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Candied Apple #1
Eye Candy
Candy chef Hayley Dunham has vowed to own her thirties; she’s a successful business woman, good friend and dutiful daughter but she can’t help but want more. She wants passion… Fireworks… And one kiss with the hot cop-next-door shows her exactly who she wants those fireworks with.
Garrett Mulligan has always wanted to be a cop, he’s the kind of man who lives to protect and serve. But when an injury sidelines him and raises doubts about him returning to work, he’s at his wit’s end until cute, flirty Hayley shows up to provide the perfect distraction…
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2015
25 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Garbera
793 books659 followersKatherine Garbera is a USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 novels, which have been translated into over two dozen languages and sold millions of copies worldwide. She is the mother of two incredibly creative and snarky grown children. Katherine enjoys drinking champagne, reading, walking and traveling with her husband. She lives in Kent, UK, where she is working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 11, 2015
ARC received for review
A very sweet romance but was so sssslllooowwww. I speed read almost half of it. Garrett was some serious eye candy, but really wishy washy when it came to taking the plunge. Hayley wasn't much better. It was left open for another book with their friends Cici and Hoops.
A very sweet romance but was so sssslllooowwww. I speed read almost half of it. Garrett was some serious eye candy, but really wishy washy when it came to taking the plunge. Hayley wasn't much better. It was left open for another book with their friends Cici and Hoops.
December 7, 2021
Winterglück am Central Park. Also ganz ehrlich, unter Winterglück stelle ich mir einen Roman vor, der in der Weihnachtszeit spielt. Ja, es gibt Schnee, aber der Großteil der Handlung spielt um den Valentinstag herum - wer also einen Weihnachtsroman sucht, ist hier definitiv fehl am Platz. Aber lassen wir das mal außen vor - auch sonst hat mich der Roman nicht überzeugt. Dieses ewige Hin und Her zwischen den Protagonisten ist mir extrem auf die Nerven gegangen, noch dazu, weil beide dazu neigen, alles zu zerdenken und sich selbst eine Welt (gedanklich) aufzubauen, die mit der Realität nur wenig gemein hat. Hayley ist zudem überhaupt nicht authentisch, ich find sie einfach nur mühsam und Garrett hat mich auch nicht überzeugt, mit seinem Alpha-Male-Verhalten. Da wäre so viel mehr drin gewesen. Und ich kann nicht ausschließen, dass es vielleicht an der Übersetzung gelegen hat, ich fand es auch ziemlich schlecht geschrieben. Beispielsweise: Hayley spricht davon, dass Garrett ihr Freund ist (nicht ihr Partner), aber im nächsten Moment bezweifelt sie, ob sie überhaupt zusammen sind. Garrett sagt, er ist dabei zu verlieben, zwei Seiten später denkt er, dass er sich ja nicht verlieben darf. Da hat die Stringenz total gefehlt. Daher gibts von mir nur einen Stern, das war leider für mich verlorene Lese-/Lebenszeit.
August 9, 2015
I found Eye Candy an incredibly enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon, out in my garden, sunbathing and reading this steamy story that was getting me all hot and bothered.
It is a fairly simple story, next door neighours Hayley and Garrett come across each other one evening when Hayley is trying to break into her own house, after a night out celebrating her 30th birthday. She is determined to start her 30s as a "bad girl" instead of the good girl she had been in ther 20s.
Garrett is a cop and came to stop the house being broken into, and the pair have a somewhat instant sexual chemical reaction to each other.
However neither of them are convinced they want a relationship.
This is a classic will they, won't they be together book, that is full of amusing incidents, as well as fabulous encounters between the pair.
I was a bit disappointed more wasn't made of Hayley's job as a candy maker, she makes the most wonderful truffles, but despite there being bits about her days at work, I wasn't made to feel hungry, which I would have expected from a candy maker.
Although Hayley's candy, wasn't the only sort featured, Garrett was the ultimate in male eye candy, to the extent that Hayley's nickname for him is Officer Hottie!
I really enjoyed reading Eye Candy, its a lovely story, with some great characters, and a cute little dog too!
It is a fairly simple story, next door neighours Hayley and Garrett come across each other one evening when Hayley is trying to break into her own house, after a night out celebrating her 30th birthday. She is determined to start her 30s as a "bad girl" instead of the good girl she had been in ther 20s.
Garrett is a cop and came to stop the house being broken into, and the pair have a somewhat instant sexual chemical reaction to each other.
However neither of them are convinced they want a relationship.
This is a classic will they, won't they be together book, that is full of amusing incidents, as well as fabulous encounters between the pair.
I was a bit disappointed more wasn't made of Hayley's job as a candy maker, she makes the most wonderful truffles, but despite there being bits about her days at work, I wasn't made to feel hungry, which I would have expected from a candy maker.
Although Hayley's candy, wasn't the only sort featured, Garrett was the ultimate in male eye candy, to the extent that Hayley's nickname for him is Officer Hottie!
I really enjoyed reading Eye Candy, its a lovely story, with some great characters, and a cute little dog too!
August 6, 2015
I am a fan of any story where the two central characters of the story complement each other. Hayley was a sweetheart who specializes in making sweet treats. Garrett was a cop dealing with an upset in his life and uncertainty about his career. These two individuals were polar opposites but they made sense. Each brought out the better qualities in the other. This sweet and salty read is a rewarding pleasure. I received an ARC of Eye Candy by Katherine Garbera in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I find myself needing to say – do not judge this story on the book cover or the book’s title (a play on words somewhat of the heroine’s occupation). Yes, the cover is hot and the title draws you in, no doubt. Yet, I found this tale to be neither light nor fluffy – but intense and complicated, in the best ways possible.
