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Kitchen Gods
Wrapped with Love
Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B076YMPPYC
A Five Points holiday-themed novel, featuring a surprise couple, and lots of your old favorites: Jemma & Gabe, Nick & Colin, Landon & Quentin, and more!
NFL player Jordan Christensen walks into Reed Ryan’s restaurant without a reservation. It isn’t the most serendipitous of meet-cute’s and they certainly aren’t the likeliest of romances, but over venison steaks and crème brûlée, they fall in love anyway.
Flash forward two years . . .
Jordan isn’t a football player anymore.
Reed sold his restaurant.
But even more drastically, they’ve lost each other.
When Reed moves to Los Angeles take a new job, he doesn’t realize Jordan now works there too. But Jordan definitely realizes how precious the second chance fate has bestowed on them is. He’s determined to make up for everything that fell apart the first time around, and it turns out he’s not the only one scheming to right old wrongs.
Starting a new career is always difficult but sharing office space—and big projects—with an old lover is particularly rough. Between impromptu Secret Santa exchanges, Christmas light viewings, and more tacos than even Reed can eat, the two former lovers have an eventful holiday season to navigate.
A Five Points holiday-themed novel, featuring a surprise couple, and lots of your old favorites: Jemma & Gabe, Nick & Colin, Landon & Quentin, and more!
NFL player Jordan Christensen walks into Reed Ryan’s restaurant without a reservation. It isn’t the most serendipitous of meet-cute’s and they certainly aren’t the likeliest of romances, but over venison steaks and crème brûlée, they fall in love anyway.
Flash forward two years . . .
Jordan isn’t a football player anymore.
Reed sold his restaurant.
But even more drastically, they’ve lost each other.
When Reed moves to Los Angeles take a new job, he doesn’t realize Jordan now works there too. But Jordan definitely realizes how precious the second chance fate has bestowed on them is. He’s determined to make up for everything that fell apart the first time around, and it turns out he’s not the only one scheming to right old wrongs.
Starting a new career is always difficult but sharing office space—and big projects—with an old lover is particularly rough. Between impromptu Secret Santa exchanges, Christmas light viewings, and more tacos than even Reed can eat, the two former lovers have an eventful holiday season to navigate.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2017
86 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Beth Bolden
77 books681 followersA lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
November 25, 2020
Wonderful sensuous, delicate slow burn read
Wrapped with love. This is how I like a story with yearning and longing. Reed and Jordan
Apart and desperately wanting to be together. They didn't speak out loud but they were dancing like two beautiful birds around each other to conquer.
Every little gesture spoke out loud more than words could do.
Reeds didn't speak words, he was awkward with words he acts with food instead
“He flustered Reed as much as Reed flustered him, and the knowledge was even sweeter than the dessert they’d shared that first night”
Two years earlier: Reed a chef owning a restaurant Jordan a very well paid football player so in love.
The present: Reed without his restaurant, Jordan no longer a football player, and both without each other.
When they meet again and will be working together there are so many situations we don't know yet this story beautifully tells us.
Second chances with a slow burn and oh gosh that was burning and sensual.
I loved it to be in their bubble they were mature and lovely, considered and thoughtful, hesitant, and full of love for each other.
It felt so pure and emotional it made me choke up more than once.
Both Reed and Jordan personalities were very well put down. You could only love them.
Reed was endearingly complex, at some point you could feel from the page how he felt.
Wonderful sensuous, delicate slow burn read. Written in a comfortable easygoing way. Ensuring to know already halfway that it will be all right whatever will happen they will be together and it will be all right. It had a pure way in it honest and emotional The more the story reveals the more I fell in love with this journey.
Kindly received an ARC from the author
Wrapped with love. This is how I like a story with yearning and longing. Reed and Jordan
Apart and desperately wanting to be together. They didn't speak out loud but they were dancing like two beautiful birds around each other to conquer.
Every little gesture spoke out loud more than words could do.
Reeds didn't speak words, he was awkward with words he acts with food instead
“He flustered Reed as much as Reed flustered him, and the knowledge was even sweeter than the dessert they’d shared that first night”
Two years earlier: Reed a chef owning a restaurant Jordan a very well paid football player so in love.
The present: Reed without his restaurant, Jordan no longer a football player, and both without each other.
When they meet again and will be working together there are so many situations we don't know yet this story beautifully tells us.
Second chances with a slow burn and oh gosh that was burning and sensual.
I loved it to be in their bubble they were mature and lovely, considered and thoughtful, hesitant, and full of love for each other.
It felt so pure and emotional it made me choke up more than once.
Both Reed and Jordan personalities were very well put down. You could only love them.
Reed was endearingly complex, at some point you could feel from the page how he felt.
Wonderful sensuous, delicate slow burn read. Written in a comfortable easygoing way. Ensuring to know already halfway that it will be all right whatever will happen they will be together and it will be all right. It had a pure way in it honest and emotional The more the story reveals the more I fell in love with this journey.
Kindly received an ARC from the author
July 23, 2018
Freebie at amazon.com right now: https://www.amazon.com/Wrapped-Love-B...
-------------------------------------------
Original review:
Return for refund.
This book is not a stand-alone -IMO.
Too many people presented, and a timeline that didn't exactly work.
Also this was one of those dreaded 'second-chance-romance-thingies', and YET AGAIN it was a miss for me.
But if I had read the blurb properly, and seen that it was a 'second-chance-thingy' I probably wouldn't have bought the book. That plot-line hasn't worked for me more than a FEW times, and had I known, I would have stayed away.
I'm going back in my re-read-hole, never mind me.
