Love and Paklava

Glam Fam #3

by Alyssa Jarrett

She’s betting big. He’s playing for keeps.

The odds are stacked against Tori Townsend. She loves her life in San Francisco, painting nails by day and playing jazz by night. But now that she’s a bridesmaid in the wedding of one of her best friends, it feels like everyone is pairing off, and she can’t find a seat in a game of musical chairs.

When a last-minute errand forces Tori to book a caterer two hundred miles away in Fresno, she meets a burly Armenian baker with an offer she can’t refuse. Vahe Derderian is used to big-city folks dissing his hometown, so when Tori runs her mouth about California’s heartland, they make a bet. If she can prove San Francisco is superior to the Central Valley, he’ll cater the wedding for free.

The catch? If Vahe’s victorious, Tori’s promised to lose her shirt—and her pants. She’s never shied away from a casual fling, so one more hookup shouldn’t faze her. But Vahe sees past her bravado, breaking down walls she’s spent years fortifying. She’s always believed that letting people in leads to heartbreak—so why does losing to him feel like winning?

As their wager turns into something real, Tori must decide if love is worth the gamble—and whether their relationship can go the distance.

Whether you’re living in a skyscraper or the suburbs, you’ll love this opposites-attract rom-com that celebrates culture, cuisine, and finding a place to call home.

Genres: Romance

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2025

About the author

Alyssa Jarrett is a romance author and tech marketer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. When she’s not telling steamy, satirical love stories, she can be found drinking an iced tea or cuddling with her husband and three cats.

You can subscribe to her newsletter, Grumpy + Sunshine, on Substack and follow her @authoralyssajarrett on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.

Reviews

[Heidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a proud member of the Armenian diaspora and also reading this during Armenian genocide remembrance, this book has me feeling some type of way. They tried to erase us, but still we stand with our people, our culture, and our stories.
❤️💙🧡

Given my enjoyment of culturally rich books, I knew there was a high probability I was going to love this one. But especially because it’s is Armenian (and yes, I’m bias AF), I love loved this book!

Tori is such a badass, no nonsense, straight to business FMC. From a not so great upbringing, life has taught her to stay sharp. Her toughness initially is abrasive, but throughout the book her character softens and learns to trust, and from one closed off bitch to another, I just love that for her. Baker Bro Vahe really puts in the work to break down her claws. He is patience and persistent, plus I love me a man who gets off on a woman’s pleasure.

The writing was so fun, and I had so many highlights and chortling moments. The humor is like dad jokes for sluts. Tori’s lists and Queenies voicemails in between chapters made me giggle and were a fun palette cleanser (Respectfully, disagree with Tori on the penis straws at bachelorette parties, they are a must!)

Total aside, with the use of “hella” multiple times, Alyssa is a west coast gurlie and it shows.

Thank you Net Galley for ARC!!

[Ashley Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute pleasure of beta reading this book and Alyssa does it again! The premise is a woman trying to do a favor for a friend unexpectedly ends up making a bet with a handsome Aremenian baker on whether the city they live in is the better hometown. One weekend is all they get to show the other what each city has to offer. Shenanigans ensue, deep conversations are had and one thing leads to another.. 

I really enjoyed this story! Tori is a character that's rough around the edges and sometimes I just wanted to shake her to open up already! But the whirlwind romance, the push and pull, and all the other characters in this book ugh it was just great. I have read every glam fam book and can't wait to read everything Alyssa writes! The diversity in her characters is something I really appreciate it. Also you need to read this book so you can meet Queenie! Vahe's grandmother who is a force to be reckoned with and isn't afraid to put people in their place. She was one of my favorite parts of this book.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LOVED “love on the rocks” by Alyssa! When I saw this ARC on Booksirens I was so excited to read it! I was given this ARC in return to for an honest review!!

I wanted to LOVE this book! However, it could barely hold my attention! I could only read 5–10 pages at a time before finding something else to do.

I did enjoy the premise of the story between Vahe and Tori. Both afraid of love and Tori think Fresno is California’s armpit! Lol. This book had funny moments and swoon worthy moments as well.

Over all this story was not for me! I will read Alyssa again.

Thank you Book Sirens!

[Lisa Benison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complete Opposites, Grumpy vs. Sunshine, Found Family with Amazing Characters

I have to admit that I had a tough time getting into this book because I had a difficult time relating to the FMC and the book was told through her POV. I am glad I stuck with it because it had many great parts although in the end I still wasn't wild about her although I did understand more of her family background and why she had such a hard shell. That said, I loved the cinnamon roll MMC, and his family - especially his grandmother Queenie and her voicemail greeting messages were hysterical. I also enjoyed learning more about the Armenian history and culture (and food - yum!) that was woven into the story. However, I couldn't get past how accepting Tori was about everything and everyone she deemed "hip and cool" but only if it was within her "city" parameters. In addition, given how closed off her emotions are I had trouble with how quickly she "fell in love" with Vahe and the reader never really gets his POV. The book is part of a series but it is not necessary to read the rest of the books to enjoy this one.

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Rebekah McCallie Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Love and Paklava is the third book in Alyssa Jarrett's Glam Fam series, I don't believe you have to read Love Apptually or Love on the Rocks to fully enjoy this story. It may make your reading experience a little better knowing the side characters, but this is truly a standalone romance between our horny, bad-attitude and claw-wearing, men-hating black cat of an FMC and a baking golden retriever with a bit of daddy energy wrapped up in a fuckboi package.

This was such a fun little romcom, with a fantastic set up. Dating to see whose city is better, where sex is the grand prize? So cute. I loved how much of a little bad-ass Tori was and how patient and kind and understanding Vahe was with her and her history. I love how Vahe didn't let Tori give him crap, but in such a respectful way. Loved the spice, and Alyssa always delivers with a good pun at the wrong/right time. And Queenie's voicemails were the best!

I loved the Armenian history, and while I know authors leave little pieces of themselves in every book, it's apparent this one is very special to Alyssa.

[Taleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t read the first 2 books in this series but I don’t think you need to, to be able to follow along. I’m sure the other books provide a bit of context on the friend groups but this can very much be read as a standalone!

I really, really enjoyed the way Vahe and his family depicted the Armenian culture. I think the author did an amazing job of demonstrating some of the best parts of our culture, while also shining a light on how alienating our culture can be, as well (the way his sister behaved near the end, plus Tori’s interaction with his parents). It was such a gift to get to see my culture represented in a genre that I love, something that I so rarely get to experience.

With that said, Tori was a difficult pill to swallow for me. Her character felt crass just to be crass and I found her to be rather exhausting. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and I think this book could have easily been a 4 star read, had it not been for Tori.

I received a digital ARC of this book. Thank you to NetGalley, Alyssa Jarrett, and the publisher!

[Laura Black Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Book 3 of the Glam Fam series, wild girl and black cat Tori finds herself travelling to Fresno to work with Armenian baker Vahe as she organises the catering for a friend's wedding. The Armenian food is amazing and the banter comparing Fresno and San Francisco works so well, as they are both dug into their own communities.

I loved Vahe, a baking cinnamon roll and lovely guy, but I really struggled with Tori. She's busy and focused and amazing, but her self-awareness feels more like self-absorption and I wasn't persuaded that there would be an enduring bond between her and Vahe.

The Armenian representation was so engaging and I've loved learning more about the culture and history. Shout out to Queenie as well! If you love a black cat and all the baked goods, you'll love this. I'm heading to Alyssa's backlist to read more about the Glam Fam 🥰

Thank you so much Alyssa Jarrett for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book. This is book 3 in the series, it could technically be read as a stand alone, but you’d have spoilers from book 1 and 2. Tori is part of the glam fam, a group of business associates who became family. They all work for a social media influencer. She gets sent to Fresno to secure catering for a wedding in what should be a quick errand….but after a few mishaps turns into a lot more. Vahe is a playboy baker. He’s hot and wanted and he knows it, but Tori might just be the girl to break him of his ways. A small bet between the two turns into more than either one of them bargained for. Throw in his Armenian grandmother who goes by Queenie, and you won’t want to stop turning the pages. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to book siren’s for this ARC of Love and Paklava. Until I read this book I didn’t know anything about Armenian history and culture I found it very interesting and the food descriptions definitely made me want to try some. The mmc is definitely a cinnamon roll type while the fmc is definitely giving big black cat energy. The idea of the competition between cities was fun but I found the fmc slightly annoying with her attitude toward the mmc and his city. I also found her backstory sad but wanted a little more meat to it I felt disconnected to her past trauma. The real star of the book was queenie the mmc eccentric grandmother! Overall it was a good book I liked the culture and food references and would recommend it to friends.

[J]

This is book 3 in Jarrett's Glam Fam series. It can be read as a standalone but you may enjoy the book better if read in series order but again, not necessary. Tori who is part of the Glam Fam and works for a social media influencer and is sent to Fresno on what should be a quick errand but turns into anything but. Vahe is a baker who is hot and knows it but a bet between Vahe and Tori may just put them both in their places. I so enjoyed this romance read and I loved learning about the Armenian culture. Overall, a well written romance read that is both sweet and has humor. Captivating and smooth flowing storyline...I am definitely looking forward to more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[JANELLE · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd in the Glam Fam series but I read it as a stand alone and it was awesome. I'm going to go back and read the previous two stories.

I really enjoyed learning about the Armenian culture in this story - whooo Vahe is a hot baker with a witty banter is a great main character. Tori was his perfect match. The only part that dragged on was the my city vs your city bit - I understand that was the idea for their contest, but it was a bit overkill. Their banter was incredible and I thought it was a funny, sweet/spicy story!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

[Lorelai Tarlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved a lot of things about this book. The third in the Glam Fam series, I thought the asides flowed especially well, advancing the story while adding a huge dose of humor. Come for the romance, stay for the MMC's grandmother, Queenie, who is a hoot and a half. I loved learning more about Armenian culture and history without feeling lectured to, learning about Armenian baking (sounds delicious), and exploring the FMC's journey to healing from her very messed up childhood and learning to let down her defenses.

If you saw these two characters standing side by side, you'd never guess they'd end up falling for each other. Their journey to finding what they have in common is lovely.

[Colinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! You won’t be disappointed! Such fun and real characters. I learned so much about Armenian culture and history, I need to find a restaurant so I can try the food for myself! Tori and Vahe are complex and likable, I was invested in their story throughout the book. The author brings it all, friendship, chosen family, humor, lust, sex, and love! I started the series with this book and will be starting from the beginning next. Thank you to Book Sirens for allowing me to read the ARC. 5 Stars!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slightly different sunshine grumpy trope. Worth the read!

Tori was so hard on herself and so angry it was difficult to relate to her at first. At it’s very basic this is a good, well written romance. “Sunshine” Vahe to “grumpy” Tori but with a lot more depth than the usual trope. Definitely on the dirty side. A good tribute to Armenian history. The friends and family members in this story definitely just add to this story because they bring in so much character and humor. It was definitely a good read.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the combination a snarky, black cat FMC and a an Armenian baker who somehow balances her with his sweetness, their banter was adorable and hilarious. Even with the romcom vibes, Tori’s got her baggage and I really appreciated how Vahe balanced giving her space with not letting her bulldoze him, all while treating her with real care.
The banter, the spice, the puns, I had a blast with all of it. And although it’s technically book three, it reads perfectly as a standalone.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Nifer Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐ 3 🌶️
Humans are complex creatures. At times Tori is not a likeable character, but that makes her realistic. She's been through a lot and it shows. Would benefit from some therapy.
Vahey is one hot cinnamon roll. He's patient, sweet, and strong in his beliefs and heritage.
Queenie and her outgoing voicemail messages can't be beat. Love that quirky, crotchety lady lol.

"I love cities like I love dicks: the bigger, the better."

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavier on the graphic sex than I enjoy in books, the story and characters were good enough to make me overlook it (and skim). Both Vahe and Tori and interesting and I enjoyed the way they come together and how Tori begins to trust.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

lessons
One of my best friends is Armenian and I´ve always admired their look at the meaning of family. I liked about Tori and Vahe´s story that in spite of all the bad things happening to you, there comes a time when somebody means well, when it´s time to let your guard down and to always treat others with the same respect you wish to be treated with.

[Taleen Voskuni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm 30% in and completely obsessed with Tori and Vache. It is SO refreshing to read about Fresno and the Armenian community in a romance novel! Alyssa Jarrett is absolutely hilarious too, you will laugh aloud, guaranteed. I'll update once I've finished but strongly recommend this one!

[Danika Bloomer]

okay i really tried with this, like so hard .

i got 25% in and i just cant do it anymore. the characters just aren’t that likeable .

i just feel like this book isn’t for me and that’s okay!

but thank you netgalley for the arc <3

[Alex T · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot line was intresting to read. The characters were well written too . Really liked reading the book.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lourdes · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a cutie & spicy love story. from drama & the unconventional to the basic cutesy romance.

[Molly Dorfman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight to read a book with such a fondness for the oft maligned Central Valley. Loved the heart at the center of this book!

[katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book because it seemed like a fun concept, but oh my God was this book rough to get through.

I skimmed most of this once I realized that I was not going to enjoy it. I should’ve just DNF’d it but I did want to see how it ended and honestly, I wish I had put it down because the ending just made me mad.

Full spoilers ahead, so look away if you don’t wanna know, but my main issue with this book was that the main female character was incredibly insufferable. She was the definition of “not like other girls“ and looked down at anyone who she felt to be too “basic,” to the extent that she was putting down the main male character’s hometown, which was deeply rooted in his Armenian heritage, just to try and prove a point that San Francisco was soooooo much better than Fresno. She was sooo quirky and different.

She had a massive chip on her shoulder and would not let you forget it. And I think to an extent the point of the story was for her to open herself up to love and being vulnerable, but I didn’t need to be reminded every other paragraph at just how different and wild and edgy and a bad ass she was.

She couldn’t even fathom ever leaving San Francisco, which she considers to be the best city on the planet, to move to Fresno, where the first man she’s ever loved is from and loves and has deep cultural roots to. She never even considered it for a second, and by the end of the book, she doubled down with him that she never even considered it. So to me, the only real revelation she had in this book was that she could, in fact, love somebody after she got over her annoying misconceptions, but I think it would’ve been more impactful if she had even just considered moving to Fresno to show that she really cared about this man, even if she didn’t end up moving there. Because moving there would probably be in contrast to her character, which I understand, but he basically forgave her for a lot of mean things she said to him that I personally wouldn’t have forgiven, and then agreed to move to her city, and I just felt like that was a bummer of an ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advance copy to review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fresh and contemporary. Tori is an aesthetician, working as the personal nail artist with a celebrity glam team and playing in a jazz band at night. She has a pierced, tattooed and strong personal punk-inspired style, that goes with her fierce and independent attitude. Tori survived addicted parents and has now made a new family of her celebrity boss and the glam team. When one of these friends is engaged, Tori finds herself at an Armenian Deli in her friend’s hometown to book the catering for the wedding. She doesn’t expect to find an extremely sexy baker in Fresno, or to make a wager with him about whether Fresno or San Francisco is better. This romance story has angst, personal growth, steamy sex and banter, along with very entertaining secondary characters. I was captured by the occasional snapshots into Tori’s brain, such as her top ten lists and internet searches that show how her thinking evolves. This book’s setting was also interesting on other levels, including information about lifestyles of modern influencers, Armenian American culture and California communities. Original and entertaining! I received a copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.