Hayley has just celebrated her thirtieth birthday. With the encouragement of her friends and business partners, as well as her own take on the bucket list of her life, Hayley is setting out to be .. more. More than what she was, taking more risks, living more fully and finding out what makes her happy.
What would make her happy tonight is the attention of her Hot Cop neighbor who thinks she’s doing a bit of breaking and entering on her own front door.
Garrett is a police detective. It is what he’s alway wanted to be, what he has worked for even when his wealthy parents questioned his choice of careers. He needs the streets like he needs air to breathe. Recently Garrett was shot and his partner killed during a gun battle with a drug dealer. He has been off duty recuperating from his injuries and awaiting the results from Internal Affairs regarding the death of a piece of scum.
His instincts kicked in when he saw the shadowy figure bent over the door of his neighbor. And injured or not, it is his nature to protect and serve. And would he ever love to do just that to the sexy neighbor, a bit tipsy and determined to seduce her Hot Cop neighbor.
How do I convey the complexities of Eye Candy without giving too much away, things that make the story so intriguing and things that you should discover for yourself along the way of enjoying Garrett’s and Hayley’s romance.
This couple has a lot going on below the surface. Yes, they are an extremely sexy, sensous, smoke up the sheets kind of couple. Yet, I was drawn to their brokenness. Each has issues to deal with.. abandonment, parental expectations, guilt, fear, anger, survivor’s guilt.. and an inability to trust that what they are feeling is actually love. It was watching them face problems, sometimes run away from those problems, learn to trust not only each other but themselves.. those were the parts that took this novel to 5 stars for me. Of course they made wrong moves along the way, and Hayley’s ultimatum was probably the worst move of all – but I felt that those choices came from their own insecurities and I watched them overcome them in the end.
I greatly enjoyed Eye Candy and am hoping that there are at least two more stories about Hayley’s business partners and Garrett’s friends. One can only hope with fingers crossed.
*I received an e-ARC of Eye Candy from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
I find myself needing to say – do not judge this story on the book cover or the book’s title (a play on words somewhat of the heroine’s occupation). Yes, the cover is hot and the title draws you in, no doubt. Yet, I found this tale to be neither light nor fluffy – but intense and complicated, in the best ways possible.
Hayley has just celebrated her thirtieth birthday. With the encouragement of her friends and business partners, as well as her own take on the bucket list of her life, Hayley is setting out to be .. more. More than what she was, taking more risks, living more fully and finding out what makes her happy.
What would make her happy tonight is the attention of her Hot Cop neighbor who thinks she’s doing a bit of breaking and entering on her own front door.
Garrett is a police detective. It is what he’s alway wanted to be, what he has worked for even when his wealthy parents questioned his choice of careers. He needs the streets like he needs air to breathe. Recently Garrett was shot and his partner killed during a gun battle with a drug dealer. He has been off duty recuperating from his injuries and awaiting the results from Internal Affairs regarding the death of a piece of scum.
His instincts kicked in when he saw the shadowy figure bent over the door of his neighbor. And injured or not, it is his nature to protect and serve. And would he ever love to do just that to the sexy neighbor, a bit tipsy and determined to seduce her Hot Cop neighbor.
How do I convey the complexities of Eye Candy without giving too much away, things that make the story so intriguing and things that you should discover for yourself along the way of enjoying Garrett’s and Hayley’s romance.
This couple has a lot going on below the surface. Yes, they are an extremely sexy, sensous, smoke up the sheets kind of couple. Yet, I was drawn to their brokenness. Each has issues to deal with.. abandonment, parental expectations, guilt, fear, anger, survivor’s guilt.. and an inability to trust that what they are feeling is actually love. It was watching them face problems, sometimes run away from those problems, learn to trust not only each other but themselves.. those were the parts that took this novel to 5 stars for me. Of course they made wrong moves along the way, and Hayley’s ultimatum was probably the worst move of all – but I felt that those choices came from their own insecurities and I watched them overcome them in the end.
I greatly enjoyed Eye Candy and am hoping that there are at least two more stories about Hayley’s business partners and Garrett’s friends. One can only hope with fingers crossed.
*I received an e-ARC of Eye Candy from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
August 3, 2015
I thought this story was cute and a little different. I loved that Hayley was a candy maker and Garrett was a police officer. I liked when Hayley was working and the description of her candy shop.
They were cute together. I enjoyed the beginning when she was trying to break into her own house and he caught her. These two have a whole lot of chemistry.
I did think Hayley doubted herself a lot and sometimes the book felt a little two wordy. I did enjoy how this story took place in New York and the mention of places makes me miss New York. I thought the characters were written perfectly especially the main two.
The ending was nice and sweet especially when they make up. I was wondering if this would become a series due to her friends and his friends are single. Plus they were interesting so hopefully they will each have their own stories.
They were cute together. I enjoyed the beginning when she was trying to break into her own house and he caught her. These two have a whole lot of chemistry.
I did think Hayley doubted herself a lot and sometimes the book felt a little two wordy. I did enjoy how this story took place in New York and the mention of places makes me miss New York. I thought the characters were written perfectly especially the main two.
The ending was nice and sweet especially when they make up. I was wondering if this would become a series due to her friends and his friends are single. Plus they were interesting so hopefully they will each have their own stories.
November 16, 2021
Hayley könnte eigentlich glücklich sein.Ihr gehört zusammen mit ihren Freundinnen ein Pralinenshop und- restaurant in New York, aber an ihrem 30. Geburtstag merkt sie, dass ihr trotzdem etwas fehlt-Leidenschaft!Sie beschliesst daher, all ihren Mut zusammenzunehmen und etwas dagegen zu tun und landet mit ihrem attraktiven Nachbarn Garrett im Bett.Er ist ein Polizist, der derzeit wegen einer Verletzung nicht arbeiten kann, aber auch ein Sohn aus reichem Hause.
Beide kommen zusammen, aber Hayley möchte, dass Garrett seinen Job aufgibt, da sie Angst um ihn hat.Garrett möchte das nicht und beide trennen sich wieder!Doch nach diversen Gesprächen mit der Familie und Freunden, gehen beide wieder aufeinander zu und es gibt doch noch ein HappyEnd zwischen beiden!Sehr schöner Herz-Schmerz-Roman, für alle, die HappyEnds mögen genau das Richtige!Sehr schön flüssig zu lesen und nur wenig Kitsch!Leseempfehlung!
Beide kommen zusammen, aber Hayley möchte, dass Garrett seinen Job aufgibt, da sie Angst um ihn hat.Garrett möchte das nicht und beide trennen sich wieder!Doch nach diversen Gesprächen mit der Familie und Freunden, gehen beide wieder aufeinander zu und es gibt doch noch ein HappyEnd zwischen beiden!Sehr schöner Herz-Schmerz-Roman, für alle, die HappyEnds mögen genau das Richtige!Sehr schön flüssig zu lesen und nur wenig Kitsch!Leseempfehlung!
November 10, 2021
Rezension
Buchname: Winterglück am Central Park
Autor: Katherine Garbera
Seiten: 336 (Print)
Fromat: als Print und Ebook erhältlich
Verlag: MIRA Taschenbuch; 1. Edition (21. September 2021)
Sterne: 5
Cover:
Das Cover ist richtig schön gestaltet worden. Der Buchtitel steht in dunklen bzw dunkelroten farbenen Buchstaben im oberen Bereich. Man kann zwei Glühweine erkennen. .. Auf dem ersten Blick ist das schon mal sehr ansprechend.
Klappentext: (aus Amazon übernommen)
Eine Extraportion Romantik, bitte!
Eigentlich könnte Hayley zufrieden mit sich und ihrem Leben sein: Sie hat als Patissière einen tollen Job, wohnt in New York, der tollsten Stadt der Welt, und besitzt zusammen mit ihren besten Freundinnen Iona und Cici das süße »Candied Apple Café« am Central Park. Doch mit ihrem dreißigsten Geburtstag kommt auch die Erkenntnis, dass etwas in ihrem Leben fehlt: Leidenschaft. Bei dem Wort muss sie unwillkürlich sofort an ihren Nachbarn Garrett denken. Seit seiner Verwundung im Dienst versucht der attraktive Polizist, Überraschungen und Unvorhergesehenes in seinem Leben zu vermeiden. Doch der spontane Kuss nach ihrer Geburtstagsfeier macht Hayley Lust auf mehr. Und so setzt sie alles daran, Garrett aus der Reserve zu locken, um mit ihm das große Winterglück zu erleben.
»Katherine Garbera weiß genau, wie man die perfekte Liebesgeschichte schreibt.« New-York-Times-Bestsellerautorin Roxanne St. Claire
Schreibstil:
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist total flüssig, liest sich super und ist sehr leicht verständlich.
Charaktere:
Die Hauptprotagonistin ist Hayley
Der Hauptprotagonist ist Garrett
Ich fande alle Charaktere von Anfang an total sympathisch und liebenswert. Des weiteren gibt es noch ein paar andere Charaktere. . Meiner Meinung nach sind alle Charakter sehr gelungen und haben einen sehr guten Platz im Buch bekommen.
Meinung:
!!!! Achtung !!! Könnte Spoiler erhalten!!!
Mir hat „Winterglück am Central Park“ von Katherine Garbera richtig gut gefallen. Die Geschichte rund um Hayley und Garrett waren total nach meinen Geschmack. Ich habe die weihnachtliche bzw winterliche Atmosphäre in New York geliebt. Hayley und auch Garrett waren mir von Anfang an sehr sympathisch gewesen und sie kamen meiner Meinung nach auch authentisch rüber. Der Schreibstil der Autorin habe ich als angenehm empfunden. Es lies sich locker und leicht lesen, die Story wurde meiner Meinung nach toll umgesetzt, die Charaktere waren besonders, das Setting war einfach nur traumhaft schön. Ich liebe Weihnachten und den Winter total. Es gab lustige Szenen und auch liedenschaftliche. Für mich hatte es genau die richtige Menge an Emotionen. Für mich ist „Winterglück am Central Park“ ein sehr gelungener Weihnachtsroman. Deshalb bekommt das Buch von mir auch sehr verdiente 5 Sterne und eine klare Leseempfehlung.
Fazit:
„Winterglück am Central Park“ ist für mich ein sehr gelungener Weihnachtsroman und alle Winterfans und Romantikfans kommen hier voll und ganz auf ihre Kosten. Sehr zu empfehlen.
Buchname: Winterglück am Central Park
Autor: Katherine Garbera
Seiten: 336 (Print)
Fromat: als Print und Ebook erhältlich
Verlag: MIRA Taschenbuch; 1. Edition (21. September 2021)
Sterne: 5
Cover:
Das Cover ist richtig schön gestaltet worden. Der Buchtitel steht in dunklen bzw dunkelroten farbenen Buchstaben im oberen Bereich. Man kann zwei Glühweine erkennen. .. Auf dem ersten Blick ist das schon mal sehr ansprechend.
Klappentext: (aus Amazon übernommen)
Eine Extraportion Romantik, bitte!
Eigentlich könnte Hayley zufrieden mit sich und ihrem Leben sein: Sie hat als Patissière einen tollen Job, wohnt in New York, der tollsten Stadt der Welt, und besitzt zusammen mit ihren besten Freundinnen Iona und Cici das süße »Candied Apple Café« am Central Park. Doch mit ihrem dreißigsten Geburtstag kommt auch die Erkenntnis, dass etwas in ihrem Leben fehlt: Leidenschaft. Bei dem Wort muss sie unwillkürlich sofort an ihren Nachbarn Garrett denken. Seit seiner Verwundung im Dienst versucht der attraktive Polizist, Überraschungen und Unvorhergesehenes in seinem Leben zu vermeiden. Doch der spontane Kuss nach ihrer Geburtstagsfeier macht Hayley Lust auf mehr. Und so setzt sie alles daran, Garrett aus der Reserve zu locken, um mit ihm das große Winterglück zu erleben.
»Katherine Garbera weiß genau, wie man die perfekte Liebesgeschichte schreibt.« New-York-Times-Bestsellerautorin Roxanne St. Claire
Schreibstil:
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist total flüssig, liest sich super und ist sehr leicht verständlich.
Charaktere:
Die Hauptprotagonistin ist Hayley
Der Hauptprotagonist ist Garrett
Ich fande alle Charaktere von Anfang an total sympathisch und liebenswert. Des weiteren gibt es noch ein paar andere Charaktere. . Meiner Meinung nach sind alle Charakter sehr gelungen und haben einen sehr guten Platz im Buch bekommen.
Meinung:
!!!! Achtung !!! Könnte Spoiler erhalten!!!
Mir hat „Winterglück am Central Park“ von Katherine Garbera richtig gut gefallen. Die Geschichte rund um Hayley und Garrett waren total nach meinen Geschmack. Ich habe die weihnachtliche bzw winterliche Atmosphäre in New York geliebt. Hayley und auch Garrett waren mir von Anfang an sehr sympathisch gewesen und sie kamen meiner Meinung nach auch authentisch rüber. Der Schreibstil der Autorin habe ich als angenehm empfunden. Es lies sich locker und leicht lesen, die Story wurde meiner Meinung nach toll umgesetzt, die Charaktere waren besonders, das Setting war einfach nur traumhaft schön. Ich liebe Weihnachten und den Winter total. Es gab lustige Szenen und auch liedenschaftliche. Für mich hatte es genau die richtige Menge an Emotionen. Für mich ist „Winterglück am Central Park“ ein sehr gelungener Weihnachtsroman. Deshalb bekommt das Buch von mir auch sehr verdiente 5 Sterne und eine klare Leseempfehlung.
Fazit:
„Winterglück am Central Park“ ist für mich ein sehr gelungener Weihnachtsroman und alle Winterfans und Romantikfans kommen hier voll und ganz auf ihre Kosten. Sehr zu empfehlen.
August 1, 2015
ARC received from: Netgalley
Rating: 1*
Cover: Yes please!
Trope:
Chemistry: Titanic Iceberg
One-Sentence Summary: A cop and chef go from being neighbours to something more
Review: So I am trying to start this review with something positive but it is kind of hard to think of one. Garrett and Hayley's relationship throughout the whole book is very Stop-Start and they both pull away from each other multiple times.
Garrett seems like a respectable guy but I really didn't agree with the fact that
However, the 1* does not reflect the scrummy, rich-but-tortured cop but rather my dislike of Hayley, the female protagonist.
Throughout the whole of the book she claims to be independent and wants to do-it-alone, away from the security of her father's money and prove that she can stand on her own two feet ..... except, oh wait, she can afford to live in a brownstone in New York City due to her father's money, she could afford to travel the world ... with her father's money, she managed to start up her own business ... with her father's money. Are you freaking kidding me?! And then there's the fact that she worries about how her father is going to react to her haircut. Erm, what was that you said about being your own woman?! And when her father (who, let's face it, as basically financed her life) asks her to help design a dessert for his business she does it reluctantly acting like a spoilt rich girl (which she is, but claims she isn't).
Another annoying thing was how throughout the book she claimed to be this new reinvented "bad girl". Clearly no one had ever told her to "just be herself". The final nail on the coffin for me was when she gave Garrett the ultimatum "me or the job". I was really hoping that Garrett would just choose the job and run.
August 5, 2015
Great read!
When Garrett Mulligan, on leave NYPD officer, finds his tipsy neighbor, Hayley, trying to break into her own apartment one night, it makes for a fun time!
Hayley, who runs her own candy store, is turning 30 and vowing to turn over a new leaf and stop playing it safe. She has a little makeover with new hair and clothes and decides to flirt with Officer Hottie, as she calls him. Garrett, on leave recuperating after being shot during a shootout with a druggie who killed his partner, decides to flirt back. Their chemistry together is instant and HOT!
They decide to date, but each of their own hang ups attempts to derail the relationship before it even gets started. Can Hayley overcome her past baggage to allow herself to love freely again without the constant fear of loss? And can Garrett get past his guilt of being the one to survive and let himself be happy instead of being blinded by his need for revenge?
When Garrett Mulligan, on leave NYPD officer, finds his tipsy neighbor, Hayley, trying to break into her own apartment one night, it makes for a fun time!
Hayley, who runs her own candy store, is turning 30 and vowing to turn over a new leaf and stop playing it safe. She has a little makeover with new hair and clothes and decides to flirt with Officer Hottie, as she calls him. Garrett, on leave recuperating after being shot during a shootout with a druggie who killed his partner, decides to flirt back. Their chemistry together is instant and HOT!
They decide to date, but each of their own hang ups attempts to derail the relationship before it even gets started. Can Hayley overcome her past baggage to allow herself to love freely again without the constant fear of loss? And can Garrett get past his guilt of being the one to survive and let himself be happy instead of being blinded by his need for revenge?
August 1, 2015
When Garrett's manliness is questioned he doesn't hesitate to defend himself, “I’m not a caveman. You’ve seen me cleaned up,” he said. He knew how to dress nice and could even pull out all the stops on a date." He's not a shy boy, "hell, I always want you," he admitted, reaching between them and undoing his belt and then freeing his erection." I liked this book Garrett was hot and well he was just hot.
August 30, 2015
Let me start by saying that I love the cover! Garrett and Hayley's story was cute. Garrett has some internal conflict to overcome and his sexy neighbor might just help him figure it all out. I really enjoyed reading their interactions and not to mention the great love scenes.
September 9, 2015
I found this story to be very realistic about falling in love and being unsure of the other person's feelings for you.
You don't want to be hurt so you hold yourself back. While all along the other person is doing the same thing.
You don't want to be hurt so you hold yourself back. While all along the other person is doing the same thing.
January 1, 2024
Uh, yeah. I guess?
I'm not really enthusiastic about writing this review, which says a lot about the book. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad. In fact, it was perfectly fine. But that's about it. Fine. Nice. Cute, even. But nothing more. It didn't have me giggling and kicking my blanket at two am, it didn't have me sobbing when the main characters claimed they couldn't be together because of reasons x, y and z. I read it, it was good, end of story.
I feel like I'm being mean, but this was so... idk, non-engaging? The characters were cute, I liked Garrett especially, but there were just so many random things thrown in there. From some slightly sexist/misogynistic comments in the beginning to both Hayley and Garrett not being able to make up their damn minds for the whole book, I was annoyed too often to fully enjoy this.
I'm not really enthusiastic about writing this review, which says a lot about the book. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad. In fact, it was perfectly fine. But that's about it. Fine. Nice. Cute, even. But nothing more. It didn't have me giggling and kicking my blanket at two am, it didn't have me sobbing when the main characters claimed they couldn't be together because of reasons x, y and z. I read it, it was good, end of story.
I feel like I'm being mean, but this was so... idk, non-engaging? The characters were cute, I liked Garrett especially, but there were just so many random things thrown in there. From some slightly sexist/misogynistic comments in the beginning to both Hayley and Garrett not being able to make up their damn minds for the whole book, I was annoyed too often to fully enjoy this.
October 11, 2021
Hayley und Garrett sind schon länger Nachbarn aber erst jetzt lernen sie sich näher kennen und Hayley probiert mutig zu sein.
Leider dürfte bei der Übersetzung einiges schief gegangen sein bei den zeitlichen Abfolgen. irgendwie vergeht laut Beschreibung viel Zeit und dann sind es wieder nur ein paar Tage.
Die Charaktere sind eigentlich toll und man lernt sie im Lauf der Geschichte zu lieben.
Achtung das hier ist der erste Teil der Trilogie um die drei Freundinnen!
Ideal als Einstimmung für den Winter ohne Weihnachten als Thema.
viel Spaß beim Lesen
Leider dürfte bei der Übersetzung einiges schief gegangen sein bei den zeitlichen Abfolgen. irgendwie vergeht laut Beschreibung viel Zeit und dann sind es wieder nur ein paar Tage.
Die Charaktere sind eigentlich toll und man lernt sie im Lauf der Geschichte zu lieben.
Achtung das hier ist der erste Teil der Trilogie um die drei Freundinnen!
Ideal als Einstimmung für den Winter ohne Weihnachten als Thema.
viel Spaß beim Lesen
August 9, 2017
[1.5 stars] dont really like this book, was bored out at around 50% but force myself to finish it. i think its has the same problem with the 2nd book (read the 2nd book first as i didnt know there is a series), too many repititon about their feelings, thoughts etc. at their sex scene lasted one chapter at chapter 10. dont think a sex scene that long is required. probably wouldnt read books by this author again.
January 18, 2022
Super Sexy Smart read!!
Wow! I absolutely lost myself in this !! I love a book with a lightening SPEED intro with plenty a desire & then the sizzle breaks a bit as the story unfolds ! It’s even better when it’s filled with plenty of banter & a great plot to include a medical injury requiring rehab & serious job relationship growth issues !! The candy store setting made this a great book that really introduces future characters in the series !
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
Wow! I absolutely lost myself in this !! I love a book with a lightening SPEED intro with plenty a desire & then the sizzle breaks a bit as the story unfolds ! It’s even better when it’s filled with plenty of banter & a great plot to include a medical injury requiring rehab & serious job relationship growth issues !! The candy store setting made this a great book that really introduces future characters in the series !
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
July 5, 2018
Not a bad book but I just couldn't bring myself to care about the main characters. It's one of those books where you know they're going to end up together but you just don't care about the how and the side characters don't make up for the lack of appeal.
Want to read
December 1, 2021Abbruch nach 48 Seiten …
December 19, 2021
"Winterglück am Central Park" von Katherina Garbera hat mein Interesse aufgrund des hübschen weihnachtlichen Covers und des romantischen Klappentext geweckt. Und dieses Versprechen wird auch weitestgehend gehalten.
Im Mittelpunkt der Handlung stehen die beiden Nachbarn Hayley und Garrett, die einander näher kommen, als Hailey versucht nach einem feuchtfröhlichen Abend in ihre eigene Wohnung einzusteigen, weil sie den Schlüssel verloren hat. Garrett versucht sie aufzuhalten, da er sie zunächst als Einbrecherin hält. Zwischen den beiden knistert es sofort gewaltig, auch wenn beide ihren Gefühlen nicht so recht nachgeben wollen. Beide hadern aktuell mit sich und ihren jeweiligen Leben. Garrett wurde in seinem Dienst als Polizist verletzt und kämpft nun mit sich und seiner Stärke, während Hayley nicht mehr die liebe und brave Frau sein, als die sie von allen gekannt wird.
Die Chemie zwischen Garrett und Hayley ist sehr stimmig. Das Hin und Her zwischen den beiden ist sehr erfrischen und belebt die Handlung.
Des Weiteren ist es schön bekannte Charaktere aus vorherigen Weihnachtsromanen von Katherina Garbera wiederzusehen. Allerdings hätte ich mir hier etwas mehr Tiefe gewünscht, da manche Vorereignisse zwar erwähnt, ihr Kontext jedoch nicht immer ganz klar wird.
Katherina Garbera hat einen sehr unterhaltsamen und zugleich emotionalen Schreibstil. Man lässt sich von ihren gefühlvollen Worten in eine wunderschöne Weihnachtswelt entführen, so dass man das Gefühl hat Hayleys Pralinen zu schmecken und den New Yorker Schnee unter den Schuhen zu spüren.
Die Autorin schafft es mit ihren beiden interessant gestalteten Hauptfiguren einen als Leser zu fesseln, so dass man das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen mag.
Fazit:
"Winterglück am Central Park" von Katherina Garbera ist sehr gefühlvoll geschrieben. Die Charaktere hadern in diesem Roman sehr mit sich und ihrem Schicksal und können mit einer abwechslungsreichen Handlung fesseln. Es wird eine schöne Weihnachtsstimmung erzeugt.
Note: 2+ (💗💗💗💗)
Im Mittelpunkt der Handlung stehen die beiden Nachbarn Hayley und Garrett, die einander näher kommen, als Hailey versucht nach einem feuchtfröhlichen Abend in ihre eigene Wohnung einzusteigen, weil sie den Schlüssel verloren hat. Garrett versucht sie aufzuhalten, da er sie zunächst als Einbrecherin hält. Zwischen den beiden knistert es sofort gewaltig, auch wenn beide ihren Gefühlen nicht so recht nachgeben wollen. Beide hadern aktuell mit sich und ihren jeweiligen Leben. Garrett wurde in seinem Dienst als Polizist verletzt und kämpft nun mit sich und seiner Stärke, während Hayley nicht mehr die liebe und brave Frau sein, als die sie von allen gekannt wird.
Die Chemie zwischen Garrett und Hayley ist sehr stimmig. Das Hin und Her zwischen den beiden ist sehr erfrischen und belebt die Handlung.
Des Weiteren ist es schön bekannte Charaktere aus vorherigen Weihnachtsromanen von Katherina Garbera wiederzusehen. Allerdings hätte ich mir hier etwas mehr Tiefe gewünscht, da manche Vorereignisse zwar erwähnt, ihr Kontext jedoch nicht immer ganz klar wird.
Katherina Garbera hat einen sehr unterhaltsamen und zugleich emotionalen Schreibstil. Man lässt sich von ihren gefühlvollen Worten in eine wunderschöne Weihnachtswelt entführen, so dass man das Gefühl hat Hayleys Pralinen zu schmecken und den New Yorker Schnee unter den Schuhen zu spüren.
Die Autorin schafft es mit ihren beiden interessant gestalteten Hauptfiguren einen als Leser zu fesseln, so dass man das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen mag.
Fazit:
"Winterglück am Central Park" von Katherina Garbera ist sehr gefühlvoll geschrieben. Die Charaktere hadern in diesem Roman sehr mit sich und ihrem Schicksal und können mit einer abwechslungsreichen Handlung fesseln. Es wird eine schöne Weihnachtsstimmung erzeugt.
Note: 2+ (💗💗💗💗)
February 28, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised about this book. I thought it would be another quick sizzling romance without much depth, but it was actually a good contempary romance with some sizzle. Hayley confused me at times, but I liked her. Garrett was the hot male you thought he would be, but was vulnerable at times. The flow could have been more smooth and there were a few missed opportunities to make this book better, but it is worth reading.
August 7, 2015
This is the fourth book I’ve read by this fantastic romance author. As usual, this story has great characters, a clear plot and is well written. The interactions between the main characters are well developed and some of the supporting characters (especially their friends) really deserve their own HEA so I hope other books will be written about them in the near future!
NYPD officer Garrett Mulligan was recently seriously injured when someone he and his partner were trying to arrest shot him and killed his partner. Garrett killed the shooter and this is all now subject to investigations. He isn’t healing as well as he’d hoped, his leg is still weak and he’s really getting fed up of being off duty. When he sees someone trying to break into a neighbour’s property he goes to prevent this happening only to find the perpetrator is none other than his neighbour, Hayley Dunham. She’s been out celebrating her thirtieth birthday then lost her house keys. Talk about instant attraction! She’s had more than usual to drink and he’s a gentleman, letting her stay (on the couch) overnight so she can get out a locksmith in the morning. That’s the start of an on/off romance between the two as both try to overcome their fears and let love stand a chance. With delicious candy and a handsome officer, this is a sweet romance, ideal for escaping into!
Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley, too for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
NYPD officer Garrett Mulligan was recently seriously injured when someone he and his partner were trying to arrest shot him and killed his partner. Garrett killed the shooter and this is all now subject to investigations. He isn’t healing as well as he’d hoped, his leg is still weak and he’s really getting fed up of being off duty. When he sees someone trying to break into a neighbour’s property he goes to prevent this happening only to find the perpetrator is none other than his neighbour, Hayley Dunham. She’s been out celebrating her thirtieth birthday then lost her house keys. Talk about instant attraction! She’s had more than usual to drink and he’s a gentleman, letting her stay (on the couch) overnight so she can get out a locksmith in the morning. That’s the start of an on/off romance between the two as both try to overcome their fears and let love stand a chance. With delicious candy and a handsome officer, this is a sweet romance, ideal for escaping into!
Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley, too for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2015
Received a copy of the title through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Gorgeous (yet simple) cover.
... and that's what drew me to this book. Needless to say, it was one of those "don't judge a book by it's cover, because you might be sorely disappointed" moments. There was a lot of potential for this story but I found myself rolling my eyes and groaning at some of the one liners:
He wanted to serve and protect her. -- Garrett
"Maybe you should have handcuffed me..." -- Hayley
"Still feeling naughty this morning?" -- Garrett
-- mind you, while they'd been neighbors for a moment, this was all said within six, seven, maybe eight hours of knowing one another, with the first two being almost right away.
I wanted to watch Hayley change from the mousy woman she'd turned into, into the vixen she wanted to be, but I felt the storyline pushed it too quickly. One thing for you to act out on your thirtieth birthday, but another to be so out with it every other day of the week.
I think the story was meant to have comedic qualities to it, but it just didn't get there for me. (I did, though, enjoy their numerous "Busted..." moments).
Gorgeous (yet simple) cover.
... and that's what drew me to this book. Needless to say, it was one of those "don't judge a book by it's cover, because you might be sorely disappointed" moments. There was a lot of potential for this story but I found myself rolling my eyes and groaning at some of the one liners:
He wanted to serve and protect her. -- Garrett
"Maybe you should have handcuffed me..." -- Hayley
"Still feeling naughty this morning?" -- Garrett
-- mind you, while they'd been neighbors for a moment, this was all said within six, seven, maybe eight hours of knowing one another, with the first two being almost right away.
I wanted to watch Hayley change from the mousy woman she'd turned into, into the vixen she wanted to be, but I felt the storyline pushed it too quickly. One thing for you to act out on your thirtieth birthday, but another to be so out with it every other day of the week.
I think the story was meant to have comedic qualities to it, but it just didn't get there for me. (I did, though, enjoy their numerous "Busted..." moments).
September 8, 2015
I wasn’t sure about how this story would go after the cover. I shouldn’t have been put off by it. Eye Candy by Katherine Garbera is amazing contemporary uptown story, much better than the cover implies.
Both of the two main characters are facing changes in their life, one by choice, one not so much. I like the take on the title with the candy store. I could sympathize with how Hayley is changing her life to become the person that she wants to be; one who takes responsible risks to enrich her life. Then who couldn’t love the hot-cop Garrett with his gruff but lovable ways? He is also easy to understand having to face the changes that life has thrown his way.
The plot is well written with a wonderful supporting cast. I like how the events processed at a steady pace. I did want to shake these two a time or two and point out to them how perfect they were together. Finally they discovered that after dancing around each other for a while. This is the story of everyday people living learning to live and love amidst the every changing that disrupts the routine day to day life. I enjoyed it all.
Copy provided by the publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.
Both of the two main characters are facing changes in their life, one by choice, one not so much. I like the take on the title with the candy store. I could sympathize with how Hayley is changing her life to become the person that she wants to be; one who takes responsible risks to enrich her life. Then who couldn’t love the hot-cop Garrett with his gruff but lovable ways? He is also easy to understand having to face the changes that life has thrown his way.
The plot is well written with a wonderful supporting cast. I like how the events processed at a steady pace. I did want to shake these two a time or two and point out to them how perfect they were together. Finally they discovered that after dancing around each other for a while. This is the story of everyday people living learning to live and love amidst the every changing that disrupts the routine day to day life. I enjoyed it all.
Copy provided by the publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.
August 5, 2015
Book Summary
Title: Eye Candy
Author: Katherine Garbera
Published by: HarperCollins UK
Release Date: 13th August 2015
My rating: 3 Stars
Review
For anyone who, like me, started out their romance reading journey reading Harlequin books, you'll recognise this author's name. She's always produced the type of books that you can thoroughly enjoy in one sitting and walk away with a big, happily ever after smile on your face.
This book however, just didn't mesh up with what I know this author can produce. The whole book felt like it was forced, it didn't feel natural or genuine. The characters are enjoyable enough, but they didn't come across as being organic, or the way they developed seemed too rushed.
The concept was there, the storyline was there, I just wish that the natural progression and a smoother writing style had've been.
January 29, 2022
Winterglück am Central Park - Katherine Garbera
Rezension: 2/5⭐️
Meinung:
Der Schreibstil war sehr flüssig und ich kam flott dich die Geschichte durch. Leider fehlte es aber sehr an Tiefgang. Die Gefühle zwischen den Protagonisten kamen leider viel zu kurz und die Erotikszenen nahmen überhand. Dadurch waren die Gefühle, welche beschrieben wurden für mich nicht greifbar, Auch gefehlt hat mir das Winterliche bzw. Weihnachtliche.
Ebenfalls zu kurz kamen mir die Szenen mit ihren beiden Freundinnen. Dies kam eindeutig zu kurz und ich war doch sehr enttäuscht.
Direkt nach dem lesen habe ich der Geschichte 3 Sterne gegeben, aber als ich während dem schreiben der Rezension darüber nachgedacht habe, was mir eigentlich gefallen hat, kam zu wenig dabei raus und somit muss ich wohl meine Sternebewertung auf 2 Sterne festlegen.
Fazit: Trotz des flüssigen Schreibstils und dem schnellen beenden des Buches, war dies leider ein Flop. Die Gefühle kamen zu kurz und auch das winterliche. Die Freundinnen und die Umgebung alles war mir irgendwie zu wenig. Von mir leider keine Empfehlung.
Rezension: 2/5⭐️
Meinung:
Der Schreibstil war sehr flüssig und ich kam flott dich die Geschichte durch. Leider fehlte es aber sehr an Tiefgang. Die Gefühle zwischen den Protagonisten kamen leider viel zu kurz und die Erotikszenen nahmen überhand. Dadurch waren die Gefühle, welche beschrieben wurden für mich nicht greifbar, Auch gefehlt hat mir das Winterliche bzw. Weihnachtliche.
Ebenfalls zu kurz kamen mir die Szenen mit ihren beiden Freundinnen. Dies kam eindeutig zu kurz und ich war doch sehr enttäuscht.
Direkt nach dem lesen habe ich der Geschichte 3 Sterne gegeben, aber als ich während dem schreiben der Rezension darüber nachgedacht habe, was mir eigentlich gefallen hat, kam zu wenig dabei raus und somit muss ich wohl meine Sternebewertung auf 2 Sterne festlegen.
Fazit: Trotz des flüssigen Schreibstils und dem schnellen beenden des Buches, war dies leider ein Flop. Die Gefühle kamen zu kurz und auch das winterliche. Die Freundinnen und die Umgebung alles war mir irgendwie zu wenig. Von mir leider keine Empfehlung.
August 18, 2015
This was a fun story. Hayley turned 30 and is trying to shake things up in her life. Garrett is a police officer recovering from being shot on the job. They both have a lot of emotional baggage they are dealing with, and yet seem to be exactly what the other needs to heal and move forward. But they are both very stubborn.
This was a fun, sexy book with some deep emotional moments. I could feel Hayley's fear and worry coming through the pages as she was trying to reinvent herself. I really connected with her character.
The secondary characters were great too. I really hope that this is the beginning of a series so we can read more about Hayley's business partners, and Garrett's friends.
This was a fun, sexy book with some deep emotional moments. I could feel Hayley's fear and worry coming through the pages as she was trying to reinvent herself. I really connected with her character.
The secondary characters were great too. I really hope that this is the beginning of a series so we can read more about Hayley's business partners, and Garrett's friends.
Read
August 10, 2015DNF@50%
I just could not keep on with this book when I couldn't stand the heroine constantly running away from the hero, then getting annoyed when he has a blind date with someone else.
Nor was I particularly fond of him and his woe-is-me routine. (Where did he get shot anyway? First he has a busted foot, then it's the femur, then it's his knee? I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure those are three different places.)
Overall I couldn't see what these two had in common, didn't believe their chemistry and lacked any interest in seeing how it panned out.
Sorry, this one wasn't for me.
I just could not keep on with this book when I couldn't stand the heroine constantly running away from the hero, then getting annoyed when he has a blind date with someone else.
Nor was I particularly fond of him and his woe-is-me routine. (Where did he get shot anyway? First he has a busted foot, then it's the femur, then it's his knee? I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure those are three different places.)
Overall I couldn't see what these two had in common, didn't believe their chemistry and lacked any interest in seeing how it panned out.
Sorry, this one wasn't for me.
August 12, 2015
I thought this was a very enjoyable read! Great way to spend a lazy afternoon. With it's high steam level and light storyline, it's a very relaxing read. Garrett and Hayley finally meet after being neighbors for a while. He's a cop but he's home recuperating from an injury. She's a candy maker with a shop that is just getting started. The attraction is immediate and it's not long before they are dating....sorta! This story takes us along as their relationship builds and they struggle to find their way. I would definitely recommend this one.
April 11, 2016
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
DNF at 47%. I couldn't anymore. This had such a great premise, but this book was a mess. You got thrown right in the middle of a story and at no point were you given the chance to catch up with the characters. I didn't care about Hayley or Garrett, and by about half way through, I should have. There was no heart to this one and I don't know why. All of the pieces were there, but they just didn't come together for me and life is too short and there are too many books to read things that don't hold you.
DNF at 47%. I couldn't anymore. This had such a great premise, but this book was a mess. You got thrown right in the middle of a story and at no point were you given the chance to catch up with the characters. I didn't care about Hayley or Garrett, and by about half way through, I should have. There was no heart to this one and I don't know why. All of the pieces were there, but they just didn't come together for me and life is too short and there are too many books to read things that don't hold you.
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