is short" attitude. And just as we got to see a little spark of Rocky and Jayce's story in the previous book, we get a glimpse of Luke's future in this one.
*Advance Reading Gallery
January 31, 2013
This is a cute and at times sexy small town romance I really enjoyed. Love the dialogue and the closeness of the characters. Also the small town feel is spot on. The ending fell a little flat for me though with this out of place mystery that pops up half way through.
Also, there is a character called Billy Burke. I kept thinking of the Billy Burke who plays Charlie, Bella's dad in the Twilight movies. He's also a sheriff here! I wonder if Beth planned that? If so it made me chuckle. I really do like Billy Burke the actor.
Also, there is a character called Billy Burke. I kept thinking of the Billy Burke who plays Charlie, Bella's dad in the Twilight movies. He's also a sheriff here! I wonder if Beth planned that? If so it made me chuckle. I really do like Billy Burke the actor.
February 13, 2015
I enjoy this small town in Vermont and the Monroe family. Grandma Daisy is a kook and the cupcake lovers club is pretty cool. There wasn't a ton of discovery about Rocky in this book as you pretty much learned it all in the last one, although you do find out more about Jayce's past. What made it great was all the other characters. Checking in with Chloe and Dev. Seeing Luke get setup for his book . Seeing Monica and Tasha's struggles and Daisy's antics.
March 30, 2013
This second book in this series is just as good as the first, maybe better. I loved Rocky and Jayce's story. It was touching and sweet, with a little fun put in. It's a must read.
July 18, 2017
I read this right after Fool for Love, the first book in the Cupcake Lovers series, and I must say that I wasn't impressed with this one. There's really nothing wrong with the story. It just didn't grab me. It's not like one of those other books that you just can't put down. I just didn't feel a connection with the main characters. I also thought that there'd be more of a twist at the end, but nope. Again, I thought the ending was very rushed on this book, just like in the first one in the series. I don't know what it is with the author ending her books so abruptly. For this one, I didn't even know I was reading the very last sentence until I turned the page and was met with cupcake recipes (that's how the author likes to end the novels in her Cupcake Lovers series).
I'm probably going to take a bit of a break from Beth Ciotta's books. Maybe, I'll pick her other books up again if I get really desperate and find myself with nothing to read.
I'm probably going to take a bit of a break from Beth Ciotta's books. Maybe, I'll pick her other books up again if I get really desperate and find myself with nothing to read.
October 4, 2017
Another amazing book by Beth Ciotta. This one is about Dev's sister Rocky and her childhood sweetheart Jayce. I loved this book as they were both such fiery people, the chemistry between these two is great. Even though there has been a lot of bad blood between them they can't deny the sexual energy between them.
What I like about Beth's style of writing is that she doesnt leave the last books characters behind, we still get snippets from Dec and Chloe which I enjoyed as I wanted to know what happened with them both.
Loved this book and would highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a good fiery romance.
What I like about Beth's style of writing is that she doesnt leave the last books characters behind, we still get snippets from Dec and Chloe which I enjoyed as I wanted to know what happened with them both.
Loved this book and would highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a good fiery romance.
June 18, 2023
Another great book by Beth Ciotta. You can read them out of order without being lost.
Rocky and Jayce have known each other forever: he is best friends with one of her brothers.
Rocky tried to deny her feelings for him but he was the first person she called when she had her bag stolen upon arriving in New York City. They end up getting together to the delight of their friends and family.
Rocky and Jayce have known each other forever: he is best friends with one of her brothers.
Rocky tried to deny her feelings for him but he was the first person she called when she had her bag stolen upon arriving in New York City. They end up getting together to the delight of their friends and family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2018
A good read, but there are so many secrets between the characters that it drives me a little crazy. I just want to take the characters and shake them. Still with the read and I definitely am going to hurry up and start the next one.
April 21, 2018
The ending was rushed and anticlimactic.
August 23, 2019
Enjoyed the development of the character from the previous book to this one. The story line between Jace and Rocky enjoyed. I like how the author lead you into the next book.
April 2, 2013
Not only will you be sucked in by the Delicious Treats, but by the "Sweet-Talking" hero named Jayce Bello!
