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Frosty Harbor #2
One Tasty Pucking Meet Cute
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Penelope Bloom returns with a laugh-out-loud hockey romance about a double-booking that leads to a second chance nobody asked for.
After two years of culinary grind, I was about to land my dream job.
Nothing, absolutely nothing, could dampen my spirits.
Or so I thought... until fate decided to hit me with a dirty little plot twist.
My cozy, one-bedroom cabin rental is double-booked.
With whom, you ask?
None other than my ex, the NHL star with a knack for making headlines from his off-field conquests since we called it quits.
No big deal, though. Right?
We’re adults. We moved on.
I’ll just ace my interview and he’ll stick to his annoyingly sexy little corner. Simple.
But then he shows up looking like sin dipped in honey.
Sandy blonde hair, a scar cut across his full lips, and that all-too-familiar aura of attraction.
And the spark? It’s more like kindling doused in lighter fluid.
One wrong look and I know we’d be setting that bed ablaze.
But he saves us both when he opens his mouth.
He’s not the man I dated anymore.
Now he’s a challenge-seeking Casanova.
All I am to him is a trophy he missed his shot at.
So I exile him to the couch and firmly decide I’m still focused on my future, not our past.
Except the universe has one last curveball to throw.
The restaurant I’ve been dreaming of working in? Nobody told me it’s his latest business venture.
He’s not just my ex. He’s about to become my boss, too.
Full-length second-chance romance filled with laugh-out-loud moments and electric chemistry. The last thing she expected was for her ex, now a hotshot NHL star turned restaurateur, to be her boss. Old flames reignite, and they'll have to navigate the thin ice between love and ambition.
After two years of culinary grind, I was about to land my dream job.
Nothing, absolutely nothing, could dampen my spirits.
Or so I thought... until fate decided to hit me with a dirty little plot twist.
My cozy, one-bedroom cabin rental is double-booked.
With whom, you ask?
None other than my ex, the NHL star with a knack for making headlines from his off-field conquests since we called it quits.
No big deal, though. Right?
We’re adults. We moved on.
I’ll just ace my interview and he’ll stick to his annoyingly sexy little corner. Simple.
But then he shows up looking like sin dipped in honey.
Sandy blonde hair, a scar cut across his full lips, and that all-too-familiar aura of attraction.
And the spark? It’s more like kindling doused in lighter fluid.
One wrong look and I know we’d be setting that bed ablaze.
But he saves us both when he opens his mouth.
He’s not the man I dated anymore.
Now he’s a challenge-seeking Casanova.
All I am to him is a trophy he missed his shot at.
So I exile him to the couch and firmly decide I’m still focused on my future, not our past.
Except the universe has one last curveball to throw.
The restaurant I’ve been dreaming of working in? Nobody told me it’s his latest business venture.
He’s not just my ex. He’s about to become my boss, too.
Full-length second-chance romance filled with laugh-out-loud moments and electric chemistry. The last thing she expected was for her ex, now a hotshot NHL star turned restaurateur, to be her boss. Old flames reignite, and they'll have to navigate the thin ice between love and ambition.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2024
449 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Bloom
69 books2,620 followersUSA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts Bestselling author Penelope Bloom is taking her first flight into romantasy—and yes, there are dragons. After years of contemporary romance, she's temporarily trading meet-cutes for magical academies and coffee shops for castles that reek of blood. She promises the banter is just as sharp, but now it comes with deadly consequences.
Fun fact: “Penelope Bloom” started as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the family dog, Penelope—never meant to be anything serious. But then the books took off, and the name stuck. Behind the scenes, Penelope Bloom is actually a husband-and-wife team. He handles the writing; she edits, helps with brainstorming, and runs the reader-facing side of things (like social media and messages). So if you’ve chatted with “Penelope” online, you’ve likely been talking to her—with the author chiming in whenever needed. Together, they’ve built the voice readers know and love.
Fun fact: “Penelope Bloom” started as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the family dog, Penelope—never meant to be anything serious. But then the books took off, and the name stuck. Behind the scenes, Penelope Bloom is actually a husband-and-wife team. He handles the writing; she edits, helps with brainstorming, and runs the reader-facing side of things (like social media and messages). So if you’ve chatted with “Penelope” online, you’ve likely been talking to her—with the author chiming in whenever needed. Together, they’ve built the voice readers know and love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 15, 2024
I've read an really enjoyed other books by this author but wasn't a big fan of this one.
Nolan is the big burly hockey player, who loves to cook and is opening a restaurant in his hometown while Mia is an aspiring chef. I will say the book description only applied to roughly the first 10/15% of the book. Most of it was set over the course of approx a year.
My biggest issue with this book was the miscommunication. There wasn't just one misunderstanding, there were constant moments of miscommunication or lack of communication that I felt made the story drag and meant we couldn't see the main characters together and root for them as a couple because when the reader is exposed to them as a couple they're either arguing or avoiding their feelings.
I also feel that as a reader I like to discover things about the characters and plot, to watch aspects of personalities unfold or things aluded to so I can join the dots before a reveal later in the book but this book more "tell" than "show". I was constantly told how someone thought or felt and the exact reason why, rather than feeling it which made it hard for me to really connect with the characters.
Honest ARC review.
