What do you think?
Rate this book
The Book of Love #3
The Taste of Love
Will the mysterious Book of Love lead Penelope to her true love?
Lady Penelope Sherbourne is not—absolutely not—going to fall in love with Thaddius MacLauren, Laird of Caithness, even if he is a big, handsome Scottish brute and ridiculously protective of her. But now that the Book of Love has fallen into her hands, Thad is the only one she trusts to test out the sensations she must explore in order to find the perfect husband. She wants a mild-mannered English earl, one who lives near her family, and who will not make her heart leap or her bones melt as Thad does every time he looks at her.
Thaddius MacLauren intends to claim a kiss from Lady Penelope Sherbourne and nothing more. No, not a thing more, even though he’s loved the sharp-tongued, vexing lass forever. She’s also been kinder to him than anyone else alive, and for a boy who never felt loved by his family, Penelope’s kindness has come to mean everything to him. How can he ever tell her how he feels? She’s the daughter of a powerful earl and all he can offer her is a tumble-down holding at the northern tip of Scotland. It will take a miracle to win her heart.
Is it possible the Book of Love holds the magic to bring it about?
Lady Penelope Sherbourne is not—absolutely not—going to fall in love with Thaddius MacLauren, Laird of Caithness, even if he is a big, handsome Scottish brute and ridiculously protective of her. But now that the Book of Love has fallen into her hands, Thad is the only one she trusts to test out the sensations she must explore in order to find the perfect husband. She wants a mild-mannered English earl, one who lives near her family, and who will not make her heart leap or her bones melt as Thad does every time he looks at her.
Thaddius MacLauren intends to claim a kiss from Lady Penelope Sherbourne and nothing more. No, not a thing more, even though he’s loved the sharp-tongued, vexing lass forever. She’s also been kinder to him than anyone else alive, and for a boy who never felt loved by his family, Penelope’s kindness has come to mean everything to him. How can he ever tell her how he feels? She’s the daughter of a powerful earl and all he can offer her is a tumble-down holding at the northern tip of Scotland. It will take a miracle to win her heart.
Is it possible the Book of Love holds the magic to bring it about?
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2019
856 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Meara Platt
119 books885 followersMeara Platt is happily married to her Russell Crowe look-alike husband, and they have two terrific children. She lives in one of the many great towns on Long Island, New York, and loves it, except for the traffic. She has traveled extensively, occasionally lectures and finds time to write. Her favorite place in all the world is England’s Lake District, which may not come as a surprise since many of her stories are set in that idyllic landscape, including her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award winning story.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 15, 2024
Another nice story in this series. Feel good story with lots of interesting characters and humour.
September 2, 2019
A GREAT DISSAPPOINTMENT!!
Its Lady Penelope Sherbourne's turn to test the Book Of Love. Her Frog Test subject is a long time friend of the family and one of her brothers best friends Thaddeus MacLauren Laird of Caithness and future heir to the Hume Earldom.
The Taste of Love was written in haste. The writing came off very juvenile. The banter between Loopy/Penelope and Thaddeus was more childish and playful. I did not like the demeaning way Thaddeus was described. Dumb Scott, Paws for hands, Burly Scott. It sounded at times very demeaning to Scotts. Why would a women want someone described in this manner.
The story is choppy and does not flow. I pushed to even finish the story. What normally takes me hours to read a story of this length took me days and I had to push myself to finish it. I don't think Meara Platt wrote this story. The first two stories in the series were Brilliantly Written and fun and Whitty conversation beautiful rich and powerful H/H. With lots of romance. The Taste of Love did not have any of that. Just a thrown together story!!
Its Lady Penelope Sherbourne's turn to test the Book Of Love. Her Frog Test subject is a long time friend of the family and one of her brothers best friends Thaddeus MacLauren Laird of Caithness and future heir to the Hume Earldom.
The Taste of Love was written in haste. The writing came off very juvenile. The banter between Loopy/Penelope and Thaddeus was more childish and playful. I did not like the demeaning way Thaddeus was described. Dumb Scott, Paws for hands, Burly Scott. It sounded at times very demeaning to Scotts. Why would a women want someone described in this manner.
The story is choppy and does not flow. I pushed to even finish the story. What normally takes me hours to read a story of this length took me days and I had to push myself to finish it. I don't think Meara Platt wrote this story. The first two stories in the series were Brilliantly Written and fun and Whitty conversation beautiful rich and powerful H/H. With lots of romance. The Taste of Love did not have any of that. Just a thrown together story!!
December 29, 2021
Rating: PG-17, or a mature reader: Adult themes, bawdy, risqué, sexually suggestive, sexual humor, mild cursing, violence due to a fight scene, descriptive sexual encounter. Trigger warnings for those who suffer PTSD from war experience [survivor’s guilt, loss of family, and friends on the battlefield, etc.] Mild trigger due to a planned but failed assault on a female character.
Angst Level: medium due to violence, one fight scene was rather graphic, stressors due to mystery to be solved.
Source: KU 8-18-21: When I first saw the covers and blurb on these books, I couldn’t tell if they were paranormal or not. For those who do not like paranormal stories, no worries. There were no spells or incantations just a book full of knowledge similar to a treatise on men and sexuality. It felt more like Fate bringing together the right partner for each couple. For me, I would have preferred more paranormal activity. That’s just me.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** spoilers ***
Background information from my review of books one and two: “Lady Olivia Gosling had been perusing the shelves of the bookstore when a red-bound book literally fell from the top shelf onto her head… twice. She was intrigued by the title The Book of Love and felt it was a sign since she needed all the help she could get.
Olivia and her two best friends, Poppy Farthingale, and Lady Penelope Sherbourne had decided to use the information in the book in order to find true love. However, they needed to test their new theories and decided to practice with their male best friends. If it worked on them then they could safely use it to find husbands in the upcoming Season. It was hilarious as they decided which of their friends they would practice on. Since Nathaniel Sherbourne, the Earl of Welles was Penelope’s brother, she chose Thaddius MacLauren, Laird of Caithness as her test subject. Olivia chose Alexander Beastling [Beast], the Duke of Hartford. Poppy Farthingale chose Penelope’s brother Nathaniel as she was afraid of Beast. Now that the girls were set on their test frog… um… subject, Olivia decided to go first since the book belonged to her. The Beast never knew what hit him.”
Book three was similar in tone to the first two books. It could be read as a standalone but the background information was laid out for the reader in book one. I would not skip the fun of reading books one or two. Characters that appeared in the previous books were very present and useful in this third story. They popped in and out when needed. This was purely Penelope and Thaddius finding their way to true love. I loved this guy. Of course, my people are Scottish. What’s not to love about a Highlander? Really.
This was a laugh-out-loud story with ridiculously naïve girls messing with things they had no idea about. Regency girls were kept ignorant about the ways of men. These girls had a book in their hands that spelled it out for them in a no-holds-barred format. The guys were horrified that their sister and her friends were delving into such a subject. It was probably out of character for the era but it was still funny.
What I liked: at this time, there are a dozen of these books. I’m sure it will be passed from friend to friend. I liked the fact the author did not crowd these first books with all the characters to follow. Many people were mentioned and I’m sure we will eventually get to them as the series continues. I highly recommend this for a fun read.
The Book of Love Series:
Book 1: The Look of Love
Book 2: The Touch of Love
Book 3: The Taste of Love
Book 4: The Song of Love
Book 5: The Scent of Love
Book 6: The Kiss of Love
Book 7: The Chance of Love
Book 8: The Gift of Love
Book 9: The Heart of Love
Book 10: The Promise of Love
Book 11: The Wonder of Love
Book 12: The Journey of Love
Angst Level: medium due to violence, one fight scene was rather graphic, stressors due to mystery to be solved.
Source: KU 8-18-21: When I first saw the covers and blurb on these books, I couldn’t tell if they were paranormal or not. For those who do not like paranormal stories, no worries. There were no spells or incantations just a book full of knowledge similar to a treatise on men and sexuality. It felt more like Fate bringing together the right partner for each couple. For me, I would have preferred more paranormal activity. That’s just me.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** spoilers ***
Background information from my review of books one and two: “Lady Olivia Gosling had been perusing the shelves of the bookstore when a red-bound book literally fell from the top shelf onto her head… twice. She was intrigued by the title The Book of Love and felt it was a sign since she needed all the help she could get.
Olivia and her two best friends, Poppy Farthingale, and Lady Penelope Sherbourne had decided to use the information in the book in order to find true love. However, they needed to test their new theories and decided to practice with their male best friends. If it worked on them then they could safely use it to find husbands in the upcoming Season. It was hilarious as they decided which of their friends they would practice on. Since Nathaniel Sherbourne, the Earl of Welles was Penelope’s brother, she chose Thaddius MacLauren, Laird of Caithness as her test subject. Olivia chose Alexander Beastling [Beast], the Duke of Hartford. Poppy Farthingale chose Penelope’s brother Nathaniel as she was afraid of Beast. Now that the girls were set on their test frog… um… subject, Olivia decided to go first since the book belonged to her. The Beast never knew what hit him.”
Book three was similar in tone to the first two books. It could be read as a standalone but the background information was laid out for the reader in book one. I would not skip the fun of reading books one or two. Characters that appeared in the previous books were very present and useful in this third story. They popped in and out when needed. This was purely Penelope and Thaddius finding their way to true love. I loved this guy. Of course, my people are Scottish. What’s not to love about a Highlander? Really.
This was a laugh-out-loud story with ridiculously naïve girls messing with things they had no idea about. Regency girls were kept ignorant about the ways of men. These girls had a book in their hands that spelled it out for them in a no-holds-barred format. The guys were horrified that their sister and her friends were delving into such a subject. It was probably out of character for the era but it was still funny.
What I liked: at this time, there are a dozen of these books. I’m sure it will be passed from friend to friend. I liked the fact the author did not crowd these first books with all the characters to follow. Many people were mentioned and I’m sure we will eventually get to them as the series continues. I highly recommend this for a fun read.
The Book of Love Series:
Book 1: The Look of Love
Book 2: The Touch of Love
Book 3: The Taste of Love
Book 4: The Song of Love
Book 5: The Scent of Love
Book 6: The Kiss of Love
Book 7: The Chance of Love
Book 8: The Gift of Love
Book 9: The Heart of Love
Book 10: The Promise of Love
Book 11: The Wonder of Love
Book 12: The Journey of Love
May 18, 2020
I was excited to begin reading this book, because the plot seemed interesting based on the blurb. This is my first time reading a book written by this author. Sadly, it may be my last.
I began this series with book 3 instead of book 1. The author did not provide any background on what the Book of Love is, how it came to be in this group of ladies' possession, nor its contents. Having read all of the blurbs for the books in the series, I kind of have an idea who found the book and how it was passed down from friend to friend. However, I'm still uncertain what advice or "recipes" it holds. From what I can gather from this book, the Book of Love talked about bonding with the one you want to fall in love with you through the five senses. The senses shown in the book (until I DNF'd) were sight and smell. Even then, it was simply just the heroine (Penelope) asking her "test frog" (the hero, Thad) two simple questions: "What attributes do I have that makes me desirable?" and "What do I smell like?" I'm paraphrasing, of course. The hero and heroine answers both questions about one another and that's it! They're constantly bickering like children that it actually takes a while for the heroine to try anything from the Book of Love. Or they get interrupted by her young male cousin, Pip. I was looking forward to more "experiments" from the Book of Love but they were barely any, which is a huge let down.
This is a regency HR, however, the characters do not speak nor behave like they should. The hero touches the heroine a bit too much for this time period: holds her hands for too long, puts his arm around her shoulders while they sit side by side on a log. The heroine's older brother allowed her to go inside her room to retrieve her hair ribbon, knowing full well that his friend, the hero, is possibly sleeping in the nude after he fainted from an injury. I understand that they both grew up together and treat each other like siblings, but even HR heroes written by other authors do not get this comfortable with their best friend's younger sister.
I'm not really a fan of heroes who were in the war, so I had no interest in this hero other than his scenes with the heroine. I skipped the chapters where he wasn't with the heroine and doing other stuff related to his family or regiment.
At the 66% mark, I gave up on hoping the book would get better. So yeah, I am pretty disappointed, because I really wanted to like and read the rest of the books in this series. Normally, I don't rate books I did not finished, but with quite a lot of 5 star ratings, I thought I'd put my 1 star in.
I began this series with book 3 instead of book 1. The author did not provide any background on what the Book of Love is, how it came to be in this group of ladies' possession, nor its contents. Having read all of the blurbs for the books in the series, I kind of have an idea who found the book and how it was passed down from friend to friend. However, I'm still uncertain what advice or "recipes" it holds. From what I can gather from this book, the Book of Love talked about bonding with the one you want to fall in love with you through the five senses. The senses shown in the book (until I DNF'd) were sight and smell. Even then, it was simply just the heroine (Penelope) asking her "test frog" (the hero, Thad) two simple questions: "What attributes do I have that makes me desirable?" and "What do I smell like?" I'm paraphrasing, of course. The hero and heroine answers both questions about one another and that's it! They're constantly bickering like children that it actually takes a while for the heroine to try anything from the Book of Love. Or they get interrupted by her young male cousin, Pip. I was looking forward to more "experiments" from the Book of Love but they were barely any, which is a huge let down.
This is a regency HR, however, the characters do not speak nor behave like they should. The hero touches the heroine a bit too much for this time period: holds her hands for too long, puts his arm around her shoulders while they sit side by side on a log. The heroine's older brother allowed her to go inside her room to retrieve her hair ribbon, knowing full well that his friend, the hero, is possibly sleeping in the nude after he fainted from an injury. I understand that they both grew up together and treat each other like siblings, but even HR heroes written by other authors do not get this comfortable with their best friend's younger sister.
I'm not really a fan of heroes who were in the war, so I had no interest in this hero other than his scenes with the heroine. I skipped the chapters where he wasn't with the heroine and doing other stuff related to his family or regiment.
At the 66% mark, I gave up on hoping the book would get better. So yeah, I am pretty disappointed, because I really wanted to like and read the rest of the books in this series. Normally, I don't rate books I did not finished, but with quite a lot of 5 star ratings, I thought I'd put my 1 star in.
December 16, 2019
All in all, this is a good read when there are a few hours to kill with dynamic characters and descriptions that feel very true to the historical time.
Read full review in the 2019 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2019 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 15, 2021
Thank goodness these get shorter and less ridiculous as the series has progressed. Made them much more enjoyable.
Though I truly have no desire to read the rest.
Though I truly have no desire to read the rest.
August 22, 2019
Lady Penelope Sherbourne is going to take her turn with the "The Book of Love" it has helped her two best friends to find love. One of them with Penelope's brother. They fell in love with their test frogs but that won't happen to her.
Thaddius MacLauren, Laird of Caithness has been brought back to England before his Regiment and nobody will tell him why or how his men are. The war is over but there are wounded to get home to their families. He is spending time with his friends while he awaits orders. His friend's little sister is not so little anymore but she is just as maddening as she was as a child.
There are a lot of giggles in this story. Our hero is a big braw Scotsman with a lot of love to give. Our heroine is not really sure what she wants.
The relationships between all the characters is the biggest part of the whole series. Which means although you can read each book on it's own the series is best read in order.
I loved every page.
Thaddius MacLauren, Laird of Caithness has been brought back to England before his Regiment and nobody will tell him why or how his men are. The war is over but there are wounded to get home to their families. He is spending time with his friends while he awaits orders. His friend's little sister is not so little anymore but she is just as maddening as she was as a child.
There are a lot of giggles in this story. Our hero is a big braw Scotsman with a lot of love to give. Our heroine is not really sure what she wants.
The relationships between all the characters is the biggest part of the whole series. Which means although you can read each book on it's own the series is best read in order.
I loved every page.
April 28, 2021
meh, aburrido, ya no creo que valla leer los siguientes de la serie, puede que sean historias cortas, pero me parecen lo mismo y ya me aburrí.
August 30, 2019
Will now two grown up persons who have been life long childhood friends might take the risk to open their heart?
Mrs Meara Platt is an auto-buy author to me. And this series is continuing to get more handsomer with each new installment.
I had a glimpse of Penelope and Thad relationship in the two previous books, they are two stubborn entities clashing skull at every turn but also very thoughtful to the other’s needs.
Thad has no need to be Loopy’s test frog as he is Martín love with her, she has always be the ray of light in his full of shadows upbringing. Since he first sighted her, she has embellished his world when she was next to him. He enjoyed their battles of wits as they bring her closer. But as a mere Scottish, he feels he does not deserve her.
Penelope has spent her life teasing Thad, enjoying their verbal sparring matchs but also his protectiveness. Whatever the result of their quarrels, he was always on her side if she was to be punished for her not-always-well-pondered pranks. She is as stubborn as him and tends to misinterpret his words and take umbrage when he should just has formulated his wordings differently.
Plus she tries to convince herself, she can’t move her home and move far away, afraid to let her heart speak for herself and even consider an other suitor, less conflicting.
When circumstances change, will these two thick heads be able to speak to one another without throwing away dishes to another’s head.
I loved all the characters, from the two couples stared in the previous books to the newly introduced in this one. Little Pip is a will o’ the wisp mixed with mischief. And Thad for his love of raisin scones and sausage pastry is a tender heart hiding in a bear coat. When Loopy is a volcano always on the verge of erupting. They so complete each other, they were destined for one another if they are able to mull enough before harping their old quips.
A deliciously wicked read filed with humor and love for their kins.
A definitively 5 stars read.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Mrs Meara Platt is an auto-buy author to me. And this series is continuing to get more handsomer with each new installment.
I had a glimpse of Penelope and Thad relationship in the two previous books, they are two stubborn entities clashing skull at every turn but also very thoughtful to the other’s needs.
Thad has no need to be Loopy’s test frog as he is Martín love with her, she has always be the ray of light in his full of shadows upbringing. Since he first sighted her, she has embellished his world when she was next to him. He enjoyed their battles of wits as they bring her closer. But as a mere Scottish, he feels he does not deserve her.
Penelope has spent her life teasing Thad, enjoying their verbal sparring matchs but also his protectiveness. Whatever the result of their quarrels, he was always on her side if she was to be punished for her not-always-well-pondered pranks. She is as stubborn as him and tends to misinterpret his words and take umbrage when he should just has formulated his wordings differently.
Plus she tries to convince herself, she can’t move her home and move far away, afraid to let her heart speak for herself and even consider an other suitor, less conflicting.
When circumstances change, will these two thick heads be able to speak to one another without throwing away dishes to another’s head.
I loved all the characters, from the two couples stared in the previous books to the newly introduced in this one. Little Pip is a will o’ the wisp mixed with mischief. And Thad for his love of raisin scones and sausage pastry is a tender heart hiding in a bear coat. When Loopy is a volcano always on the verge of erupting. They so complete each other, they were destined for one another if they are able to mull enough before harping their old quips.
A deliciously wicked read filed with humor and love for their kins.
A definitively 5 stars read.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
September 5, 2019
Penelope Sherbourne is lovely, vivacious, kind & now on the hunt for a husband & more importantly, she is in possession of the Book of Love. Her two best friends had used the book & were now happily married, so it was her turn to make the magic work for her. She knows exactly who she will use as her "test frog" - Thaddius MacLauren, the big Scottish Oaf who she has loved since since she was a girl but knows he thinks of her as a sister.
Thad is handsome, funny, loyal, a soldier & minor laird of a clan in northern Scotland. He has been in love with Penelope or Loopy as he calls her since she was a wee lass but he understands she is the younger sister of his best friend who is also an earl & will be required to marry within or above her station in society - he would never be good enough for her.
Thad & Loopy are the greatest couple - his suggestive humor is side-splitting & her outlandish questions & statements were hilarious. They had known each other forever & Thad spent a lot of time at their house growing up & they considered him part of the family as he had no close family of his own.
The fun, entertaining trip they take to happiness is an absolute joy & if Thad doesn't make you swoon, well, let's just say he has it all for my idea of a "hero"! I loved revisiting characters from the previous books & Meara has such a talent in the way she introduces her characters & you fall in love with all of them, want to be part of their lives & you will not forget them anytime soon. Yes, I highly recommend this book to everyone - it can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the whole series in so you can get to know all of the wonderful characters & learn their love stories. Now, who will find themselves in possession of the Book of Love next?
Thad is handsome, funny, loyal, a soldier & minor laird of a clan in northern Scotland. He has been in love with Penelope or Loopy as he calls her since she was a wee lass but he understands she is the younger sister of his best friend who is also an earl & will be required to marry within or above her station in society - he would never be good enough for her.
Thad & Loopy are the greatest couple - his suggestive humor is side-splitting & her outlandish questions & statements were hilarious. They had known each other forever & Thad spent a lot of time at their house growing up & they considered him part of the family as he had no close family of his own.
The fun, entertaining trip they take to happiness is an absolute joy & if Thad doesn't make you swoon, well, let's just say he has it all for my idea of a "hero"! I loved revisiting characters from the previous books & Meara has such a talent in the way she introduces her characters & you fall in love with all of them, want to be part of their lives & you will not forget them anytime soon. Yes, I highly recommend this book to everyone - it can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the whole series in so you can get to know all of the wonderful characters & learn their love stories. Now, who will find themselves in possession of the Book of Love next?
September 1, 2019
The Book of Love is now in the hands of Lady Penelope Sherborne and Thaddius MacLauren will be her “test frog” to see if works. She had known the big braw Scot forever and he was the only one she trusted.
Thad needed to get his hands on that book and find out how to defend himself. Because he did not have a chance against Loopy who understood him better than anyone and who he desired so much.
A heart melting romance that made this my favorite. The connection between these two combined by how well they could almost know each other’s thoughts made the journey they took delightful.
Meara Platt has written another absolutely magical book in this wonderful series that has truly woven a spell over me!!
Thad needed to get his hands on that book and find out how to defend himself. Because he did not have a chance against Loopy who understood him better than anyone and who he desired so much.
A heart melting romance that made this my favorite. The connection between these two combined by how well they could almost know each other’s thoughts made the journey they took delightful.
Meara Platt has written another absolutely magical book in this wonderful series that has truly woven a spell over me!!
April 12, 2020
YES!
+The "Book of Love" strikes again! Or did it, since Thad is already in love...
+Super cute!
+The wedding gift!
NO!
-It was a bit annoying that Penelope insisted that she didn't want to marry Thad, but still used him as her "test frog" despite the previous two frogs marrying her friends. Uh, duh.
+The "Book of Love" strikes again! Or did it, since Thad is already in love...
+Super cute!
+The wedding gift!
NO!
-It was a bit annoying that Penelope insisted that she didn't want to marry Thad, but still used him as her "test frog" despite the previous two frogs marrying her friends. Uh, duh.
November 21, 2024
Esta historia es un romance histórico y, como tal, está bien. Hay algunas cosas que no me convencieron, pero se pueden pasar por alto fácilmente. En general, fue una lectura rápida y agradable con cierta libertad histórica y personajes decentes.
August 31, 2019
Sweet lovely story!
Wonderful addition to the series! Love these characters! They have such humor and interesting discussions! Very well written, but I've come to expect that from this author! Great read!
Wonderful addition to the series! Love these characters! They have such humor and interesting discussions! Very well written, but I've come to expect that from this author! Great read!
September 17, 2019
Who doesn’t love a big Scot! I have been thoroughly enjoying this series! So happy there are more books to come!
September 19, 2019
Always enjoy this writer’s work 🧡📚🧡
Wonderful story, great characters, beautifully written. A definite winner! Waiting for next in this series! ❤️📚❤️
Wonderful story, great characters, beautifully written. A definite winner! Waiting for next in this series! ❤️📚❤️
February 22, 2022
Definitely the weakest of the first 3 books. Not much happens. Unlike the first 2 books, there's no mystery or villain. The hero is insecure and the heroine is a stubborn brat. They start the book already loving each other, so the story is just a frustrating slog waiting for them to actually admit their feelings.
September 5, 2019
Very disappointed, it did not flow well. I did not like Penelope she seemed to childish. Skimmed many parts.
February 22, 2020
A historical romance read for someone who enjoys laughing with characters who end up in very precarious situations and hot love scenes!
Who wouldn’t like to be a test frog for a pretty little gel?
Lady Penelope needed a test frog, you know, a guy who can teach her what kissing is all about. She knew she was safe with Thaddius—brawny, handsome Thad. With the Book of Love passed to her by her two best friends who found their true loves, hers was to test what love was all about. A girl needed to be ready with the necessary tools available to measure the man she intended to marry, didn’t she? Who better than her longtime friend, Thad? Thaddius was only a test frog. This thought was hard to keep utmost in her mind because her test frog was simply delicious!
Poor man!!
Poor man indeed, because he’d always been in love with her, but he hadn’t the title necessary to even contemplate a possible union. He couldn’t let her choose another test frog because she’d never be safe with them. His protection streak was a mile long when it came to Lady Penelope.
Being a test frog was torture. He had a hard time controlling certain parts of his anatomy!It was also confirmation of just how much she affected him. Unbeknownst to him, Penelope was having a difficult time separating frog from man!
Lady Penelope went about ‘testing’ very methodically. Thad soon found out she gave as much as she was given.
The situation was funny and led to some rather (fanning myself) hot scenes.
I haven’t read the others in this series, but if Penelope’s story is any indication of the rest, I’m sure to enjoy them.
Who wouldn’t like to be a test frog for a pretty little gel?
Lady Penelope needed a test frog, you know, a guy who can teach her what kissing is all about. She knew she was safe with Thaddius—brawny, handsome Thad. With the Book of Love passed to her by her two best friends who found their true loves, hers was to test what love was all about. A girl needed to be ready with the necessary tools available to measure the man she intended to marry, didn’t she? Who better than her longtime friend, Thad? Thaddius was only a test frog. This thought was hard to keep utmost in her mind because her test frog was simply delicious!
Poor man!!
Poor man indeed, because he’d always been in love with her, but he hadn’t the title necessary to even contemplate a possible union. He couldn’t let her choose another test frog because she’d never be safe with them. His protection streak was a mile long when it came to Lady Penelope.
Being a test frog was torture. He had a hard time controlling certain parts of his anatomy!It was also confirmation of just how much she affected him. Unbeknownst to him, Penelope was having a difficult time separating frog from man!
Lady Penelope went about ‘testing’ very methodically. Thad soon found out she gave as much as she was given.
The situation was funny and led to some rather (fanning myself) hot scenes.
I haven’t read the others in this series, but if Penelope’s story is any indication of the rest, I’m sure to enjoy them.
January 27, 2021
I am happily now in possession of all 9 books. I've read 4 out of the 9 so far and will begin book 5 this afternoon after reading the sneak preview at the end of book 4. Although I liked this one a lot, at the time of reading this one (last week), I still found that my favorite had been the 2nd book. I do love the relationships of all 3 of the men in books 1 thru 3 as well as the women in these first 3 books. I think that what I liked about this one is that both of these two were really clueless about the fact that they'd fallen in love years ago and that theirs, like the first two couples had been growing since they were youngsters. The men were all friends from going to Eton and because they all spent most of their holidays and summers with Nathaniel and his sister (Penelope, the female main character in this story). I think that similar to how some people hide their feelings of attraction by say a boy pulling a young girl's pigtails these two remind me of this kind of attraction. Sometimes I wanted to bop them both upside their heads because of their stubbornness. I did love how he kept telling her she smelled like sausage patties. That cracked me up, and it was sweet how she even loved it herself at the end. All in all it was a sweet story and well worth reading. (How about some extended epilogues of these couples after years of marriage. This one might be fun to see how Penelope aka Loppy, adapted to life in the lowlands of Scotland.)
October 12, 2024
This is book three of the book of love series and centers on Penelope and Thaddeus. It is Penelope's turn with the book and Thaddeus is her test frog.
Tad loves Penelope and has since he first saw her as a child. She is the only one who has ever shown him any kindness or compassion. He is best friends with her brother and beast. They have both married Penelope's best friends.
Tad has never offered for Penelope because he doesn't feel he has anything to offer her. He has no title and no home.
Tad is called away to London to meet with his commanding officer and there discovers that he has a grandfather and is next in line for his grandfather's title of Earl in the lowlands of Scotland. His Grandfather and uncle have decided that he should marry a bride of their choosing. They have a heated exchange and his commanding officer keeps them from coming to blows. In the middle of the furious heated exchange Tad blurts out that he has already made an offer of marriage to Penelope.
The results of Thaddeus's outburst cause unforeseen complications resulting is many laughs and a revelation of true feelings.
Tad loves Penelope and has since he first saw her as a child. She is the only one who has ever shown him any kindness or compassion. He is best friends with her brother and beast. They have both married Penelope's best friends.
Tad has never offered for Penelope because he doesn't feel he has anything to offer her. He has no title and no home.
Tad is called away to London to meet with his commanding officer and there discovers that he has a grandfather and is next in line for his grandfather's title of Earl in the lowlands of Scotland. His Grandfather and uncle have decided that he should marry a bride of their choosing. They have a heated exchange and his commanding officer keeps them from coming to blows. In the middle of the furious heated exchange Tad blurts out that he has already made an offer of marriage to Penelope.
The results of Thaddeus's outburst cause unforeseen complications resulting is many laughs and a revelation of true feelings.
August 5, 2023
The Taste of Love (The Book of Love 3) Meara Platt
This book is about Thadd and Penelope (Loopy) sister of Nathaniel the Earl. Thadd had been a friend of Nathaniel for years, they attended the same schools and University with Beast, the Duke. For most of those years Thadd had loved Penelope but never acknowledged his feelings because he felt he had nothing to give her, he was just an Officer in the Grey Dragoons. His friends Nathaniel and Beast were both married. He was still awaiting orders to meet and escort the wounded and dead of Dragon back to Scotland. The banter between That'd and Loopy was always lively sometimes brutal. He had agreed to be her test frog, with the book of love. Some of the banter cracked me up, it was so funny. This was a very lively story of two people who joked, teased and sometimes insulting each other so they would have to realize they were in love. He had a lonely life without the Sherboren family. This story was a lot of fun. I highly recommended it to readers.
This book is about Thadd and Penelope (Loopy) sister of Nathaniel the Earl. Thadd had been a friend of Nathaniel for years, they attended the same schools and University with Beast, the Duke. For most of those years Thadd had loved Penelope but never acknowledged his feelings because he felt he had nothing to give her, he was just an Officer in the Grey Dragoons. His friends Nathaniel and Beast were both married. He was still awaiting orders to meet and escort the wounded and dead of Dragon back to Scotland. The banter between That'd and Loopy was always lively sometimes brutal. He had agreed to be her test frog, with the book of love. Some of the banter cracked me up, it was so funny. This was a very lively story of two people who joked, teased and sometimes insulting each other so they would have to realize they were in love. He had a lonely life without the Sherboren family. This story was a lot of fun. I highly recommended it to readers.
August 29, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
❤️❤️
Definitely my favourite of this series so far, the slow burning passion these two have been hiding through the saga so far is intense.
Meara has got this so right, the characters perfect and the story is beautifully choreographed to have you begging for more page by page.
On Thads side is a man who’s been in love with a woman since late childhood, there was only ever one woman for him , but circumstances stopped him from declaring himself.
Now things have changed, but is it to late?
On Penelope’s side he’s always been ‘a big dumb Scot ‘
But he was hers , her friend, her confidant, her protector.
Could he be more ?
Wonderful stuff, don’t miss this one .
Read ‘The Look Of Love’
And ‘The Touch Of Love’ first,
although they can be standalones it helps to read them in a world setting as a series.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
❤️❤️
Definitely my favourite of this series so far, the slow burning passion these two have been hiding through the saga so far is intense.
Meara has got this so right, the characters perfect and the story is beautifully choreographed to have you begging for more page by page.
On Thads side is a man who’s been in love with a woman since late childhood, there was only ever one woman for him , but circumstances stopped him from declaring himself.
Now things have changed, but is it to late?
On Penelope’s side he’s always been ‘a big dumb Scot ‘
But he was hers , her friend, her confidant, her protector.
Could he be more ?
Wonderful stuff, don’t miss this one .
Read ‘The Look Of Love’
And ‘The Touch Of Love’ first,
although they can be standalones it helps to read them in a world setting as a series.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
August 31, 2019
The Book of Love is next in the hands of Lady Penelope who’s going to take her turn with the book to find the perfect husband. Penelope knows she wants an English husband and decides on the mild-mannered Englishman who lives near one who lives near her family. She has spent her life teasing Thad, enjoying their verbal sparring matches and his protectiveness. She vows not to fall in love with her brother’s friend Thaddius MacLauren, Laird of Caithness, the big handsome Scottish Highlander who make her bones melt every time he looks at her. I love all the witty banter between these two and since neither them wants to admit they just might be perfect for each other. An excellent romance and one I voluntarily read and reviewed.
April 27, 2020
Great third book in the series
Loved the story of Penelope and Thad, we learned about the two of them in the previous two books in the series. The series revolves around a The Book of Love that exposes the senses involved in finding the perfect mate to love and to love you. We read about how these two discover the love they have for one another. It is a great story with a minimal amount of angst, but loved governed how the characters interact and how they are doing as a couple. We meet future characters and see how the characters from previous books are doing and see still in love. I would recommend, I have already downloaded book four, happy reading, you will feel good after this read.
Loved the story of Penelope and Thad, we learned about the two of them in the previous two books in the series. The series revolves around a The Book of Love that exposes the senses involved in finding the perfect mate to love and to love you. We read about how these two discover the love they have for one another. It is a great story with a minimal amount of angst, but loved governed how the characters interact and how they are doing as a couple. We meet future characters and see how the characters from previous books are doing and see still in love. I would recommend, I have already downloaded book four, happy reading, you will feel good after this read.
July 2, 2021
4 1/2 * STARS*
Sometimes the couple who bickers the most is a couple already in love, but don't tell Penelope Sherbourne. Thaddeus MacLauren went to school with Penelope's brother and home with him on holidays. Treated as one of the family, his love for Penelope has never changed. Back from the war, he has no title, no money and nothing to offer in marriage, but himself. Penelope's focus is understanding love. The Book Of Love is suppose to help her find the key with the help of her frog,Thad. When his fortune changes, his biggest obstacle is to convince Penelope that he loves her, has always loved her. Penelope's not sure about loving him, but knows one way to grab his attention, through his stomach. A pleasure to read this series filled with humor and lots of family dynamics.
Sometimes the couple who bickers the most is a couple already in love, but don't tell Penelope Sherbourne. Thaddeus MacLauren went to school with Penelope's brother and home with him on holidays. Treated as one of the family, his love for Penelope has never changed. Back from the war, he has no title, no money and nothing to offer in marriage, but himself. Penelope's focus is understanding love. The Book Of Love is suppose to help her find the key with the help of her frog,Thad. When his fortune changes, his biggest obstacle is to convince Penelope that he loves her, has always loved her. Penelope's not sure about loving him, but knows one way to grab his attention, through his stomach. A pleasure to read this series filled with humor and lots of family dynamics.
August 30, 2019
Will the Book of Love work again? That is what Lady Penelope Sherbourne is counting on. Not that she will fall in love with her test frog, Thaddius MacLauren, Laird of Caithness, but that she will be able to try out some of the sensations she wants to discover. She wants a mild-mannered English Earl, that lives nearby, so that she will be close to her family. The Highlands are to far away to make trips back and forth. However, the frog might just have other ideas about this. What a sweet, wonderful adventure we are provided with and a page turner to find out what happens. This is a wonderful book and series in finding out about love.
May 21, 2020
Terrific!
The Taste of Love is the third installment of Meara Platt’s Book of Love series. The author has created amazing characters in Thad and Penelope (Loopy), who we meet in the first two books, but really get to know and understand in this book. They have been friends for years, but tend to rile one another. So when exploring the Book of Love together, things can be explosive! The depth of the emotion, the compassion and heart of these characters warmed my soul. As always the secondary characters, old friends and a host of new characters, woven into the story made the Taste of Love a terrific tale!
The Taste of Love is the third installment of Meara Platt’s Book of Love series. The author has created amazing characters in Thad and Penelope (Loopy), who we meet in the first two books, but really get to know and understand in this book. They have been friends for years, but tend to rile one another. So when exploring the Book of Love together, things can be explosive! The depth of the emotion, the compassion and heart of these characters warmed my soul. As always the secondary characters, old friends and a host of new characters, woven into the story made the Taste of Love a terrific tale!
November 13, 2021
Mmm mmm mmmm, scrumptious!
Another happy ending or beginning pending your veiw at the end of this book.
Thad and Loopy are the perfect pair in my eyes.
There's never going to a dull moment for these two. And I'd love a sequel to these two ( all of these characters actually) once they get to Scotland and take on the challenges that await them there....hint, hint, Meara!!
But I digress, ... I loved this book as much as the predecessors and look forward to reading the next one in the series....till then , thank you Meara for keeping me entertained with your words and giving me my lol monents..
Another happy ending or beginning pending your veiw at the end of this book.
Thad and Loopy are the perfect pair in my eyes.
There's never going to a dull moment for these two. And I'd love a sequel to these two ( all of these characters actually) once they get to Scotland and take on the challenges that await them there....hint, hint, Meara!!
But I digress, ... I loved this book as much as the predecessors and look forward to reading the next one in the series....till then , thank you Meara for keeping me entertained with your words and giving me my lol monents..
August 30, 2019
Sausage Patty
“The Book of Love” explains love in the 5 senses: Touch,Taste, Sight, Hearing and Scent. Loopy had the book now and Thad, her big dumb Scot, was her test frog. Thad got possession of the book and after reading it, he knew his feelings for Loopy were real. He just had to convince her before she married someone else. Loopy and Thad had a long friendship that held memories and the “senses” did the rest. You will fall in love with this fun book and wonder if it will become a legend or need to be buried. I wonder if Violet will get the book next.
“The Book of Love” explains love in the 5 senses: Touch,Taste, Sight, Hearing and Scent. Loopy had the book now and Thad, her big dumb Scot, was her test frog. Thad got possession of the book and after reading it, he knew his feelings for Loopy were real. He just had to convince her before she married someone else. Loopy and Thad had a long friendship that held memories and the “senses” did the rest. You will fall in love with this fun book and wonder if it will become a legend or need to be buried. I wonder if Violet will get the book next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews