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Assignment: Romance #5
Order Up
Nancy Braley is the Chicago Gazette’s food editor with a taste for hot chefs and talent for replicating their "secret" recipes. But when she finally gets up the nerve to ask out a hot local café owner, Doug Johnston, she's crushed when he says she's not the "marriage material" he's looking for. Doug is perplexed by his attraction to Nancy whose take-no-prisoners personality reminds him way too much of his cheating ex. To keep Nancy and his conflicted feelings at bay, he throws out the only excuse he can come up with—she's just not marriage material. Not one to be deterred, Nancy becomes obsessed with figuring out what exactly that means—partly because she doesn't want to emulate her oft-married but divorce-settlement-wealthy mother, and partly because her attraction to Doug is driving her to distraction. So when a married and very pregnant colleague gets put on bed rest until her baby arrives, Nancy volunteers to feed her family, hoping to get a first-hand look at what marriage is all about. And when Doug's ex opens a new coffee shop nearby, stealing business from his café, it's Nancy who comes to his aid! Eager to call Doug's bluff, can she convince him she's the real deal?
218 pages, Paperback
Published March 16, 2018
16 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Valentin
7 books234 followersAuthor of the bestselling Assignment: Romance series, Barbara is a second-generation journalist, her work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune and its affiliates as well as the lifestyle sites, Mom.Me and BlogHer.
After Publisher's Weekly gave her first manuscript, False Start, a coveted starred review, she was included on their “Indie Star” list.
In 2018, USA Today included her fifth book, Order Up, on their "Most Anticipated Release" list.
A member of Women's Fiction Writers Association, Barbara lives in the Chicago area.
After Publisher's Weekly gave her first manuscript, False Start, a coveted starred review, she was included on their “Indie Star” list.
In 2018, USA Today included her fifth book, Order Up, on their "Most Anticipated Release" list.
A member of Women's Fiction Writers Association, Barbara lives in the Chicago area.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 3, 2018
I have loved the other books in this series by the author, but this one was clearly not my favorite. The food editor, Nancy, was abrasive and not a person I would describe as pleasant when it came to her behavior towards men. When she finally needed to make a relationship work, she asked for advice and listened to it, and behaved in a much nicer manner. By the end of the book she was putting others ahead of herself and had developed good relationships with a co-worker's entire family. I realize the reader wasn't supposed to like Nancy in the beginning, but was it necessary to dislike her?
I will say the more I read, the more I got caught up in the story. It actually ended up being an enjoyable book. I appreciated Nancy's loyalties, her professionalism, her willingness to help others, and her long time coming realization that she deserved to be loved and appreciated as well.
So stick to reading the book even if the beginning seems slow or distasteful, because all of a sudden you will realize there is much to like about the character and the book. I'm glad I kept reading.
I will say the more I read, the more I got caught up in the story. It actually ended up being an enjoyable book. I appreciated Nancy's loyalties, her professionalism, her willingness to help others, and her long time coming realization that she deserved to be loved and appreciated as well.
So stick to reading the book even if the beginning seems slow or distasteful, because all of a sudden you will realize there is much to like about the character and the book. I'm glad I kept reading.
May 5, 2018
This is the 5th book in the Assignment Romance Series. Each book is about a new couple that were in the background of the previous books. This one is about Newspaper Food Editor Nancy and Cafe Owner Doug. Nancy has been going to Doug's cafe ever since it opened and she even wrote a review for the newspaper she works for. There is something about Doug that Nancy finds intriguing. She needs a date for her mothers wedding and finally gets up the nerve to ask Doug and he tells her no along with some other not so flattering things. Doug realizes that he was wrong to say all those things to her. Pick up a copy to find out if they get their happily ever after. I really enjoyed this book.
When I first started this series, I wasn't sure if I would like it. Turned out to be a great series that I hope has more books. The characters have become like old friends and I'd like to see where things go for all the couples in the series. Can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend picking up all the books.
When I first started this series, I wasn't sure if I would like it. Turned out to be a great series that I hope has more books. The characters have become like old friends and I'd like to see where things go for all the couples in the series. Can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend picking up all the books.
May 16, 2018
Order Up is the fifth installment in the Romance Assignment Series. This is the first one I have read and I really enjoyed it. She is struggling as all of her friends are getting married and having children and she is sure she will never find the right one. Her Mother on the other hand has found several of the right one and she is constantly measuring herself up to others expectations. Nancy is a food editor for a local paper and has been going to this new café ever since it opened. Does not hurt that she has the hots for the owner Doug that Nancy decides to ask him out. He says no and says she is not “marriage” material because she is direct like his cheating ex. This starts Nancy out on a search to determine what marriage worthy means and prove him wrong. In reality, Doug likes Nancy. This is a light hearted fun romance and I plan to pick up others in the series.
March 16, 2018
Fun and charming, Order Up was a delightful read! Thirty-something Nancy has basically given up finding “the one” while her mother has found and married him several times over. Constantly feeling pulled between what her mother expects from her and what she really wants to do with her life. Her job as food editor at the Gazette may be in trouble and all her friends are getting married or having babies. Nancy turns to her therapist for constant reassurance and finds comfort in her daily trips to the new cafe with the sizzling owner, Doug, What happens when Nancy gets up the courage to ask Doug to accompany her on an all expense paid for trip to Vegas as her date to her mother’s next wedding?
I enjoyed reading Order Up and appreciate the e-copy ARC I received!
I enjoyed reading Order Up and appreciate the e-copy ARC I received!
May 16, 2018
A delightfully charming contemporary romance with unforgettable characters and a beautifully written story that drew me in immediately and kept me entertained and engaged from the first word to the last. I was so involved in the book, I didn't want it to end. I loved the dynamic, chemistry and repartee between quirky Nancy Braley, Chicago Gazette food editor and Order Up host, and Doug Johnston, proprietor of Chez Doug. Ms. Valentin has given us a winner with this fun read. I received an advance reader copy from the publisher and this is my unbiased review. I liked the book so much, I purchased a copy for my keeper library.
March 13, 2018
This was my first book by this author and certainly not my last. I look forward to reading the other books in the Assignment Romance series. I really enjoyed the book. It was a fun and quick read. I love books about food, cooking and coffee shops. I loved Nancy and her struggles to not let people dictate her decisions. I found the book to be amusing and lighthearted.
I received an ARC from the author and my review is my own opinion.
I received an ARC from the author and my review is my own opinion.
April 15, 2018
Doug is attracted to Nancy but overwhelmed by her take-charge personality. It was interesting and entertaining to read how they dealt with their opposites attract friendship and even an realistic story as they both learned to compromise for the sake of building a relationship. They have the same get married goal, they have the attraction, they just have to work of all the good stuff, lol.
I received a copy from publisher.
I received a copy from publisher.
May 7, 2018
I thoroughly loved this book. I loved the characters. I have the first book in the series but hadn't read it. I enjoyed this book so much I bought the other 3 I didn't have so I can learn more about the other characters. I plan on reading them all very soon. Even though I had not read the other books in the series I don't feel like I missed anything.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
May 6, 2018
*I received as an ARC reader copy*
This was my 1st read the author.
Order Up is a fun lighthearted read. It is a part of the Assignment Series, however each stands alone.
The main character Nancy struggles in life in general building and maintaining relationships and not allowing others to "control her"
a.fun quick read
This was my 1st read the author.
Order Up is a fun lighthearted read. It is a part of the Assignment Series, however each stands alone.
The main character Nancy struggles in life in general building and maintaining relationships and not allowing others to "control her"
a.fun quick read
May 8, 2018
Order Up is a really good, quick read. Although it is part of a series, it does not have to be read in order - I actually haven’t read any of the others. I love books that take take place in restaurants or have food related things in them. If you are looking for a quick, fun read, check out Order Up!
May 9, 2018
Although this book is part of a series and not a genre I typically read, I was given an ARC copy and found myself intrigued by the character development, the realistic plot, and the pace of the story. It was an enchanting diversion and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to escape-if only briefly-from the chaos of life.
May 10, 2018
Barbara Valentin constructs a plot line that gets your attention on page one and holds your attention until the story’s end. She writes such amusing relationships between her characters, you never can predict if they’ll hit it off or destroy each other. Her clean romances will have you laughing at the disasters these characters encounter.
May 15, 2018
This is a cute story about a budding romance, friendships, a quirky mother-daughter relationship, and careers in the food industry. If you’re looking for a refreshing, sweet read, it’s definitely a good choice. The romance starts as a crush and develops despite a few awkward “I-can’t-believe-I-said-that” moments and their after-effects. The parts about cooking and baking were fun to read, and the descriptions had me feeling a little bit hungry more than once while reading the story. I haven’t read the other books in this series yet, but I’ll definitely keep it in mind for those times when I’m looking for an easy, light read.
May 5, 2018
This is the best so far in the series. Nancy is the cat’s pajamas and Doug is a total heart throb. What a great cast and this set up is a totally believable romance. Yes, yes, yes! Highly recommend this delightful romance.
October 26, 2018
i enjoyed this story about a couple of people who have the most awkward meetings.
September 13, 2020
Enjoyable as always.
April 8, 2024
Focused reading
The beginning of the story is interesting If you get tired of reading about how to get a man.then its a slow read
The beginning of the story is interesting If you get tired of reading about how to get a man.then its a slow read
May 30, 2018
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
Nancy reminds me of a good friend of mine. In fact, for most of Order Up, it was her image and mannerisms that I saw when witnessing Nancy’s interactions with friends and with Doug. The tough exterior that gives way into having a more sensitive interior. That, although she wants people to believe that nothing phases her, she’s ultimately affected by a lot.
I got the impression that relationships were never high on Nancy’s priority list, most likely a byproduct of seeing the revolving door of husbands her mother has had, but deep down it’s something she yearns for. The security and comfort of knowing that there’s that one special person who understands her better than anyone else. So, when she makes the decision to actually allow herself to be vulnerable with Doug, and he refutes it, she’s confused and not entirely sure where to go from there.
What I liked most about Order Up is the underlying theme behind who Nancy is as a person. For a while, she attempts to become the type of person she thinks Doug wants her to be, vs. being who she is and allowing herself to truly be open with another human being. I think there’s a huge difference between those two distinctions, and it was enjoyable to see that journey for Nancy. I think we forget that seeking acceptance isn’t restricted to our childhood and youth. It’s something that most of us can relate to, even if in our adult years, with friendships and colleagues and romantic relationships. It’s never easy, and I like how that’s reflected in Nancy’s response to Doug and her friends. It’s not a perfect venture, not for any of us.
I also appreciated the opportunity to go back and visit some of the characters in Valentin’s Assignment: Romance series. I love it when story lines from other novels weave into one another, and while all of the books in this series can be read as stand-alones, I got to know the characters even more when told from various perspectives.
Nancy reminds me of a good friend of mine. In fact, for most of Order Up, it was her image and mannerisms that I saw when witnessing Nancy’s interactions with friends and with Doug. The tough exterior that gives way into having a more sensitive interior. That, although she wants people to believe that nothing phases her, she’s ultimately affected by a lot.
I got the impression that relationships were never high on Nancy’s priority list, most likely a byproduct of seeing the revolving door of husbands her mother has had, but deep down it’s something she yearns for. The security and comfort of knowing that there’s that one special person who understands her better than anyone else. So, when she makes the decision to actually allow herself to be vulnerable with Doug, and he refutes it, she’s confused and not entirely sure where to go from there.
What I liked most about Order Up is the underlying theme behind who Nancy is as a person. For a while, she attempts to become the type of person she thinks Doug wants her to be, vs. being who she is and allowing herself to truly be open with another human being. I think there’s a huge difference between those two distinctions, and it was enjoyable to see that journey for Nancy. I think we forget that seeking acceptance isn’t restricted to our childhood and youth. It’s something that most of us can relate to, even if in our adult years, with friendships and colleagues and romantic relationships. It’s never easy, and I like how that’s reflected in Nancy’s response to Doug and her friends. It’s not a perfect venture, not for any of us.
I also appreciated the opportunity to go back and visit some of the characters in Valentin’s Assignment: Romance series. I love it when story lines from other novels weave into one another, and while all of the books in this series can be read as stand-alones, I got to know the characters even more when told from various perspectives.
May 15, 2018
I enjoyed this light-hearted, easy read. Nancy isn’t having much luck with relationships (meanwhile her mom is getting married for the eighth time). Her too-forward, flirtatious demeanor combined with her youthful wardrobe is a bit much for Doug, the cafe owner Nancy decided to pursue- he deems her to be not “marriage material.” Nancy, with the help of her friend Claire, sets out to prove him wrong. I would like to thank the author for the ARC I received of this book- my opinions are my own.
June 21, 2022
4.5stars.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews