Love doesn't always happen overnight; sometimes it takes a month of Sundays.
Conservative accountant Rachel Bauer is recovering from the abrupt end of a long-term relationship when she's tossed into the dating pool against her will. Expecting to meet friends for drinks, she finds herself in the middle of a blind date with Griffin Sutton, the sexy celebrity chef with a reputation for being easy on the eyes but hard on the heart. Rachel isn't interested in becoming the latest notch on Griffin's well-worn bedpost so she rebuffs her advances. Griffin, who hasn't met a woman she couldn't seduce, decides the best way to Rachel's reluctant heart is through her stomach. She offers to take her on a culinary trip around the world one Sunday at a time.
If Rachel accepts Griffin's proposition, will she find more than a good meal?
Yolanda Wallace is not a professional writer, but she plays one in her spare time. She has written seven novels, and her short stories have appeared in multiple anthologies. She and her partner live in beautiful coastal Georgia, where they are parents to four children of the four-legged variety — a boxer and three cats.
Yolanda Wallace also writes under the pen name Mason Dixon.
3 stars Might just be me, but I kinda hoped for more food description, not just when it's used as foreplay by the two MCs... But that sounds more like a me problem than a book problem. Doesn't change the fact that I was more interested in the food competition than whether Rachel finally stopped jumping to conclusions prematurely (Griffin was definitely the more self-aware one out of the two of them).
I am concerned that my tastes are becoming jaded with the recent glut of les romances that I am reading.
This is a really nice book with relatively standard characters that progresses at a good rate. However, having read this book about 3 weeks ago, I am struggling to remember more than the plot outline and the main characters broad highlights.
Really sorry that i didn't like this book but off to read more by this author as she clearly in a talented writer.
Oh what a good read! This book can be tasted little by little, the romance is built in a crescendo of lovable moment that make every part special. We have 2 girls: Rachel the first think to not be ready to try again to be on a relationship after a bad broke up, Griffin the second is willing to start a casual commitment but don't want to be involved in a real relationship. They know each other thanks to a blind date that the best friend of Rachel have organized on the hope to be a good matchmaker. Rachel have put some weight, so don't think to be interesting enough and Griffin is beautiful like a runway model...They are attracted to each other, and want to know each other better but neither want to get involved in a real relationship so they choose to see each other for only one day a week for a time period of seven months This is the start and this book is about two really different women that despite all their difference seems to be made for each other. Attention, however, this book makes you want to get inside of the pages to be able to try the delicious dishes that Yolanda described!
This is a nice, sweet love story. The premise of a date every Sunday (and time in between) means the leads actually get to know each other and spend time together before falling in bed. I liked both leads and enjoyed their interactions, the supporting characters were good too. I've knocked it down half a star because of the fairly contrived situation at the end that was telegraphed early on, but I still enjoyed the read.
So many aspects of this book was so on point. The romance was appreciatively sweet, I loved the crescendo, likeable characters, I was not just much of a Rachel fan most of the time but glad it worked out for both of them
I wanted to love this so much more than I did. I loved the concept of the plot, where two women travel the world in culinary dishes once a week as dates.
Unfortunately there were just a few too many flaws for me to rate this higher. Firstly, a lot of scenes were skipped/missed out. The characters would be talking about an upcoming event at the end of a chapter that I'd be looking forward to reading about and then in the next chapter it would have already happened and we'd be onto something different. I understand this was a relatively short book but it happened so many times that it pulled me out of the plot.
Secondly, as the book progressed I started to dislike Rachel more and more. She just seemed like a huge hypocrite in some respects and this just wasn't acknowledged at all. She was also just so bland. I did however LOVE the other main character, Griffin. I loved hearing about her being a chef and about her family life. I want to date her myself!!
Thirdly, the sex scenes were a bit too cringe for me. And some of the romantic scenes that weren't explicit were too. But this wasn't a massive thing, just something to note.
Overall I did really quite enjoy this, until about three quarters of the way through where my enjoyment was overshadowed by how annoying I was finding Rachel to be. I've never read something so Sapphic though, which I absolutely loved! So many of the characters were lesbian or gay, even if the gay characters were incredibly stereotypical. I also loved the inclusion of the chef competition, I wish it came in earlier on the plot because I wanted more of it!
If you're looking for a fun lesbian romance orientated around food, I'd recommend this book to you!
I wanted to like this book as I love the chick lit genre. It was well written, and engaging.
I like the main characters, both are people we can relate to most of the time. The surrounding characters all were very well written, and real. Rachel's parents were pretty neat.
However, the pacing seemed off. At first it was a regular hard-to-get romance that gave the book a bit of suspense: will Rachel let her in or not? But then out of nowhere, they're having phone sex. There goes the suspense. The book then shifts pace a bit and its about them dating, but not actually calling it "dating".
There was a lot of talk about fear of commitment and fear of trust, but there were no actions to support such words. For all sense and purposes they were on a relationship. They meet each other's families, they meet the friends, everyone loves them together, there's absolutely no negatives to their relationship except what they keep telling us in their heads. One minute Rachel is lamenting how she doesn't like that Griffin is not committing, but then out of nowhere she's totally okay that Griffin decided to spend a single measly night with her.
The context for some of the actions for the characters were strange as well. Griffin not saying that she will be gone somewhere where she has no contact for 3 weeks, Rachel accepting her return like it was not an issue,: no pillow talk? no how are you? I'm hurt you left for 3 weeks?
Overall, I think the author has great potential, but I'm left wanting. As a side note, I was pleasantly surprised that they introduced toys into their relationship, that was refreshing to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed this book but couldn't really get into it. I liked the fact that it was a slow burn but at the same time it felt very perfunctory. The confrontation with the ex was too reasonable. Rachel's attitude to Griffin sneaking out without saying goodbye after sex too accepting. Griffin's casual approach response to Rachel asking if she was someone to spend her life with. It seemed real in the sense of two people who accept each other's idiosyncrasies, but it didn't read like an epic love story. None of the things that could have been stretched out as a conflict ever were. I could see these as real people going about their life but as a story it wasn't as interesting as I would have hoped. The ending especially bothered me - Griffin seemed to do a 180 in her attitude to the relationship but other than a few vague statements about missing Rachel more than she thought, there was no evidence that she was actually invested in the relationship. The whole time it seemed the opposite actually, especially when Rachel was so accommodating and nice about seeing her only once a week, setting up the surprise visit to the family. Other than agreeing with her brothers that Rachel was "a keeper", she didn't seem that into her really in the way her emotional life was told.
There's a lot to like here, though in some ways it feels pretty choppy (the reality-show plot felt shoehorned in, almost like it belonged in a different book). I was also put off by how hard Griffin worked to win Rachel over, only to back off on a commitment once Rachel was on board -- that turnaround felt like it came out of nowhere. Of course, it all comes out right in the end, so I couldn't be too annoyed about the antics that came before.
Also really enjoyed the supporting cast here -- the best-friend couple is very nice and both Rachel's and Griffin's families were a hoot.
The book had great promise. Opposites, high level chefs and cooking contests, good friends and family and good chemistry. I just never found the attraction always believable. As usual, lack of communication led to mis understandings and secrecy. You can’t build a relationship without it. By the end of the story, I just wanted it to be over. Even the cooking contest felt anticlimactic. At least it is HEA.
It's easy to read and like able enough but... I found they storyline annoyingly predictable and in need of a good edit overall -- it was often v hard to work out which character's voice was 'speaking' at any one time and hard to work out what they were saying vs what they were thinking. Enjoyable enough but far from the best in its genre for mine.
I was interested in the idea of a fluffy, non-angst lesbian romance but this was not it. The writing itself reads so much like a first draft with no edits that it was impossible to get past four chapters. The story idea itself was cute, but the author overloaded every single sentence with so much unnecessary detail and exposition that I'm not sure how it won an award. I would not read again.
Read Harder - a LBGTQ romance. Just OK. The story was really predictable (even for romance) and lacked the witty banter and "fun" that are the main reasons I like romance.
1. I think the synopsis is cute but typical. A broken hearted woman who’s not ready to fall in love and a player who doesn’t want to settle because she’s focused with her career but found love from each other.
2. I like Griffin‘s idea of wooing Rachel. Taking Rachel to restaurants of different cuisines around the world without leaving their country was genius. Although it might be easy on Griffin since she is a chef and knows where the amazing food are, still she gets brownie points for the effort and uniqueness.
3. What was lacking was the chemistry between the two. We know that they like each other very much but was not portrayed intensely. Despite the sexual adventures, it wasn’t quite there to make you feel what they are feeling.
4. The portrayal of their Sunday dates weren’t described in detail...which was supposed to be the core of this book. I was anticipating food being explained delicately that you can actually taste and appreciate them more but it didn’t.
5. The contest or the reality show where Griffin joined was a nice twist for the story. However it was really predictable. I’ve already guessed that Griffin’s ex, Ronnie, would be there and obviously, Griffin will win the contest.
6. Despite the predictability of the story, my favorite part was the finale. I like where Rachel’s mom tried to get Griffin’s attention by whistling so loud that the audience looked at her. I think it was really funny and entertaining.
7. Again, the description of food was lacking. I mean it was a cooking contest, they could’ve described the food more or at least explained how Griffin won over Veronica. What was Erica’s dessert? I didn’t even know what Veronica’s dishes were except for the lasagna. What was Griffin’s advantage? What did she do that impressed judges more than Veronica did?
8. I think it was a bold move of Griffin the live Match and open her own restaurant with her brothers back home in honor for their grandfather especially that she won the contest. She also found a way to “propose” to Rachel. Very subtle but effective.
9. Overall if there’s going to be a part two, I will definitely read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I want to start this review by saying that I don't understand how this book won an award. I can't say it's the worst book I've read because the style of narration is quite pleasurable. However, there is a major flaw in character development, which makes the entire experience disappointing. The protagonists think one thing about each other and/or the situation and do something else all together, leaving the reader very confused. It feels like the reader, who is taken on a very interesting journey with this book, suffers from a few blackouts at key points along the way, and so can't make sense of how one thing leads to another.
For instance,
These issues are central to the plot and I'm surprised the jury didn't notice them.
Episode 1 (several questions together): Dear Get Booked, I’d like a recommendation for my book hangover. I just read A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara and I’m torn. Why did [spoiler]? Why couldn’t [redacted]? Why didn’t he ever get to [spoiler]? WHY!!!!! The point is, I’m having a serious book hangover. I’m switching over to ‘light’ reading but I’m still haunted by the events of the book. I really enjoy literary fiction and lesbian romance. I really enjoyed The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt last summer and one of my favorite books is Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg. Help me out guys! I’m a librarian who is mega hungover and I don’t know what to do. Thank you! -Marissa Dear Get Booked, So, I just finished A Little Life and I’m afraid I’m never gonna find the strength to pickup another book… ever… And so here’s my situation: I LOVE to read, but been slightly traumatized I don’t know what to read next. Of course my TBR is gigantic and all that, but I’m just in this huge hangover and can’t decide what to read. I don’t necessarily want anything too fluffy (to contrast with A Little Life). I wanted something thought provoking but not depressing. Do you have something for me? Thanks very much!! You’re my favorites. I love the site, the podcasts, the YouTube channel (stalker much?) -Roberta Recommended by: Amanda
I’d rate this 2.5 stars. The book was pretty boring and the main characters lacked chemistry. The jealousy plot line was obvious but even without that the main characters have a pretty dysfunctional relationship. Up until Griffin leaves, for the show, she refuses to even mentally refer to Rachel as her girlfriend and mostly treats her as a friend with benefits. Then they get to spend some brief and not entirely happy time together before they break up. Which somehow results in a proposal and happily ever after.
From the beginning Griffin doesn’t seem interested in an exclusive relationship much less a wife and kids. However the book has a happy ending because she just randomly changes her mind. The emotions in this book seem fake so the book is boring enough to make getting through it a bit of a slog.
I don’t read much romance, but I enjoyed this light, breezy read.
After a bad break-up, Rachel’s friends fix her up on a blind date with sexy celebrity chef Griffin. Rachel isn’t sure she wants another relationship, but Griffin persuades Rachel to spend the next six months of Sundays exploring local New York restaurants in a sort of culinary trip around the world. (One of the benefits of living in a big city is having access to diverse food!)
I liked the way their relationship evolved. The most awkward part was trying to visualize the sex scenes when both characters were “she/her.” I kept having to go back and reread to keep track of who was on top!
This isn't a book that will make you think, but I don't think that is why you are interested in it. The characters are relatable and likeable. The plot is easy to follow and although the sex sceans are steamy they don't take center stage. I'm not normally a romance reader, but I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick read that will give you the warm and fuzzies and leave you wanting to know what happens to the characters after you turn the last page.
A light and fun romance that had some pacing issues, as well as extraneous drama and plot twists that I don’t think were completely necessary. The premise was interesting, but hardly any time was spent during the rest of the week, that they could’ve been dating nonstop and I would think have known the difference. But there was a nice discussion of family, finding where you belong, work/life balance, and feeling comfortable in your own skin.
I read this twice in two days. Adorable fluff, totally cliché.
I loved it. Absolutely would recommend if you're looking for some sweet sexy lady action and thoughtful gestures leading into s pretty believable relationship.
Fairly predictable, but a pleasant enough easy read. I liked the characters quite a bit, although the "conflict" in the story was fairly contrived. Enjoyable regardless.
The perfect book to read on Valentines Day. I could nitpick about all the things I found troubling, including Griffith, but this was a really well written romance. One of the best I've read so far this year. I think I might have to read more by her. I'm starting to love her writing.
This was cute and comfortingly predictable. I like that the main character's name was Rachel (e.g. not a gender ambiguous or masculine nickname like 'Jack short for Jacqueline' or 'Ryder'). To be fair, the love interest's name is Griffin so silly names weren't completely avoided. I found Rachel easier to relate to than most romance novel protagonists; she is insecure but with valid reasons and doesn't count on Griffin to fix her life for her. Their romance is paced well for a novel (IRL these b*tches are hardcore U-Hauling. Slow it down ladies!) and the feels are genuine.
The novel had a lot of subplots thrown into it, but I enjoyed the idea of Griffin being a chef who competes on a Next Iron Chef type reality show. It was a neat and original idea. It still involved many (but not all!) lesbian novel tropes such as: seemingly everyone not blood related to the characters' was gay, both characters needed to analyze and process failed relationships with their exes before moving forward, and they decided to move across country together .
Also the book contains this cringe-worthy line: . Despite that, a solid romance and one that makes me consider reading more by Yolanda Wallace
Month of Sundays was the first romance novel I ever read, and I still recommend it to people almost a year later. Rachel, an accountant who is reeling from a recent break-up, is ambushed with a blind date with Griffin, a chefbian (celebrity chef of the lesbian variety). But Griffin is about to begin filming a food competition show (much like Top Chef), so the timing isn’t ideal for either of them. They make a deal: Griffin will take Rachel on a culinary trip around the world, one Sunday at a time. Work and timing and a bit of drama get in the way, but a great romance ensues. Things this book has going for it: fun characters; food; celebrity chef antics. No wonder it won the 2013 Lambda Literary Award for Best Lesbian Romance.
I was kind of disappointed in this story. It was one that came highly recommended to me and I was pretty excited to read it the way you are excited to see a movie after all the awesome previews only to find out that it doesn't live up to the hype. Month of Sundays just had such potential to be a long slow romance but that ended after the second Sunday date. Taking my expectations out of the picture though, it was an interesting idea of romancing a woman over 30 Sundays though I didn't feel like the characters really bought into the romance and the relationship and in a couple of scenes I almost felt they were acting opposite of how they were set up for the reader. I think I would have had a better experience if it wasn't so built up to start with.
First off, this book is garbage. Harmless garbage, sure, maybe even enjoyable garbage for the right reader, but garbage. It’s cheesy, overwritten, and clunky. Plus, the author explains every single pop culture reference she makes. Like, let your reader figure out herself, god, and stop wasting time explaining what Sweet Valley High is.
On top of that, she references the Giants’ recent Super Bowl wins AND the 1986 World Series, AND “The Muppets Show,” so like. Fuck this book.
At least there were fairly hot sex scenes. Two stars for the sex scenes.