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Lunchtime Chronicles: Caramel Apple Cupcake: Lunchtime Chronicles Season 7

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Harper
All I’ve ever wanted to be was wanted just for me. My brother was my parents golden child while I was the oops baby. People who I thought were my friends only hung around me to get to my brother. Ex-boyfriends wanted an in with my dad. You get the idea…I hate being used but I also despise being alone. Which is how I found myself sitting at his bar night after night. I didn’t go to drink or talk to others, but to simply be in a room with others. Anders though, he didn’t know who I was and saw me for me. We started out as strangers but ended up as lovers. I can’t help but wonder though, will he leave me too when he realizes who I am?

Anders
I knew as soon as she walked into my bar who she was. I’ve seen her photo in the newspaper standing next to her family more times than I can count. Still, just because she’s the daughter of one of our towns founding families doesn’t mean I’m going to treat her any differently than I do anyone else. I had a lot of assumptions about who she would be but Harper blew them all out of the water. I mean, who goes to a bar to read? She does, that’s who. Over time I wore her down and became her friend. Somehow I found myself wanting her, so when one night I see my chance, I take it. Only she didn’t realize I was playing for keeps.


*BWWM Romance, Interracial, Steamy, Friends to Lovers*

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2024

113 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

About the author

Reana Malori

89 books388 followers
The characters I write will not be perfect. None of us are. They will make mistakes. All of the hero's will have redeeming qualities, but on the outset, you may not be their biggest fan. My heroine's will be the kind of women you want to hang out with. They're the women next door, down the street and around the corner. They are the ladies you would want to spend time with on a Saturday night drinking a martini.

I have been an avid reader of romance novels since the age of 14 and know what appeals to me as reader. My goal is, and will always be, to provide that same experience for the women and men who read my novellas and short stories.

I’m a former Marine and served for 8 years, so strong military men will always be a favorite topic of mine. I will continue to write stories with military heroes’ front and center. I’m also a fan of Alpha-males and strong women who love with everything they have.

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5 stars
124 (46%)
4 stars
80 (30%)
3 stars
47 (17%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
1,022 reviews17 followers
October 3, 2024
boring (contains spoilers)

The book felt underdeveloped. The story stayed at surface level with a few sex scenes thrown in.
For instance, apart from brown skin with braids and brown eyes, I still don’t know what Harper looks like, nor what she does exactly I.e what kind of law does she practice? As for Anders, how old is he? Supposedly he was a liffer in the military but sounds much younger than that. We kept hearing about his two best friends but never had at least a conversation between them.
The situation with visiting Camille from Anders felt very forced drama. 1st of all, she was just going for work to Boston for 2 days so what was the big deal? Then it was very strange that he would go digging around in her cousin’s private life before traveling. Afterwards if he saw something strange, sure but before came across as paranoid and controlling. After all this hoopla we didn’t even get to read about the infamous trip. The book also felt unfinished I.e did they moved in together, got married? Did Harper carried on in the law profession, did she find out who is her bio dad etc..
Profile Image for Antoinette Jones.
939 reviews8 followers
October 5, 2024
I knew this book was going to be good just from the synopsis alone. But I soon discovered it was so much better than I thought. It was every bit as delicious as the name of the book.

Harper, tired of dealing with her family's treatment of her, decided to check out the new bar near her apartment. There, she met Anders, the man that would change her life. Anders was all about protecting, loving, and cherishing Harper from the minute she walked into his bar Callahan's.

Right from the very beginning, this book had me in a chokehold. I couldn't imagine going through what Harper had to deal with. But Anders was her ride or die no matter what. And that was sexy af! We need more Anders in the world. Reana Malori outdid herself with this story. The storyline, character development, and attention to detail were so well done. I actually wished the book was longer. Thank you, Ms. Malori for another great book. I look forward to reading future books in your catalog.
Profile Image for Siera London.
Author 50 books383 followers
October 12, 2024
Reana knows how to make us fall in love

The way these two toy with each other is so sexy. I love how they surrender to each other. Another delicious Lunchtime Chronicles from Reana!
Profile Image for Clarice Lockhart.
28 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2024
i just finished reading Caramel Apple Cupcake by Reana Malori. Caramel Apple Cupcake is part of the Lunchtime Chronicles Series. Caramel Apple Cupcake we meet Harper and Anders and that's where the story begins. Harvey is somewhat privileged in her own way but her family doesn't treat her that way. So she goes to this bar called Callahan's and that's where she meets Anders. Anders is an ex-military turned bar owner. The chemistry between Harper and Anders is instant and hot. Harper and Anders are both keeping secrets from each other. What I loved most about this book is how Anders was so protective of Harper and didn't care who you were. Caramel Apple Cupcake is filled with secrets that are revealed and there are twists. The characters were beautifully written as they were being described. And the sexy times scenes were written very poetic and the analogies were amazing. i would recommend to read Caramel Apple Cupcake for readers to read. You are going to love Harper and Anders.
I look forward to reading more books from this author.
Profile Image for BreakingtheEpigraph.
1,294 reviews14 followers
October 3, 2024
Good Read, But Some Characters and Plot Points Missed the Mark

This book had a lot of enjoyable moments, but I really felt for Harper and the way her family treated her. That one date? She definitely should’ve swiped left. While I liked Anders, his insistence that Harper not reconnect with her family was a bit much, especially since their relationship was so new—it felt like a red flag to me. The ending also felt rushed, and Harper’s brother doing a complete 180 didn’t sit well. If I were Harper, I would’ve said, “Boy, bye.” Overall, it’s a decent read, but a few things didn’t quite click for me.

𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑑𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟. 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑖𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑜𝑤𝑛. 𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘.
Profile Image for Martha Ruff.
771 reviews12 followers
September 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, Harper is a strong, beautiful educated woman and I was immediately drawn to her character. Anders is a true alpha male and protector at heart.
The first time he laid eyes on Harper, he was drawn to her.
I loved the way their relationship progressed from friends to eventual lovers.
However, I really hated the way Harper's family treated her and there was a few times that I actually wanted to stop reading the story because it was hard to stomach their harsh behavior towards her.
I'm glad that she finally stood up for herself and that Anders was there to help her through it. It was also nice to see her brother recognize his faults and was willing to rectify his behavior towards his sister.
Profile Image for Victoria Ziglor-smith.
791 reviews5 followers
October 3, 2024
A great one for my collection

Never disappointed in anything you write. My emotions was all over the place Harper not even feeling love by her parents. I saw that in 2 different families were the oldest daughter was treated like she wasn’t there and they were. One was my sister-in-law, because she came out so light my father-in-law, thought his wife cheated on him. The only difference between her and Harper, she was physically and verbally abused, whereas Harper was only verbally abused. The same happen to my daughter, I don’t know why my ex-husband verbally and physically abused our oldest daughter, to this day we still don’t know.
But hopefully just like Harper found a great man in Anders, I pray my daughter find her great man.
377 reviews3 followers
October 6, 2024
This was a slow burn

This relationship between Anders and Harper started slowly as they got to know each other and savoured their attraction to each other as Harper continued to work on her dysfunctional relationship with her family.
Their relationship continued to develop from friendship to attraction to love. Harper has a man who said and meant the following to her, “You’re it for me. You belong to me, and I belong to you. But this is the man I am. I will never be anything else. I will love you fiercely, give you anything within my power to give, and do everything I can to make you happy. But, know this, I will also lose my fucking mind over you. I will stand ten-toes down against anyone who comes at you. Including your parents.”
Profile Image for Willie-mai.
460 reviews3 followers
October 6, 2024
Carmel Apple Cupcake by author Reana Malori turned out to be one of my favorite books in the Lunchtime Chronicles series! Harper and Anders story had me hooked from the beginning and kept me entertained and engaged till the end! I felt so bad for how her family treated her but I’m glad her big brother RJ came around! Her parents were horrible people and didn’t deserve Harper as their daughter! Anders loved him some Harper and it made me smile! I hope we hear from them again at a later time! This book was excellently written with awesome characters and an amazing storyline! It was sexy and emotional! There’s a reason why Reana Malori is one of my favorite all time authors…she can tell a great story!! Looking forward to reading more from her in the future!
508 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2024
Another Reana Hit

When you crack open a Reana Malori read, you know what you are getting…a book that hits. This one is no exception. In true Lunchtime Chronicles fashion, Harper and Anders deliver a little spice, a little sexy and a little humor.

Harper, whose led a privledged life, is a little sour on love due to being used for her family connections. Anders, a former military man, knows who Harper is (figuratively and literarly) the moment he sees her.

So many secrets will be unraveled and exposed.

I loved how Anders loved Harper even when it didn’t look like she loved herself.

Now Harper’s family…ugh, some I wanted to throat punch.

All around good read.
374 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2024
Anders was a good man

from the very first sight of her, this man was floored. he couldn't think of anything or anyone else. he made her a regular to his bar, after only a few times. he started walking her home and if he couldn't, he sent one of his employees with her. it took her making a comment to him to make him open up to her. and he was floored when she did. and from that very moment, he began protecting her. standing up for her. loving her. he even went as far as standing up to her dad. she was the man that she needed. he showed her love and patience, and respect. Anders was good for her and to her. and he loved his caramel apple cupcakes.
Profile Image for Sav.
115 reviews
January 19, 2025
Truths

Harper was a educated woman who's family was real smug towards her. Anders was a bar owner who was a good listener. Their connection became more with time and I loved how they were there for each other when needed. I was jumping for joy when Anders stood up to her parents and mad when she went off on him about her parents. Communication is best on both sides. Secrets come out and I was not surprised. Harper redeemed herself at her parents. Their love is strong and I now need to see how this plays out.
Profile Image for DivasoftheSerengeti_Lioness.
570 reviews
October 2, 2024
Another banging read from Reana Malori and a hot addition to the Lunchtime Chronicles series. I loved the lead up and flirting nature of Anders and Harper. One wants love and the other wants to love. I really enjoyed this book from page 1 til the end. It has a great plot, interesting characters and it flows straight into hotness! I highly recommend this book. Take a chance and add it to your collection. You will NOT be disappointed.
Profile Image for Michelle.
289 reviews
October 9, 2024
Bitter Sweet

This is a wonderful story and covers several topics that are layered with bitterness and sorrow. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I laughed and cried and got mad too. 😂

Meet Anders and Harper and follow their love story. It starts like this - in the midst of navigating a complicated family life Harper meets a man that calls to her and here things begun to change from bitter to sweet. In Anders she finds a man that will love and protect her while supporting her without judgment. Anders is Veteran that owns a local bar and is navigating life and trying to find and hold onto peace. A beautiful lady enters his bar one night and he finds his solace.

To understand how this story unfolds and resolves, go grab your copy today!! You won't regret it. Job well done Ms. Malori!!
29 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2024
Lunch Time Chronicles Season 7 Caramel Apple Cupcake

This story was really good.I loved Anderson and Harper interaction with each other.I really liked Anderson because he knew exactly what he wanted when he first met her. I felt bad for her mother who just went along with her husband just to live up to the Jones's status.I'm glad she had Anders there for support.

I would definitely recommend this book.I loved it.
Profile Image for Cherryl.
2,166 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2024
She finally grew a pair

Harper got tired of how her family treated her. She finally found out why her parents treated her like the "oops" child she was. With Anders in her life now and treating her like the queen in his life, she finally gained the strength and bravery to confront her parents. As long as Anders had her back she could face anything. It's ashamed her father couldn't love her for the innocent child she was. I don't understand her mother's thinking at all.
Profile Image for Stephanie Jynelle.
1,260 reviews8 followers
October 3, 2024
The right encounter

Harper's family is wealthy and outwardly successful and inwardly broken. Her finding solace, friendship, and love with Anders was the truth and support she needed.
Family isn't perfect and doesn't have to be by blood. Real love is worth it every time. Another great LTC story.
Profile Image for Janet R.
620 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2025
Sugar and Spice, and Everything Nice.😘

😍😍every story penned by Reana Malori & Caramel Apple Cupcake is a deliciously warm, decadent love story featuring an absolute living dream of a man Anders & sweet loving Harper ! Glad she finally stood up for herself & ended the psychological abuse from her father ! I wish there was an epilogue.
1,900 reviews25 followers
September 26, 2024
Harper is torn between the wants of her family and her own life. In anger and seeking solace, she goes to a bar near her home and meets Anders the bar owner. A spark is ignited but will it be allowed to burn brightly without interference or be snuffed out under life's weight? A good read.
34 reviews
October 3, 2024
Nice, Slow & Easy

Harper and Anders' story is just too sweet. Their love story started off on a slow simmer and progressed to a scorching, passionate affair. Anders more than made up for the lack of love and affection Harper didn't have in her life.
Profile Image for Jennifer Copeland.
1,733 reviews44 followers
October 5, 2024
I enjoyed reading Caramel Apple Cupcake by Reana Malori! I loved Harper and Anders so much! This book was spicy as well. I like how Anders knew he wanted Harper from the beginning. Their chemistry was pure fire. I just love the romance between the two characters! Such a great read!
Profile Image for Mel.
414 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2024
Minus a Star

for the FMC being so darn dumb. Like, girl bye with the foolishness. Can’t believe she’s mad at her bf taking up for her when she should have been taking up for herself all along.
236 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2025
Love Story

I loved everything about this book. The storyline and characters were so good. I wold definitely recommend this book to friends and family. That’s why I gave it 5 stars.
162 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2025
Caramel Apple Cupcake

I found this story and storyline to be great I also love the characters and found them to really well matched. It was a page turner and read in few hours. I have read other books by this Author and love her books. I would recommend that this story be read.
Profile Image for Amy O'neal.
161 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2024
Loved this new edition to the lunchtime chronicles. Harper and anders story was spicy and hot. Can't wait to read the other editions
Profile Image for Nene.
1,787 reviews26 followers
October 4, 2024
Enjoyed!

What a man to stand up for you, to make you feel the love that you always wanted from your family. The story was good and I love the main two characters. The cover is fire.
61 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2024
4.5 stars

I enjoyed Harper and Ander’s story and Would have given it a 5 star rating but the story felt unfinished.
Profile Image for Lenore Latimer.
101 reviews
October 8, 2024
Harpers family dynamics was devastating. For years I thought my stepdad was my father and he treated me bad. I can relate to this story. I pray that one day I find my Anders. Great story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
380 reviews
February 21, 2025
A strong 4 stars

Ok. It's not the best written boom in the world but its fun. An alpha with a heart of gold who adores a strong black woman is always a good time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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