Nolan is the big burly hockey player, who loves to cook and is opening a restaurant in his hometown while Mia is an aspiring chef. I will say the book description only applied to roughly the first 10/15% of the book. Most of it was set over the course of approx a year.
My biggest issue with this book was the miscommunication. There wasn't just one misunderstanding, there were constant moments of miscommunication or lack of communication that I felt made the story drag and meant we couldn't see the main characters together and root for them as a couple because when the reader is exposed to them as a couple they're either arguing or avoiding their feelings.
I also feel that as a reader I like to discover things about the characters and plot, to watch aspects of personalities unfold or things aluded to so I can join the dots before a reveal later in the book but this book more "tell" than "show". I was constantly told how someone thought or felt and the exact reason why, rather than feeling it which made it hard for me to really connect with the characters.
Honest ARC review.
March 22, 2024
Terrible behavior by heroine
I couldn’t handle how terrible this heroine was treating the hero. HE DID NOTHING WRONG. From the beginning when they met he was good to her. She kept treating him poorly and talking to him in a way that was belittling at times. He deserved better. I have no idea why he would want to be with Mia.
I couldn’t handle how terrible this heroine was treating the hero. HE DID NOTHING WRONG. From the beginning when they met he was good to her. She kept treating him poorly and talking to him in a way that was belittling at times. He deserved better. I have no idea why he would want to be with Mia.
March 16, 2024
3 stars.
Did I miss the memo that this was 2 something years later from the first book?
The details of how their relationship ended took FOREVER to come through and it was frustrating to sit through the main characters dynamic while wondering wtf happened.
And then when it all came to, it was so anticlimactic.
The writing itself was the reason I gave it 3 stars rather than 2 or 2.5.
I was looking forward to this one after the first book and now I’m unsure if I’ll read the next one.
Did I miss the memo that this was 2 something years later from the first book?
The details of how their relationship ended took FOREVER to come through and it was frustrating to sit through the main characters dynamic while wondering wtf happened.
And then when it all came to, it was so anticlimactic.
The writing itself was the reason I gave it 3 stars rather than 2 or 2.5.
I was looking forward to this one after the first book and now I’m unsure if I’ll read the next one.
April 19, 2024
Fun rom-com, but…
I’ve enjoyed both book one and two in this series, but I had to knock a star off because Google exists. I thought something was off in the timeline while reading book one, but book two made it glaringly obvious.
Hockey season does not end near “the holidays”, playoffs and the Stanley cup finals are late April to June, there should be no snow blanketing anything or frozen harbors…unless this is some perpetual White Christmas location in Vermont. I’m all good with alternate realities, but when the details are so rooted in reality, it’s just irksome. Is this Vermont in the southern hemisphere where snow can happen in June?
I really enjoy Penelope Bloom, I’m a fan, but if details like this throw you off/annoy you, maybe don’t read it. If you’ve started the series, it’s too late, you’re going to have to accept your fate like I am.
I’ve enjoyed both book one and two in this series, but I had to knock a star off because Google exists. I thought something was off in the timeline while reading book one, but book two made it glaringly obvious.
Hockey season does not end near “the holidays”, playoffs and the Stanley cup finals are late April to June, there should be no snow blanketing anything or frozen harbors…unless this is some perpetual White Christmas location in Vermont. I’m all good with alternate realities, but when the details are so rooted in reality, it’s just irksome. Is this Vermont in the southern hemisphere where snow can happen in June?
I really enjoy Penelope Bloom, I’m a fan, but if details like this throw you off/annoy you, maybe don’t read it. If you’ve started the series, it’s too late, you’re going to have to accept your fate like I am.
March 13, 2024
4.5 Tasty Stars🌟
One Tasty Pucking Meet Cute is the next book in this series and focuses on Nolan and Mia, whose we met in the previous book, that were involved in a cooking club. Nolan is a professional NHL player and Mia is a former figure skater, who was injured before reaching the Olympics. However, the ice isn’t where they have anything in common, but in the kitchen😍
A great story and some really funny laugh out loud moments…I’m hoping Caroline’s story is up next😊 I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and leave my honest review willingly❣️
One Tasty Pucking Meet Cute is the next book in this series and focuses on Nolan and Mia, whose we met in the previous book, that were involved in a cooking club. Nolan is a professional NHL player and Mia is a former figure skater, who was injured before reaching the Olympics. However, the ice isn’t where they have anything in common, but in the kitchen😍
A great story and some really funny laugh out loud moments…I’m hoping Caroline’s story is up next😊 I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and leave my honest review willingly❣️
March 30, 2024
maybe I’m just too old
I flipped through a lot of this because, well, the conversations were inane. Couple that with shallow character development and an emphasis on the physical, that is, sexual part of the “relationship” and telling the reader that a deep love will develop means half step up from outright porn.
If the guy is a super fit athlete whose chief thoughts are scoring goal and getting BJ, and the female whose mouth falls open because the guy has genitalia the size of a deformed horse, then this book is for you.
I flipped through a lot of this because, well, the conversations were inane. Couple that with shallow character development and an emphasis on the physical, that is, sexual part of the “relationship” and telling the reader that a deep love will develop means half step up from outright porn.
If the guy is a super fit athlete whose chief thoughts are scoring goal and getting BJ, and the female whose mouth falls open because the guy has genitalia the size of a deformed horse, then this book is for you.
March 8, 2024
3,5 ⭐️
It was great to be back at Frost Harbor. I loved Grams and her big mouth, she was hilarious. Also to see all the other characters like Jesse, Jake, Maddox, Liam and Carter again was great. They have a great vibe together, the camaraderie and silly banter. The love story between Nolan and Mia started off great but then I got a little frustrated. They are both so stubborn and don’t communicate, really frustrating. The way they treated each other wasn’t the right way. Luckily it ended better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was great to be back at Frost Harbor. I loved Grams and her big mouth, she was hilarious. Also to see all the other characters like Jesse, Jake, Maddox, Liam and Carter again was great. They have a great vibe together, the camaraderie and silly banter. The love story between Nolan and Mia started off great but then I got a little frustrated. They are both so stubborn and don’t communicate, really frustrating. The way they treated each other wasn’t the right way. Luckily it ended better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2024
Not as good as the first book
I was really disappointed in this book. I liked Nolan and Mia in the first book, however this book kinda ruined the characters. They were both horrible to each other for most of the book.
I was really disappointed in this book. I liked Nolan and Mia in the first book, however this book kinda ruined the characters. They were both horrible to each other for most of the book.
March 31, 2024
DNF at 46%.
The FMC was a raging asshole the entire time and the MMC just let her walk all over him.
The FMC was a raging asshole the entire time and the MMC just let her walk all over him.
October 2, 2024
The story started up really good up until one point. The development of the relationship was intriguing, but then the whole story was a big miscommunication or more like unsaid things that made everything very messy. The story dragged a lot in the middle because just when you think they are finally getting together, they actually get in a situationship and only hook up when he's back in town or the few times she goes to games. I also had a few issues with some of the details and plot:
• I don't know Mia's age. The timeline for her dreams being taken away from her and then her going to culinary school is very fuzzy. Perhaps they mentioned this in the first book, which I did not read, but then it seems like an important detail to be missed on her story. We only know Nolan's age in one of the last chapters, and this was bothering me the whole time.
• What a stupid kind of idea it was to be parading women around and making the woman you like think you don't care about her. Wow, what a gentleman.
• His mom coming back suddenly and him accepting her so easily after she freaking abandoned him for a man (his dad, who's an ass). I don't buy it.
• The retirement announcement scene was so cringe, he left her hanging for a few days and then gave an interview without telling anyone in advance? Talk about self absorbed.
• The spoilers at the end of the story, during the epilogue. I was thinking about reading the third book because I was curious and wanted to know if it was a surprised pregnancy, but then the characters had to talk about theories that should have been left for the main story. Now I don't give an f about it, I will just go ahead and read some spoilers in the reviews because I can't believe that she's going to hide a whole baby in plain sight from the dad (for some stupid reason, I bet). What a dumbass. Seems like all the women in this series are insufferable.
• The final epilogue was also too cringe. She's better than me because if a man asked me to marry him by writing it in his body like a banner, I would have say no. Respect me a little, why don't you.
Overall I laughed and enjoyed the book but I don't think I'm going to continue with the stories, I did not love anyone here (except Liam).
• I don't know Mia's age. The timeline for her dreams being taken away from her and then her going to culinary school is very fuzzy. Perhaps they mentioned this in the first book, which I did not read, but then it seems like an important detail to be missed on her story. We only know Nolan's age in one of the last chapters, and this was bothering me the whole time.
• What a stupid kind of idea it was to be parading women around and making the woman you like think you don't care about her. Wow, what a gentleman.
• His mom coming back suddenly and him accepting her so easily after she freaking abandoned him for a man (his dad, who's an ass). I don't buy it.
• The retirement announcement scene was so cringe, he left her hanging for a few days and then gave an interview without telling anyone in advance? Talk about self absorbed.
• The spoilers at the end of the story, during the epilogue. I was thinking about reading the third book because I was curious and wanted to know if it was a surprised pregnancy, but then the characters had to talk about theories that should have been left for the main story. Now I don't give an f about it, I will just go ahead and read some spoilers in the reviews because I can't believe that she's going to hide a whole baby in plain sight from the dad (for some stupid reason, I bet). What a dumbass. Seems like all the women in this series are insufferable.
• The final epilogue was also too cringe. She's better than me because if a man asked me to marry him by writing it in his body like a banner, I would have say no. Respect me a little, why don't you.
Overall I laughed and enjoyed the book but I don't think I'm going to continue with the stories, I did not love anyone here (except Liam).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2024
One Tasty Pucking Meet Cute is the story of how Nolan and Mia finally figure out their relationship. Nolan wants to play with his hockey team until they win the Stanley Cup. He is excited to open his own restaurant but he’s not happy that he can’t be a part of it day to day while he’s still part of the team. Mia has earned her culinary degree and can’t wait to start her career. She is so excited that a new fine dining restaurant is opening in her hometown, and she can’t wait to interview. The only problem is that she has no idea it belongs to Nolan. What happens when two hardheaded people find themselves together again? Will they kill each other or find love?
The author has created a fun world full of interesting people. It was so much fun to revisit everyone in Frosty Harbor. I like that Nolan and Mia broke up after One Frosty Pucking Meet Cute and they had a couple of years apart to work on their careers and themselves. Yes, Nolan acted like a man**ore during that time, but the author has an excellent story around that. I won’t give it away. I like that Mia listened to Nolan when he talked about his actions over those two years and gave him a chance to explain. It was cute how Nolan got all growly and wanted Mia close to him but didn’t want to be in a relationship with her. The author did a good job keeping that part of the book sweet and not crossing the line into creepy territory. Mia is smart and hardworking. It was nice to see how she went from just being interested in cooking in book one to getting her culinary degree and pursuing a passion. There are a lot of fun side characters and situations that round out the book nicely.
This book is a contemporary second chance romance that just happens to include the members of a hockey team. It takes place in Frosty Harbor. I look forward to finding out how the rest of the hockey team finds love. I will read more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author has created a fun world full of interesting people. It was so much fun to revisit everyone in Frosty Harbor. I like that Nolan and Mia broke up after One Frosty Pucking Meet Cute and they had a couple of years apart to work on their careers and themselves. Yes, Nolan acted like a man**ore during that time, but the author has an excellent story around that. I won’t give it away. I like that Mia listened to Nolan when he talked about his actions over those two years and gave him a chance to explain. It was cute how Nolan got all growly and wanted Mia close to him but didn’t want to be in a relationship with her. The author did a good job keeping that part of the book sweet and not crossing the line into creepy territory. Mia is smart and hardworking. It was nice to see how she went from just being interested in cooking in book one to getting her culinary degree and pursuing a passion. There are a lot of fun side characters and situations that round out the book nicely.
This book is a contemporary second chance romance that just happens to include the members of a hockey team. It takes place in Frosty Harbor. I look forward to finding out how the rest of the hockey team finds love. I will read more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2024
A great addition to this series!
Is what these two characters have; a friends with benefits or acquaintances with benefits or a co-workers with benefits relationship? Nolan is the hockey goalie on the Vermont Vandals. He’s now going to open a new restaurant in Frosty Harbor called Taste now that it’s the off season. He is also a chef. Mia has been away from home in culinary school for two years. She’s home now and applying for a job at a new restaurant. Gee, can you guess which one? Nolan doesn’t know she’s applying, and Mia doesn’t know he owns the restaurant. Two years ago they had a thing. She broke up with Nolan because of the distance thing, and then she left for school, and he left to play professional hockey. She hears Nolan has turned into a playboy, at the very least. To boot, she’s staying in one of her Gram’s rental cabins, and her Grams overbooked, and now Nolan is staying there too. Nolan finds out on the plane from his teammate that Mia is back home. Nolan and Mia start with so much animosity for each other, it’s hard to imagine anything beyond that. Feelings go deep, but not only because of their prior short relationship. Other things happened to Nolan which no one knows about. His scars runs deep. A wonderful story about overcoming what you originally thought and breaking down your walls. The camaraderie of the others characters is great, especially Grams. I love her!
Is what these two characters have; a friends with benefits or acquaintances with benefits or a co-workers with benefits relationship? Nolan is the hockey goalie on the Vermont Vandals. He’s now going to open a new restaurant in Frosty Harbor called Taste now that it’s the off season. He is also a chef. Mia has been away from home in culinary school for two years. She’s home now and applying for a job at a new restaurant. Gee, can you guess which one? Nolan doesn’t know she’s applying, and Mia doesn’t know he owns the restaurant. Two years ago they had a thing. She broke up with Nolan because of the distance thing, and then she left for school, and he left to play professional hockey. She hears Nolan has turned into a playboy, at the very least. To boot, she’s staying in one of her Gram’s rental cabins, and her Grams overbooked, and now Nolan is staying there too. Nolan finds out on the plane from his teammate that Mia is back home. Nolan and Mia start with so much animosity for each other, it’s hard to imagine anything beyond that. Feelings go deep, but not only because of their prior short relationship. Other things happened to Nolan which no one knows about. His scars runs deep. A wonderful story about overcoming what you originally thought and breaking down your walls. The camaraderie of the others characters is great, especially Grams. I love her!
March 11, 2024
Return to Frosty Harbor.
This place is magical for true romance to bloom and keep you there for the long run.
Nolan has always found cooking a happy place for him but Hockey is his true love. During the off season the gang returns to Frosty Harbor and Nolan embarks on opening his dream.. Taste. Creating the menu and now picking the staff, he is ready to make his dream a reality.
Mia has returned from culinary school and is ready to get her career on track. Her plan is to get hired at Taste and everything will fall into place. One little thing that the her besties didn’t tell her is who the own is. During her interview with the head chef walks in is her Nolan. She can’t seem to get a break. First Grams double books the cabin and they are both forces to live there and now her dream job. Fate is making their presence known and will get them back together.
The fire that is between the two is still there and the attraction is off the charts. Neither want to admit they have feelings for one another but still move forward with living and working together gets heated fast.
Gram’s is working her unique talent and the guys, well they each have a take on what needs to happen when it comes to Nolan and Mia. This group is the type that you want to have in your life because they will always be there for each other no matter what.
Voluntary leaving a review for an arc copy.
This place is magical for true romance to bloom and keep you there for the long run.
Nolan has always found cooking a happy place for him but Hockey is his true love. During the off season the gang returns to Frosty Harbor and Nolan embarks on opening his dream.. Taste. Creating the menu and now picking the staff, he is ready to make his dream a reality.
Mia has returned from culinary school and is ready to get her career on track. Her plan is to get hired at Taste and everything will fall into place. One little thing that the her besties didn’t tell her is who the own is. During her interview with the head chef walks in is her Nolan. She can’t seem to get a break. First Grams double books the cabin and they are both forces to live there and now her dream job. Fate is making their presence known and will get them back together.
The fire that is between the two is still there and the attraction is off the charts. Neither want to admit they have feelings for one another but still move forward with living and working together gets heated fast.
Gram’s is working her unique talent and the guys, well they each have a take on what needs to happen when it comes to Nolan and Mia. This group is the type that you want to have in your life because they will always be there for each other no matter what.
Voluntary leaving a review for an arc copy.
March 13, 2024
What a unique 2nd chance at love for a NHL goalie, Nolan and a fresh out of culinary school, Mia are given in this cheeky love story that sees them meeting again in her hometown. Mia is excited for an opportunity to work in the kitchen of a new restaurant, Taste only to find out that it’s owned by Nolan her ex. Also the cabin she’s renting from her Grandmother is one meddling grandmother who sets up Mia and Nolan with a 1 bedroom cabin! There is tension and confusion from Mia as she knows Nolan is a playboy going from one woman to another and he makes comments that have Mia seeing red with a bit more. Things are going well in the off season for Taste until Nolan and his head chef are trying to claim Mia. At the same time Nolan has been unhappy and his teammates know something is up but Nolan keeps it all to himself. These two know how to push each other’s buttons and boundaries and Mia finds herself wanting to give in and eventually does only for a false hope of more. Then during the Stanley Cup playoffs Nolan’s teammates have an intervention forcing him to come to terms with what’s going on in his head and heart! These guys and their women are absolutely amazing group of friends and family! You have to love Mia’s grandmother who loves to give her two sense to everyone in her own crazy way. To two hard headed in love individuals finally getting on the same page. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2024
4.5* - Rounded up to 5...
Mia and Nolan had a thing two years ago, which didn't end well because of various personal issues that they never really communicated about with each other.
Now, Mia needs a job after finishing culinary school, and Nolan happens to be opening a new restaurant in her home town. And Mia's Grams is trying really hard to play match-maker.
This was a SUPER cute story. Mia's Grams and Edgar add a whole other level of comedy to the story, and I love their interactions.
The story shows how important communication is for a relationship, but that people have to actually know what they want to be able to communicate it. Mia and Nolan were both in sticky places in their lives where they had to make decisions about what they really wanted for their futures, and while they got along well, and had great chemistry, they also had history with each other, and other emotional damage from their pasts, that made working out their relationship hard. But through their own internal realisations, and the help and support of friends and loved ones, they were able to push through the trials, and find their love for each other that could help them truly be happy with themselves, and together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I look forward to reading more of Penelope Bloom's work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mia and Nolan had a thing two years ago, which didn't end well because of various personal issues that they never really communicated about with each other.
Now, Mia needs a job after finishing culinary school, and Nolan happens to be opening a new restaurant in her home town. And Mia's Grams is trying really hard to play match-maker.
This was a SUPER cute story. Mia's Grams and Edgar add a whole other level of comedy to the story, and I love their interactions.
The story shows how important communication is for a relationship, but that people have to actually know what they want to be able to communicate it. Mia and Nolan were both in sticky places in their lives where they had to make decisions about what they really wanted for their futures, and while they got along well, and had great chemistry, they also had history with each other, and other emotional damage from their pasts, that made working out their relationship hard. But through their own internal realisations, and the help and support of friends and loved ones, they were able to push through the trials, and find their love for each other that could help them truly be happy with themselves, and together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I look forward to reading more of Penelope Bloom's work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2024
If I wasn't already a fan of this author, this adorable hockey rom-com would have made me one.
This second chance story is very entertaining. Mia has achieved a career goal, but doesn't know the difficulties in her future. Even her grandmother (who is hysterical, 'cause she's not mine!) is conspiring to mess with her future. Mia is easy to connect with, and enjoy.
Nolan is a talented player, and solid with his teammates. Unfortunately, he has been lying to himself, and grumpy for a while now, and everyone is concerned. Mia showing up, in his new venture that's supposed to be enjoyable, with their history, is nothing but aggravating and pulls up emotions he's been burying.
(See? You need these characters in your life!!)
The push and pull between these two is addictive, entertaining, steamy, and fun. I really enjoyed their relationship resolution and HEA.
This is easy to read and enjoy. The connection between these characters and this team is fun and engaging. Mia's grandmother is irreverent in the way she messes with everyone! Love her!
I recommend this author and this read. I was fortunate to receive a complimentary copy of this book from the author (thank you ❤) and happily leave my review. Once you enjoy this one, grab more from this talented author's catalog of work.
This second chance story is very entertaining. Mia has achieved a career goal, but doesn't know the difficulties in her future. Even her grandmother (who is hysterical, 'cause she's not mine!) is conspiring to mess with her future. Mia is easy to connect with, and enjoy.
Nolan is a talented player, and solid with his teammates. Unfortunately, he has been lying to himself, and grumpy for a while now, and everyone is concerned. Mia showing up, in his new venture that's supposed to be enjoyable, with their history, is nothing but aggravating and pulls up emotions he's been burying.
(See? You need these characters in your life!!)
The push and pull between these two is addictive, entertaining, steamy, and fun. I really enjoyed their relationship resolution and HEA.