-------------------------------------------
Original review:
Return for refund.
This book is not a stand-alone -IMO.
Too many people presented, and a timeline that didn't exactly work.
Also this was one of those dreaded 'second-chance-romance-thingies', and YET AGAIN it was a miss for me.
But if I had read the blurb properly, and seen that it was a 'second-chance-thingy' I probably wouldn't have bought the book. That plot-line hasn't worked for me more than a FEW times, and had I known, I would have stayed away.
I'm going back in my re-read-hole, never mind me.
Want to read
July 25, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (7/25/2018)!💝
Blurb:
NFL player Jordan Christensen walks into Reed Ryan’s restaurant without a reservation. It isn’t the most serendipitous of meet-cute’s and they certainly aren’t the likeliest of romances, but over venison steaks and crème brûlée, they fall in love anyway.
Flash forward two years . . .
Jordan isn’t a football player anymore.
Reed sold his restaurant.
But even more drastically, they’ve lost each other.
When Reed moves to Los Angeles take a new job, he doesn’t realize Jordan now works there too. But Jordan definitely realizes how precious the second chance fate has bestowed on them is. He’s determined to make up for everything that fell apart the first time around, and it turns out he’s not the only one scheming to right old wrongs.
Starting a new career is always difficult but sharing office space—and big projects—with an old lover is particularly rough. Between impromptu Secret Santa exchanges, Christmas light viewings, and more tacos than even Reed can eat, the two former lovers have an eventful holiday season to navigate.
Blurb:
NFL player Jordan Christensen walks into Reed Ryan’s restaurant without a reservation. It isn’t the most serendipitous of meet-cute’s and they certainly aren’t the likeliest of romances, but over venison steaks and crème brûlée, they fall in love anyway.
Flash forward two years . . .
Jordan isn’t a football player anymore.
Reed sold his restaurant.
But even more drastically, they’ve lost each other.
When Reed moves to Los Angeles take a new job, he doesn’t realize Jordan now works there too. But Jordan definitely realizes how precious the second chance fate has bestowed on them is. He’s determined to make up for everything that fell apart the first time around, and it turns out he’s not the only one scheming to right old wrongs.
Starting a new career is always difficult but sharing office space—and big projects—with an old lover is particularly rough. Between impromptu Secret Santa exchanges, Christmas light viewings, and more tacos than even Reed can eat, the two former lovers have an eventful holiday season to navigate.
November 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this one which gives the background to Reed and his boyfriend - as mentioned in Quentin and Landon's story.
Second chance romances are right up there for me among my favourite tropes and this one is super sweet and has a real progression through the hurt and bewilderment of a break up to getting another shot at love.
Reed is an awkwardly shy kind of guy if he's not in his kitchen and Jordan was brilliant at knowing how to comfort him. Their break had been through circumstances and lack of communication rather than a lack of love and I was rooting for them throughout.
There is lots of communication the second time round and a really lovely romance with a couple of emotionally powerful sexy times.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Second chance romances are right up there for me among my favourite tropes and this one is super sweet and has a real progression through the hurt and bewilderment of a break up to getting another shot at love.
Reed is an awkwardly shy kind of guy if he's not in his kitchen and Jordan was brilliant at knowing how to comfort him. Their break had been through circumstances and lack of communication rather than a lack of love and I was rooting for them throughout.
There is lots of communication the second time round and a really lovely romance with a couple of emotionally powerful sexy times.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
November 14, 2017
4.5 stars
I took a chance on new to me author Beth Bolden and I am so glad it did; Wrapped with Love is a fantastic second chance at love story. They say opposites attract and these two men were very different, but the complimented each other perfectly. Sweet, emotional, and sexy, I loved Wrapped with Love
.
Reed Ryan is a brilliant chef and restaurant owner, he isn’t one for dramatics in his kitchen, he just expects his staff to strive for perfection. Shy and a bit socially awkward, Reed lives a quiet and somewhat lonely life until Jordan Christensen, a pro football player walks into his restaurant on a fully booked Saturday night with no reservations.
I loved that Jordan was so taken with Reed’s food and the man himself that the pursued him even when Reed wasn’t aware that’s what he was doing. Told both in present time and flashbacks, this was an intense story of a whirlwind relationship, heart break, and love found again.
It was easy to see when these two were reunited after over a year apart that the attraction was still present, and while Jordan was immediately ready to pick right back up, Reed needed time to sort out his feelings. I appreciated that they both realized they’d made big mistakes and they needed to work on their communication skills. I also liked that they took some time to reconnect outside of the bedroom as Reed immersed himself into his new job and Jordan tried wooing him back through his Secret Santa gifts.
A holiday romance that was delightful, funny, and oh so sexy, don’t miss Beth Bolden’s Wrapped With Love.
4.5 stars
November 18, 2024
I loved this at first, but Reed wasn’t one of my favorite characters. I didn’t like the way he treated Jordan after he came to work at Five Points. I felt like he was more responsible for the break up than Jordan. After all, he left LA without a word. Then he was mad because Jordan didn’t come running after him. I don’t know it just kind of rubbed me wrong and took me out of the story.
If not for that, this was a four star read for me.
If not for that, this was a four star read for me.
November 11, 2017
3.5 stars- A cute holiday short
I signed up for reading an ARC of Wrapped with Love after seeing the taglines football and Christmas. I’m a sucker for holiday-themed novellas and love sports romances so I blazed ahead without really considering the blurb. I have not read the Five Points books and I didn’t really appreciate that this novella is a part of a series, but that’s on me so I won’t let it affect my rating. That said, I definitely believe fans of the series will appreciate the cameos and meddling from previous couples, as well as understand the references to their storylines better than I did.
Wrapped with Love is a cute holiday novella featuring a second chance love story between Reed and Jordan. As Jordan is now retired from his professional football career, this isn’t really a sports romance. However, it does include a good amount of cooking/foodie aspects because Reed is a chef and the two men meet again while working on a cooking show. I really liked the way food and recipes wound through the storyline and brought these heroes together a second time. I also liked the way their love was reignited. I’ll keep it vague to avoid spoilers, but there was plenty of evidence highlighting their lingering feelings for each other once they meet back up. With the depth of the residual emotions readily apparent, Jordan and Reed were was easy to root for. Despite a cute couple who I liked and a storyline I enjoyed, I didn’t really feel a strong investment or connection to the characters. I think that disconnect was further hampered by the pacing. There were a lot of timeline jumps, and while I understood that as a way to explain Reed and Jordan’s backstory at the beginning of the story, I didn’t expect or need it to continue through the entire novella. I didn’t feel the backward leaps in the second half necessarily helped develop the story or chemistry and would have rather seen more of them as a couple in the present day as they tried to reconnect. Though I enjoyed the holiday storyline and romance readily enough, I can’t say that I was enticed enough to further explore the Five Points series.
Wrapped with Love was a cute holiday novella that heavily featured cooking references and featured likable primary and secondary characters. I think fans of this series will likely love this one, because there was a new story plus plenty of appearances by favorite past characters.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
I signed up for reading an ARC of Wrapped with Love after seeing the taglines football and Christmas. I’m a sucker for holiday-themed novellas and love sports romances so I blazed ahead without really considering the blurb. I have not read the Five Points books and I didn’t really appreciate that this novella is a part of a series, but that’s on me so I won’t let it affect my rating. That said, I definitely believe fans of the series will appreciate the cameos and meddling from previous couples, as well as understand the references to their storylines better than I did.
Wrapped with Love is a cute holiday novella featuring a second chance love story between Reed and Jordan. As Jordan is now retired from his professional football career, this isn’t really a sports romance. However, it does include a good amount of cooking/foodie aspects because Reed is a chef and the two men meet again while working on a cooking show. I really liked the way food and recipes wound through the storyline and brought these heroes together a second time. I also liked the way their love was reignited. I’ll keep it vague to avoid spoilers, but there was plenty of evidence highlighting their lingering feelings for each other once they meet back up. With the depth of the residual emotions readily apparent, Jordan and Reed were was easy to root for. Despite a cute couple who I liked and a storyline I enjoyed, I didn’t really feel a strong investment or connection to the characters. I think that disconnect was further hampered by the pacing. There were a lot of timeline jumps, and while I understood that as a way to explain Reed and Jordan’s backstory at the beginning of the story, I didn’t expect or need it to continue through the entire novella. I didn’t feel the backward leaps in the second half necessarily helped develop the story or chemistry and would have rather seen more of them as a couple in the present day as they tried to reconnect. Though I enjoyed the holiday storyline and romance readily enough, I can’t say that I was enticed enough to further explore the Five Points series.
Wrapped with Love was a cute holiday novella that heavily featured cooking references and featured likable primary and secondary characters. I think fans of this series will likely love this one, because there was a new story plus plenty of appearances by favorite past characters.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
December 6, 2017
First, I genuinely think that
Wrapped with Love
can't be read as stand alone as the previous couples from The Rainbow Clause and Taste on my Tongue were making WAY too much appearances here to be count as cameo *shrugs*
It was a nice second chance romance -- I'm not particularly enjoy the flashback (two years ago, present day) format in this one though. Also, while I appreciated that Reed and Jordan didn't end up in bed until very late in this book, but the whole reason of their break-ups, and how they mulled over it, felt rather weak and kind of repetitive.
Oh, and I really didn't like Landon's MUDDLING!! Sometimes I enjoy reading nosy-with-good-intention friends. But somehow Landon comes as too pushy!
Thanks to my 2017 Goodreads Secret Santa for gifting me this
It was a nice second chance romance -- I'm not particularly enjoy the flashback (two years ago, present day) format in this one though. Also, while I appreciated that Reed and Jordan didn't end up in bed until very late in this book, but the whole reason of their break-ups, and how they mulled over it, felt rather weak and kind of repetitive.
Oh, and I really didn't like Landon's MUDDLING!! Sometimes I enjoy reading nosy-with-good-intention friends. But somehow Landon comes as too pushy!
Thanks to my 2017 Goodreads Secret Santa for gifting me this
August 18, 2021
Jordan and Reed got their second chance after a sixteen month break up. This time they are communicating! The sweet slow burn story was written well and though I didn't read any previous Five Point books the characters made perfect sense. I am a foodie myself so enjoyed all of the cooking. I was not crazy about Quentin and Landon but maybe they are better in their own book.
October 4, 2017
I received an arc of this book for an honest review.
Everything I’ve come to love about Beth’s writing in one beautiful little package. Reed and Jordan are too perfect for each other and sometimes you just wanna smack them silly! I’m a sap when it comes to meet-cutes and socially awkward people and just everything about this is so adorable and relatable and just gooey feeling on the inside. I love it so much.
Everything I’ve come to love about Beth’s writing in one beautiful little package. Reed and Jordan are too perfect for each other and sometimes you just wanna smack them silly! I’m a sap when it comes to meet-cutes and socially awkward people and just everything about this is so adorable and relatable and just gooey feeling on the inside. I love it so much.
November 28, 2020
This started off with just a hint of how Reed and Jordan met, and then jumped right to an awkward and sad place. I wasn't really sure if I would like it, or how they could bounce back. But it was just a matter of the wrong time and place before, in my opinion, and they had to rebuild trust.
I liked how this was about food in a round about way, Christmas, and second chances. The emotions were real, and the boys were sweet. Good holiday read.
I liked how this was about food in a round about way, Christmas, and second chances. The emotions were real, and the boys were sweet. Good holiday read.
October 29, 2017
I received the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I didn’t know what to expect from this book as this is my first book I’ve ever read by Beth. I didn’t even realize it was a MM couple. But since I adore MM couples I kept on reading. And I loved every minute of it! I was dragged in from the first page all the way to the end and since it’s a short read, I finished it in no time. Jordan and Reed are such a cute couple. Now that I know there’s more MM books in the series, I’ll have to read the others! Thanks Beth for hooking me in!
I didn’t know what to expect from this book as this is my first book I’ve ever read by Beth. I didn’t even realize it was a MM couple. But since I adore MM couples I kept on reading. And I loved every minute of it! I was dragged in from the first page all the way to the end and since it’s a short read, I finished it in no time. Jordan and Reed are such a cute couple. Now that I know there’s more MM books in the series, I’ll have to read the others! Thanks Beth for hooking me in!
October 30, 2017
cute short read, loved jordan and reed! want more jordan and reed! lol will be reading more by Beth Bolden!
November 16, 2017
This is the first book that I’ve read by this author, but let me tell you I NEED more!! I loved everything about this book. Very well written and I love that we got some of the back story to go with the new.
Jordan and Reed are such a sweet couple. Of course they get a second chance with their one true love. It makes their time apart worth it. The hurt, the blame and of course the chemistry that never went away. Such a beautiful sweet love story. I can’t wait to dig into the rest of this authors books.
Jordan and Reed are such a sweet couple. Of course they get a second chance with their one true love. It makes their time apart worth it. The hurt, the blame and of course the chemistry that never went away. Such a beautiful sweet love story. I can’t wait to dig into the rest of this authors books.
January 8, 2018
Book & Author: Wrapped With Love by Beth Bolden
Rating: 4 stars
Wrapped With Love is a cute and sweet slow romance that warms the heart!
What I loved about this story was the characters. Reed and Jordan are given a second chance at love after a heartbreaking romance. One of my favorite tropes to read. Their life together was still so new that when the major changes came it threw them both for a loop. It takes strength to be open about our struggles, especially emotional struggles, and in this story, Reed ran instead of turning to Jordan.
I loved how the food played a part in the story with Reed being a chef and them working on a cooking show. It was one of my favorite aspects of seeing them together. Even with the cute secondary characters (MC’s from previous books) and the slow sweetness of the lingering feelings between these two guys I never felt truly invested in them. It was more a story to get through then a story that I loved. It was wonderfully written, although the second half of the book could’ve dealt with less or even no flashbacks since for me that didn’t help progress them forward in the eyes of the reader. Seeing them together in the present would’ve better served the story.
This story is part of the Five Points series and I have not read them but I never felt left out or confused so I’d say this can be read as a standalone. I will look out for other stories from this author because I do believe she has a strong voice when it comes to her characters and would love to see what else she can do.
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
Rating: 4 stars
Wrapped With Love is a cute and sweet slow romance that warms the heart!
What I loved about this story was the characters. Reed and Jordan are given a second chance at love after a heartbreaking romance. One of my favorite tropes to read. Their life together was still so new that when the major changes came it threw them both for a loop. It takes strength to be open about our struggles, especially emotional struggles, and in this story, Reed ran instead of turning to Jordan.
I loved how the food played a part in the story with Reed being a chef and them working on a cooking show. It was one of my favorite aspects of seeing them together. Even with the cute secondary characters (MC’s from previous books) and the slow sweetness of the lingering feelings between these two guys I never felt truly invested in them. It was more a story to get through then a story that I loved. It was wonderfully written, although the second half of the book could’ve dealt with less or even no flashbacks since for me that didn’t help progress them forward in the eyes of the reader. Seeing them together in the present would’ve better served the story.
This story is part of the Five Points series and I have not read them but I never felt left out or confused so I’d say this can be read as a standalone. I will look out for other stories from this author because I do believe she has a strong voice when it comes to her characters and would love to see what else she can do.
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
November 17, 2017
4.5 Stars!!!
Wrapped With Love is book 3 in the Five Points series, and can be perfectly read as a standalone. However, the couples from the first two books feature extensively in this one, so I think you'll find more enjoyment from reading the series from the start. I'm doing all backward since I read this book without reading the others, but I really loved Beth Bolden's writing and I'm very intrigued by Landon and Quen and Colin and Nick, so I'll be reading their books ASAP.
Jordan and Reed met two years ago and fell hard for each other, however, real life and their own misgivings and insecurities got in the way and they parted ways, or rather Reed went away, sold his restaurant and went away on a 16-month trip and Jordan didn't get in contact with him in that time. When Reed is hired by Five Points as a producer for their cooking show, Jordan is given the chance to make things right between them, but is it too late or will they manage to put their differences aside and make a go at it?
I absolutely adored Jordan and Reed, yes, they both messed up in a huge way in the past and while they still loved each other, that doesn't mean they had it easy. They had to work on their respective issues and find a way to move forward. They had amazing chemistry and were hot and sweet together. I absolutely adored all the thought that Jordan put into all the gifts he gave Reed and how obvious it was for Reed that they had to be from Jordan.
Even if I'm not usually fond of flashbacks, they did work well here and didn't disrupt the flow of the story.
I adored Jordan's friends, especially Landon, he was a hoot! It was so much fun to read their matchmaking schemes.
Overall, this was an amazing read and not only for the holidays, even if it has a Christmas theme. I loved Ms. Bolden's writing and adored her characters. This was a lovely second chances romance that left me with a huge smile on my face and the desire to catch up with all the other couples in the series. Highly recommendable!!!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Wrapped With Love is book 3 in the Five Points series, and can be perfectly read as a standalone. However, the couples from the first two books feature extensively in this one, so I think you'll find more enjoyment from reading the series from the start. I'm doing all backward since I read this book without reading the others, but I really loved Beth Bolden's writing and I'm very intrigued by Landon and Quen and Colin and Nick, so I'll be reading their books ASAP.
Jordan and Reed met two years ago and fell hard for each other, however, real life and their own misgivings and insecurities got in the way and they parted ways, or rather Reed went away, sold his restaurant and went away on a 16-month trip and Jordan didn't get in contact with him in that time. When Reed is hired by Five Points as a producer for their cooking show, Jordan is given the chance to make things right between them, but is it too late or will they manage to put their differences aside and make a go at it?
I absolutely adored Jordan and Reed, yes, they both messed up in a huge way in the past and while they still loved each other, that doesn't mean they had it easy. They had to work on their respective issues and find a way to move forward. They had amazing chemistry and were hot and sweet together. I absolutely adored all the thought that Jordan put into all the gifts he gave Reed and how obvious it was for Reed that they had to be from Jordan.
Even if I'm not usually fond of flashbacks, they did work well here and didn't disrupt the flow of the story.
I adored Jordan's friends, especially Landon, he was a hoot! It was so much fun to read their matchmaking schemes.
Overall, this was an amazing read and not only for the holidays, even if it has a Christmas theme. I loved Ms. Bolden's writing and adored her characters. This was a lovely second chances romance that left me with a huge smile on my face and the desire to catch up with all the other couples in the series. Highly recommendable!!!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
November 23, 2020
A sweet second chance romance for chef, Reed, and ex NFL player, Jordan.
We meet these two as they connect again two years after separating where both me made mistakes but each clearly still have feelings for the other. It's adorable how the rest of the team at Five Points, but mostly Landon, are trying to help Jordan in getting them to reconnect. Bless Reed, he struggles really hard with anxiety, especially in social settings but Jordan is someone that keeps him calm in the storm. There are lot of romantic gestures and gifts amongst second guessing and overthinking but all comes together to bring the two men together. It's definitely a slow burn romance as Reed has to have that connection and trust which takes time to rebuild. I enjoyed the flashbacks that we get throughout the book as well that show the progress of their relationship the first time round (how they met, first dates, where it went wrong).
A recommended holiday romance with a lot of great and entertaining characters and good relationship development.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
We meet these two as they connect again two years after separating where both me made mistakes but each clearly still have feelings for the other. It's adorable how the rest of the team at Five Points, but mostly Landon, are trying to help Jordan in getting them to reconnect. Bless Reed, he struggles really hard with anxiety, especially in social settings but Jordan is someone that keeps him calm in the storm. There are lot of romantic gestures and gifts amongst second guessing and overthinking but all comes together to bring the two men together. It's definitely a slow burn romance as Reed has to have that connection and trust which takes time to rebuild. I enjoyed the flashbacks that we get throughout the book as well that show the progress of their relationship the first time round (how they met, first dates, where it went wrong).
A recommended holiday romance with a lot of great and entertaining characters and good relationship development.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
November 13, 2020
Although it was heart breaking how long Jordan and Reed were apart, at the same time, it is heart warming to see just how in love with each other they still are. Insecurities and a lack of communication broke them apart before, but their love has never wavered. It about broke my heart to see how much they still loved each other, and how much they had missed each other. But the plus side of this is that you know everything is going to work out okay. Both Jordan and Reed are working on how they can let go of the past hurt in order to truly embrace a future together. And the way they go about it is sweet and romantic and, whenever Landon is involved, a little over-the-top in a playful and humorous way. A wonderful holiday romance!
November 15, 2017
This is a new-to-me author and definitely one that I will be looking out for. I really enjoyed this story. Jordan and Reed were such a super cute and sweet couple. I'm such a sucker for second chance romance stories and the way this author delivered this one was just so heartwarming.
I love the story line and the characters. I've enjoyed the secondary characters as well and the author has left me wanting so much more from these group of friends/family. I also enjoyed the slow burn of Reed and Jordan finding their way back to each other. It was sweet, sexy and full of so much love it was rolling off the pages.
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
I love the story line and the characters. I've enjoyed the secondary characters as well and the author has left me wanting so much more from these group of friends/family. I also enjoyed the slow burn of Reed and Jordan finding their way back to each other. It was sweet, sexy and full of so much love it was rolling off the pages.
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
November 13, 2020
This is my first Beth Bolden book, hard to imagine. This is a intense book. The two main characters Jordan and Reed both have anxiety problems. With both being famous in each of their careers that is a problem. When they meet it takes Reed’s crush to another level and Jordan’s attraction to full attention. What their relationship goes through is rocky to say the least. There is guilt on both sides. There is a lack of communication that makes things worse and there is a great love between them that is hard to ignore. This is a story I’d recommend. It’s one of those that I enjoy reading when I need a feel good story.
November 15, 2017
When Reed and Jordan met the first time, falling in love was easy. But along the way they made so many mistakes. Reed had been running his own restaurant and Jordan had an NFL career. So their relationship didn't last.
Fast forward to two years later and the two of them meet again. This time they have to work in close proximity. It is obvious that Jordan still loves Reed and wants to rekindle what they had. But Reed is afraid to take a chance, considering what happened in the past.
I'm a sucker for second chance romance and this was a lovely story that fed my hunger for finding love a second time around and making it better. Lovely.
Fast forward to two years later and the two of them meet again. This time they have to work in close proximity. It is obvious that Jordan still loves Reed and wants to rekindle what they had. But Reed is afraid to take a chance, considering what happened in the past.
I'm a sucker for second chance romance and this was a lovely story that fed my hunger for finding love a second time around and making it better. Lovely.
November 23, 2020
A sweet and warm second chance holiday story! Reed and Jordan have history, some unresolved issues and it's time to fix that. It was an interesting way to tell the story, mixing the "then" and the "now", and what their story really is. The side charachters are also fun to read, and from what I understand they have their own story, that I will definitely read it. The focus here is on the relationship itself, so the heat level is not that high. Other than that, good book.
November 26, 2020
Wrapped with Love by Beth Bolden of a second chance, slow burn Holiday romance. I really liked the story of Reed and Jordan.
November 15, 2017
Beth Bolden is a new to me author and I love a good second chance love story, and Beth Bolden's Wrapped with Love definitely hit the spot. It wasn't overly angsty, but it had just the right amount of it to keep you on your toes.
Jordan and Reed meet by chance one night when Jordan saunter's in to Reed's restaurant with his entourage. Reed is a little star struck however, he is still the chef, and he still has that little bit of ego, so while the spark of attraction is there, he still comes off as a tad...condesending. But apparently, Jordan liked what he saw. He came back, alone, and from there the two began a relationship. However, it does not last.
Later, Reed takes a new job and unbeknownst to him, Jordan is part of the company he has signed on for. Of course, he is taken by surprise, but the love, lust and desire is still there between the two. But they are unsure where to go, and it's a slow burn to the HEA they deserve.
All in all, this was a cute, short little holiday read that I am glad I took a chance on ;)
Jordan and Reed meet by chance one night when Jordan saunter's in to Reed's restaurant with his entourage. Reed is a little star struck however, he is still the chef, and he still has that little bit of ego, so while the spark of attraction is there, he still comes off as a tad...condesending. But apparently, Jordan liked what he saw. He came back, alone, and from there the two began a relationship. However, it does not last.
Later, Reed takes a new job and unbeknownst to him, Jordan is part of the company he has signed on for. Of course, he is taken by surprise, but the love, lust and desire is still there between the two. But they are unsure where to go, and it's a slow burn to the HEA they deserve.
All in all, this was a cute, short little holiday read that I am glad I took a chance on ;)
April 28, 2023
Re-read and I like it a lot more than I did the first time around, now that I've read the books that came before and I don't feel so lost. This was really sweet and it feels like it'll probs become one of my comfort reads.
November 15, 2017
I hadn't read anything by this author before, but usually if there is something sports related with it, I am all in, so I jumped on this one. Adding in a second chance romance, one of my favorite tropes to read, and it was definitely going to be mine to review.
Although I could tell fairly quickly into the story that it was part of a series, the author did a good job of keeping it a stand-alone, with other characters dropping in, or referencing past events with explanation. The reader could develop connections with the previous characters despite not having spent any time with them. (There is one character in particular-I won't name names-who was a sweet matchmaker with a bit of a snarky side, I loved him!).
However, I will say I was confused about the relationship with the MC's. I was never quite sure, throughout the book, exactly WHY they broke up. I found myself wondering when the "big reveal" as to the real reason was going to happen, and it never quite felt like I got it. It was clear they loved each other, and then they moved to LA once Jordan was traded from Chicago to Los Angeles. Then it is a bit murky for me. It seemed they had reasons, yet didn't quite have enough of them to cause two men who were so much in love to suddenly just break up. Reed just left, and Jordan just let him, and they didn't speak again until Reed turns up at a job where Jordan works (I still am unclear how Jordan was quite qualified to be a writer for a popular show). It doesn't take long for them to begin to work their way back
This story takes the reader between their past relationship, and their current, and back again, so the reader can see how one thing caused another (the story about the Harry Potter scarf was awesome!). This helped me to understand some of where these men were coming from. In the end, though, I still felt like it was more that the men gave up on each other the first time, and wondered how they wouldn't the second time.
I did enjoy the Secret Santa storyline-and the surprise around it, that I never saw coming-and it isn't what you think!
In the end, 3 stars. I enjoyed it, and would like to read a full book from this author, as I did like her writing style as well.
**I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review**
**Original post can be found here: http://twochicksobsessed.com/wrapped-...
Although I could tell fairly quickly into the story that it was part of a series, the author did a good job of keeping it a stand-alone, with other characters dropping in, or referencing past events with explanation. The reader could develop connections with the previous characters despite not having spent any time with them. (There is one character in particular-I won't name names-who was a sweet matchmaker with a bit of a snarky side, I loved him!).
However, I will say I was confused about the relationship with the MC's. I was never quite sure, throughout the book, exactly WHY they broke up. I found myself wondering when the "big reveal" as to the real reason was going to happen, and it never quite felt like I got it. It was clear they loved each other, and then they moved to LA once Jordan was traded from Chicago to Los Angeles. Then it is a bit murky for me. It seemed they had reasons, yet didn't quite have enough of them to cause two men who were so much in love to suddenly just break up. Reed just left, and Jordan just let him, and they didn't speak again until Reed turns up at a job where Jordan works (I still am unclear how Jordan was quite qualified to be a writer for a popular show). It doesn't take long for them to begin to work their way back
This story takes the reader between their past relationship, and their current, and back again, so the reader can see how one thing caused another (the story about the Harry Potter scarf was awesome!). This helped me to understand some of where these men were coming from. In the end, though, I still felt like it was more that the men gave up on each other the first time, and wondered how they wouldn't the second time.
I did enjoy the Secret Santa storyline-and the surprise around it, that I never saw coming-and it isn't what you think!
In the end, 3 stars. I enjoyed it, and would like to read a full book from this author, as I did like her writing style as well.
**I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review**
**Original post can be found here: http://twochicksobsessed.com/wrapped-...
December 2, 2020
This is a wonderful book for the holiday season, but it’s more than that; it’s also a book about second chances, and it’s a beautifully done one.
I absolutely loved how the storyline was written. The flashbacks were perfectly placed, served a purpose, and didn’t interrupt the flow of the story. In fact, they enhanced it. Instead of reading inner dialogue, or a lengthy discussion (with a play by play), we get to see it...feel it. I could tell it was well thought out, versus just taking up space in the story. Their story wouldn’t have been any better written any other way.
Speaking of writing...Beth Bolden is one of my favorite authors. It’s a place earned by her talents of creating a book I can’t put down for any other reason other than when forced. I get lost in her words, and I haven’t met a character, she’s created, that falls flat. They’re flawed, yet lovable. They feel like people you would actually want to be friends with, or at the very least, enjoy the time spent with them.
I wouldn’t describe this story as steamy, per se, but it’s not without heat. There is so much more to this reunion than bedroom antics. I feel like having the focus be on the other aspects of their reconnection gives it a more authentic feel. Sure, sex feels good, and it’s fun to read about, but it doesn’t fix things. These men have mountains to climb and demons to slay, and to do that...they need to talk. Before they can even do that, they need time to get used to being in each other’s lives. Now, the UST was through the roof, so when they were ready to take it to the next level...it was perfect.
This book contains characters from two of Bolden’s other books. They were an utter delight. That said, this was very much a stand alone. The only issue the side characters cause, for me, is that I’m now dying to read their books, since I haven’t, yet. I need more hours in the day!
I absolutely recommend this book, and this author. Neither will disappoint.
***I received a copy for my reading pleasure. All thoughts, and opinions, are my own.***
I absolutely loved how the storyline was written. The flashbacks were perfectly placed, served a purpose, and didn’t interrupt the flow of the story. In fact, they enhanced it. Instead of reading inner dialogue, or a lengthy discussion (with a play by play), we get to see it...feel it. I could tell it was well thought out, versus just taking up space in the story. Their story wouldn’t have been any better written any other way.
Speaking of writing...Beth Bolden is one of my favorite authors. It’s a place earned by her talents of creating a book I can’t put down for any other reason other than when forced. I get lost in her words, and I haven’t met a character, she’s created, that falls flat. They’re flawed, yet lovable. They feel like people you would actually want to be friends with, or at the very least, enjoy the time spent with them.
I wouldn’t describe this story as steamy, per se, but it’s not without heat. There is so much more to this reunion than bedroom antics. I feel like having the focus be on the other aspects of their reconnection gives it a more authentic feel. Sure, sex feels good, and it’s fun to read about, but it doesn’t fix things. These men have mountains to climb and demons to slay, and to do that...they need to talk. Before they can even do that, they need time to get used to being in each other’s lives. Now, the UST was through the roof, so when they were ready to take it to the next level...it was perfect.
This book contains characters from two of Bolden’s other books. They were an utter delight. That said, this was very much a stand alone. The only issue the side characters cause, for me, is that I’m now dying to read their books, since I haven’t, yet. I need more hours in the day!
I absolutely recommend this book, and this author. Neither will disappoint.
***I received a copy for my reading pleasure. All thoughts, and opinions, are my own.***
November 14, 2017
Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes, and Wrapped with love more than hits the spot with Reed and Jordan. After the glimpse I got of them in Taste on My Tongue, I was keen to get a hold of their story.
I loved how intense and commanding Reed was in the kitchen, and how that sharply contrasted with his anxious demeanor when he wasn’t. You could clearly see the difference between his personal and professional personas, and how when he needed the courage for something personal, he put on his professional face to get himself through. Jordan on the other hand is confident and outgoing, so they actually complement each other well in that respect.
I really liked getting to see the characters from Taste on My Tongue again, and thought it was sweet how they were trying to push Reed and Jordan together again. It’s abundantly clear that the two of them are incredible together, and I really enjoyed watching them work their way back together again. There’s a nice dose of flashback scenes to help readers understand how the two met and how their relationship developed the first time around, and those are spread through most of the book.
Wrapped with Love was sweet with a dash of spice, and was a great holiday second chance book that I would definitely recommend to any M/M romance fan. Reed and Jordan are wonderful together, and they’re getting 4.5 stars from me for their story. While this is part of the Five Points world, this can absolutely be read as a standalone…though I honestly think you’ll enjoy it even more if you read The Rainbow Clause (Nick and Colin’s story) and Taste on My Tongue (Landon and Quentin’s story) first. This one is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
I loved how intense and commanding Reed was in the kitchen, and how that sharply contrasted with his anxious demeanor when he wasn’t. You could clearly see the difference between his personal and professional personas, and how when he needed the courage for something personal, he put on his professional face to get himself through. Jordan on the other hand is confident and outgoing, so they actually complement each other well in that respect.