If you have read the first book of the series, FOOL FOR LOVE, you would have met the Monroe Family, Dev, Luke, Rocky and their cousins, Nash and Sam. Oh...Can't forget Grandma, Daisy! Reading THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE is like a great big reunion with all my favorite people...and boy can these Monroe boys (and girl) stir up a boat load of trouble.
First, I will say that I LOVED that Dev and Chloe's love story continued into TTWL. It was GREAT to see where their future was headed and I look forward to seeing more of them in the future books in the Cupcake Lovers series.
Now Rocky and Jayce, the hero and heroine of THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE, started their love story, well...thirteen years ago...but, for the sake of not sharing too much, in FOOL FOR LOVE, where we are left off with a HUGE question mark as to what could possibly be a future for them...FINALLY! We start off THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE right where the last story left off, and once again, I was whisked away into Sugar Creek and decided to stay awhile.
Rocky and Jayce have a history...oh baby do they, and that history cracks and sizzles with every look, touch and even a feel...here and there. Once you think they finally have things settled between them, some other obstacle tries to get in their way. But, as with true love, once you have figured out that this person is your meant to be, you fight harder, and that is exactly what Jayce and Rocky do...cause you need someone special by your side to help you fight off the demons of your past or to help you see the clear path to your future.
Not only did I fall completely in love with Jayce Bello within these pages, and it's not just cause I love a tortured hero, but cause he is not letting anything get in his way this time, when it comes to Rocky. He isn't going to let her run and he isn't going to back down and I loved his determination, even when faced with a heroine who was so unsure of what her future plans may be. Oh...and their chemistry...whew...off the charts...at least they could do something right!
As for the rest of the Monroe family....oh boy do we have some "business" goin on! Sinfully sexy brother Luke gets himself into a bit of hot water with a certain mousy waitress, who his cousin just happens to be dating (well...if you count the first date from hell), and big brother Dev might just have some news of his own...and Grandma...well, she is just as wild as ever!
If you haven't met the Monroe Family yet, I highly recommend you grab FOOL FOR LOVE and THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE and spend a night or two lost in Sugar Creek. Pack your bags...you may want to stay awhile!
And...you get a sneak peak at ANYTHING FOR LOVE, the next book in the series, where Luke has finally met his match!
If you have read the first book of the series, FOOL FOR LOVE, you would have met the Monroe Family, Dev, Luke, Rocky and their cousins, Nash and Sam. Oh...Can't forget Grandma, Daisy! Reading THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE is like a great big reunion with all my favorite people...and boy can these Monroe boys (and girl) stir up a boat load of trouble.
First, I will say that I LOVED that Dev and Chloe's love story continued into TTWL. It was GREAT to see where their future was headed and I look forward to seeing more of them in the future books in the Cupcake Lovers series.
Now Rocky and Jayce, the hero and heroine of THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE, started their love story, well...thirteen years ago...but, for the sake of not sharing too much, in FOOL FOR LOVE, where we are left off with a HUGE question mark as to what could possibly be a future for them...FINALLY! We start off THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE right where the last story left off, and once again, I was whisked away into Sugar Creek and decided to stay awhile.
Rocky and Jayce have a history...oh baby do they, and that history cracks and sizzles with every look, touch and even a feel...here and there. Once you think they finally have things settled between them, some other obstacle tries to get in their way. But, as with true love, once you have figured out that this person is your meant to be, you fight harder, and that is exactly what Jayce and Rocky do...cause you need someone special by your side to help you fight off the demons of your past or to help you see the clear path to your future.
Not only did I fall completely in love with Jayce Bello within these pages, and it's not just cause I love a tortured hero, but cause he is not letting anything get in his way this time, when it comes to Rocky. He isn't going to let her run and he isn't going to back down and I loved his determination, even when faced with a heroine who was so unsure of what her future plans may be. Oh...and their chemistry...whew...off the charts...at least they could do something right!
As for the rest of the Monroe family....oh boy do we have some "business" goin on! Sinfully sexy brother Luke gets himself into a bit of hot water with a certain mousy waitress, who his cousin just happens to be dating (well...if you count the first date from hell), and big brother Dev might just have some news of his own...and Grandma...well, she is just as wild as ever!
If you haven't met the Monroe Family yet, I highly recommend you grab FOOL FOR LOVE and THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE and spend a night or two lost in Sugar Creek. Pack your bags...you may want to stay awhile!
And...you get a sneak peak at ANYTHING FOR LOVE, the next book in the series, where Luke has finally met his match!
July 2, 2013
This is book two of the trilogy Cupcake Lovers.
Rocky Monroe is the owner of a bed and breakfast in Sugar Creek, Vermont.
She’s also president of the Cupcake Lover’s club, a group of women (and one hunky man) that bakes cupcakes to raise money for charities. Ten years ago, when she was only 17, she lost her virginity to her brothers’ best friend and family friend, Jayce Bello. He was 22 at the time and overwhelmed with the love he felt for Rocky and the fear of being found out by her brothers. He felt at the time that the best thing he could do was leave town, so he begins a new life in New York City. Rocky was hurt and confused and claims to hate Jayce, but in reality, she can’t get him out of her head. It would be helpful to read book one first – Fool For Love – as it sets up the background story of Rocky and Jayce. But if you don’t get to read it, you can still understand the dynamics between them.
Rocky needs to go to New York City to help negotiate a publishing deal for the Cupcake Lover’s Club’s first cookbook. Of course the very first day she is there, she gets mugged and hit by a car. Having no money and reluctantly needing help, she calls Jayce, who is more than happy to help. He’s been doing a lot of thinking and has just made the decision to move back to Sugar Creek and try to come to terms with his demons about his family and to try to reconcile with Rocky. The timing of Rocky’s call couldn’t have come at a better time. He begins his plan to woo her while she’s in New York and continues it when they return to Sugar Creek.
There are many twists and turns in Rocky and Jayce’s journey. With true love, you have to fight hard for that someone special and that’s what this story is about. The whole Town is behind them and the cast of characters provides comic relief as well as emotional support. It was also nice to see the continuation of Dev and Chloe’s story from book one, and Luke’s story is nicely set up for book three – Anything But Love coming out in September 2013.
- Reviewed by Linda http://cheshirelibraryblog.wordpress....
Rocky Monroe is the owner of a bed and breakfast in Sugar Creek, Vermont.
She’s also president of the Cupcake Lover’s club, a group of women (and one hunky man) that bakes cupcakes to raise money for charities. Ten years ago, when she was only 17, she lost her virginity to her brothers’ best friend and family friend, Jayce Bello. He was 22 at the time and overwhelmed with the love he felt for Rocky and the fear of being found out by her brothers. He felt at the time that the best thing he could do was leave town, so he begins a new life in New York City. Rocky was hurt and confused and claims to hate Jayce, but in reality, she can’t get him out of her head. It would be helpful to read book one first – Fool For Love – as it sets up the background story of Rocky and Jayce. But if you don’t get to read it, you can still understand the dynamics between them.
Rocky needs to go to New York City to help negotiate a publishing deal for the Cupcake Lover’s Club’s first cookbook. Of course the very first day she is there, she gets mugged and hit by a car. Having no money and reluctantly needing help, she calls Jayce, who is more than happy to help. He’s been doing a lot of thinking and has just made the decision to move back to Sugar Creek and try to come to terms with his demons about his family and to try to reconcile with Rocky. The timing of Rocky’s call couldn’t have come at a better time. He begins his plan to woo her while she’s in New York and continues it when they return to Sugar Creek.
There are many twists and turns in Rocky and Jayce’s journey. With true love, you have to fight hard for that someone special and that’s what this story is about. The whole Town is behind them and the cast of characters provides comic relief as well as emotional support. It was also nice to see the continuation of Dev and Chloe’s story from book one, and Luke’s story is nicely set up for book three – Anything But Love coming out in September 2013.
- Reviewed by Linda http://cheshirelibraryblog.wordpress....
March 7, 2016
Let me start by saying that I'm not normally one for romance novels unless there isn't anything else around and I need something to read. While I'll read just about anything if it looks interesting, I tend to shy away from this genre because they all have the same vibe - graphic sex scenes and not much (or predictable) plot. I'm thankful to say that while yes, this was fairly predictable, it also had a pretty good story behind it.
The premise is the same when you first start - girl has fling, pushes away boy, they both burn for each other for years, etc. Once you get into the story, however, you get to know the folks of Sugar Creek, Vermont, and grow to like them. The Monroe family is the type of family that anyone with a slightly dysfunctional family (like mine) would want to be around. I could relate to the characters, even though there were times I wanted to smack Rocky and tell her to get over herself. There were a few times when her attitude reminded me of Walter White in Breaking Bad, though to a lesser extent. Specifically, when he was going on about how EVERYTHING was about him. Ego? Just a little.
Thankfully, Rocky shows that she's not the spoiled, self-centered little twit that she seems to be at the beginning of the book. Yes, she was wrapped up in herself and her burning desire for Jayce, but really, that's what first love is all about. (This is something I know from experience - sorry to anyone who knew me in high school - barf.) They end up working through things and growing together. You get to see how her and her family pull together and get to know each of the characters, wanting to find out more about them.
While I wouldn't have otherwise read this book because of the genre and picked it up for a reading challenge, I'm glad that I did. (The fact that I love baking and the cupcakes they make throughout the book had nothing to do with it.)
All told, it's a pretty good book and not all about sex. The characters have wonderful personalities (Gram reminding me of Sophia from Golden Girls) and Sugar Creek feels like home. I'd recommend this to those that love a good story, even if they think they don't like romance. ;)
The premise is the same when you first start - girl has fling, pushes away boy, they both burn for each other for years, etc. Once you get into the story, however, you get to know the folks of Sugar Creek, Vermont, and grow to like them. The Monroe family is the type of family that anyone with a slightly dysfunctional family (like mine) would want to be around. I could relate to the characters, even though there were times I wanted to smack Rocky and tell her to get over herself. There were a few times when her attitude reminded me of Walter White in Breaking Bad, though to a lesser extent. Specifically, when he was going on about how EVERYTHING was about him. Ego? Just a little.
Thankfully, Rocky shows that she's not the spoiled, self-centered little twit that she seems to be at the beginning of the book. Yes, she was wrapped up in herself and her burning desire for Jayce, but really, that's what first love is all about. (This is something I know from experience - sorry to anyone who knew me in high school - barf.) They end up working through things and growing together. You get to see how her and her family pull together and get to know each of the characters, wanting to find out more about them.
While I wouldn't have otherwise read this book because of the genre and picked it up for a reading challenge, I'm glad that I did. (The fact that I love baking and the cupcakes they make throughout the book had nothing to do with it.)
All told, it's a pretty good book and not all about sex. The characters have wonderful personalities (Gram reminding me of Sophia from Golden Girls) and Sugar Creek feels like home. I'd recommend this to those that love a good story, even if they think they don't like romance. ;)
June 10, 2013
This is the second book in the Cupcake Lovers' series by this author. It is a very solid addition to similar romantic series offered by authors like Nora Roberts and Susan Mallory. The series centers on a small New England town in which a group of women (and one man) are the Cupcake Lovers, a baking group that meets weekly and has as its core mission charitable works, including shipping cupcakes to American military overseas. One family (the Monroes) are prominently involved in Cupcake Lovers (and in the town more generally), including Daisy the feisty grandmother of the Monroe clan, and Rocky, her only female grandchild. The first book in the series centered on the romance between Devlin Monroe (local businessowner) and Chloe, who was hired as a personal chef and companion for Daisy. In this second book, the focus is on Rocky Monroe, who in addition to being President of Cupcake Lovers, owns a local bed and breakfast in town (the Red Clover). Rocky is forced to confront Jayce, the man who broke her heart years ago, when he moves back to town from Brooklyn. Although its been thirteen years since they had any serious interaction, neither one has put the past to rest.
The book retains the core elements that you look for in a romance novel but presented with strong writing and good character development. The "supporting cast" of characters, particularly Daisy, are entertaining and add life and interest to the plot. What I also liked was that, contrary to some romance series, this book actually continued the plot and character development of Devlin and Chloe, in addition to focusing on the new romance between Rocky and Jayce. In other series, there is usually passing mention of characters from previous books but little advancement of the story. In all, I am pleased to have found a new author in a genre that I like. I look forward to the next installment in the series. If you like Nora Roberts, Susan Mallory and similar authors, you will enjoy this series.
The book retains the core elements that you look for in a romance novel but presented with strong writing and good character development. The "supporting cast" of characters, particularly Daisy, are entertaining and add life and interest to the plot. What I also liked was that, contrary to some romance series, this book actually continued the plot and character development of Devlin and Chloe, in addition to focusing on the new romance between Rocky and Jayce. In other series, there is usually passing mention of characters from previous books but little advancement of the story. In all, I am pleased to have found a new author in a genre that I like. I look forward to the next installment in the series. If you like Nora Roberts, Susan Mallory and similar authors, you will enjoy this series.
July 20, 2014
Cupcakes and romance are the perfect combination. I'd kick myself and wish I had thought of it but really, I could never write something like this and much prefer my cozy striped chair and best mug full of tea while I read a book that someone else wrote about it.
Beth Ciotta has brought together all of the best elements of a cozy mystery world - great friends (young and old - to give proper balance of opinions when things get choppy), nice family members with opinionated siblings and parents, a great bunch of neighbours and folksy shop keepers, bar owners and rotten police chiefs, PLUS a super handsome man. With no murder in sight. No problem because I just love that mixture and she has it down pat in this paperback and that sat comfortably in my purse and cheered me all week long.
Rocky is the kind of girl you are cheering for and you are relieved when things go well, but happy that Ciotta adds enough rough patches to make the novel keep on going. I hate that feeling, when I look at the number of pages left in my right hand and see that there are a greater number in my left hand. So disappointing; knowing that my time with the people in this town are coming to an end.
Better than average heat between these two lovers and a plot that has enough suspense to keep you awake at night, after a long day at work and too many hours at the soccer field. Dishes are done, some floor sweeping finished and you know that a visit with a diverse group of women (and one determined man) to discuss the finer points of a pumpkin spice cupcake is waiting for you on your bedside table. Doesn't that just sound like a recipe (get it? recipe?) for relaxation? I might just pop a reminder on my calendar and check this one out again in October so I can enjoy the story again in the right season. The Trouble with Love is worth your trouble. Check it out of your library or treat yourself to a copy for the trip to the cottage. It is diverting and comforting with enough heat and spice for anyone. Special thanks to my friend Amy for sending it my way.
Beth Ciotta has brought together all of the best elements of a cozy mystery world - great friends (young and old - to give proper balance of opinions when things get choppy), nice family members with opinionated siblings and parents, a great bunch of neighbours and folksy shop keepers, bar owners and rotten police chiefs, PLUS a super handsome man. With no murder in sight. No problem because I just love that mixture and she has it down pat in this paperback and that sat comfortably in my purse and cheered me all week long.
Rocky is the kind of girl you are cheering for and you are relieved when things go well, but happy that Ciotta adds enough rough patches to make the novel keep on going. I hate that feeling, when I look at the number of pages left in my right hand and see that there are a greater number in my left hand. So disappointing; knowing that my time with the people in this town are coming to an end.
Better than average heat between these two lovers and a plot that has enough suspense to keep you awake at night, after a long day at work and too many hours at the soccer field. Dishes are done, some floor sweeping finished and you know that a visit with a diverse group of women (and one determined man) to discuss the finer points of a pumpkin spice cupcake is waiting for you on your bedside table. Doesn't that just sound like a recipe (get it? recipe?) for relaxation? I might just pop a reminder on my calendar and check this one out again in October so I can enjoy the story again in the right season. The Trouble with Love is worth your trouble. Check it out of your library or treat yourself to a copy for the trip to the cottage. It is diverting and comforting with enough heat and spice for anyone. Special thanks to my friend Amy for sending it my way.
January 17, 2014
The Trouble With Love
By Beth Ciotta
Something’s are always worth the fight!
As book number two of the trilogy picks up, we are back in the quaint little town of Sugar Creek, Vermont, where we meet Rocky Monroe as she is running her bed & breakfast and her Cupcake Lovers Club.
Rocky has to travel to NYC to work out the details of a cook book for the Cupcake Lovers Club, and her bad luck has followed her. She is in a strange town and has to reach out to the one person she has been trying to avoid, Jayce Bello. Jayce and Rocky have history together and the passion that sparked between them all those years ago is still ever present. Rocky was deeply hurt by Jayce and has done her best to put him out of her mind. But with one crack in her foundation, she finds herself in his company and all those feelings come flooding back.
Jayce Bello, a family friend, had an intimate moment with his best friends little sister. Faced with the demons of his own family drama and the fact he doesn’t want any more, he up and leaves Sugar Creek for NYC to become a police officer. Having Rocky need him is the sign he was looking for and he is bound and determine to explain himself after 13 years and with the hopes of proving his love for her.
The romance between Rocky and Jayce was fun, it wasn’t sugary sweet and this novel offered a bit of mystery as well. I found this book to be a fun read, and even though it is part of a trilogy I did not feel like I needed to have read the first book to understand and develop a relationship with the characters of this book. But I can tell you that it had me wanting to go back to read book one and looking forward to seeing what happens in book three! I recommend this fun read and encourage you to read the entire trilogy!
By Beth Ciotta
Something’s are always worth the fight!
As book number two of the trilogy picks up, we are back in the quaint little town of Sugar Creek, Vermont, where we meet Rocky Monroe as she is running her bed & breakfast and her Cupcake Lovers Club.
Rocky has to travel to NYC to work out the details of a cook book for the Cupcake Lovers Club, and her bad luck has followed her. She is in a strange town and has to reach out to the one person she has been trying to avoid, Jayce Bello. Jayce and Rocky have history together and the passion that sparked between them all those years ago is still ever present. Rocky was deeply hurt by Jayce and has done her best to put him out of her mind. But with one crack in her foundation, she finds herself in his company and all those feelings come flooding back.
Jayce Bello, a family friend, had an intimate moment with his best friends little sister. Faced with the demons of his own family drama and the fact he doesn’t want any more, he up and leaves Sugar Creek for NYC to become a police officer. Having Rocky need him is the sign he was looking for and he is bound and determine to explain himself after 13 years and with the hopes of proving his love for her.
The romance between Rocky and Jayce was fun, it wasn’t sugary sweet and this novel offered a bit of mystery as well. I found this book to be a fun read, and even though it is part of a trilogy I did not feel like I needed to have read the first book to understand and develop a relationship with the characters of this book. But I can tell you that it had me wanting to go back to read book one and looking forward to seeing what happens in book three! I recommend this fun read and encourage you to read the entire trilogy!
May 15, 2013
Always fight for what you want
Rochelle “Rocky” Monroe has always known that regardless of what would come at her she was prepared for it, mostly. Rocky is starting up a B&B, writing a cookbook with her other cupcake lovers, and trying hard to stay away from what she wants the most in life Jayce Bello.
With their up, down and all around relationship path making Rocky crazy she has been successful keeping her distance from Jayce. All her great plans fell apart when Rocky has to visit the Big Apple to finalize the cookbook details. In a quick blink, she finds herself the victim of a mugging and looking for Jayce’s strong arms to keep her safe. After swearing to never let him near her again Rocky spends her time negotiating some both a great book deal and time with Jayce.
What Rocky thought was a quick revisit of prior intimacy she returns home to a lot of questions and Jayce relocating to his childhood home. Staying away became impossible for Rocky and she is glad he is right beside her as someone is trying to take her bad luck and turn into a permanent state of disaster.
Great fun characters surrounded by an amazing story carries this series into the must read category.
Rochelle “Rocky” Monroe has always known that regardless of what would come at her she was prepared for it, mostly. Rocky is starting up a B&B, writing a cookbook with her other cupcake lovers, and trying hard to stay away from what she wants the most in life Jayce Bello.
With their up, down and all around relationship path making Rocky crazy she has been successful keeping her distance from Jayce. All her great plans fell apart when Rocky has to visit the Big Apple to finalize the cookbook details. In a quick blink, she finds herself the victim of a mugging and looking for Jayce’s strong arms to keep her safe. After swearing to never let him near her again Rocky spends her time negotiating some both a great book deal and time with Jayce.
What Rocky thought was a quick revisit of prior intimacy she returns home to a lot of questions and Jayce relocating to his childhood home. Staying away became impossible for Rocky and she is glad he is right beside her as someone is trying to take her bad luck and turn into a permanent state of disaster.
Great fun characters surrounded by an amazing story carries this series into the must read category.
April 27, 2013
Every once in a while you come across a book that is so good that you want to tell everyone that you know about it. THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE is one such book! I absolutely fell in love with all of the zany and eccentric characters. They worked their way into my heart and left me with a lot of lump-in-my-throat moments. Beth Ciotta has created a riveting tale with lots of drama. This addictive story really delivers the goods.
Rocky Monroe has had a crush on Jayce Bello for the last thirteen years. After sharing a one-night-stand years ago, Rocky and Jacye went their separate ways. Jayce moved away to New York City so that he wouldn’t risk running into Rocky in the small town of Sugar Creek, Vermont. But when Rocky shows up in New York to work on a book deal for The Cupcake Lover’s and then runs into a mugger, it is Jayce that she turns to for help. Jayce is only too happy to come to Rocky’s rescue.
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
Rocky Monroe has had a crush on Jayce Bello for the last thirteen years. After sharing a one-night-stand years ago, Rocky and Jacye went their separate ways. Jayce moved away to New York City so that he wouldn’t risk running into Rocky in the small town of Sugar Creek, Vermont. But when Rocky shows up in New York to work on a book deal for The Cupcake Lover’s and then runs into a mugger, it is Jayce that she turns to for help. Jayce is only too happy to come to Rocky’s rescue.
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
August 14, 2013
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Another great book by Beth Ciotta.
I loved that this book picks up where the first left off, simply changing the perspective of who the story is focusing on. Many series books can often brush over the previous character's problems, or lives, but The Trouble with Love did a great job of keeping with the relationships of Fool for Love.
It was interesting getting to dive into Jayce and Rocky's relationship, and learning about what exactly had happened to cause the rift -clung to for 13 years- and how they managed to reconcile and move on with their lives.
Also, I loved that we got to see Dev and Chloe's relationship continue and blossom in new and exciting ways. This book also expands on Luke Monroe's character, adding a bit more depth to the primary owner of the Sugar Shack.
Overall, I am pleased thus far with the series that Ciotta has created and I am looking forward to the release of the third book come October.
Another great book by Beth Ciotta.
I loved that this book picks up where the first left off, simply changing the perspective of who the story is focusing on. Many series books can often brush over the previous character's problems, or lives, but The Trouble with Love did a great job of keeping with the relationships of Fool for Love.
It was interesting getting to dive into Jayce and Rocky's relationship, and learning about what exactly had happened to cause the rift -clung to for 13 years- and how they managed to reconcile and move on with their lives.
Also, I loved that we got to see Dev and Chloe's relationship continue and blossom in new and exciting ways. This book also expands on Luke Monroe's character, adding a bit more depth to the primary owner of the Sugar Shack.
Overall, I am pleased thus far with the series that Ciotta has created and I am looking forward to the release of the third book come October.
June 22, 2013
I just loved this book!! A fan of Cupcake Lovers from the start, after reading Fool for Love I was wondering what would happen with Rocky and Jayce. The tension between them and the flames that ignited everytime they were together was electric. After Rocky ends things with Adam in book one and is reunited with her first love who crushed her so many years ago, they part on rough terms. Rocky unable to forgive Jayce for the past hurt and Jayce cold and distant from the turbulent sweet girl he used to know. Complicated by the fact that Rocky is the younger sister of Jayce's best friend, they've been keeping thier history a secret for years.
A delightful small town story of romance, cupcakes, family, and love this is a wonderful book! The trouble with love has great characters, laugh out loud dialogue, and a wonderful continuation of an amazing series!
Will Jayce and Rocky make the same mistakes of their past or will this time they find their deliciously happy ending?
A delightful small town story of romance, cupcakes, family, and love this is a wonderful book! The trouble with love has great characters, laugh out loud dialogue, and a wonderful continuation of an amazing series!
Will Jayce and Rocky make the same mistakes of their past or will this time they find their deliciously happy ending?
September 1, 2013
This book is excellent! Jayce and Rocky can't ignore the sparks that fly each time they are in the same room together, but after 13 years of being at odds, these two fiercely independent individuals will have to make a lot of compromises to get past a long history and a lot of hurt feelings. When Rocky takes an unexpected trip to NYC for a Cupcake lovers book deal, she never expects to need to call Jayce to her rescue. After losing a close friend, Jayce realizes that he's been running away from the past for too long and it's time to face some old demons including the death of his parents many years ago.
The romance between Jayce and Rocky is both steamy and incredibly romantic. The continuation of Chloe and Dev's story is exciting. There is a good mix of adventure, comedy (thanks to the ever fun Daisy) and love. This is a fun book and a great read!
The romance between Jayce and Rocky is both steamy and incredibly romantic. The continuation of Chloe and Dev's story is exciting. There is a good mix of adventure, comedy (thanks to the ever fun Daisy) and love. This is a fun book and a great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews