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Magnolia Valley #3
Fascinated by You
She’s a chef who doesn’t cook...
All the trouble started when Nora agreed to anonymously cater a fundraiser. She gave up cooking when her husband died and she had to sell their restaurant to pay the medical bills and return to Magnolia Valley. But when her friend asked her for a favor, she reluctantly agreed on the condition she remained anonymous.
And that evening changes everything.
It makes her want to start a restaurant again, unfortunately she doesn’t have the money. So, when the wealthy businessman Alek Novak offers to pay her lavishly to be his private chef for a few months, it seems like a dream come true.
He’s a billionaire businessman used to getting what he wants...
Alek Novak is determined to hire the chef who catered the fundraiser — even if she doesn’t want to be found. He might be temporarily banished from society while a scandal dies down, but he does not intend to deny himself good food.
What he isn’t expecting is to find his chef even more intoxicating than her food. Nora is entirely wrong for him, but he can’t seem to keep his distance. Soon she’s threatening his iron-clad control and he makes her an indecent offer that she can’t turn down — have a no strings attached fling before he goes back to Boston.
But their passion is beyond anything they've known and awakens their long-neglected hearts. But when all of the troubles Alek left Boston to escape arrive in Montana, it threatens to destroy their growing love…
Will these opposites be able to defy all odds and find true love?
All the trouble started when Nora agreed to anonymously cater a fundraiser. She gave up cooking when her husband died and she had to sell their restaurant to pay the medical bills and return to Magnolia Valley. But when her friend asked her for a favor, she reluctantly agreed on the condition she remained anonymous.
And that evening changes everything.
It makes her want to start a restaurant again, unfortunately she doesn’t have the money. So, when the wealthy businessman Alek Novak offers to pay her lavishly to be his private chef for a few months, it seems like a dream come true.
He’s a billionaire businessman used to getting what he wants...
Alek Novak is determined to hire the chef who catered the fundraiser — even if she doesn’t want to be found. He might be temporarily banished from society while a scandal dies down, but he does not intend to deny himself good food.
What he isn’t expecting is to find his chef even more intoxicating than her food. Nora is entirely wrong for him, but he can’t seem to keep his distance. Soon she’s threatening his iron-clad control and he makes her an indecent offer that she can’t turn down — have a no strings attached fling before he goes back to Boston.
But their passion is beyond anything they've known and awakens their long-neglected hearts. But when all of the troubles Alek left Boston to escape arrive in Montana, it threatens to destroy their growing love…
Will these opposites be able to defy all odds and find true love?
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2018
21 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Cora Reed
7 books25 followersCora writes funny, steamy contemporary romances. She tries to write characters she would like to have coffee with–intelligent, witty women and smart, interesting men with a good sense of humor (and very sexy, of course). She’s always loved to write about people overcoming obstacles to find each other, so writing a contemporary romance series is a dream come true.
She lives in the Midwest but dreams of faraway places. She’s visited Guatemala, Costa Rica, Russia, England, Italy and is going to Iceland in a few months. She always has at least three watched flights on Hopper going at any given time and can frequently be found looking at the AirBnB app on her phone. Some of her dream vacations include Holland, Tanzania, and Austria. While her cat is skeptical of her writing, she is lucky enough to have a perpetually supportive writing group
She lives in the Midwest but dreams of faraway places. She’s visited Guatemala, Costa Rica, Russia, England, Italy and is going to Iceland in a few months. She always has at least three watched flights on Hopper going at any given time and can frequently be found looking at the AirBnB app on her phone. Some of her dream vacations include Holland, Tanzania, and Austria. While her cat is skeptical of her writing, she is lucky enough to have a perpetually supportive writing group
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 5, 2019
Reed is a new author for me, and I was certainly fascinated by Alek and Nora’s story. Nora returns to her small home town after a tragedy in her life. It's been several years since she put her chef training to use, but after helping out a friend by catering an event, the wealthiest man in town tracks her down after tasting her creations to hire her as his personal chef. As you’ve probably already guessed, there’s more than a little cooking that goes on in Alek's home.
With a quaint small town setting, a warm cast of supporting characters and a mean girl you'll love to hate, Reed sets the scene with plenty of interest and color. While I adored Alek and his character really came alive for me, Nora didn’t quite make it to 3D. Although it's a fine line, I think just a little more internal struggle in moving on from her tragedy and dealing with the mean girl would have brought her fully to life for me. On the other hand, I applauded the way she stood up for herself and was true to her values. This author certainly shows a lot of promise, so I'll definitely be reading more of her work. If you like small-town romance and a story of opposites attracting, you'll enjoy this quick, easy, heartwarming read.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
With a quaint small town setting, a warm cast of supporting characters and a mean girl you'll love to hate, Reed sets the scene with plenty of interest and color. While I adored Alek and his character really came alive for me, Nora didn’t quite make it to 3D. Although it's a fine line, I think just a little more internal struggle in moving on from her tragedy and dealing with the mean girl would have brought her fully to life for me. On the other hand, I applauded the way she stood up for herself and was true to her values. This author certainly shows a lot of promise, so I'll definitely be reading more of her work. If you like small-town romance and a story of opposites attracting, you'll enjoy this quick, easy, heartwarming read.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
January 5, 2019
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This book is just as good as the previous two books.
Nora we have met in previous book as a resident of Magnolia Valley. Alek Novak however we only met a little in the previous book when she catered to an event in which Alek fell in love with her cooking.
We get to see more from previous characters but Caine features more of as a friend and we discover that he will feature in the next book.
Alek and Nora seem to have chemistry from the beginning when Nora agrees to work for Alek as his cook. We get surprises, betrayal and hatred along with love and friendship in this story.
I have really enjoyed every book in the series and really look forward to seeing how Caine and Quinn get together.
This book is just as good as the previous two books.
Nora we have met in previous book as a resident of Magnolia Valley. Alek Novak however we only met a little in the previous book when she catered to an event in which Alek fell in love with her cooking.
We get to see more from previous characters but Caine features more of as a friend and we discover that he will feature in the next book.
Alek and Nora seem to have chemistry from the beginning when Nora agrees to work for Alek as his cook. We get surprises, betrayal and hatred along with love and friendship in this story.
I have really enjoyed every book in the series and really look forward to seeing how Caine and Quinn get together.
January 6, 2019
Fascinated by You is a reminder of what a special gift Cora Reed has. Her ability to see what the heart hides and eloquently put those emotions into words is why I keep coming back for more. From moments of heartache and disappointment, come glimpses of courage and pinches of humor. With an empathetic eye and an open heart, Reed speaks to the Nora and Alek in us all. She puts a face on the feelings we turn a blind eye to and puts us in touch with the hearts we sometimes forget.
January 7, 2019
This was another good read in the series. In this one we have Alek and Nora. Alek is temporarily living in Magnolia Valley but while here he needs a chef. He then hires Nora. Of course they spend time together and fall in love. I enjoyed this and look forward to reading more books in this series.
January 8, 2019
Fascinated by You
by Cora Reed
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Novak Enterprises is owned by Alek Novak. He is sometimes called icey and vulture-like in his business practices and his personal life. When he tries to find the chef whose food he so enjoyed at a fundraiser, everything in his world starts to change. Nora Monroe has ambitions of owning and running her own restaurant, just like she had planned with her deceased husband, but it's going to take more money than she's got. When Alek's search locates the chef he wants, Nora, he offers her more than enough money than she needs, she agrees to his terms of employment. Even though Alek has already decided to send Lucy away to boarding school, and to have a marriage of business advantage, he finds plans may need to be altered. Nora just wanted to fulfill her dream and to be a chef. Alek finds he likes Nora for more than just her cooking. Nora finds she likes her position for more than just the work, she also fell in love with Lucy, as well as her father. The two adults realized there were too many strikes against them if either one pursued an entanglement. What about Alek's fiancé, Annette? What will happen when Alek goes back east? What about Melanie and her vicious rumors? So many people and and so many concerns! A very good story with very good and mostly entertaining and sympathetic characters. And the characters you won't like, you'll love to hate them! Truly enjoyable!
I voluntarily read this Advance Readers Copy for an honest review.
by Cora Reed
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Novak Enterprises is owned by Alek Novak. He is sometimes called icey and vulture-like in his business practices and his personal life. When he tries to find the chef whose food he so enjoyed at a fundraiser, everything in his world starts to change. Nora Monroe has ambitions of owning and running her own restaurant, just like she had planned with her deceased husband, but it's going to take more money than she's got. When Alek's search locates the chef he wants, Nora, he offers her more than enough money than she needs, she agrees to his terms of employment. Even though Alek has already decided to send Lucy away to boarding school, and to have a marriage of business advantage, he finds plans may need to be altered. Nora just wanted to fulfill her dream and to be a chef. Alek finds he likes Nora for more than just her cooking. Nora finds she likes her position for more than just the work, she also fell in love with Lucy, as well as her father. The two adults realized there were too many strikes against them if either one pursued an entanglement. What about Alek's fiancé, Annette? What will happen when Alek goes back east? What about Melanie and her vicious rumors? So many people and and so many concerns! A very good story with very good and mostly entertaining and sympathetic characters. And the characters you won't like, you'll love to hate them! Truly enjoyable!
I voluntarily read this Advance Readers Copy for an honest review.
August 23, 2021
Fascinated by You follows Nora Monroe after she has returned to Magnolia Valley from Chicago following her husband's death. She is related to Calvin from book one and they haven't had the easiest childhood. After an incident their mother sent them back to Magnolia Valley to hopefully grow up in a better and safer environment.
Fast forward and Nora is hunted down and hired as Alek Novak's personal chef. He is staying in Magnolia Valley with his daughter and a couple of staff members to quiet down a scandal after he and his ex-wife went separate ways in Boston. Only, it's not just Nora's cooking he wants a taste of.
This book is cute, funny, sad and frustrating all in one, but thankfully not at the same time. We follow characters we already know from the previous two books, and it's the same small, comforting community as always. I loved to be back in Magnolia Valley, Montana. I usually don't like series and struggle to keep reading about the same characters over and over, but when each book follows a different couple it's easier to stay invested. We get new and exciting content with each installment and that is probably why I can't wait to pick up the next book.
Trigger warnings for bullying and violence. There's a character in this book that isn't pleasant and we get to see flashbacks to specific scenes that involves both bullying and that incident I mentioned earlier. While I didn't think they were detailed, they can be triggering.
Fast forward and Nora is hunted down and hired as Alek Novak's personal chef. He is staying in Magnolia Valley with his daughter and a couple of staff members to quiet down a scandal after he and his ex-wife went separate ways in Boston. Only, it's not just Nora's cooking he wants a taste of.
This book is cute, funny, sad and frustrating all in one, but thankfully not at the same time. We follow characters we already know from the previous two books, and it's the same small, comforting community as always. I loved to be back in Magnolia Valley, Montana. I usually don't like series and struggle to keep reading about the same characters over and over, but when each book follows a different couple it's easier to stay invested. We get new and exciting content with each installment and that is probably why I can't wait to pick up the next book.
Trigger warnings for bullying and violence. There's a character in this book that isn't pleasant and we get to see flashbacks to specific scenes that involves both bullying and that incident I mentioned earlier. While I didn't think they were detailed, they can be triggering.
January 3, 2019
The third book in the series and it still manages to lure in with it's small town charm, lively and interesting characters. Alek hires Nora to be his personal chef for his temporary stay in Magnolia Valley after a brief scandal. Nora accepts the job to move forward with her life towards her dream. Alek and Nora enjoy each other's company so decide to explore their chemistry up until his stay there ends. But his family including his fiancee arrives in the small town. Nora doesn't want to do anything with the lying man. Alek is conflicted with following his heart and mind. To make matters worse, another scandal arises testing his trust on Nora. Will they both find what they have been missing all their lives amidst the scheming and dramatic small town enemies who are out to destroy what they have?? Go ahead and one click the book and you would sure love it. Alek is one hot brooding alpha who is so stubborn and determined to get what he wants and Nora is the right woman to complement him. They had a wonderful friendship and Lucy, Judith and all other characters were so sweet. We also get to see our fav characters of the previous books. Can't wait to read the next one about Caine and Quinn.
I volunteered to review the advanced copy of the book as a part of Hidden Gems ARC Program and this is my honest opinion.
I volunteered to review the advanced copy of the book as a part of Hidden Gems ARC Program and this is my honest opinion.
January 4, 2019
Fascinated by You is the third book in the Magnolia Valley series, but can be read as a stand alone. Alek is hiding out in a small town in Montana, and he’s determined to get the best chef around. Nora continues to surprise him after not immediately recognizing his name, and soon it’s not just the food that’s capturing his attention. But when his past starts catching up to his present, what will his future look like?
Oh my goodness, I was completely fascinated by this romance! I loved Alek, Nora, and Lucy! Alek was so driven and successful, cold at times, but I loved the person he slowly thawed into when he was around Nora and his daughter, Lucy. Nora has been closed off since her husband had died, but I loved the life she was still willing to live, especially when it came to Alek. She was determined to show him the light, warmth, and goodness, while Alek showed her that he could truly see her wants, needs, and keep her dreams safe. Of course, there’s lots of things that keep getting in their way, like an engagement, family and ex-worker drama, their status differences, and the importance of love in their future, but I enjoyed the ways they fought through all of their obstacles. The ending came together beautifully and while this is the first book I’ve read in this series, I want to go out and read through the first two!
Oh my goodness, I was completely fascinated by this romance! I loved Alek, Nora, and Lucy! Alek was so driven and successful, cold at times, but I loved the person he slowly thawed into when he was around Nora and his daughter, Lucy. Nora has been closed off since her husband had died, but I loved the life she was still willing to live, especially when it came to Alek. She was determined to show him the light, warmth, and goodness, while Alek showed her that he could truly see her wants, needs, and keep her dreams safe. Of course, there’s lots of things that keep getting in their way, like an engagement, family and ex-worker drama, their status differences, and the importance of love in their future, but I enjoyed the ways they fought through all of their obstacles. The ending came together beautifully and while this is the first book I’ve read in this series, I want to go out and read through the first two!
January 3, 2019
This was the first book that I have read in the Magnolia Valley series, and while it was book three of the series you have no problems reading it as a stand-alone book. The story centers around Nora, who is a brilliant chef, but hadn't cooked in a while because of a tragedy in her life. Then you have Alek, who, is a high powered businessman, hiding out in Montana waiting for a scandal to blow over. He happens to taste someone's (Nora's), divine cooking at a fundraiser and he sets out on a quest to hire that person as his personal chef. Nora is trying to save money to buy a restaurant from a friend, so the deal comes at a perfect time. Of course, since they are from different worlds, they don't expect to be attracted to each other, but it's there, and they are unable to resist each other. Will this just be a quick fling, as they had planned, or will they try for something more permanent? There are so many things standing in their way, including themselves. Can two people from totally different backgrounds, find a way to be together? Read it and see. This was a very cute story. Read it. You'll love it.
January 2, 2019
Will the mystery 🍲 chef please step forward? The 💰 millionaire up the road desperately needs you!
January 1, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4.5🌟stars
Great characters and I really liked the🏡 small-town ❄🗻 Montana setting. There's some 🔥 steamy passion, with a 💙romance between two previously married people from very different backgrounds and a town bully who keeps spreading her poison, with the heroine her main target for character assassination. Her barbs and the heroine's contained reaction to them made me like the heroine all the more. The hero had some character flaws relating to his cold and privileged upbringing; his adorable young daughter Lucy helped loosen him up and I liked him the more for it.:-)
In general, the writing was good, the story had good pace and momentum, and the adversity elements were dramatic without overdoing it. Although it's obvious that certain side characters have been primed for their own romance, this is a fine, enjoyable, complete read as a standalone.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 1, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4.5🌟stars
Great characters and I really liked the🏡 small-town ❄🗻 Montana setting. There's some 🔥 steamy passion, with a 💙romance between two previously married people from very different backgrounds and a town bully who keeps spreading her poison, with the heroine her main target for character assassination. Her barbs and the heroine's contained reaction to them made me like the heroine all the more. The hero had some character flaws relating to his cold and privileged upbringing; his adorable young daughter Lucy helped loosen him up and I liked him the more for it.:-)
In general, the writing was good, the story had good pace and momentum, and the adversity elements were dramatic without overdoing it. Although it's obvious that certain side characters have been primed for their own romance, this is a fine, enjoyable, complete read as a standalone.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 2, 2019
Nice and sweet romance
I liked this romance, but it was not at first: The beginning seemed long with many descriptions to install the places, the characters in the small town, the links between them and their past.
Then, when the characters of Alek and Nora meet and Nora starts working for him as his chef, the story becomes more exciting, less descriptive of the landscapes and people's past, but also hot. The characters evolve, including Alek who initially is cold and ready to marry a woman he does not know to promote his business. Nora must face the rumors of her adolescence that still run in the small town, as well as recover from the death of her husband. Yet they eventually get closer, but between the pressure of business, the fact that Alek will leave quickly and the gossip, the two heroes do not know how to react and act.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I liked this romance, but it was not at first: The beginning seemed long with many descriptions to install the places, the characters in the small town, the links between them and their past.
Then, when the characters of Alek and Nora meet and Nora starts working for him as his chef, the story becomes more exciting, less descriptive of the landscapes and people's past, but also hot. The characters evolve, including Alek who initially is cold and ready to marry a woman he does not know to promote his business. Nora must face the rumors of her adolescence that still run in the small town, as well as recover from the death of her husband. Yet they eventually get closer, but between the pressure of business, the fact that Alek will leave quickly and the gossip, the two heroes do not know how to react and act.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 6, 2019
I live in Montana so I try to read romance books written about the area, and there's a lot of little towns you can blink thru if your driving. I found this book to be enjoyable and I liked the characters Alex, Nora and Lucy (Alex's daughter). At first Alex a billionaire, is the bad boy who is laying low because of a scandal and Nora is the home town girl whose husband died. Nora is now looking to open a restaurant but needs money and Alex is wanting Nora to cook for him while he's there so they make a contract. During the time they start a relationship but Alex never told Nora he's engaged to another women and the papers report the scandal. Does Alex redeem himself and chooses Nora? Trying this ARC book interested me to read the other books in this series for this is a cute, enjoyable, well written romance that has the plus and flaws of living in a small town. I volunteer to read and review this ARC.
January 3, 2019
This book starts off very aburbt and without much fan fair. You first met Alek, a smug, very wealthy businessman. He is not all that likeable especially in the beginning. The next chapter moves into Nora and while I didn't like her at first, I didn't hate her. She was just kind blah for awhile. The first half of the book is rather slow, but once it builds, it's pretty hot and fast-paced. Quite a few hot, steamy sex scenes. I think Cora does a good job of having those parts along with growth and character development. I started liking Nora a lot sooner the. Alek, but both grew on me. I also feel like developed the characters enough, but didn't wrap everything up with them completely. I enjoyed most of the supporting characters and what they brought to the story. Overall a really steamy, quick romantic read.
January 4, 2019
I received a free review copy of this book from Hidden Gems in return for my honest opinion.
I read a lot of romance books, contemporary and historical. What I look for is plot and character development in addition to the romantic parts. For me, the sex scenes are important, but not the reason I read the book.
Nora and Alek are both likable characters and the plot logically flows throughout the book. There are quite a few secondary characters introduced; because I have not read the first two books in the series, I did have some trouble keeping certain characters straight. Those characters, however, were just there as foils for Nora and could almost be lumped together. (This is not necessarily a bad thing, but just an observation! I'm sure if I had read the first two books my impression would be different.)
This book would make a perfect beach read.
I read a lot of romance books, contemporary and historical. What I look for is plot and character development in addition to the romantic parts. For me, the sex scenes are important, but not the reason I read the book.
Nora and Alek are both likable characters and the plot logically flows throughout the book. There are quite a few secondary characters introduced; because I have not read the first two books in the series, I did have some trouble keeping certain characters straight. Those characters, however, were just there as foils for Nora and could almost be lumped together. (This is not necessarily a bad thing, but just an observation! I'm sure if I had read the first two books my impression would be different.)
This book would make a perfect beach read.
January 6, 2019
This book was so interesting.
The small town dynamic was so close to what my mother has told me that I was about to look it up on Google. Magnolia Valley seemed to be such a real place, I forgot I was reading a book.
Nora was a very interesting character. She had relied on herself for a long time and when Alek came, she struggled to let him in. But let him in, she did. Alek let her in far easier than I would have thought possible. Partly aided by Lucy and partly fueled by his own feelings, Alek changed his life, his attitude, and his personality.
Nora stood up for herself, Alek fell in love and they both repaired relationships that seemed to be on the verge of dying. Though, to tell you the truth, Lucy was my favorite part of the book.
A precocious six-year-old with a fascination for bugs?
I dont know anything more adorable.
I'm ready to go back to Magnolia Valley.
The small town dynamic was so close to what my mother has told me that I was about to look it up on Google. Magnolia Valley seemed to be such a real place, I forgot I was reading a book.
Nora was a very interesting character. She had relied on herself for a long time and when Alek came, she struggled to let him in. But let him in, she did. Alek let her in far easier than I would have thought possible. Partly aided by Lucy and partly fueled by his own feelings, Alek changed his life, his attitude, and his personality.
Nora stood up for herself, Alek fell in love and they both repaired relationships that seemed to be on the verge of dying. Though, to tell you the truth, Lucy was my favorite part of the book.
A precocious six-year-old with a fascination for bugs?
I dont know anything more adorable.
I'm ready to go back to Magnolia Valley.
January 27, 2019
This is romantic, entertaining and steamy. Alek is cold, oblivious, determined, inconsiderate and demanding. Nora is caring, generous, vulnerable and friendly. Alek decides that he must find the chef whose food was served at a banquet, and blew him away, and hire her. But he found that it wasn't so easy. When he does finally find Nora, she names a salary that will give her the restaurant she wants, and he immediately agrees to it. The attraction between them grows stronger as they spend time together, even though both know it's a no no because not only is Nora employed by Alek, Alek has an agreement to marry someone in Boston. The tension between them is just a little of the drama they face, there's also an old high school bully and Alek's daughter. It's an emotional, heartwarming and enjoyaBooksprout
I received a copy of this book from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received a copy of this book from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily reviewing it.
January 3, 2019
Fascinated by You is the 3rd book in the series but it is the first book that I read. I was surprised when I didn’t need to read the previous books to understand what happened.
This book you were introduced to Nora, a chef who is a widower and love romance books, and Alex, who is a divorcee and head of a major company. Alex faced a scandal that had him leave Boston and move temporary to Magnolia Valley, Montana. He hired Nora to be his personal chef. Nora wanted to own her own restaurant in Magnolia Valley and took the personal chef to help her purchase her own restaurant.
I enjoyed the story and felt that it would be a story that I want to go back and read the other books in the series. I was given a copy of the book for an honest review.
This book you were introduced to Nora, a chef who is a widower and love romance books, and Alex, who is a divorcee and head of a major company. Alex faced a scandal that had him leave Boston and move temporary to Magnolia Valley, Montana. He hired Nora to be his personal chef. Nora wanted to own her own restaurant in Magnolia Valley and took the personal chef to help her purchase her own restaurant.
I enjoyed the story and felt that it would be a story that I want to go back and read the other books in the series. I was given a copy of the book for an honest review.
January 4, 2019
My first book of this series, there were situations and people mentioned that I probably missed some information on from not reading the previous books, but that didn't stop me from being drawn into the story and enjoying it. For me the story was a journey, Alek and Nora have both been through some stuff that has affected who they are and how they live their lives. Together they start to grow, to explore, to question, to think and to development. I enjoyed seeing them both become who they wanted to be and seeing them reach for what they wanted. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.
January 4, 2019
I liked this book, it was engaging, had enough steamy romance, and some plot twists. I love any books with cooking in it so this was right up my alley. Nora moved back to her hometown after her husband had passed and she quit cooking. Nora was begged to do a dinner for a fundraiser that Alek was an invitee too and after that Alek would do everything to find out who made that amazing food. He tracked down Nora, gave her an offer she couldn't refuse and the rest is a HEA. I loved the development of the characters and I can't wait to read more by this author. One suggestion, add recipes!
Received this book as an ARC for my honest review.
Received this book as an ARC for my honest review.
January 10, 2019
I enjoyed reading this story despite Alek's coldness. I actually felt sorry for little Lucy and how she was treated by her father. I can't understand why he was the way he was. The plot was interesting. The story-line however, was a little choppy in certain sections. I liked the characters and I could really relate to Nora since I'm going through something similar to what she had been through. I was glad to see them get their HEA in the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book...
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book...
January 1, 2019
Dreams can come true!
Nora dreams of having her own restaurant again after the death of her husband and the subsequent loss of their restaurant. After eating her food, Alex is determined to have her as his personal chef. She accepts his offer, and soon forms a delightful relationship with both him and his delightful daughter Lucy. Great characters, story, and writing make this a must read!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Nora dreams of having her own restaurant again after the death of her husband and the subsequent loss of their restaurant. After eating her food, Alex is determined to have her as his personal chef. She accepts his offer, and soon forms a delightful relationship with both him and his delightful daughter Lucy. Great characters, story, and writing make this a must read!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
January 3, 2019
When Nora's life gets flipped upside down, she's got to close the restaurant that she and her husband had. But she's not sure she wants to get back into the business. When her friend asks for a favor, she says yes, but she's unprepared for Alek to want her... in more ways than one.
I really enjoyed the read. It was sweet and unexpected. I loved how Nora dove straight in and made her dreams a reality. Great story.
I really enjoyed the read. It was sweet and unexpected. I loved how Nora dove straight in and made her dreams a reality. Great story.
January 14, 2019
Alek was a cold, stiff businessman and father used to getting whatever he wanted or paid for. Nora returned to the place she thought of as home and was starting to consider bringing an old dream back to life in Magnolia Valley. Alek and Nora made an unlikely pairing and it wasn't an easy path for them but I did enjoy the story. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2019
I started with book 1 in this series as it was a freebie. I went ahead and purchased books 2 and now 3. The characters are the strong suit for me - the story lines are good, consistent, and flow from book to book. This series was my first foray into "modern romance" and I found it satisfying. It felt like every fantasy you ever had about getting back at bullies, or getting the cool guy, or finding your path.
April 17, 2019
Urk! Alek was very difficult to warm up to. His upbringing seems almost British with his devotion to a ‘stiff upper lip’. I loved having this chance to get to know Nora. She’s floated around in the background of the previous books and after meeting Calvin, I was dying to know more about his sister. This pairing is a bit of an odd couple, yet their strengths and weaknesses dovetail nicely to support each other. (I especially enjoyed watching the old high school Queen B get her comeuppance.)
January 2, 2019
I thought this was a sweet story of finding love where you least expect it. Alek had a plan. Work, send his daughter to boarding school and marry a woman to benefit his business. When he hires Nora as his chef, she turns his life upside down. I enjoyed as they both realized what their heart needed to be happy. I enjoyed Nora’s strong will and determination.
January 4, 2019
Nothing like falling in love with a book from the first page...and it just gets better and better! What an amazing storyline, with outrageous characters, twists and turns that keep you guessing, and one helluva kickass HEA. Definitely grab a copy today for your TBR. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and loved it!) ❤️❤️
January 4, 2019
This was a great read. The chemistry between the characters was well constructed and felt real.
The story is well written and had me turning pages until the early hours of the morning. I couldn't put it down.
Highly recommend
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book for Hidden Gems
The story is well written and had me turning pages until the early hours of the morning. I couldn't put it down.
Highly recommend
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book for Hidden Gems
January 7, 2019
This story is so sweet. Their chemistry is immediate, but they became friends first before going into the hot and heavy. Unfortunately, he hid some things that tore them apart. He’s determined to follow through with his plan, even if it means he loses the best thing in his life. Cannot wait to see what else happens in this series! I’m voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.
January 15, 2019
A second chance at love, finding your dreams and getting to do what you love. This small town romance has drama, rumors, an amazing little girl and so much more. Wonderful characters and storyline that grab my attention. This is the third book in the Magnolia Valley series. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
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