I really liked getting to see the characters from Taste on My Tongue again, and thought it was sweet how they were trying to push Reed and Jordan together again. It’s abundantly clear that the two of them are incredible together, and I really enjoyed watching them work their way back together again. There’s a nice dose of flashback scenes to help readers understand how the two met and how their relationship developed the first time around, and those are spread through most of the book.
Wrapped with Love was sweet with a dash of spice, and was a great holiday second chance book that I would definitely recommend to any M/M romance fan. Reed and Jordan are wonderful together, and they’re getting 4.5 stars from me for their story. While this is part of the Five Points world, this can absolutely be read as a standalone…though I honestly think you’ll enjoy it even more if you read The Rainbow Clause (Nick and Colin’s story) and Taste on My Tongue (Landon and Quentin’s story) first. This one is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
November 15, 2017
A captivating book the writing was good. The flow of the story wasn’t completely smooth. And there were parts of the story that could have used more detail. The intimate moments were almost like a few words were used to be able to say that they were there. They needed to be fleshed out and developed more. But overall the foundation of the story was good. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found characters wonderful. The characters were well developed and thought out. Jordan and Reed are the MC’s of this book. There was humor, a NFL player, a chef, a restaurant, Christmas lights, a cooking tv show, second chances, secret santa, friends and co-workers and so much more in this book.
Here is a quote from the book, “What!” he exclaimed, even though he hadn’t meant to say anything at all. It was just such a . . . surprise. “What is it?” Reed asked, leaning over and looking at the screen of Jordan’s tablet. “Oh, you’re a Slytherin. I could’ve guessed that.” “A Slytherin!” Jordan cried. “Aren’t they the bad ones?” “I can’t believe you,” Reed said in mock horror. “Get rid of your filthy Slytherin prejudice, we don’t want any of it here.” “Well, which house is yours, then?” Jordan grumbled. “Oh, that’s easy. Ravenclaw.” Reed sounded enormously pleased with this answer. “Though I can see how I could’ve been sorted in Hufflepuff.” “You’ve put some thought into this.” Jordan didn’t know why he was so surprised. “Of course,” Reed said, like everyone seriously considered what house they might be sorted into at Hogwarts.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can recommend. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
Here is a quote from the book, “What!” he exclaimed, even though he hadn’t meant to say anything at all. It was just such a . . . surprise. “What is it?” Reed asked, leaning over and looking at the screen of Jordan’s tablet. “Oh, you’re a Slytherin. I could’ve guessed that.” “A Slytherin!” Jordan cried. “Aren’t they the bad ones?” “I can’t believe you,” Reed said in mock horror. “Get rid of your filthy Slytherin prejudice, we don’t want any of it here.” “Well, which house is yours, then?” Jordan grumbled. “Oh, that’s easy. Ravenclaw.” Reed sounded enormously pleased with this answer. “Though I can see how I could’ve been sorted in Hufflepuff.” “You’ve put some thought into this.” Jordan didn’t know why he was so surprised. “Of course,” Reed said, like everyone seriously considered what house they might be sorted into at Hogwarts.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can recommend. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
November 25, 2020
The beginning of Wrapped with Love had me hooked on this Beth Bolden romance.
The prologue is mesmerizing, and then Chapter One starts with a fast forward of two years. We learn that Reed and Jordan are reuniting after their breakup.
At first I wasn't sure what to expect. Obviously a lot happened during those two years and the reader is oblivious to all of it. Luckily, it's easy to pick up and the author gives us glimpses of the past, both when they fell in love, and when they broke up.
Ohhh...the emotions! Their feelings of longing, pain, and hurt are front and center. The regret, the heartache, the awkwardness. Everything is felt throughout and is amazing. And in the end, it's a wonderful tale of acceptance, understanding, and forgiveness.
I love these two together. Jordan and Reed are great together. We know they have a strong connection, and are still pining for each other. But it's so much more. They're perfect for one another, despite their past mistakes.
Besides, what's not to love about a chef who's awkward, and a famous athlete? Of course, when they are reunited, both are at a crossroads. Reed no longer has his restaurant and is starting all over again. Meanwhile Jordan has retired from the game. With a chance to work with Reed, he can't resist trying for his second chance.
Again - Pining. Longing. Want. Need. Regret. And second chances.
Wrapped with Love is a sweet and tender second chance romance. Beth Bolden lays the emotions out on every single page. It's a great reconciliation story in which the emotions are everything.
The prologue is mesmerizing, and then Chapter One starts with a fast forward of two years. We learn that Reed and Jordan are reuniting after their breakup.
At first I wasn't sure what to expect. Obviously a lot happened during those two years and the reader is oblivious to all of it. Luckily, it's easy to pick up and the author gives us glimpses of the past, both when they fell in love, and when they broke up.
Ohhh...the emotions! Their feelings of longing, pain, and hurt are front and center. The regret, the heartache, the awkwardness. Everything is felt throughout and is amazing. And in the end, it's a wonderful tale of acceptance, understanding, and forgiveness.
I love these two together. Jordan and Reed are great together. We know they have a strong connection, and are still pining for each other. But it's so much more. They're perfect for one another, despite their past mistakes.
Besides, what's not to love about a chef who's awkward, and a famous athlete? Of course, when they are reunited, both are at a crossroads. Reed no longer has his restaurant and is starting all over again. Meanwhile Jordan has retired from the game. With a chance to work with Reed, he can't resist trying for his second chance.
Again - Pining. Longing. Want. Need. Regret. And second chances.
Wrapped with Love is a sweet and tender second chance romance. Beth Bolden lays the emotions out on every single page. It's a great reconciliation story in which the emotions are everything.
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