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Just Add Peaches #2
Cupcake of the Month
Jordan Shoenover is happy to help friends in need and welcomes taking refuge at their historic inn while awaiting the impending doom of a frivolous lawsuit. But then, on top of facing the loss of everything she’s built, she’s forced to work with Josh Lukasik—the man who abandoned her years ago after one fantastic night of mind-blowing bliss.
Josh Lukasik is one sexy cupcake whom women vie to take home when his catering shifts are over. Mixing it up is his only distraction from the responsibility of caring for his young brother, his lost dream of being a chef, and the memories of Jordan Shoenover—the One Who Got Away.
When Jordan drops back into Josh’s life, he’s not about to let things get stirred up between them again. He has secrets to keep, and she’ll flambé him if she ever learns the truth. As far as Jordan is concerned, so what if their chemistry’s still off-the-charts hot! She’s not about to let Josh back into her bed—or anywhere near her heart.
Cupcake of the Month is a Just Add Peaches novel. Each book in the series is a stand-alone, passionate and playful contemporary romance, but you'll want more than one juicy bite.
Josh Lukasik is one sexy cupcake whom women vie to take home when his catering shifts are over. Mixing it up is his only distraction from the responsibility of caring for his young brother, his lost dream of being a chef, and the memories of Jordan Shoenover—the One Who Got Away.
When Jordan drops back into Josh’s life, he’s not about to let things get stirred up between them again. He has secrets to keep, and she’ll flambé him if she ever learns the truth. As far as Jordan is concerned, so what if their chemistry’s still off-the-charts hot! She’s not about to let Josh back into her bed—or anywhere near her heart.
Cupcake of the Month is a Just Add Peaches novel. Each book in the series is a stand-alone, passionate and playful contemporary romance, but you'll want more than one juicy bite.
- GenresContemporary
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2019
3 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Sharpe
14 books125 followersAbigail is a Boston-bred Yankee now eating grits and saying "y'all" in North Central Florida. Technical writer by day, she doesn't don a cape at night, but spends her time writing passionate and playful contemporary romance.
When she's not writing, she can be found wearing a corset and singing bawdy songs with Just Desserts, an a cappella musical comedy act, at places that won't throw them out. All hail low altos!
Abigail lives with her husband, two kids, and one crazy princess puppy. You can keep up with her on Goodreads or at www.Facebook.com/AbigailSharpeBooks. She has a website, too, but it's horribly outdated, and she'd rather write books than fix the HTML. Only go there if you want to sign up for her newsletter, which she publishes sporadically.
When she's not writing, she can be found wearing a corset and singing bawdy songs with Just Desserts, an a cappella musical comedy act, at places that won't throw them out. All hail low altos!
Abigail lives with her husband, two kids, and one crazy princess puppy. You can keep up with her on Goodreads or at www.Facebook.com/AbigailSharpeBooks. She has a website, too, but it's horribly outdated, and she'd rather write books than fix the HTML. Only go there if you want to sign up for her newsletter, which she publishes sporadically.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 4, 2019
Josh and Jordan were very much in love with each other in their youth, but after they had finally got to be together Josh disappeared without leaving any traces to where he had gone to, leaving the girl he loved very brokenhearted. The book begins eight years after those events when they meet again at the bed and breakfast were both of them would have to work together, so they tried to be friendly with each other and leave the questions they had in the past, but with the feelings they had of course that didn't happen. Then the both of them resolved to begin having a sex without compromise casual relationship, but then they realized that they still loved each other very much and needed each other in a much more meaningful way than that. To have the commitment they both wanted the secrets would have to come out, and so begins the development of a happily ever after so lovely it leaves you with a silly smile.
This was a light, easy and sweetly delightful book to read and now I'll be waiting for the next story that will only be released next year and promises to make you love and root for the next couple that we got to know a little about in this book.
I was given an ARC copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley and all the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This was a light, easy and sweetly delightful book to read and now I'll be waiting for the next story that will only be released next year and promises to make you love and root for the next couple that we got to know a little about in this book.
I was given an ARC copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley and all the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
dnf
July 26, 2019DNF. This just isn't for me. I am often restless at the beginning of a book as I try to get into it and figure things out, but I feel like I've been dropped into a story where everyone knows something I don't and everything is very cryptic. I think these are supposed to be standalones, but I feel like I'm missing something, and I honestly don't have the patience right now.
August 1, 2019
This was a good read. Jordan and Josh have a short past with each other. They are now being given a second chance. However, both of them are going through some stuff. Josh is difficult about things but in the end he gets it together.
July 26, 2019
What a delightfully charming read. The second book of the just add peaches series did not disappoint.
September 6, 2020
This was just the fun and light read I needed right now. It started off with the "cupcake" competition, which was cute (if not my style), and I kind of expected there to be a little more mentioned about it throughout than there was. That said, the undeniable chemistry between characters, coupled with the struggles and secrets that each was hiding, made this a fun and engaging quick read. It had its steamy moments, but the story itself was an enjoyable ride.
September 10, 2019
Fun and upbeat, with just enough depth to make the whole thing worthwhile. Jordan is a strong, self-possessed heroine with a career of her own to mind after and a refreshing ability to communicate her feelings clearly. Josh is the humblest, sweetest guy except during those bedroom scenes where he's... let's just say his personality changes a bit (in a good way). The love between these two was easy to feel, and the attraction was palpable. This is a great read! Just enough of all the things that make Romance such a popular genre, without turning too saccharine sweet. Loved it!
July 28, 2019
4*+ ARC Review – Series Gets Better – Great Second Chance!
The ARC for this book was provided by Hidden Gems in exchange for this review. I had read and reviewed the first book in the Just Add Peaches series and am so glad I got the opportunity to read the next book in this series. This book could definitely be read as a standalone as this author did a good job of giving you enough information about the characters from the prior book.
This is the story of Jordan, who has been staying with her friends and former softball teammates in Georgia at their inn. She has been hiding out from a lawsuit going on with her consulting firm in Connecticut and helping her friends develop the inn they inherited from their grandmother. There she is reunited with Josh, who she knew in college and had one special night that ended abruptly. Josh’s story is around his family and how his life drastically changed eight years ago when he had to leave Jordan and their budding relationship. He has a lot of challenges and I felt so bad for him and everything he had been through but could somewhat understand his hesitance to share it with Jordan or others.
Overall, this is a good second chance romance, with interesting characters. I was not a huge fan of the first book but really enjoyed this one. Maybe I liked the main characters more, because I could appreciate Josh and Jordan as a couple. They had great chemistry and they seemed like they had been friends before they got involved. Most importantly, they were able to count on each other when things were going wrong in each of their lives.
The ARC for this book was provided by Hidden Gems in exchange for this review. I had read and reviewed the first book in the Just Add Peaches series and am so glad I got the opportunity to read the next book in this series. This book could definitely be read as a standalone as this author did a good job of giving you enough information about the characters from the prior book.
This is the story of Jordan, who has been staying with her friends and former softball teammates in Georgia at their inn. She has been hiding out from a lawsuit going on with her consulting firm in Connecticut and helping her friends develop the inn they inherited from their grandmother. There she is reunited with Josh, who she knew in college and had one special night that ended abruptly. Josh’s story is around his family and how his life drastically changed eight years ago when he had to leave Jordan and their budding relationship. He has a lot of challenges and I felt so bad for him and everything he had been through but could somewhat understand his hesitance to share it with Jordan or others.
Overall, this is a good second chance romance, with interesting characters. I was not a huge fan of the first book but really enjoyed this one. Maybe I liked the main characters more, because I could appreciate Josh and Jordan as a couple. They had great chemistry and they seemed like they had been friends before they got involved. Most importantly, they were able to count on each other when things were going wrong in each of their lives.
July 29, 2019
I finished this book because I hate to leave a book unfinished. I forced my way through it. It was not an enjoyable read, yet it wasn't awful either.
The book started off on the wrong track for me. The whole cupcake and baking scenario at the beginning was confusing, pointless, boring, and sort of dumb. It seemed like the book started off in one direction and took a sharp turn to change focus.
Next, we have both Josh and Jordan keeping secrets about situations where they held no responsibility. He didn't do anything wrong and neither did Jordan. I could never understand why Josh needed to hide anything from his brother or Jordan; or, why Jordan felt the need to hide info from her best friends.
Then we have the college baseball theme thrown in to the mix. Did it really add anything to the story? Or did the other job offer Jordan received really matter ?
I didn't feel any real connection between Josh and Jordan unless they were texting. That seemed to generate more emotion than them being physically present with each other.
I could go on, but it doesn't matter. I just needed to be done with this book. Maybe because it is the first book I read. I saw that there was a previous book, so maybe it needed to be read first in order to bring some things in this book into context. I felt like I was reading several slightly connected stories in one book.
I would suggest you read this book and judge for yourself. The best parts of this book were the descriptions of the food and Josh's cooking.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book received via Hidden Gems.
The book started off on the wrong track for me. The whole cupcake and baking scenario at the beginning was confusing, pointless, boring, and sort of dumb. It seemed like the book started off in one direction and took a sharp turn to change focus.
Next, we have both Josh and Jordan keeping secrets about situations where they held no responsibility. He didn't do anything wrong and neither did Jordan. I could never understand why Josh needed to hide anything from his brother or Jordan; or, why Jordan felt the need to hide info from her best friends.
Then we have the college baseball theme thrown in to the mix. Did it really add anything to the story? Or did the other job offer Jordan received really matter ?
I didn't feel any real connection between Josh and Jordan unless they were texting. That seemed to generate more emotion than them being physically present with each other.
I could go on, but it doesn't matter. I just needed to be done with this book. Maybe because it is the first book I read. I saw that there was a previous book, so maybe it needed to be read first in order to bring some things in this book into context. I felt like I was reading several slightly connected stories in one book.
I would suggest you read this book and judge for yourself. The best parts of this book were the descriptions of the food and Josh's cooking.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book received via Hidden Gems.
July 30, 2019
Now, I’m a sucker for a second chance and I enjoyed reading this book, but it left me scratching my head a lot of the time. It does a good job on focusing on the leading couple – it felt much more focused than the previous book. However, because that first book had spent so much time setting up how much these women love and support one another, I couldn’t grasp the reasoning behind why Jordan spent so much time hiding the truth from her friends. I loved that Josh dropped everything in order to be there for his little brother. I thought what he did was noble and honorable, so I don’t understand why he felt so much shame and secrecy around it. With the pair of them keeping so many secrets from everyone, it was difficult to feel the connection between Josh and Jordan And, the whole “cupcake of the month” business was cute for a second until I stopped to think about it. If it were males doing this to females, the screams of “sexist jerks” would be heard around the world. As it was, with the women doing it to the men, it left me feeling more than a little icky. There are the bones of a fantastic story here, some of the execution just fell a little short of that potential. I still can’t wait to see what’s next for this quirky group of characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
August 5, 2019
I received this ARC for an honest review. Abigail Sharpe is a new to me author. This story is about Jordan and Josh. Jordan owns consulting agency named Shoenover Strategic Management. In which, she goes and visits with the employees of a company and see what they are doing right or wrong. On company she did a job for decided to fire some of the employees, and those who were fired are suing Jordan for breech of contract because she said that whatever they told her will be confidential. Jordan decided to stay with her cousin in Georgia. at their inn named Inn at Fountenoy Hall. Josh has aspirations to be a chef. Josh was not able to go to culinary school because he had to take care of his little brother. Josh and Jordan met initially in college eight years ago. They ended up having a one night stand because Josh left her in the morning and never contacted Jordan after. They ran into each other at a fundraiser where Jordan was attending and Josh was working for the caterer. Josh then received a job at the Inn in where Jordan is staying to help cook breakfast and prep dinner. Much more happens, but I am not going to share more.
I like the idea behind this story, but I feel it needs to be refined more. Some parts read really well and others not so much. It is a cute idea, but it needs a good editing.
I like the idea behind this story, but I feel it needs to be refined more. Some parts read really well and others not so much. It is a cute idea, but it needs a good editing.
July 31, 2019
The Best Part of this Book was the Recipe
I read the first book of this series and was ambivalent about it, so I wanted to give the next book of the series a try as I like to give authors a second chance to impress me when they have failed to do so the first time around. Unfortunately, I was not impressed by this book either. I could never quite buy the hero and heroine as a couple. They didn't really have any chemistry, and the need that they both felt to keep such ultimately silly secrets got in the way of any sparks between them (and also my own enjoyment of the book). When I say silly, I don't mean funny; rather, I didn't understand why the characters felt the need for all these secrets. Once I realized what the “cupcake of the month” was meant to signify, I found it to be sexist and more than just a little icky. The best part about this book was the delicious-sounding peach whiskey cupcake recipe in the back. I doubt I will be checking out other books in this series or other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I read the first book of this series and was ambivalent about it, so I wanted to give the next book of the series a try as I like to give authors a second chance to impress me when they have failed to do so the first time around. Unfortunately, I was not impressed by this book either. I could never quite buy the hero and heroine as a couple. They didn't really have any chemistry, and the need that they both felt to keep such ultimately silly secrets got in the way of any sparks between them (and also my own enjoyment of the book). When I say silly, I don't mean funny; rather, I didn't understand why the characters felt the need for all these secrets. Once I realized what the “cupcake of the month” was meant to signify, I found it to be sexist and more than just a little icky. The best part about this book was the delicious-sounding peach whiskey cupcake recipe in the back. I doubt I will be checking out other books in this series or other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
November 14, 2019
Okay for a light read
This was a fairly interesting and sweet romantic story about two estranged friends who reconnect years later. There were unexpected twists along the way and I enjoyed finding out Jordan's history and why she was at the inn. However I didn't find the chemistry between Josh and Jordan all that deep or sizzling. Overall there were a few factors that prevented my from being totally absorbed and from loving the book. Firstly more editing is required, not just with grammar and misplaced words; but also with content. For example, two of the characters go outside for a walk and come back in talking about who won the game of chess...? I also did not like the beginning of the book and found the whole cupcake game confusing and frankly, distasteful. I felt the book concluded suddenly and there wasn't even an epilogue to provide continuation and clarity. However as there is a final book to come in the series, perhaps more details will be given then?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a fairly interesting and sweet romantic story about two estranged friends who reconnect years later. There were unexpected twists along the way and I enjoyed finding out Jordan's history and why she was at the inn. However I didn't find the chemistry between Josh and Jordan all that deep or sizzling. Overall there were a few factors that prevented my from being totally absorbed and from loving the book. Firstly more editing is required, not just with grammar and misplaced words; but also with content. For example, two of the characters go outside for a walk and come back in talking about who won the game of chess...? I also did not like the beginning of the book and found the whole cupcake game confusing and frankly, distasteful. I felt the book concluded suddenly and there wasn't even an epilogue to provide continuation and clarity. However as there is a final book to come in the series, perhaps more details will be given then?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2019
After reading the first book in this series, I was really looking forward to reading this book. This book was okay, not great. Jordan and Josh were friends in college and eventually became more on one hot night. The problem is Josh skipped out and totally ghosted Jordan. Now it is eight years later and Jordan is is hiding out from her problems at Fontlenoy Inn, run by her two best friends. She sees Josh serving at a catered event, one where wealthy women (the baker)find their “cupcake” (aka young hot server) for a night of fun. This was the first aspect of the book that I wasn’t thrilled with. The next issue I had was that both Jordan and Josh were keeping secrets and feeling shame about something that the were not responsible for. While I liked both characters, their relationship seemed forced. They barely interacted, but felt this undying love. This book had so much potential, but just fell short for me. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
October 1, 2019
The entire time I was reading Cupcake of the Month, I felt like reading about Josh was like reading about my brother. Reading a romance about your brother might be ok for some, but definitely not up my alley. Descriptions of scenery and characters were not abundant. I couldn't get a clear picture in my head about this story. Storyline made sense and was easy to read and follow. Author made it very clear throughout the story that Jordan was jewish. So I kept waiting for that to tie into the plot but it never happened. Still not sure why the focus was on her being jewish. Basics were all there but no zip or zing. This story needs just a little something extra to bump it up a notch. Does end in an HEA which I was worried would not happen but did eventually. Overall, an ok story but won't be making it to my re-read list.
July 30, 2019
Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in for an honest review.
I wasn't exactly taken by Jordan and Josh's story. Jordan participates in this baker sex game but it's unclear if he actually takes any clients home. He sees Jordan after eight years and he is instantly attracted again but his past keeps him from making it permanent this time. I was never into romance where the guy plays an escort but if done tastefully it does make for an entertaining novel. Not so sure here. Josh has feelings for Jordan but waits to long to act on them and Jordan is too wary of getting hurt that it prolongs the inevitable. Complicated story.
I wasn't exactly taken by Jordan and Josh's story. Jordan participates in this baker sex game but it's unclear if he actually takes any clients home. He sees Jordan after eight years and he is instantly attracted again but his past keeps him from making it permanent this time. I was never into romance where the guy plays an escort but if done tastefully it does make for an entertaining novel. Not so sure here. Josh has feelings for Jordan but waits to long to act on them and Jordan is too wary of getting hurt that it prolongs the inevitable. Complicated story.
July 29, 2019
Book two in the Just Add Peaches series a well written story. Jordan Shoenover and caterer Josh Lukasik will have a lot to go through to get their happy ending. Josh has to let his brother Zach grow and learn to stand on his own two feet, he also has to learn how to trust and let Jordan into his life and not keep things from her. I enjoyed reading this story I wonder if there will be a third book in this series. I received an Arc copy and I am leaving a voluntary review.
August 1, 2019
Oh Lordy, this book was so sweet it made my teeth hurt! What a delightful read...storyline was so sweet and so funny in places you just had to laugh out loud. The characters were amazingly fun—even the ones you didn’t like. There was a lot going on in this book...crazy twists and turns throughput. Oh! The HEA is absolutely stupendous...this book belongs on your TBR list today.😍 (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed it.)❤️
August 6, 2019
I receive the spec free is an ARC reviewer.
My mamma was raised in the south. She would have had one thing to say about the “cupcake” analogy. “How crass!”
Jordan is a doormat. Josh is somewhat cowardly. Neither one seems capable of deciding what they want out of life. Then 13-year-old Zack disappears and suddenly priorities start to click into place. They rely on each other to get him back, but can their teamwork last longer than a weekend?
My mamma was raised in the south. She would have had one thing to say about the “cupcake” analogy. “How crass!”
Jordan is a doormat. Josh is somewhat cowardly. Neither one seems capable of deciding what they want out of life. Then 13-year-old Zack disappears and suddenly priorities start to click into place. They rely on each other to get him back, but can their teamwork last longer than a weekend?
August 10, 2019
I enjoyed this one. I was drawn to the book because of of the title. I like the characters. Jordan and Josh have a past the didn't end on a good note, but you can't deny they have chemistry. Josh is a chef and yummy himself. He is also keeping some secrets. Jordan is dealing with career issues that have put her life in limbo. She needs some good luck to go her way. The book has an easy flow. I loved Josh's grand gesture at the end. It's very romantic and will leave a smile on your face.
August 30, 2019
Jordan is prideful and spunky, but shes still a girl that has been burned by Josh. Josh has a reason for burning her... it's a doozie!
Abigail writes girl talk like no other and this group of college friends have great chemistry. There were plenty of LOLs and Oh Snaps and some steamy scenes that you don't wanna read at work ;)
I hated Josh for a bit, but I hate secrets.
I still think How to Marry a Cowboy is my favorite of Abigail's work.
Abigail writes girl talk like no other and this group of college friends have great chemistry. There were plenty of LOLs and Oh Snaps and some steamy scenes that you don't wanna read at work ;)
I hated Josh for a bit, but I hate secrets.
I still think How to Marry a Cowboy is my favorite of Abigail's work.
April 5, 2020
I received a free ARC of this novel via Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own.
This is the second novel in the Just Add Peaches series and I found it really enjoyable. It does reference the previous story some but it is not totally detrimental to have not read the first one. The characters vibe very well together and the story line was good. I enjoyed this one so much that I binge read it in a couple hours last night.
This is the second novel in the Just Add Peaches series and I found it really enjoyable. It does reference the previous story some but it is not totally detrimental to have not read the first one. The characters vibe very well together and the story line was good. I enjoyed this one so much that I binge read it in a couple hours last night.
July 30, 2019
Loved reading this book. I had a hard time putting it down. Jordan goes to Georgia to hide out because what is happening with her business. She runs into a long ago love Josh. He works for a caterer and starts working temporary at a bed and breakfast. Will they get that spark back. Read the book and you will find out
July 29, 2019
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Dual POVs
Part of a series: Just Add Peaches
Standalone
HEA
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from Hidden Gems.
The writing style
The characters
Dual POVs
Part of a series: Just Add Peaches
Standalone
HEA
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from Hidden Gems.
August 4, 2019
1 stars
This book was not for me. I struggled from page one with it. I was confused as to what the plot was, the whole cupcake thing, and the couple was blah. I felt like I was missing something. It seemed like I was lost most of the book.
This book was not for me. I struggled from page one with it. I was confused as to what the plot was, the whole cupcake thing, and the couple was blah. I felt like I was missing something. It seemed like I was lost most of the book.
August 7, 2019
Lighthouse and fluffy ( no pun intended) pleasant enough read but seemed to lack any real substance or plot, nice but not quite enough
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
September 8, 2019
I enjoyed this one even more than I expected to. I found the baker/cupcake part annoying, but thankfully it was just a small portion of the story. I liked the characters and their chemistry. This was a sweet love story with just the right amount of sexy romance.
August 1, 2019
I finished this without a clue of what the author was trying to do, much less see Jordan and Josh as a couple.
I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Arcs.
I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Arcs.
September 6, 2020
I was holding my breath towards the end of this book! I am not including spoilers but I loved how Abigail created the suspense.
December 4, 2022
Fun, great characters, extra plots!
I continue to thoroughly enjoy the Just Add Peaches series. I tore through this second novel in just a few days because it was so good. I love the characters and I most especially appreciate that they feel like real people. They have concerns and shade of emotions. I'm not usually a fan of romance novels, but I adore these books.
I continue to thoroughly enjoy the Just Add Peaches series. I tore through this second novel in just a few days because it was so good. I love the characters and I most especially appreciate that they feel like real people. They have concerns and shade of emotions. I'm not usually a fan of romance novels, but I adore these books.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews