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When her husband died in combat two years ago, Liz Anderson returned to Angel Bay, the small-town where she grew up, to heal her broken heart. She doesn’t think she’ll ever find a love like that again, but leave it to her best friend to set her up on a blind date. Oh, she’ll admit he’s gorgeous, but he’s a single father…and ten years her junior. She’s ready to write him off, but this hot young chef is awakening her long-dormant passion.
Luc Rossi’s priorities changed on a dime six months ago when he suddenly found himself a father…to a three-year-old daughter he never knew. With a restaurant to run as well, his life doesn’t have room for love. But when his coworker plays matchmaker, he can't deny the awkward encounter with beautiful and charming Liz peaks his interest.
An offer to teach her to cook leads to a steamy fling. It’s only supposed to be sex, but this gorgeous older woman makes Luc wonder if it’s time to open his heart again. If only he can convince Liz to give their relationship a chance beyond the bedroom…
**previously publishing with Crimson Romance**
Luc Rossi’s priorities changed on a dime six months ago when he suddenly found himself a father…to a three-year-old daughter he never knew. With a restaurant to run as well, his life doesn’t have room for love. But when his coworker plays matchmaker, he can't deny the awkward encounter with beautiful and charming Liz peaks his interest.
An offer to teach her to cook leads to a steamy fling. It’s only supposed to be sex, but this gorgeous older woman makes Luc wonder if it’s time to open his heart again. If only he can convince Liz to give their relationship a chance beyond the bedroom…
**previously publishing with Crimson Romance**
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2016
5 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Stewart
32 books286 followersJM Stewart writes heartfelt contemporary romance. Whether the heat level is sizzling or sweet, her stories are always deeply emotional. Her heroes are strong but sensitive (no alpha jerks here!), and her heroines are more Cinderella than Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Recently transplanted, she now lives in a small town in Texas along with her husband, two sons and two very spoiled dogs. When not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking and playing computer games. As a sensitive soul with a romantic heart, she believes in angels and hopes everyone finds their happily ever after.
Recently transplanted, she now lives in a small town in Texas along with her husband, two sons and two very spoiled dogs. When not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking and playing computer games. As a sensitive soul with a romantic heart, she believes in angels and hopes everyone finds their happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 20, 2016
She thought the closest she would get to a steamy love affair again was through the erotic stories she wrote under a pen name. Widowed when the love of her life was killed in action, childless and alone, Liz Anderson lived a lonely life, pouring herself into her writing as a way to live vicariously through her passionate characters. That’s when her best friend decided to play Cupid.
Luc Rossi is ten years younger than Liz, has a young daughter, is a sexy chef in a popular restaurant and has no desire to find love. He’s been burned before and won’t let it happen again. The sight of Liz, her quick wit and her obviously damaged heart is too much of a temptation to resist, but Liz is hung up on age, his daughter and the fear of being hurt or unfaithful to her late husband. Intrigued by both her profession and the fact that beyond coffee or toast, Liz can’t cook, Luc finds a way into her house and her heart by offering cooking lessons.
Turns out there is more than boiling water steaming up the windows and fogging the lines of protection each has drawn. Luc by J.M. Stewart is a recipe for second chance romance with just the right touch of humor, heart and heat! From heartwarming moments to heartbreaking revelations, I was hooked on these two completely adorable characters. A fun read with just enough spice and emotions to become invested in the outcome! The older woman/younger man theme was done to perfection, like the perfect dessert after the perfect meal.
I received this copy in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Rossi Brothers - Book 1
Publisher: Crimson Romance (July 11, 2016)
Publication Date: July 11, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 159 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Luc Rossi is ten years younger than Liz, has a young daughter, is a sexy chef in a popular restaurant and has no desire to find love. He’s been burned before and won’t let it happen again. The sight of Liz, her quick wit and her obviously damaged heart is too much of a temptation to resist, but Liz is hung up on age, his daughter and the fear of being hurt or unfaithful to her late husband. Intrigued by both her profession and the fact that beyond coffee or toast, Liz can’t cook, Luc finds a way into her house and her heart by offering cooking lessons.
Turns out there is more than boiling water steaming up the windows and fogging the lines of protection each has drawn. Luc by J.M. Stewart is a recipe for second chance romance with just the right touch of humor, heart and heat! From heartwarming moments to heartbreaking revelations, I was hooked on these two completely adorable characters. A fun read with just enough spice and emotions to become invested in the outcome! The older woman/younger man theme was done to perfection, like the perfect dessert after the perfect meal.
I received this copy in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Rossi Brothers - Book 1
Publisher: Crimson Romance (July 11, 2016)
Publication Date: July 11, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 159 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 5, 2016
I have only read a few books by Stewart and they were the billionaire bachelor ones but after reading the blurb to Luc I was interested in seeing something different and Luc definitely was.
This story starts off with Liz basically getting set up on date by her best friend. It's been two years since she lost her husband who she had been with for 20 years and she might be ready to move on but Luc is 10 years younger then her and all she can really offer is a few fun moments in between the sheets.
Luc also lost the woman he loved and just found out he had a daughter when his ex shows up and leaves him with this little girl. Alyssa needs all his attention and plus he has a restaurant to run but the more time he starts spending with Liz the more he starts falling for her.
I really enjoyed how different this was from the Billionaire series that Stewart writes. While this book was written on the short side I enjoyed that I wasn't cheated out of details of their romance. Even if time passed between these two seeing each other Stewart made that known which I thought helped me not only enjoy them separate as well as together but to show the progress and other issues they both were going through.
These two had great chemistry from the moment they met but sometimes I would get a little aggravated at Liz. They way she flipped from wanting to move on to taking two steps back had me second guessing her but once she started to open up little by little I could see how this big change would effect her.
If you've read Stewart's books before her sex scenes are detailed and this book wasn't any different but I did find them sweeter and maybe a bit more realistic giving there situation. I enjoyed the emotional parts as well. There were a few times when I got all teary eyed and just wanted to hug Luc and Liz.
Since this book was on the shorter side it did mention a few things that I thought would maybe would go somewhere but I guess the author wanted to go in a different direction.
Overall I enjoyed reading Luc and getting to know him. Also in this book we are introduced to Luc's brother Nic and already I want to know the complete story about him since he also has a little girl. I'm really looking forward to the next book. If you love Stewart's writing and her characters you definitely don't want to miss out on reading about the Rossi men!
This story starts off with Liz basically getting set up on date by her best friend. It's been two years since she lost her husband who she had been with for 20 years and she might be ready to move on but Luc is 10 years younger then her and all she can really offer is a few fun moments in between the sheets.
Luc also lost the woman he loved and just found out he had a daughter when his ex shows up and leaves him with this little girl. Alyssa needs all his attention and plus he has a restaurant to run but the more time he starts spending with Liz the more he starts falling for her.
I really enjoyed how different this was from the Billionaire series that Stewart writes. While this book was written on the short side I enjoyed that I wasn't cheated out of details of their romance. Even if time passed between these two seeing each other Stewart made that known which I thought helped me not only enjoy them separate as well as together but to show the progress and other issues they both were going through.
These two had great chemistry from the moment they met but sometimes I would get a little aggravated at Liz. They way she flipped from wanting to move on to taking two steps back had me second guessing her but once she started to open up little by little I could see how this big change would effect her.
If you've read Stewart's books before her sex scenes are detailed and this book wasn't any different but I did find them sweeter and maybe a bit more realistic giving there situation. I enjoyed the emotional parts as well. There were a few times when I got all teary eyed and just wanted to hug Luc and Liz.
Since this book was on the shorter side it did mention a few things that I thought would maybe would go somewhere but I guess the author wanted to go in a different direction.
Overall I enjoyed reading Luc and getting to know him. Also in this book we are introduced to Luc's brother Nic and already I want to know the complete story about him since he also has a little girl. I'm really looking forward to the next book. If you love Stewart's writing and her characters you definitely don't want to miss out on reading about the Rossi men!
July 9, 2016
4 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 11, 2016
After her husband’s death two years ago, erotic romance author Liz Anderson moved home to small-town Angel Bay to heal her broken heart. So when her best friend fixes her up with a single father ten years her junior, she doesn’t expect much. But this hot young chef is igniting her long-dormant passion.
With a three-year-old daughter to raise and a restaurant to run, the last thing Luc Rossi’s life has room for is love. After his fiancée’s betrayal, he isn’t sure he believes in it anyway. His colleague’s matchmaking attempt is awkward at best, but what can he do except play the gentleman? Liz ends up being smart, charming, and sexy, and he can’t resist her.
An offer to teach her to cook leads to a steamy fling, but this gorgeous older woman makes Luc wonder if it’s time to open his heart again. Can he convince Liz that giving their relationship a chance beyond the bedroom wouldn’t be a betrayal of the past she holds dear?
••••••••
REVIEW: LUC is the first installment in J. M. Stewart’s contemporary, adult ROSSI BROTHERS romance series. This is single father and chef Luc Rossi, and erotic romance author Liz Anderson’s story line.
Told from dual third person points of view (Liz and Luc) LUC focuses on the developing relationship between two people whose lives were destroyed by death, deceit and loss. Two years earlier, Liz lost her husband to the war in the Middle East, and the grief continues to haunt our heroine to the present day. Luc, on the other hand, lost the woman he loved only to discover that his relationship had all been built upon a lie. When Liz’s best friend Sam arranges a ‘ blind date’ and introductions between the forty year old widow, and the thirty year old single father, both of our leading characters have a difficult time letting go of the past. While guilt continues to eat at Liz, Luc finds himself on the outside looking in when the woman with whom he is falling in love, is unwilling to give the future a try.
The relationship struggles with the push and pull of attraction, want and need. Liz continues to give off mixed signals pushing Luc away following every intimate encounter. The $ex scenes are seductive and intense; our heroine battles preconceived notions about their age difference, and her lack of model-like body.
The world building focuses on grief and guilt; love and loss; and Luc’s desperate attempts to teach Liz a thing or two in the kitchen. We are introduced to Liz’s best friend Sam, and her husband Joe- Sam is one of Luc’s employees at his family run Italian restaurant. Luc’s brother Nic, also a single father, needs to have his story told next.
LUC is a story of romance and second chances. The premise is engaging and delightful; the characters are animated and inspiring; the romance is fated and intimate. LUC is a passionate story line where two people find one another against the odds.
www.thereadingcafe.com
copy supplied for an honest review
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 11, 2016
After her husband’s death two years ago, erotic romance author Liz Anderson moved home to small-town Angel Bay to heal her broken heart. So when her best friend fixes her up with a single father ten years her junior, she doesn’t expect much. But this hot young chef is igniting her long-dormant passion.
With a three-year-old daughter to raise and a restaurant to run, the last thing Luc Rossi’s life has room for is love. After his fiancée’s betrayal, he isn’t sure he believes in it anyway. His colleague’s matchmaking attempt is awkward at best, but what can he do except play the gentleman? Liz ends up being smart, charming, and sexy, and he can’t resist her.
An offer to teach her to cook leads to a steamy fling, but this gorgeous older woman makes Luc wonder if it’s time to open his heart again. Can he convince Liz that giving their relationship a chance beyond the bedroom wouldn’t be a betrayal of the past she holds dear?
••••••••
REVIEW: LUC is the first installment in J. M. Stewart’s contemporary, adult ROSSI BROTHERS romance series. This is single father and chef Luc Rossi, and erotic romance author Liz Anderson’s story line.
Told from dual third person points of view (Liz and Luc) LUC focuses on the developing relationship between two people whose lives were destroyed by death, deceit and loss. Two years earlier, Liz lost her husband to the war in the Middle East, and the grief continues to haunt our heroine to the present day. Luc, on the other hand, lost the woman he loved only to discover that his relationship had all been built upon a lie. When Liz’s best friend Sam arranges a ‘ blind date’ and introductions between the forty year old widow, and the thirty year old single father, both of our leading characters have a difficult time letting go of the past. While guilt continues to eat at Liz, Luc finds himself on the outside looking in when the woman with whom he is falling in love, is unwilling to give the future a try.
The relationship struggles with the push and pull of attraction, want and need. Liz continues to give off mixed signals pushing Luc away following every intimate encounter. The $ex scenes are seductive and intense; our heroine battles preconceived notions about their age difference, and her lack of model-like body.
The world building focuses on grief and guilt; love and loss; and Luc’s desperate attempts to teach Liz a thing or two in the kitchen. We are introduced to Liz’s best friend Sam, and her husband Joe- Sam is one of Luc’s employees at his family run Italian restaurant. Luc’s brother Nic, also a single father, needs to have his story told next.
LUC is a story of romance and second chances. The premise is engaging and delightful; the characters are animated and inspiring; the romance is fated and intimate. LUC is a passionate story line where two people find one another against the odds.
www.thereadingcafe.com
copy supplied for an honest review
August 13, 2016
**4 Cannoli Cream and Erotic Romance Writing Stars**
This was such a heartbreaking and feel good book I didn’t want to put it down, and I certainly didn’t want it to end!
Two years after her husband of twenty years died, Liz finds herself in the middle of a blind date she definitely didn’t want. After being manipulated and lied to by his ex girlfriend who died too young, he finds himself in the middle of the same blind date. Neither of them are ready for love, but after a fake kiss, feelings run high and love threatened to come through. Can they both get over their past and move on?
Poor Liz, seriously, I can’t imagine having to go through the pain and heartache with her husband dying. I felt for her. I cried for her. I loved with her. And Luc…. what can I say about a man who is stunningly handsome, a devoted father, and willing to walk thru fire for a girl that’s only half there in the start. He was great.
I really enjoyed this book. I wish it had been a little more detailed from the time they realized they loved each other and the epilogue. And although it was a little slow to start for me, I really liked it!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Shannon from Alpha Book Club
This was such a heartbreaking and feel good book I didn’t want to put it down, and I certainly didn’t want it to end!
Two years after her husband of twenty years died, Liz finds herself in the middle of a blind date she definitely didn’t want. After being manipulated and lied to by his ex girlfriend who died too young, he finds himself in the middle of the same blind date. Neither of them are ready for love, but after a fake kiss, feelings run high and love threatened to come through. Can they both get over their past and move on?
Poor Liz, seriously, I can’t imagine having to go through the pain and heartache with her husband dying. I felt for her. I cried for her. I loved with her. And Luc…. what can I say about a man who is stunningly handsome, a devoted father, and willing to walk thru fire for a girl that’s only half there in the start. He was great.
I really enjoyed this book. I wish it had been a little more detailed from the time they realized they loved each other and the epilogue. And although it was a little slow to start for me, I really liked it!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Shannon from Alpha Book Club
July 6, 2016
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
This was a quick read for me. J.M. Stewart did a great job pulling me into this story.
In this story the heroine is 10 hears older then the hero in the book.
Luc is a very talented Chef and a single dad. I love how he puts his daughter first and wants to spend as much time with her as possible.
Liz is a widow, she lost her husband in the war. She is having a hard time moving on. She has issues being 10 years older than Luc. Getting to know this character makes you feel for the spouses of the Military Service, the knowing that they might not come home. Its a tough thing.
Liz's best friend Sam works for Luc at the restaurant. She sets the two up. Neither are happy about it.
This story has some hot scenes, will leave you a little hot and bothered at times. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more of the Rossi family. One thing I would have liked was for this book to be longer.. I wanted more.
This was a quick read for me. J.M. Stewart did a great job pulling me into this story.
In this story the heroine is 10 hears older then the hero in the book.
Luc is a very talented Chef and a single dad. I love how he puts his daughter first and wants to spend as much time with her as possible.
Liz is a widow, she lost her husband in the war. She is having a hard time moving on. She has issues being 10 years older than Luc. Getting to know this character makes you feel for the spouses of the Military Service, the knowing that they might not come home. Its a tough thing.
Liz's best friend Sam works for Luc at the restaurant. She sets the two up. Neither are happy about it.
This story has some hot scenes, will leave you a little hot and bothered at times. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more of the Rossi family. One thing I would have liked was for this book to be longer.. I wanted more.
November 8, 2016
Oh how I love these Rossi men!! This was an incredible read and I absolutely fell in love with love Luc Rossi. His love for his daughter and the kindness and warmth he shows Liz just made my heart swell. And he's a chef - yes please!! There may be 10 years age difference but they fit so perfectly together there is no way Luc is going to let Liz get away. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this one. You'll be so happy you did.
December 30, 2016
I finished this story and I did like how an important part of the relationship was honesty but most of the romance was dealing with their baggage. The heroine was totally consumed by her grief and outside the sex that was all she thought about. I skimmed a lot. Widowed Liz is unknowingly setup with her friends boss and single father Luc who offers to teach her to cook.
July 12, 2016
Luc, J.M. Stewart
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance.
Odd isn’t it how no-one bats an eye-lid when a man is 10 – or more – years older than a woman but when its the other way round its all nudges and winks, and sly insinuations of Cougar...and I hadn’t though I was age prejudiced until Joanne asked me if I’d like to read this.
It shocked me TBH, I didn’t realise how ingrained social mores were, and that I felt that way instinctively...Still, knowing the problem means watching out for it, so I determined to treat Luc as a hot and sexy man, not by his age, and Liz as a gorgeous attractive and sensual lady that she was, not as just an older lady.
Well, it wasn’t hard to see Luc in that light – both he and his brother Nic feel incredibly fabulous, sensual and yet the kind of guy that's not slick and sleazy, but who loves women and respects them. I soon forgot about the age gap except when Liz thought and worried about it.
Its got great characters, they feel so real, I adored Nonna, and Luc’s little daughter Alyssa, loved Sam, Liz’ friend/sister in law and Luc’s employee. I understood why Liz and Luc were both upset over the blind date, its not something either wants to walk into and yet it was the only way Sam could get them together.
Luc sees in Liz an attractive woman who he wants to know better – he needs to take care though for Alyssa, isn’t interested in a quickie, doesn't want to introduce her to ladies that will be in and then out of her life, he wants the whole thing, a proper relationship, a good role model for her, wants what Nonna and Nonno had.
Liz is still grieving, though its two years since Daniel died. Sam promised her brother to help Sam move on and not stay lonely and grieving, but she's resited her attempots so far, hence the sneak approach. Its tough for Liz to even think about though, there’s not a limit on losing someone, no timeline on when to start looking again. She’s lonely without Dan, and yet thinking of anyone else seems like a betrayal.
I can understand that, she loved him and is lost without him, imagining some one else where he should be just doesn’t feel right. Luc though – her reaction to him shocks her, and his to her. They’re like a pair of magnets sparking and pulling towards each other, drawn into each others circuit.
And that's how it goes, they both want different things and yet they can’t seem to keep their hands off each other. There’s some ups and downs, times when you think its going to work and then...but that's what makes books so much fun, the unpredictability of just how and when things will work out. Even though we know they will get together I need to feel there’s a chance within the story that perhaps they won’t, for their romance not to be straightforward. That's exactly what I got.
The only reason its not a five star is that somehow the romance felt a little rushed to me, they didn't really go through the whole dating thing, really get to know each other but seemed to be mainly lust filled ( and sensual, erotic and real!! ) sleepovers and hot, against the wall sex moments. It felt like first they were on that blind date, then suddenly after shying away they’re in a passionate romance, but without any real indications how they got there, apart from that hot against the wall sex ;-)
Stars: four and a half, a great read, a romance that’s different, and thought provoking
ARC supplied by author
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance.
Odd isn’t it how no-one bats an eye-lid when a man is 10 – or more – years older than a woman but when its the other way round its all nudges and winks, and sly insinuations of Cougar...and I hadn’t though I was age prejudiced until Joanne asked me if I’d like to read this.
It shocked me TBH, I didn’t realise how ingrained social mores were, and that I felt that way instinctively...Still, knowing the problem means watching out for it, so I determined to treat Luc as a hot and sexy man, not by his age, and Liz as a gorgeous attractive and sensual lady that she was, not as just an older lady.
Well, it wasn’t hard to see Luc in that light – both he and his brother Nic feel incredibly fabulous, sensual and yet the kind of guy that's not slick and sleazy, but who loves women and respects them. I soon forgot about the age gap except when Liz thought and worried about it.
Its got great characters, they feel so real, I adored Nonna, and Luc’s little daughter Alyssa, loved Sam, Liz’ friend/sister in law and Luc’s employee. I understood why Liz and Luc were both upset over the blind date, its not something either wants to walk into and yet it was the only way Sam could get them together.
Luc sees in Liz an attractive woman who he wants to know better – he needs to take care though for Alyssa, isn’t interested in a quickie, doesn't want to introduce her to ladies that will be in and then out of her life, he wants the whole thing, a proper relationship, a good role model for her, wants what Nonna and Nonno had.
Liz is still grieving, though its two years since Daniel died. Sam promised her brother to help Sam move on and not stay lonely and grieving, but she's resited her attempots so far, hence the sneak approach. Its tough for Liz to even think about though, there’s not a limit on losing someone, no timeline on when to start looking again. She’s lonely without Dan, and yet thinking of anyone else seems like a betrayal.
I can understand that, she loved him and is lost without him, imagining some one else where he should be just doesn’t feel right. Luc though – her reaction to him shocks her, and his to her. They’re like a pair of magnets sparking and pulling towards each other, drawn into each others circuit.
And that's how it goes, they both want different things and yet they can’t seem to keep their hands off each other. There’s some ups and downs, times when you think its going to work and then...but that's what makes books so much fun, the unpredictability of just how and when things will work out. Even though we know they will get together I need to feel there’s a chance within the story that perhaps they won’t, for their romance not to be straightforward. That's exactly what I got.
The only reason its not a five star is that somehow the romance felt a little rushed to me, they didn't really go through the whole dating thing, really get to know each other but seemed to be mainly lust filled ( and sensual, erotic and real!! ) sleepovers and hot, against the wall sex moments. It felt like first they were on that blind date, then suddenly after shying away they’re in a passionate romance, but without any real indications how they got there, apart from that hot against the wall sex ;-)
Stars: four and a half, a great read, a romance that’s different, and thought provoking
ARC supplied by author
July 24, 2016
What a great beginning of a new series!! This is the first book I've read by J.M. Stewart and it definitely won't be the last.
Liz's husband, Danny was in the service and died. Liz, of course, was devastated and moved back home to the small town of Angel Bay. She's going to visit her best friend/sister in law, and once she gets there Sam is acting strange. Liz figures out why once she hits the kitchen that Sam was trying to fix her up on a blind date! Liz is so not ready to date, although she knows she needs to move on. Standing in Sam's kitchen is one gorgeous male and his name is Luc. As uncomfortable as this situation is, he has a sense of humor about it and definitely makes her feel at ease. She decides to get back at Sam and gets Luc to give her a kiss, since Sam is watching them when they go outside and she keeps peeping out. BIG mistake!! Even though she knows she needs to move on, she feels like she's cheating on Danny. She is shaken to the core by this kiss and she bolts! He does peak her interest, but he's 10 years younger than her! What was Sam thinking, she's no cougar!!
Luc owns a restaurant and has a three-year old, he doesn't have time or want romance. He meets Liz at his employee, Sam's house. She's beautiful and they get along so well. But, he doesn't want to get his hopes up and he doesn't want to introduce her to Alyssa, she's had enough at only three years old to deal with.
But, at the park when Luc and Alyssa, Nic and Ella (Nic's daughter) are there playing. Alyssa takes off every time she's sees a goggie (doggie). Of course, Liz is at the park with Bruce (Golden Retriever) and Alyssa wants to play with him. However, Sam can't handle being around children. Read the book and find out why she gets so upset being around them. She used to be a preschool teacher and had to leave. She's an erotic romance author, but she misses being a teacher.
This was such a different scenario book! Don't think I've ever read one where the heroine was an author! Certainly made for an interesting story! I was captivated from the beginning! All the characters had so much personality!! Loved that Nic (Luc's brother) and Luc were such great men!! I could totally see this being a Hallmark movie!! Great story and I look forward to reading what J.M. Stewart has in store for the readers next.
Copy received in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
Liz's husband, Danny was in the service and died. Liz, of course, was devastated and moved back home to the small town of Angel Bay. She's going to visit her best friend/sister in law, and once she gets there Sam is acting strange. Liz figures out why once she hits the kitchen that Sam was trying to fix her up on a blind date! Liz is so not ready to date, although she knows she needs to move on. Standing in Sam's kitchen is one gorgeous male and his name is Luc. As uncomfortable as this situation is, he has a sense of humor about it and definitely makes her feel at ease. She decides to get back at Sam and gets Luc to give her a kiss, since Sam is watching them when they go outside and she keeps peeping out. BIG mistake!! Even though she knows she needs to move on, she feels like she's cheating on Danny. She is shaken to the core by this kiss and she bolts! He does peak her interest, but he's 10 years younger than her! What was Sam thinking, she's no cougar!!
Luc owns a restaurant and has a three-year old, he doesn't have time or want romance. He meets Liz at his employee, Sam's house. She's beautiful and they get along so well. But, he doesn't want to get his hopes up and he doesn't want to introduce her to Alyssa, she's had enough at only three years old to deal with.
But, at the park when Luc and Alyssa, Nic and Ella (Nic's daughter) are there playing. Alyssa takes off every time she's sees a goggie (doggie). Of course, Liz is at the park with Bruce (Golden Retriever) and Alyssa wants to play with him. However, Sam can't handle being around children. Read the book and find out why she gets so upset being around them. She used to be a preschool teacher and had to leave. She's an erotic romance author, but she misses being a teacher.
This was such a different scenario book! Don't think I've ever read one where the heroine was an author! Certainly made for an interesting story! I was captivated from the beginning! All the characters had so much personality!! Loved that Nic (Luc's brother) and Luc were such great men!! I could totally see this being a Hallmark movie!! Great story and I look forward to reading what J.M. Stewart has in store for the readers next.
Copy received in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
July 12, 2016
Sexy Italian chef meets erotic writer
I chose this book because the blurb seemed to describe me: an erotic romance writer called Liz who is attracted to a man ten years her junior. As I started reading, I was convinced the author knew me. Liz, the female character, is a curvy woman insecure about her looks and flirting abilities. To top all that, she hides the fact she writes steamy fiction for fear that people will judge her a slut. In her case, living in a small town would certainly cause some embarrassing moments. In my case, even though I grew up in a city with twenty million inhabitants, it took me one year to tell people I was a writer and many acquaintances still don’t know I write erotica.
Regardless of the similarities between my own life and the main character in the book, I enjoyed reading it because Luc is an awesome read. I’m a sucker for second chances stories and this is partly what this book is about. But it is also about friendships, family, and trust. It’s an engaging story line about realistic characters. I don’t like reading spoilers so I don’t write them in my reviews. However, some things are clearly stated in the blurb so I can say that Luc has serious trust issues and with reason. After all, trust is a fragile thing, which once lost can take a long time to be restore. And even though Liz wasn’t the one who made Luc distrust women, he still needs time to heal so that he can trust her. I had a very close relative go through exact the same thing Luc went through so his story hit home. Again, no spoilers and that’s why I’m deliberately withholding information here. Like I said before, I was on Team Liz before I started reading and wasn’t disappointed. She’s smart, beautiful – without knowing it – and loyal to a fault. On the other hand, her insecurities get in her way of her happiness, which is a shame but totally understandable. The supporting characters are just as interesting and I’m eager to read Nic’s story.
I recommend Luc if you’re looking for a quick read full of heart and soul plus some quite steamy scenes.
I chose this book because the blurb seemed to describe me: an erotic romance writer called Liz who is attracted to a man ten years her junior. As I started reading, I was convinced the author knew me. Liz, the female character, is a curvy woman insecure about her looks and flirting abilities. To top all that, she hides the fact she writes steamy fiction for fear that people will judge her a slut. In her case, living in a small town would certainly cause some embarrassing moments. In my case, even though I grew up in a city with twenty million inhabitants, it took me one year to tell people I was a writer and many acquaintances still don’t know I write erotica.
Regardless of the similarities between my own life and the main character in the book, I enjoyed reading it because Luc is an awesome read. I’m a sucker for second chances stories and this is partly what this book is about. But it is also about friendships, family, and trust. It’s an engaging story line about realistic characters. I don’t like reading spoilers so I don’t write them in my reviews. However, some things are clearly stated in the blurb so I can say that Luc has serious trust issues and with reason. After all, trust is a fragile thing, which once lost can take a long time to be restore. And even though Liz wasn’t the one who made Luc distrust women, he still needs time to heal so that he can trust her. I had a very close relative go through exact the same thing Luc went through so his story hit home. Again, no spoilers and that’s why I’m deliberately withholding information here. Like I said before, I was on Team Liz before I started reading and wasn’t disappointed. She’s smart, beautiful – without knowing it – and loyal to a fault. On the other hand, her insecurities get in her way of her happiness, which is a shame but totally understandable. The supporting characters are just as interesting and I’m eager to read Nic’s story.
I recommend Luc if you’re looking for a quick read full of heart and soul plus some quite steamy scenes.
June 27, 2016
Luc by J.M. Stewart was a short and quick read for me. I really enjoyed this story. It’s not often that authors write their characters with such an age difference and most especially with the hero being younger than the heroine. I’ve read quite a few of these lately and really enjoyed the premise of the storylines.
What I really liked about this story was the insecurity of Liz. Having to move on after her husband’s death on top of the age difference— Liz’s character really made me think about all of the military wives that are in the same position as she was. My heart goes out to all of them as they make the adjustment to single status and often one-parent families.
Luc was an all-around sweet character. I enjoyed how he put his daughter first and wanted to spend the time with her. I liked how he embraced Liz and understood what she’d experienced.
I have to say I’ve read quite a few books written by Ms. Stewart and I have to say I feel like her writing has grown significantly from the first book of hers that I read. She’s writing her characters with so much more emotion. I just wish Luc was a little longer of a story, so we couldn’t delved a little more into the characters. All in all, this was a good book that I would recommend. I’d like to disclose that I received a copy of Luc in exchange for a fair and honest review.
What I really liked about this story was the insecurity of Liz. Having to move on after her husband’s death on top of the age difference— Liz’s character really made me think about all of the military wives that are in the same position as she was. My heart goes out to all of them as they make the adjustment to single status and often one-parent families.
Luc was an all-around sweet character. I enjoyed how he put his daughter first and wanted to spend the time with her. I liked how he embraced Liz and understood what she’d experienced.
I have to say I’ve read quite a few books written by Ms. Stewart and I have to say I feel like her writing has grown significantly from the first book of hers that I read. She’s writing her characters with so much more emotion. I just wish Luc was a little longer of a story, so we couldn’t delved a little more into the characters. All in all, this was a good book that I would recommend. I’d like to disclose that I received a copy of Luc in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 8, 2016
A sweet, sexy story of healing and moving forward after great loss! I enjoyed the characters, I just would have liked a little more of them together at the end instead of skipping forward so much. Overall, a nice read with some nice sexiness to it and a sweet family backing it. I look forward to reading his brother's story!
Liz Anderson lost her husband two years ago and moved back home to lick her wounds. She's been at a standstill ever since, so her best friend takes it upon herself to drag her out of her rut and make her get out into the world again ... in the form of setting her up with a hunky man 10 years her junior!
Luc Rossi is working hard to raise his little girl and to help run the family restaurant and doesn't have much time for anything else, but when his co-worker sneakily sets him up with Liz, he can't deny he's attracted to her in a big way!
Luc offers to teach her how to cook, and opens the door for a sexy fling! She's not looking to forget her dead husband, and he's not looking to get over his ex's betrayal and trust again, but life has a lot more in store for them than they know. Will he be able to convince her that moving on isn't deserting the love she had with her husband? And will she prove to be a woman worthy of his heart?
Liz Anderson lost her husband two years ago and moved back home to lick her wounds. She's been at a standstill ever since, so her best friend takes it upon herself to drag her out of her rut and make her get out into the world again ... in the form of setting her up with a hunky man 10 years her junior!
Luc Rossi is working hard to raise his little girl and to help run the family restaurant and doesn't have much time for anything else, but when his co-worker sneakily sets him up with Liz, he can't deny he's attracted to her in a big way!
Luc offers to teach her how to cook, and opens the door for a sexy fling! She's not looking to forget her dead husband, and he's not looking to get over his ex's betrayal and trust again, but life has a lot more in store for them than they know. Will he be able to convince her that moving on isn't deserting the love she had with her husband? And will she prove to be a woman worthy of his heart?
July 21, 2016
Liz Anderson's husband died two years ago. He was in the military and didn't make it home. She's still lost and can't move forward. Her friend, Samantha, decides to help and arranges for her to meet Luc Rossi. He's a chef who works in his family's restaurant. He's a single parent of a beautiful three year old. Her mother abandoned her. Can these two grieving people find love together? I fell for Luc. He's a gentle, loving man who puts his daughter first. He's attracted to Liz, but he knows that he must give her time to adjust to their mutual desire. Liz is smart, beautiful and paralyzed by fear. When these two are together, sparks fly. However, the reality of life makes their romance difficult. This story is filled with emotion and heartbreak. I wanted so much for this couple. They deserved a future. Liz needs to move forward and get a second chance at happiness. J.M. Stewart wrote a touching story that brought me to tears. Her characters are charismatic and made me care. I couldn't stop reading until I knew how the story ended. I want Nic Rossi to get his own story.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
July 30, 2016
Liz's husband died two years ago and she still can't seem to join the living but she faithfully goes to her friend Sam's house for dinner. She really wasn't in the mood but she went anyway and Sam invited her boss Luc as sort of a fix up. Liz really wasn't looking for a relationship but when she kissed him and ran scared afterwards she figured that was it. Luc has had his share of heartbreak so seeing the pain in Liz's eyes is like looking in a mirror. They agreed to try being friends but when Luc sees her in the kissing booth for the fundraiser he gets a little caveman. They finally start dating even though it's so hard to be around Luc's daughter having lost one of her own. You can't help but love this story and realize how people struggle with this kind of heartbreak every day. Luc must really love her to put up with reliving her heartache of losing her husband.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
August 22, 2016
When is it considered appropriate to move on when the person you made a vow to spend the rest of your life with passes away? Your spouse would want you to move on, to be happy, right?
That is what Liz and Luc are battling and J.M. Stewart perfectly captures that. Ms. Stewart beautifully captures the internal battle within Liz as she tries to move on, without the guilt. Luc is battling the same problem... but in different ways. They see in each other what they never had with their significant other. While they loved their significant other, neither one was ignited by the passion they feel for each other.
The characters, while well developed, aren't terribly complex. It was a quick read and heartfelt. It was well written with a steady pace. Perfect for anyone who wants a quick romantic read.
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
That is what Liz and Luc are battling and J.M. Stewart perfectly captures that. Ms. Stewart beautifully captures the internal battle within Liz as she tries to move on, without the guilt. Luc is battling the same problem... but in different ways. They see in each other what they never had with their significant other. While they loved their significant other, neither one was ignited by the passion they feel for each other.
The characters, while well developed, aren't terribly complex. It was a quick read and heartfelt. It was well written with a steady pace. Perfect for anyone who wants a quick romantic read.
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
March 27, 2021
An amazing romance! Stewart builds complex characters in Liz and Luc--both filled with more than their share of heartache and pain. Stewart does a wonderful (and believable!) job of showing them working through their baggage. Liz's grief is especially tangible and I like that she doesn't just "get over it" once she meets Luc. Rather, they both take baby steps toward healing--and sometimes steps backward--as they try to identify and accept their feelings for one another. This was more intense than many romances, and I cried more than once, and yet it didn't feel too heavy or sad. Stewart managed to find just the right balance to keep me turning pages, keep me engaged, and keep me rooting for Liz & Luc. Beautifully written and one I'm sure I'll read again.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2016
Beautiful story! I hated that I couldn't read it straight through and had to do life stuff, but I read it every chance I got until I reached the end. I actually knew nothing about the story before I started reading it and was captured from the beginning.
My heart tugged for Liz immediately, maybe because I live in a military town and have had friends that have lost their loved ones, I could relate to her. And Luc.....he is just drool-worthy and not because of his age and the fact that he can cook, but that he is raising his 3 yr old daughter. And omg, who doesn't love a guy who does that!
I loved getting to know the characters and feel their heartbreak and their joy when they allowed themselves to open up.
I want to know more about Luc's brother too and hope that his story is going to be told. Looking forward to more books by this author as well.
My heart tugged for Liz immediately, maybe because I live in a military town and have had friends that have lost their loved ones, I could relate to her. And Luc.....he is just drool-worthy and not because of his age and the fact that he can cook, but that he is raising his 3 yr old daughter. And omg, who doesn't love a guy who does that!
I loved getting to know the characters and feel their heartbreak and their joy when they allowed themselves to open up.
I want to know more about Luc's brother too and hope that his story is going to be told. Looking forward to more books by this author as well.
July 13, 2016
I enjoyed this one because it's one that pulls at your heart. Liz is still reeling from her husband's death and trying to find the courage within to move on. She really wants to, but how can she deal with the guilt she feels. I really liked Luc he's a sexy chef, but he has the huge heart of gold to go along with it. His interactions between him and his daughter are precious. Both Luc and Liz are dealing with scars left on their hearts. Watching Luc with Liz gives any romantic soul hope. I was hooked to this book right from the first meeting between Liz and Luc. Looking forward to to the next book in the series.
February 8, 2017
Ladies, grab a box of tissue, this story is packed with emotional turmoil, smoldering passion and a love story that will pull one’s heartstrings!
Read full review in the 2017 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 11, 2016
This was just an amazing book. The complex characters you fall in love with immediately. Not to mention that I needed Kleenex for this book. You will lose yourself in this story and want more at the end. A must read book.
July 20, 2016
My Thoughts:
A second chance story with just the right amount of grief.
Full review posted at: http://goo.gl/1SgIFl
July 13, 2016
This was a nice easy read and I really enjoyed it.
December 11, 2019
DNF at 42%
No one speaks like this. The purpleness of the prose and dialogue is off the charts.
No one speaks like this. The purpleness of the prose and dialogue is off the charts.
September 30, 2019
Great read
January 11, 2020
I loved this book. Have a box of tissues ready.
March 17, 2024
DNFed 18%
not my cup of tea, especially the third person narrative
not my cup of tea, especially the third person narrative
August 31, 2016
They were two people caught in difficult places in their lives, needing that connection to another person to get through, to help them feel human again.
He made her laugh. Made her forget. But was it a wise decision? ~ Liz
"...you’re a bright spot in what used to be a dark world, and I want to get lost in it, right or wrong, good or bad.” ~ Luc
❇❇❇
After find two uniformed airmen on her doorstep who told her the news that torn her heart into pieces two years ago, Liz must accepted that his beloved husband, Daniel - will never come home again for the rest of her life....
Broken heart and still mourning for her lost, Liz then accepted her longtime best friend offers, Samantha, and Sam’s husband, Joe, to move back to Angel Bay.
Hiding her identity as an erotica's romance writer, Liz planned to start new life here in her hometown.
But then...she meet Luc on a dinner at Sam's house.
Luc is Sam's boss and also head chef on small Italian restaurant in town own by both Rossi's brothers.
Handsome, young with mouthwatering body to die for, Liz start to feel something, but she denied it all.
Things become a bit awkward when Liz sensing that Sam trying to matchmaking her with Luc.
Liz felt she's still not ready yet to start again. The fact that Luc is ten years younger than her also put her in doubt that it will 'work'.
But the more she's trying to denied what she felt inside, the more she drawn to his gentleness and kindness.
He made her feel alive, and she desperately wanted to hold on to that feeling.
There's something in Luc that made her start to 'feel' again....
But will things going well for both of them when Liz keep struggling with her guilty for his late husband and what others think about the age different issue?
Will Luc win Liz heart?
***
Well, again I did randomly chose & 'gambling' with this book. I also not knowing & never read any book from this author before.
Even this book didn't give me that 4 stars feels but I like the simplicity in the story & quite enjoying the reading.
I don't usually put under 4 stars books reviews on my blog, instead I only share my 3 stars reviews on Goodreads. But I think this book deserve a place in my blog.
Why?
Because the cover spoiled my coverslut eyes and I do like the story.
Oh, and I'm totally curious about Luc's brother, Nic - that will have his own story on the next book. So, giddy waiting for his story!
August 18, 2016
This is a totally awesome book! I can't wait for the next in the Rossi Brothers series. I've read almost all of Ms. Stewart's books and I've yet to be disappointed. She always supplies an enjoyable, romantic ride-along with characters I fall in love with and LUC is no exception. This is a must-read!
October 18, 2016
Great read
This lady can tell a story like no other. She gets people through such loss, you can't imagine them getting through to the other side but she does. Luc and Liz are one of those stories. Absolutely great read.
This lady can tell a story like no other. She gets people through such loss, you can't imagine them getting through to the other side but she does. Luc and Liz are one of those stories. Absolutely great read.
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