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Treats to Tempt You #3
A Rare Treat
Treats to Tempt You, Book 3.
A poignant yet sexy romance about learning to live and love again after grief.
Elle Baker’s had enough of men telling her how to live her life. She loves her job at Treats to Tempt You, a chocolate, coffee, and ice cream shop in Doubtless Bay, New Zealand. But repeated issues with her overbearing father and arrogant ex have persuaded her it’s time for a fresh start, and she’s planning to move away to Wellington at the end of the month.
When Stuart Casey’s childhood sweetheart lay dying, she made him swear to her that he’d never love another girl as long as he lived. So far, he’s kept his promise, even though he knows it was unfair of her to make such a demand. He’s only twenty-eight, and their marriage was hardly physical at the best of times. But how do you get back in the saddle when you’ve never even been on a horse? Stuart craves the happiness and affection he sees in his friends’ relationships, but he’s beginning to think he’s destined to be single and lonely.
Then Elle makes him a surprise proposal. A long weekend away in a beach house with her—and she’s not expecting him to sleep on the couch. She says she wants to help him find his feet before he launches back into the world of dating. Desire fights with guilt, and desire wins.
Elle’s offer isn’t completely altruistic—she fancies Stuart rotten, and is more than happy to spend a few days showing the gorgeous English teacher a few tricks of the trade to help him move on. But once she’s let the tiger out of his cage, it proves impossible to get him back in. And the new and improved Stuart isn’t going to let her go without a fight.
Warning: an virgin hero learns a few tricks of the trade in this sexy romance. Also packs an emotional punch. Keep the tissues handy. Adults only.
A poignant yet sexy romance about learning to live and love again after grief.
Elle Baker’s had enough of men telling her how to live her life. She loves her job at Treats to Tempt You, a chocolate, coffee, and ice cream shop in Doubtless Bay, New Zealand. But repeated issues with her overbearing father and arrogant ex have persuaded her it’s time for a fresh start, and she’s planning to move away to Wellington at the end of the month.
When Stuart Casey’s childhood sweetheart lay dying, she made him swear to her that he’d never love another girl as long as he lived. So far, he’s kept his promise, even though he knows it was unfair of her to make such a demand. He’s only twenty-eight, and their marriage was hardly physical at the best of times. But how do you get back in the saddle when you’ve never even been on a horse? Stuart craves the happiness and affection he sees in his friends’ relationships, but he’s beginning to think he’s destined to be single and lonely.
Then Elle makes him a surprise proposal. A long weekend away in a beach house with her—and she’s not expecting him to sleep on the couch. She says she wants to help him find his feet before he launches back into the world of dating. Desire fights with guilt, and desire wins.
Elle’s offer isn’t completely altruistic—she fancies Stuart rotten, and is more than happy to spend a few days showing the gorgeous English teacher a few tricks of the trade to help him move on. But once she’s let the tiger out of his cage, it proves impossible to get him back in. And the new and improved Stuart isn’t going to let her go without a fight.
Warning: an virgin hero learns a few tricks of the trade in this sexy romance. Also packs an emotional punch. Keep the tissues handy. Adults only.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2014
132 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
About the author
Serenity Woods
171 books917 followersUSA Today bestselling author Serenity Woods writes feel-good romances full of friends, family, and falling in love. Most of her stories are set in Godzone, aka Aotearoa New Zealand, where she lives.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 29, 2016
4.5 "the teacher becomes the student stars" ****
I found A Rare Treat an emotional read between Stewart and Elle.
What Stewart went through with his wife Ria what a cold hearted bitch glad she's dead and how he has been living half a life since she died.
Elle has a difficult relationship with her bully of a father and an ex boyfriend that will not leave her alone so she has decided to move away and start a new life.
These two have always had an attraction but Stewart won't act on his feelings so Elle gives him an offer a weekend away with lots of sex and no strings before she leaves.
These two together are sizzling Elle shows Stewart what he has been missing out on and she even shows him how much fun vanilla ice cream can be ;)
I loved the guys serenading Elle made me think of Top Gun I had a smile on my face while reading this. I loved what Elle does to her ex GIRL POWER
Will Elle leave after her weekend away?
Will Stewart be able to move on from his dead wife?
What will happen???
I loved these two together they are both great loving, caring characters, my favourite couple from this series.
I found A Rare Treat an emotional read between Stewart and Elle.
What Stewart went through with his wife Ria what a cold hearted bitch glad she's dead and how he has been living half a life since she died.
Elle has a difficult relationship with her bully of a father and an ex boyfriend that will not leave her alone so she has decided to move away and start a new life.
These two have always had an attraction but Stewart won't act on his feelings so Elle gives him an offer a weekend away with lots of sex and no strings before she leaves.
These two together are sizzling Elle shows Stewart what he has been missing out on and she even shows him how much fun vanilla ice cream can be ;)
I loved the guys serenading Elle made me think of Top Gun I had a smile on my face while reading this. I loved what Elle does to her ex GIRL POWER
Will Elle leave after her weekend away?
Will Stewart be able to move on from his dead wife?
What will happen???
I loved these two together they are both great loving, caring characters, my favourite couple from this series.
October 7, 2018
This is Elle and Stuart's story in the wonderful Treats to Tempt You series.
Elle has always found herself being put down by the men in her life starting with her father. Schooling was not easy for her. (She more than likely had an undiagnosed case of dyslexia based on what she says in the novel. ) She loves her job at Treats to Tempt You but is ready for a break. She says she is ready to move on to Wellington to start a new life. She wants to leave behind her boyfriend who is a control freak and her family. Well not her sister who is her business partner and one of the few who support her.
Stuart is a school teacher who has been in apparent mourning for his wife since her death. What Stuart hasn't told anyone is that as his wife lay dying, she made him promise to not love anyone else ever again. Stuart has also always hidden the fact that his marriage was very far from perfect. His marriage was in no way physical at all. And that means no physical expressions of love were a part of the marriage. Plus she was very controlling and used her illness as a means to control Stuart. He is ready to move on but not sure how to do so without admitting that at the age of 28, he hasn't done very much.
Elle has a sweet spot for Stuart and decides to offer him a long weekend away at a holiday cottage or bach. A weekend where they can both explore and satisfy their curiosity regarding each other in all manners. Stuart is willing to accept Elle's invitation since he honestly does have a soft spot for her.
Can their weekend away help both of them realize that they are meant to be with each other? The sparks coming off these two are enough to melt all of the ice cream in the world or to spark a forest fire. Once Stuart has unleashed his inner self, he is not willing let Elle go.
Can these two find a way to happiness that leaves both happy? Curl up with a cuppa tea or a bowl of ice cream and start reading to find out.
Elle has always found herself being put down by the men in her life starting with her father. Schooling was not easy for her. (She more than likely had an undiagnosed case of dyslexia based on what she says in the novel. ) She loves her job at Treats to Tempt You but is ready for a break. She says she is ready to move on to Wellington to start a new life. She wants to leave behind her boyfriend who is a control freak and her family. Well not her sister who is her business partner and one of the few who support her.
Stuart is a school teacher who has been in apparent mourning for his wife since her death. What Stuart hasn't told anyone is that as his wife lay dying, she made him promise to not love anyone else ever again. Stuart has also always hidden the fact that his marriage was very far from perfect. His marriage was in no way physical at all. And that means no physical expressions of love were a part of the marriage. Plus she was very controlling and used her illness as a means to control Stuart. He is ready to move on but not sure how to do so without admitting that at the age of 28, he hasn't done very much.
Elle has a sweet spot for Stuart and decides to offer him a long weekend away at a holiday cottage or bach. A weekend where they can both explore and satisfy their curiosity regarding each other in all manners. Stuart is willing to accept Elle's invitation since he honestly does have a soft spot for her.
Can their weekend away help both of them realize that they are meant to be with each other? The sparks coming off these two are enough to melt all of the ice cream in the world or to spark a forest fire. Once Stuart has unleashed his inner self, he is not willing let Elle go.
Can these two find a way to happiness that leaves both happy? Curl up with a cuppa tea or a bowl of ice cream and start reading to find out.
September 15, 2019
The third book in this series was about Elle and Stuart. I was intrigued by Stuart's character right from the first mention of him in the previous books, so I've been looking forward to this one for ages.
As we learnt in the previous books, Stuart is a widower; his wife Ria died two years before the series starts. Elle works at Treats to Tempt You and having recently ended a toxic relationship, she is considering moving away. One night, the two have a heart to heart and Elle discovers that Stuart is pretty much a virgin. Feeling spontaneous, she invites him to go on holiday with her for three days, where she plans to teach him all about sex.
As much as I love all the side characters in this series, one thing I loved about this book was how the majority of it took place while they were alone on their trip, because we got SO MUCH sweet, happy couple time! As always with Serenity Woods books, the chemistry and intimate scenes were perfect. I also liked that Elle's moving away plan didn't come to fruition, because I hate when couples are separated in books.There was a tiny hint of drama that kept it interesting, but at the core, this is a pretty light, low angst read - which is always my preference.
Every book I read from this author just gets better and better and I can't get enough 😍 On to Fox and Caitlin's story next!
As we learnt in the previous books, Stuart is a widower; his wife Ria died two years before the series starts. Elle works at Treats to Tempt You and having recently ended a toxic relationship, she is considering moving away. One night, the two have a heart to heart and Elle discovers that Stuart is pretty much a virgin. Feeling spontaneous, she invites him to go on holiday with her for three days, where she plans to teach him all about sex.
As much as I love all the side characters in this series, one thing I loved about this book was how the majority of it took place while they were alone on their trip, because we got SO MUCH sweet, happy couple time! As always with Serenity Woods books, the chemistry and intimate scenes were perfect. I also liked that Elle's moving away plan didn't come to fruition, because I hate when couples are separated in books.There was a tiny hint of drama that kept it interesting, but at the core, this is a pretty light, low angst read - which is always my preference.
Every book I read from this author just gets better and better and I can't get enough 😍 On to Fox and Caitlin's story next!
February 13, 2025
Wow loved this book
I have finally got round to reading the Doubtless Bay series, I am reading them in order because I like to catch up with the characters in the previous books. However they can easily be read as standalone stories. If you like Serenity’s books then I would advise you read them all, you won’t be disappointed.
This book is the story of Stuart, a schoolteacher with a sad past that he is finding hard to forget or move on from. Elle works with 3 other girls in Treats to tempt, a chocolate/coffee shop. Elle has had a difficult relationship with her father and ex boyfriend.
This story focuses on the fact that Stuart is totally inexperienced with the ladies, I won’t give the story away but it was refreshing for the man to be inexperienced and the woman to be the one to lead the way.
I saw one review that didn’t like the amount of sex portrayed in the book, I disagree, I felt it totally made the book. I loved the way they interacted with each other, there was nothing not to like. It was written sensitively and sympathetically. I had a few tears because I found it emotional and I swooned at the beautiful HEA. Another great book. Looking forward to Caitlin and Fox now ❤️
I have finally got round to reading the Doubtless Bay series, I am reading them in order because I like to catch up with the characters in the previous books. However they can easily be read as standalone stories. If you like Serenity’s books then I would advise you read them all, you won’t be disappointed.
This book is the story of Stuart, a schoolteacher with a sad past that he is finding hard to forget or move on from. Elle works with 3 other girls in Treats to tempt, a chocolate/coffee shop. Elle has had a difficult relationship with her father and ex boyfriend.
This story focuses on the fact that Stuart is totally inexperienced with the ladies, I won’t give the story away but it was refreshing for the man to be inexperienced and the woman to be the one to lead the way.
I saw one review that didn’t like the amount of sex portrayed in the book, I disagree, I felt it totally made the book. I loved the way they interacted with each other, there was nothing not to like. It was written sensitively and sympathetically. I had a few tears because I found it emotional and I swooned at the beautiful HEA. Another great book. Looking forward to Caitlin and Fox now ❤️
August 2, 2019
A lovely treat
Heartfelt, with the right amount of humour and definitely heat. A wonderful story that captivated me from get go exploring the depth of ones grief which binds them and the guilt that imprisons them. Then there's slight inference to the verbal/mental abuse from loved ones with it's lasting consequences. Thank God for the right person who can make all that disappear and sunshine brighten your life...yeah Stuart and Elle's story is a lovely treat.
Heartfelt, with the right amount of humour and definitely heat. A wonderful story that captivated me from get go exploring the depth of ones grief which binds them and the guilt that imprisons them. Then there's slight inference to the verbal/mental abuse from loved ones with it's lasting consequences. Thank God for the right person who can make all that disappear and sunshine brighten your life...yeah Stuart and Elle's story is a lovely treat.
December 17, 2018
Love this one!! Stuart is punishing himself for sins of the past. Elle is constantly put down by those surrounding her. Both are struggling with aspects of their lives but when they’re around each other, sparks fly and everything is just a bit better. A trip away leads them places neither thought they could go but is it strong enough to last? Fantastic!
June 12, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and finally getting to hear Stuart's story. I have been looking so forward to knowing what was going on behind the quiet reserved man and Serenity did not let us down. I love Stuart and Elle was perfect to help him get back on track and then forward to a great love. Highly recommend this great series!
June 9, 2017
Loved Stuart and Elle's story! These two seemed like opposites, but they really both had a lot in common. It was interesting watching them work through their problems together and than separately realizing how good they were together!
February 25, 2021
Stuart has suppressed his passionate nature for so long that it has become a straight jacket that he is unable to free himself from but over the course of one long weekend he is healed by the beautiful and very sexy Elle.
May 21, 2017
This is outing number 3 in the treats to tempt you series.
Each book gets better and better as this series progresses.
Each book gets better and better as this series progresses.
January 7, 2019
Wonderful. Elle was just the light to pull Stuart out of the darkness. I just loved their story. Stuart was such a kind, loving but lost guy. Thank goodness for Elle. On to book 4.
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May 21, 2020In boxed set - "Three Treats to Tempt You"
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November 16, 2024
Great, lovely story
May 31, 2015
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
A Rare Treat is the story of Elle and Stuart. Elle works with her friends at Treats to Tempt You and while she loves it she feels like she needs to get away and start over. Her ex, Oliver, is not a good person and keeps harassing her. Her father treats her terribly and she just needs a new start away from these people who are just not good for her.
Stuart married his high school sweetheart who died a few years ago. People keep telling him he should start to move on, but he doesn't know how. Even though he was married he does not have much experience in a physical sense and he has some dark secrets that make him feel like no one will love him. Throughout the story you find out the story with him and his wife and man. It just makes you realize how great of a person he is. He is a bit insecure, but he is working on it.
Stuart has been drawn to Elle since she started working at the confectionary shop. He stops by too often to see her, and it was just kind of cute. She likes him as well, but she realizes this is not a good time to start something serious since she is planning on moving away soon. When she gets to talking to Stuart about some of the reasons why he doesn't think he can start dating right now she decides to help him out. She offers him a weekend away with her where they can just explore each other and get Stuart back in the saddle again.
This book was much hotter than the prior books. Then again it almost has to be since sexy time is a main component of the story. It was so sweet and I loved Stuart and Elle together. They are just perfect for each other! I loved them so much! It was so sweet when they get their happily ever after. This was my favorite in this series thus far. Now I can't wait to read Caitlin's story!
A Rare Treat is the story of Elle and Stuart. Elle works with her friends at Treats to Tempt You and while she loves it she feels like she needs to get away and start over. Her ex, Oliver, is not a good person and keeps harassing her. Her father treats her terribly and she just needs a new start away from these people who are just not good for her.
Stuart married his high school sweetheart who died a few years ago. People keep telling him he should start to move on, but he doesn't know how. Even though he was married he does not have much experience in a physical sense and he has some dark secrets that make him feel like no one will love him. Throughout the story you find out the story with him and his wife and man. It just makes you realize how great of a person he is. He is a bit insecure, but he is working on it.
Stuart has been drawn to Elle since she started working at the confectionary shop. He stops by too often to see her, and it was just kind of cute. She likes him as well, but she realizes this is not a good time to start something serious since she is planning on moving away soon. When she gets to talking to Stuart about some of the reasons why he doesn't think he can start dating right now she decides to help him out. She offers him a weekend away with her where they can just explore each other and get Stuart back in the saddle again.
This book was much hotter than the prior books. Then again it almost has to be since sexy time is a main component of the story. It was so sweet and I loved Stuart and Elle together. They are just perfect for each other! I loved them so much! It was so sweet when they get their happily ever after. This was my favorite in this series thus far. Now I can't wait to read Caitlin's story!
August 12, 2015
So...
Well this book was good. Not great and not bad. I was skimming over so much of this book to get to the good parts. The good parts were good, but the in between left something to be desired. We waited the whole book for the main to couple realize they wanted to be together and not give up on one another and we get it a finish in like 4 pages.
Overall I did enjoy the story I am interested to know what happens in the next book. I don't recommend this book, but I don't not recommended it too. It was a cute story. You are going to have to decide.
Well this book was good. Not great and not bad. I was skimming over so much of this book to get to the good parts. The good parts were good, but the in between left something to be desired. We waited the whole book for the main to couple realize they wanted to be together and not give up on one another and we get it a finish in like 4 pages.
Overall I did enjoy the story I am interested to know what happens in the next book. I don't recommend this book, but I don't not recommended it too. It was a cute story. You are going to have to decide.
July 4, 2016
This is my first book in the series and I'm so glad I stumbled into it! Elle and Stuart are fantastic together, I love them both! The writing is witty and charming! Sexy times are hot and steamy, yet incredibly sweet! The HEA had me diving for YouTube so I could listen to the song, too! I would definitely recommend this book and I will be heading back to read the first two! While it is part of a series, judging from this book (book 3), you don't need to read them all to enjoy each one.
December 30, 2016
I wasn’t certain about A Rare Treat because Stuart’s deceased wife, Ria, was prominent in the relationship between Elle and Stuart. I found it detracting, but opted to accept that this was Stuart’s interpretation of his relationship with Ria and that he was working through his issues.
October 13, 2014
I love everything that Serenity writes! Have to say, Stuart is most definitely my fav character ❤️
April 21, 2015
Good romance!
July 10, 2015
4.5 stars.
January 20, 2016
A beautiful, poignant story about a widower slowly awakening to life and love with Elle. It was an intriguing twist to the story that somehow adds depth to both characters. A lovely, feel good story.
April 28, 2016
Very enjoyable read. Best of the three.
May 27, 2017
4.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews