Floured

A Recipe for Love #1

by Lane Martin

Emily Barnes likes things measured and timed, just like any baker. When she loses the apartment that she needs to run her home-based muffin business, she’s faced with a choice; couch surfing, separated by very thin walls, and her very loud best friends, or house sitting an otherwise empty Upper East Side luxury apartment overlooking Central Park. Obviously it’s a no brainer for this smart cookie.

Declan Hayes is used to people asking things of him and saying no, but for Maggie, his parent’s cook and housekeeper, he would do just about anything, including going over to his parent’s apartment to check on her pseudo niece who is staying there. His plan was to get in and get out, but the second he saw her, something changed. Something about her sparked the normally cold and dismal place to life; she made it warm and inviting. He finally understood the phrase “there’s no place like home".

Can Emily and Declan trust the timing of their lives or adjust the angle of the lens from which they see their lives?

Will hope, faith, trust and …? Love?

Will these things be enough for Emily and Declan to get the one thing they both never thought they needed in life?

It’s a good thing they are “Floured” because life is about to get sticky.

This is Lane Martin’s debut novel and Book #1 in the A Recipe for Love series. Due to explicit content, Floured is recommended for mature readers.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Amazon

384 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2015

About the author

I never thought that I would write a novel, although my English teacher my freshman year in college told me that he would hunt me down if I wasn’t published by the time I was thirty. Thirty came and went. I was busy being a wife and working mother of two and nobody came looking for me.

I doubt my sister thought she was about to change my life forever when she got me a book of “Mommy porn” for my birthday in 2012, but that’s exactly what she did. After reading the first book in the trilogy, I rushed out and got the other two books. I became obsessed and read the series several times before learning about Fanficiton. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t get enough. The idea fascinated me and I thought, “I can do that.” I was a nervous wreck when I posted my first story, a one shot about my new favorite couple. One story lead to another and then another. My readers encouraged me to write something original, so that‘s what I did. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me. I couldn’t have done it without you.

I love reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with my family.

Thank you for going on this journey with me.

Reviews

[A Hopeless Romantic's Booklandia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I had to wait a few hours after I finished Floured before I could write my review. At first I was too angry, next came my bury-my-face-in-a-pillow-I'm-useless phase, and then I just needed a little me break to relax and trust me, you'll need one after you get done with this book. It wasn't so much that it was an emotionally exhausting, it's actually a very fun, enjoyable read, it was just the cliffhanger that got to me.

I was very shocked that Declan and Emily don't get their HEA yet because it's so obvious how much they love each other, in fact I actually thought the book could have ended a lot sooner than it did because of how solid their relationship was, but that being said, it didn't feel like a chore to keep reading Floured. Of course, if you asked me that an hour ago, my answer would have been very different. I was angry, I regretted reading it, and I didn't even really want to read the next book, but I am happy to say that I truly don't feel that way anymore! I don't regret picking it up and I'm very glad that I read it because I met an awesome hero and heroine and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for book two!

~ Sonja, 4 Stars

[Aaly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was just a wonderful recipe for love ... Took me 3 hours to read it, I couldn't put it down.
It's 1.30am in France and I can't help to think about Declan and Emily, I laughed, I smiled, I swooned, I melt and I fucking cried in the end. That's one of a hell amazing story with just the right ingredients for a memorable read!
Full review to come ... Just a thought :



***** ARC provided by the author via Southern Belle Promotions for an honest review *****

A little bit of sweet, a lots of sexy parts, a beautiful romance, humor and a hint of spice, Floured has all the ingredients for a marvelous recipe, with two people from different worlds reunited by love!

When a feisty baker met a handsome and successful Irish man, it created a delightful story, with a smoking chemistry.

I laughed, I smiled, giggling sometimes, and melting a lot.



Emily is a Baker and a successful woman with her home-based muffins business. She’s independent, tough but sweet with some abandonment issues. When she had to find a new place and ended in her aunt boss's house, she didn’t expect to find an exquisite Irish man who will give her goosebumps.



Meet Declan … Just his name makes me smile! Married to his job, womanizer, and not tight with his family, but to his astonishment he gets the meaning of the word “home” with Emma, taken aback by her natural side and features, a woman like he never met before.Bossy when it comes to work, mysterious and secretive … Enough to pick my interest.

The words flowed easily, and I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to keep reading, about these two characters, who were so meant to be together. Declan was for sure about his feelings and Emma was kinda lost here. Why a man like him, could be interested to be with her?

 

Even if Emily was hot tempered and reacting like a jealous and insecure woman, I could understand it, and Declan was comprehensive and very … persuasive!

Sometimes you can have all the elements for a great wonderful story and it doesn’t work but with ‘Floured’ it was quite the opposite! The author made a remarkable job here, written with sincerity, passion and just the right amount of emotion. Lane Martin got me here.



And the end … I just wanted to cry! This book was from the beginning to the end, an unexpected and delightful surprise. Go for it!

Please Lane, I really, really hope that the next one will come out soon, for now I’m just doing this :

*** My rating ***

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Barnes life was in temporary mode. While her budding career was flourishing, she was currently homeless and staying at her Aunt's home where she was employed as a cook and housekeeper. Watching over the apartment she is thrilled with her new digs and the ability to cook and experiment in the kitchen. She however did not expect Declan Hayes.

Declan is entranced by Emily and is not a man who is used to not getting what he wants. The more time he spends with Emily, the more he sees the man he wants to become. Their journey is not easily paved though and after a unique start both are wanting to see where it will lead.

This had a few unexpected surprises. I thought Emily had a zest for life and was infectious in the little things that made her who she is. Declan is a bit of a puzzle which you understand as the book progresses. Highly entertaining read.

[Sanne Heremans · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Sanne / Scandalous Book Blog***

What can I even begin to say about this book?

For like 90% I was just thinking what a fantastic holiday read. Until I got to a certain point for which I’m not sure that I should either love or hate the author.

I was crying in public, does that say enough to you?! You better write really fast lady.

A baking young lady and a Irish/American hot alpha - A deliciously winning combination!

Declan and Emily seem to be an instant match made in heaven but when fate comes knocking on their doorstep right on the brink of the new year, will that be enough for their relationship to survive?

The only thing I’m going to warn you about is to make sure you have tissues at hand and preferably are not in a public space if you do not want to be looked at funny. You’ll know why soon enough... If you one click! ;-)

[Rebecca McGlinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written, could not put it down at all! Very entertaining and flows well. The characters are very realistic and you can relate to them easily. Cannot wait for more from this author!

[Mary Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Recipe for Love!

Emily Barnes is a baker and doesn't believe that true love exist for her. But when she gets evicted from her apartment and moves into the fancy apartment where her aunt works, she doesn't think that a man will capture her heart there. Time to meet the newest book boyfriend, Declan Hayes. He is Irish and I could here that yummy accent each time he spoke. He is the type of man that is every woman's fantasy. He is rich, sexy, yummy and perfect. Can Emily move past her fears and let Declan in? Will Declan go back to his playboy ways and leave Emily heart broken? This is an awesome debut novel and I loved it. I can't wait for Sifted, book 2, coming 2016.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! Here it is almost a week later and I can't stop thinking about Declan Hayes. This book was a wonderful mix of all different types of emotions. A writer that can pull off both fun by and serious is a great thing. A fun read that will leave you wanting more time with this amazing group. Do yourself a favor and give this new author a chance, you won't be disappointed. There are amazing things ahead for Lane Martin.

[Adrein Tarpley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, loved the main characters, can't wait for book two.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books that want to make me eat muffins and baked goods are both a blessing and a curse. While reading this book, I found myself detouring to the local bakery more than normal and bringing treats home to eat while I read. Floured was such a sweet story that inspired me to embrace my inner dessert queen and fall in love with this sassy debut story from Lane Martin.

This book has everything you expect from a contemporary romance story, balanced well in a beautiful little package. There is drama, romance, a fun and flirty cast of characters, and two main people you hope will make it in the end. As cheesy as it may sound, the best analogy for this story was like baking. I imagine that Lane Martin takes a bright cherry red standing mixer and adds what we want. She puts in a dash of angst, some family drama, a pinch of heartache, two seemingly opposite characters who click, a spark of passion and electricity, and a slew of ups and downs. When it is all mixed together, the story starts off a bit choppy but once it smooths out, you are left with something you know you will enjoy.

Floured is a story filled with humor and love! I laughed out loud several times at the main characters antics. I especially loved Emily and her fun personality. I admired who she was and what she was doing. She followed her dreams and it lead her to another dream that she never saw coming. I loved her enthusiasm and creativity in the kitchen. Declan had everything you wanted in a book boyfriend. He was sweet with a hint of alpha in the mix. He was a bit of a tortured soul, one that makes you want to save him and hug him at the same time. Add to that his brilliant business mind and his sexy Irish accent and you cannot help but fall in love. These two together keep you on your toes. There are moments of frustration and miscommunication. There are definitely trust issues that need to be overcome. Both of these characters have dealt with a sort of emotional trauma from people they loved and that trauma has translated into their romantic relationships. It was sad but heartwarming to see them face those insecurities together and work to make what they had growing between them last.

This debut novel hit all the marks and leaves you wanting more. I will admit that I had no idea this was the first in a series. It is not a standalone. It ends with many loose ends and I was (slightly) frustrated by that fact. Not in a bad way. I just wanted to know what happened. I was hoping to have the full story of Emily and Declan but it looks like I will be stalking Lane's social media to see when the next book is released. The ending was quite a surprise but I appreciated what Martin did and I am very interested to see what happens with these two love birds.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Kindle Copy

Emily Barnes is a baker who finds herself without an apartment as her best friend and roommate is getting married. She finds herself apartment sitting her mom’s friend place while she is gone who is like an aunt to her. Little did she expect to find a roommate who would change her world.

Declan Hayes who is used to people asking things of him and declining. Maggie, his parent’s cook and housekeeper, is someone he would do just about anything which includes going over to his parent’s apartment to check on her pseudo niece who is staying there. Thinking it will be just a quick in and out visit he finds himself swept up by her presence.

Can these two find happiness despite from two different worlds and his parents dislike of her? Can she moved past her male trust issues and love him? Will he end up hurting her when he finds a secret that his parents been hiding from him?

[Amanda Lee Disheveled Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a hard review to write because I really enjoyed this story but it just didn’t have the one thing that jumped out at me and made me love it. I think that most fans that love Contemporary Romance books that have steamy scened will enjoy this. But as far as the depth of the story it’s not really there. It was like a REALLY good chick flick, you know whats going to happen next but you don’t care because the characters are interesting enough you can’t look away.
The writing is good for a debut author, there were little to no errors in my ARC and I found it easy to follow. I read this over a few days this week but I’ve been kinda busy with the holiday and such so I had to put it down a few times. But even with that you could read this over a weekend. I recommend it to romance fans too I think that some may really enjoy this book, and fall in love with the characters. I look forward to figuring out what happens next for Declan and Emily too.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great debut novel from Lane Martin! Floured is Sweet, Sassy and Sexy!

Emily meets Declan when she moves into his parents apartment while her aunt who is their housekeeper/cook is out of town. They are smitten with each other from the start. You can't help but love Declan. He is a sweet guy who isn't afraid to show his alpha side.

I had trouble connecting with Emily at times....but she was still a very likable character.

Floured also has it's share of some great supporting characters! Nat and Gabe. Matty and Eric....they were all great! And I loved Matty's nicknames!

Overall a very enjoyable first novel and I can't wait to read more from Ms. Martin!

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Floured be prepared this does end in a cliffhanger so while you are one clicking this you most defiantly need to get Sifted . After reading this I know I'll be reading more by Lane Martin my TBR will be filled with her books . I really couldn't put my kindle down once I started and then once I hit the end I got upset because cliffhangers usually turn me off a story but once I got over that I opened up the next book in A recipe for love even though it way past the time for beddey bye and my kindle was in need of charging I wanted to know what was going to happen or there would be no sleep for me (not regrets wink) . Emily was likable my first reaction to her made the perfect heroine she was strong funny and had a backbone but then something happens to were I was like what happened to this strong heroine who didn't assume the worst and jumped to conclusions over all I really liked her . Oh my Declan was yummy loved everything about him and his sexy mannerism and slight accent the way he treats the heroine was beautiful in and out of the bedroom . They both have had some family issues and I'm hoping to find more out about the heroes I mean with such a jaw dropping revolution WOW .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero=10 heroine= 8 secondary characters= 8 Chemistry= 10 steam= 7
romance= 8 humor=6 darkness level= 3 action= 3 mystery= 5
enjoyment= 8 angst= 4 story line=9 Story ending=7
character development= 10 pacing= 9
cover=10 stars= 4
would I recommend this book= yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author= yes

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best things about preparing for signings is getting to know new authors. I have to admit I was a little judgmental and put off reading this because the cover didn't talk to me. When Lane Martin was added to an attendees list the decision was made

So I am asking you to not judge a book by its cover. This book has all of the ingredients to keep you on a love high for hours. Declan will have you drooling and hoping that you might just bump into him. Emily will have you wanting to better yourself, finding the good in people. But when she lets loose on a disgusting person you will want to give her a standing ovation.

The support characters add a lot to the story. They add substance and insight. Declan and Emily's story is one you get to be part of from the beginning, cheering them on, buying the perfect outfit for the wedding, until it all comes crashing down.

Thankfully you won't have to wait to find out what happens next. Sifted is available now ready to be devoured.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4
The plot was great, but it was a little dragged out. At times I would look at the percentage left and think, what else is going to happen because this seems like a climax. I did connect with the characters and thought Declan's slang was adorable.
The broken boy fixed by true love was perfect and I enjoyed it. Emily and Declan definitely need each other. They were a real couple in my head with relatable problems that had human reaction instead of fairytale ones.
The abrupt cliffhanger (I would call it one) left me for a loop. I thought that the book was closing beautifully and the next thing I know there's a no more pages to close out the issue laid at their feet.
I had no idea it ended like that, and I'm a little disappointed there wasn't a warning, I would have taken more caution and prepared myself.

[Victoria B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I loved the book. Its a great romance story. The characters are great, easy to love or hate depending. The flow is natural, there is plenty of heat and enough action to keep you on your toes, throw in a little comical moments and you get a great book..... until the end which is a cliffhanger! I hate cliffhangers lol. IF you don't mind having to go buy book two to hopefully get the HEA then this is a must read, now off to buy book 2.

[ELC · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author.

I liked this author it is not what I'm used to reading but it's good. So far the story is good I need to finish the rest to give a complete review.

[Carola · Rating 3 out of 5]

cliffhanger ending

[Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

Great series!
Full review to come.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Taintedrose76 Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book set was a nice easy read . Couldn't find it anywhere on Amazon to leave a review though

[Sylvie · Rating 3 out of 5]

needs editing. Transitions weren't always smooth. Interesting conclusion, haven't decided on reading book 2 to see how it resolves.

[Carol Tietsworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book all within 2 hours, not a record for me, but when I got to the end I was pissed off. A cliffhanger! Up to that point I figured I could live with the spelling errors, that there weren't enough to sour me on the rest of the book. That in itself is a big deal for me, I make my living editing.

I hate cliffhangers, it actually feels like a betrayal to me. I spent my hard won time reading your delightful story and this is how you pay me back? Forcing me to get the next one, not because I want to read it, which I really do, but because if I don't I'll never know how this turned out... hence the three stars instead of the 4 or 5 I was going to leave.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am really straddling the fence on how I felt about this book. The one thing that called out to me when I first read the synopsis was the fact that Emily was a baker and practically homeless so her aunt Maggie calls in a favor and has Emily staying at Maggie’s employers apartment while they are gone. This leads Emily to meeting Declan, while baking, in his parent’s apartment. Adorable, right? And it is! It is such a cute first meeting and the more the two get to know each other, the more adorable they become. Both give each other something that they have never had. Emily can provide friends and family to Declan since his family sucks and Declan can provide security and absolute love. It was so sweet how they took care of each other when things were going right.

Spoilers
This leads me to where I got confused. First, Emily had guts. She bitched out a waitress who was too infatuated with Declan on not even their first date. She told off a somewhat ex and set his mother straight when she accused Emily of only dating Declan because of his money. However, each time Emily saw Declan with a woman that she didn’t know, or when something got too hard for her, Emily bailed…multiple times. I was confused because she seemed to be able to speak her mind so often that I didn’t understand why she just didn’t question Declan on what he was doing before packing everything up and calling quits.

There is also a time when Declan basically buys a building, supplies it with all the necessary equipment for Emily’s baking and presents it to her with a ribbon on top. Never in that chapter did Emily freak out about Declan helping her too much. Later on, though, Emily leaves Declan because he is getting the building permit signed for her. How could she have a problem with that when he bought a building for her and she didn’t utter a peep? Again, confused.

I will say that the ending brought way more suspense than what I was expecting and definitely didn’t see coming. I thought it was a nice twist in the story line and maybe a little payback for Emily.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

WARNING: CLIFFHANGER

I agree with the other lower reviews -- the characters often fall flat and have inconsistent personalities. Emily was especially hypocritical in her thoughts and actions, whereas Declan was the perfect boyfriend while being pretty much 2-dimensional. The abundance of side characters had more depth than Declan did.

I never figured out what the actual plot of the story was. Emily's career/bakery goals seemed open-ended even if several lovely opportunities landed right in her lap. Declan's business seems very vague and more like an excuse for him to come and go during the day (it doesn't seem all that demanding either, especially the one problem that Emily magically resolves for him without even remembering she did so).

Though Declan seemed to gain a personality in the last 10% of the story, I think the only reason I'd buy the second book, Sifted, is to see if the plot is finally revealed.

[LaLani Delk · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!

I fell in love with Emily and Declan when I first opened the book. They were so in love and then the bottom fell out from under them. Enjoy the book but look out for the cliff hanger!!!

[Tia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book starts out with the heroine saying that she is slow to warm up to people and is reserved and particular, but then bends over in her booty shorts, on purpose, in front of someone that just walked in on her in the apartment. Seriously?
I couldn't even finish the first chapter.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come...

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my review for "Sifted, (A recipe for Love Book 2)"

[Robin Shawn]

DNF

[Chiedza]

i loved this book, it had an interesting story line, witty characters and kept me turning to see what was on the next page.
Definitely looking forward to the ending to Declan and His Lemon Drop's story.