This is easy to read and enjoy. The connection between these characters and this team is fun and engaging. Mia's grandmother is irreverent in the way she messes with everyone! Love her!
I recommend this author and this read. I was fortunate to receive a complimentary copy of this book from the author (thank you ❤) and happily leave my review. Once you enjoy this one, grab more from this talented author's catalog of work.
March 17, 2024
This was a fun story. In this author’s typical fashion, the characters have great banter and there are many funny moments.
Mia has graduated culinary school and is moving back to her home town of Frosty Harbor for a position with a brand new restaurant, Taste, that will be opening soon. Mia is keen on making her mark so she can one day be head chef. Her grandmother has rented her a cabin and after a long day of travel, all she wants is a shower her bed. Too bad her grandmother and best friends had other ideas. Namely…Nolan.
Nolan followed his dream all the way to the NHL. He’s been successful both on and off the ice, except in the love department. He’s on his way to the little town of Frosty Harbor for the off season so that he can follow another passion - cooking. He’s invested a good deal of money in the new restaurant he’s opening. His friends deposit him outside the cabin he’s renting. The problem is that, when he makes inside, he’s not alone.
This is a second chance romance filled with a lot of heart, witty banter, and steamy times. Both main characters are great, as is the supporting cast. Lots of laugh out loud moments to balance out the swoon-worthy ones.
Mia has graduated culinary school and is moving back to her home town of Frosty Harbor for a position with a brand new restaurant, Taste, that will be opening soon. Mia is keen on making her mark so she can one day be head chef. Her grandmother has rented her a cabin and after a long day of travel, all she wants is a shower her bed. Too bad her grandmother and best friends had other ideas. Namely…Nolan.
Nolan followed his dream all the way to the NHL. He’s been successful both on and off the ice, except in the love department. He’s on his way to the little town of Frosty Harbor for the off season so that he can follow another passion - cooking. He’s invested a good deal of money in the new restaurant he’s opening. His friends deposit him outside the cabin he’s renting. The problem is that, when he makes inside, he’s not alone.
This is a second chance romance filled with a lot of heart, witty banter, and steamy times. Both main characters are great, as is the supporting cast. Lots of laugh out loud moments to balance out the swoon-worthy ones.
March 6, 2024
Well-Written, Small Town, Slow-Burn, Second-Chance Rom-Com with Heart, Heat and Laughter
I LOVED this book from cover to cover -sounds better than electronic page flip! Mia and Nolan are complex characters who broke up two years ago for the "distance" reason (his hockey career, she went away to culinary school) and are now thrown back together to find that the feelings are still there. Add in interfering friends, "Grammy", and working together at his restaurant and the fun begins. The background characters: her friends and coworkers, his teammates, and especially Grammy and Edgar are often hysterically funny and I am hoping that many of them will have their own books in the series. But Nolan and Mia both had family baggage and pasts to deal with before they could open their hearts to more than just indulging in their off the charts chemistry. In reading their journey, I laughed, cried, cheered and was sad to see this book end -I can't wait for the next one - Enjoy!
I was sent an advanced reader copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I LOVED this book from cover to cover -sounds better than electronic page flip! Mia and Nolan are complex characters who broke up two years ago for the "distance" reason (his hockey career, she went away to culinary school) and are now thrown back together to find that the feelings are still there. Add in interfering friends, "Grammy", and working together at his restaurant and the fun begins. The background characters: her friends and coworkers, his teammates, and especially Grammy and Edgar are often hysterically funny and I am hoping that many of them will have their own books in the series. But Nolan and Mia both had family baggage and pasts to deal with before they could open their hearts to more than just indulging in their off the charts chemistry. In reading their journey, I laughed, cried, cheered and was sad to see this book end -I can't wait for the next one - Enjoy!
I was sent an advanced reader copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
March 9, 2024
I so love Penelope's sense of humor and how she incorporates into her characters, the sarcasm doesn't feel trite, and you feel like the characters are the friends just down the read. I even got my daughter hooked on Penelopes books.
I was laughing outloud reading this book. I had to stop and read sections to my husband because it was just so "classic us" that I knew he would laugh. I could only wish I had a Grams like that, and what a mouth. I aspire to be just like her, kick a**, and nothings been born yet that can take me out. But the stinky finger wisdom will become a mantra for my family.
It's surprising that Mia and Nolan finally pull their heads out, takes a lot of heart ache, but they make it work without a knife incident. Maddox's great oblivion still makes me laugh, but seriously is someone that clueless?
This is not a book to miss and I can't wait to find out about the mystery daddy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was laughing outloud reading this book. I had to stop and read sections to my husband because it was just so "classic us" that I knew he would laugh. I could only wish I had a Grams like that, and what a mouth. I aspire to be just like her, kick a**, and nothings been born yet that can take me out. But the stinky finger wisdom will become a mantra for my family.
It's surprising that Mia and Nolan finally pull their heads out, takes a lot of heart ache, but they make it work without a knife incident. Maddox's great oblivion still makes me laugh, but seriously is someone that clueless?
This is not a book to miss and I can't wait to find out about the mystery daddy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2024
While this can be read as a stand-alone, the story is so much more enjoyable if the series is read in order. I love how Penelope Bloom doesn't just give a quick fluff to the supporting characters. Each member of the team along with the main characters are well-rounded, 3-dimensional personalities. Why this is one of the few authors I will invest the time to read a 300+ page book as she packs it full of story. In fact, the team members' interactions sometimes nearly steal the show with their antics and actually had me laughing too loudly at times.
This is somewhat of a star crossed lovers story with many issues caused by lack of communications and setting themselves up to fail. Lots of food-related context as the title infers which could cause drooling. Quite a bit of angst along with plot twists but thankfully they both have a great set of friends for support and go to solid advice. I'd definitely give this book and series 5+ stars!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is somewhat of a star crossed lovers story with many issues caused by lack of communications and setting themselves up to fail. Lots of food-related context as the title infers which could cause drooling. Quite a bit of angst along with plot twists but thankfully they both have a great set of friends for support and go to solid advice. I'd definitely give this book and series 5+ stars!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2024
This was a second chance sports romance.
I had a hard time getting into the relationship between Mia and Nolan. Their inability to decide if they wanted a relationship was very frustrating for me as a reader.
Mia Calloway is a recent culinary school graduate. She moved back to her home town of Frosty Harbor to interview for a chef's job in a new restaurant called Taste.
Nolan Saulters is a goalie for the Vermont Vandals professional hockey team. He is the owner of Taste. He and Mia dated casually two years ago.
Mia reunites with her two best friends Caroline and Andi when she drives up to her rental (owned by her outrageous grandmother). She finds two greeting cards from her grams one addressed to her the other for Nolan. Her grams intentionally double booked the cabin so they share the cabin. The remainder of the book consists of Mia and Nolan trying to decide if they want a relationship or not.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had a hard time getting into the relationship between Mia and Nolan. Their inability to decide if they wanted a relationship was very frustrating for me as a reader.
Mia Calloway is a recent culinary school graduate. She moved back to her home town of Frosty Harbor to interview for a chef's job in a new restaurant called Taste.
Nolan Saulters is a goalie for the Vermont Vandals professional hockey team. He is the owner of Taste. He and Mia dated casually two years ago.
Mia reunites with her two best friends Caroline and Andi when she drives up to her rental (owned by her outrageous grandmother). She finds two greeting cards from her grams one addressed to her the other for Nolan. Her grams intentionally double booked the cabin so they share the cabin. The remainder of the book consists of Mia and Nolan trying to decide if they want a relationship or not.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2024
Having enjoyed the previous book (One Frosty Pucking Meet Cute) I was happy to return to the idyllic, small town of Frosty Harbor for Nolan and Mia’s story. When several aspects of this second chance romance missed the mark for me however, I came away disappointed.
I found Nolan and Mia’s lack of communication and assumptions beyond frustrating at times. Without knowing the reason for their breakup two years ago, Nolan’s attitude seemed mean-spirited and somewhat manipulative where Mia was concerned. Sadly, that early impression stuck with me throughout the story. And, given my rather warped sense of humour, I was surprised when I found myself cringing (rather than laughing) at Mia’s Grams’ over-the-top, rather lewd comments.
Overall, there’s plenty of drama & angst, some deception and several explicit sexual encounters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I found Nolan and Mia’s lack of communication and assumptions beyond frustrating at times. Without knowing the reason for their breakup two years ago, Nolan’s attitude seemed mean-spirited and somewhat manipulative where Mia was concerned. Sadly, that early impression stuck with me throughout the story. And, given my rather warped sense of humour, I was surprised when I found myself cringing (rather than laughing) at Mia’s Grams’ over-the-top, rather lewd comments.
Overall, there’s plenty of drama & angst, some deception and several explicit sexual encounters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2024
This book has a mix of funny with sweet. Grandma is a hoot, which guarantees full enjoyment. But things between Nolan and Mia are more than tense. They need all the help they can get. Mostly because their feelings are so bottled up, they are like a can of soda that's been shaken too many times before being opened. At first, you wonder how everything went so badly to cause such a change in Nolan's attitude and behavior? Or what scared Mia so much? But then you realize what is really causing the pain. And trust me, it takes a bit. As a reader, you are not privy to the info from early on. It feels like you have to work hard to earn the privilege. Just like Mia does. And that is what gives you satisfaction! It made the story special. After all, confiding in others and being vulnerable while also fighting for dreams is not easy. If you are going to bake the cake, you'll want to eat it too. I was entertained and touched by these characters.
December 18, 2024
I expected a smoother ride.
I admit I did expect Mia and Nolan to have a much less bumpy road than they had in One Tasty Pucking Meet Cute. After all of the references to a budding friendship/relationship in book one of this series, I would have liked for Nolan to be quite different than he was portrayed in his own book. Even with the backstory we finally received about why his attitude is this way now, I’m still not super impressed with the things Mia allowed him to get away with. Or, with the way he treated her through a lot of the story. Hot then cold. Sweet than condescending, cocky, and rude. What upset me the most, I think, is that even after Mia’s Gram and her friends found out what he had said to her… they implied it was up to HER to fix things. Now; after all of that I’d like to add that the humor found within this group of friends in book one is still very evident in this book and I can’t wait to read the next book!
I admit I did expect Mia and Nolan to have a much less bumpy road than they had in One Tasty Pucking Meet Cute. After all of the references to a budding friendship/relationship in book one of this series, I would have liked for Nolan to be quite different than he was portrayed in his own book. Even with the backstory we finally received about why his attitude is this way now, I’m still not super impressed with the things Mia allowed him to get away with. Or, with the way he treated her through a lot of the story. Hot then cold. Sweet than condescending, cocky, and rude. What upset me the most, I think, is that even after Mia’s Gram and her friends found out what he had said to her… they implied it was up to HER to fix things. Now; after all of that I’d like to add that the humor found within this group of friends in book one is still very evident in this book and I can’t wait to read the next book!
March 7, 2024
First note: Three stars *** for me means it was worth the read.
It was a cute story. I just couldn't connect with them as a couple. I never did get a solid sense of how long the couple dated the first time and I felt the angst was overblown based on what information we did get.
Nolan, the MMC, acted way too young for where he was in life and I didn't like him much. I did like Mia. She was solid. Chased after her dreams. Muddled her way through a hot and cold situation with Nolan and put up with her mean grandmother without telling her to eff off, not even once!
It was nice revisiting people from the first book in the series, but this is a standalone. I will go on to read the upcoming books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was a cute story. I just couldn't connect with them as a couple. I never did get a solid sense of how long the couple dated the first time and I felt the angst was overblown based on what information we did get.
Nolan, the MMC, acted way too young for where he was in life and I didn't like him much. I did like Mia. She was solid. Chased after her dreams. Muddled her way through a hot and cold situation with Nolan and put up with her mean grandmother without telling her to eff off, not even once!
It was nice revisiting people from the first book in the series, but this is a standalone. I will go on to read the upcoming books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2024
I fell in love with all the sass and snark between Nolan and Mia in the first book. It almost killed me to see where all that chemistry landed them at the beginning of this one. Things happened and all was not well between our skating chefs. But all those sparks were still there, still drawing them together. I loved these two, but I kind of hated their inability to have a single honest, adult conversation with one another. And while I had loads of fun being a bystander to the car crash that were the senior citizen hijinks, some of the comments went a smidge farther than I was entirely comfortable with. I adored having the opportunity to come back to Frosty Harbor and seeing all these characters again, and I can’t wait until we get our next chance to come back.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Booksprout.
March 12, 2024
This is a fun lighthearted story of good friends, team spirit, and second chances. Mia and Nolan were in a relationship when she broke things off. He had dreams of the NHL and she was following her dreams by going to college to become a chef. Now two years later she has an opportunity for a dream job in a new restaurant in her hometown. But fate (and her interfering Grams) brings them back together. The chemistry is still there as strong as ever, but the problems that kept them apart the first time haven't changed.
I love the team dynamic, these guys are really hilarious together! And Grams really stole the show, you never knew what was going to come out of her mouth next. This book is part of a series but reads as a standalone. I can't wait to read more about this quirky group.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the team dynamic, these guys are really hilarious together! And Grams really stole the show, you never knew what was going to come out of her mouth next. This book is part of a series but reads as a standalone. I can't wait to read more about this quirky group.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 17, 2024
Love this second Frosty Harbor story! This is about Nolan and Mia. Although they had been a couple a couple of years prior to this encounter, their feelings have not changed, but because Mia broke up with Nolan, he is making her suffer. Of course, you have to love grandma in this book; she overbooked both of them in her rental and left them notes that will make you laugh! The book is funny, and some sad news does come about, but some exciting ones are also shared, which makes it awesome. I was hoping to see if Zander would return with his sister and have a hockey player fall in love with her. Now I guess the next book has to be on Caroline and probably Jake? I can't wait!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2024
- Second chance
- Hockey romance
- Workplace romance
In the first book of the Frosty Harbor series, we met Nolan and Mia, who had a fling. But things didn't work out between them and they parted ways - Nolan to play hockey and Mia to attend culinary school. Flash forward 2 years. Mia is back in Frosty Harbor, excited to work at a new restaurant in town. However, she doesn't realize that Nolan owns it...
MIa's grandmother is a bit of a matchmaker in this book and (oops) has both Nolan and Mia staying in her cabin. Sparks fly as these former lovers square off.
Such a cute and feisty story. I absolutely enjoy this author's writing style!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
- Hockey romance
- Workplace romance
In the first book of the Frosty Harbor series, we met Nolan and Mia, who had a fling. But things didn't work out between them and they parted ways - Nolan to play hockey and Mia to attend culinary school. Flash forward 2 years. Mia is back in Frosty Harbor, excited to work at a new restaurant in town. However, she doesn't realize that Nolan owns it...
MIa's grandmother is a bit of a matchmaker in this book and (oops) has both Nolan and Mia staying in her cabin. Sparks fly as these former lovers square off.
Such a cute and feisty story. I absolutely enjoy this author's writing style!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2024
Penelope Bloom books are always my go-to for laugh out loud comedy mixed with great romance. I don’t know how she comes up with these stories. They are always fresh and entertaining making me cry laugh at the one-liners. Mia and Nolan are in for a second chance romance but both are too stubborn for their own good, we get some help from Gram’s in her own unique way. Mia is back in town after culinary school for a job at a new restaurant when in walks Nolan her ex is the owner. Then if things couldn’t get worse the cabin she is staying in double booked her. Who was it double booked with, Nolan. Fate keeps pushing these two together. This whole series and the town of Frosty Harbor has my heart and I can’t wait for the next book to release.
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