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Mile High Matched #3
Take It Off the Menu
Saying “I Do” has never been such a mess.
Marlee Medford just got dumped. Yes, things have become ho-hum in her longtime relationship, but she was two days away from walking down the aisle with the man she thought was her forever when he called it off. Convincing herself that they’d be able to reignite their spark once the wedding craziness settled? That was easy. Suddenly finding herself without a fiancé? Not so much. Marlee needs to regain control of her life, and a weekend away with her friends is a solid first step.
One of Denver’s best up-and-coming chefs, perpetual bachelor Eli Howard, isn’t into serious relationships—especially the kind that ends in marriage. As if to prove his point that they aren’t worth the trouble, the wedding he was supposed to be catering just fell apart. Feeling oddly protective of the jilted bride—his little sister’s best friend—his weekend plans now involve a trip to Sin City with her group of friends. But it looks like he had a bit too much fun in Vegas when he wakes up married…wedding night included.
Marlee’s attempts at getting her life back together are failing miserably. Her ex-fiancé is taking the house, her chihuahua is intent on a love affair with Eli’s sneakers, and she’s now accidentally hitched to the guy who can't even say the word marriage. With their quickie annulment denied, Eli and Marlee just have to hang tight until the divorce goes through. It’s just a little divorce amongst friends, what’s the worst that could happen?
Take It Off the Menu is book three of the Mile High Matched series, but stands alone and can be read in any order. If you love a hunky caterer and an accidental marriage, this book is for you!
Marlee Medford just got dumped. Yes, things have become ho-hum in her longtime relationship, but she was two days away from walking down the aisle with the man she thought was her forever when he called it off. Convincing herself that they’d be able to reignite their spark once the wedding craziness settled? That was easy. Suddenly finding herself without a fiancé? Not so much. Marlee needs to regain control of her life, and a weekend away with her friends is a solid first step.
One of Denver’s best up-and-coming chefs, perpetual bachelor Eli Howard, isn’t into serious relationships—especially the kind that ends in marriage. As if to prove his point that they aren’t worth the trouble, the wedding he was supposed to be catering just fell apart. Feeling oddly protective of the jilted bride—his little sister’s best friend—his weekend plans now involve a trip to Sin City with her group of friends. But it looks like he had a bit too much fun in Vegas when he wakes up married…wedding night included.
Marlee’s attempts at getting her life back together are failing miserably. Her ex-fiancé is taking the house, her chihuahua is intent on a love affair with Eli’s sneakers, and she’s now accidentally hitched to the guy who can't even say the word marriage. With their quickie annulment denied, Eli and Marlee just have to hang tight until the divorce goes through. It’s just a little divorce amongst friends, what’s the worst that could happen?
Take It Off the Menu is book three of the Mile High Matched series, but stands alone and can be read in any order. If you love a hunky caterer and an accidental marriage, this book is for you!
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2019
516 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Christina Hovland
49 books1,308 followersChristina Hovland lives her own version of a fairy tale: an artisan chocolatier by day and romance writer by night. Born in Colorado, Christina received a degree in journalism from Colorado State University. Before opening her chocolate company, Christina’s career spanned from the television newsroom to managing an award-winning public relations firm. She’s a recovering overachiever and perfectionist with a love of cupcakes and dinner she doesn’t have to cook herself. A 2017 Golden Heart® finalist, she lives in Colorado with her first-boyfriend-turned-husband, four children, the sweetest dog around, and now Chloe, the wonder pup.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
March 11, 2021
4 Taking the Moments Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-FREE TODAY!!!!
This series has been a fun ride for me. I have enjoyed getting to know Christina Hovland's style and humor. I know I am really into a book when I am reading and what is on the page makes me start talking out loud and even to a co-worker about the crazy thing that just happened...As if it was a real-life experience. When I started this story and reached a couple of early turning points, I did just that!
Marlee Medford was prepared for her soon-to-be life. She was to marry her long-time fiance' and then start the next chapter. She had been doing all of the wedding prep, mainly alone which did put stress on her but she was sure once the vows had been said and they were married, all the fire and passion they once had would come back.
After all, Marlee and her husband to be worked together at her father's company, her family adored him and in her social status, trust fund baby, and all...everything should fall into place.
Except it didn't...
Marlee is told by her fiance' two days before the wedding, he isn't feeling it...and hasn't for a while...The man who told her He Always Loved Her More...Didn't. And surprise, surprise...when it was all said and done, Marlee realized she had stopped loving him too. It just was a very selfish way of doing what he did...
Now Marlee's world as she knows it has been turned upside down. The good news is her posse is in town and have her back. She makes a call to them and they immediately swing into gear bringing their secret weapon, Eli Howard.
Eli has been the protector and support system for this crew since forever. He is the big brother of one of Marlee's besties and through the years has always been there to be the shoulder to lean on or bail them out. Eli never knows until he gets the call. This time, he was there because he was catering the wedding that didn't happen.
Eli was a self-made man who was on his way to French culinary school when suddenly he was needed to help with his sister and family. Instead, he studied at a lessor school and worked to hone his skills. He now is at the point where he is known for winning awards and talked about as one of the top bachelors on the Hot Denver Scene.
Eli had experienced all the responsibility of others in helping raise his sister and her friends. He never wanted to be that responsible for another person's happiness or pain...it was too hard, too painful. He made a promise to himself, he would enjoy and make sure every partner knew the score...no relationships.
Now he is here in Marlee's house, watching her try to be strong and hold it together while the troops are packing up her stuff. She looks so lost. She was this rich kid whose parents thought it would be good for her to go to public school and that was how she became tight with his sister. Eli always thought she was something...big heart, sweet as all get out and a little bit cray-cray...
Well, now the Sh!t has Hit the Fan because the idiot ex has come to "talk " with Marlee and what comes out of his mouth is absolutely ridiculous and makes Eli want to slam him up against the wall. Restrained and the ex is escorted out, the crew decides it is going to Vegas and before Eli can say anything, he is on the private plane with them...
Yes, Marlee is that loaded and the trip takes on a life of its own...with her feeling all the hidden feelings she has had over the years for Eli and Eli trying to be good but things getting out of control...Dares are made, challenges too and before you know it, the Vegas Cliche Captures another couple, Marlee and Eli.
This is the beginning of this tale and with the humor and ways of a Hovland story, we experience a gamut of things. Some, as I said earlier, were so perfectly funny or just so annoying, it felt like it happened to me and I was talking to myself. That was a good thing. Other times, it did get a bit messy but worked itself out. When Eli and Marlee's relationship was working...it was terrific, lots of chemistry and you wanted them together.
All of the secondary players had their purpose, causing humor or anger...I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and look to see what Ms. Hovland has coming next.
Going Down on One Knee (Mile High Matched #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rock Hard Cowboy (A Mile High Matched, #1.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Blow Me Away (Mile High Matched, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Take It Off the Menu (Mile High Matched, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Do Me a Favor (Mile High Matched, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Balled Sacked (Mile High Matched, #4.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Just started and oh, so excited!
●•●•●•●•●•●•●•
Marlee Medford knew things had been a little off...
How far off, not so much...
Instead, learning her Longtime Fiance was dumping her...
It was a Wake-Up Call...
Now she needed to Shake Things Up...
Sin City sounded great...
Girls Trip Coming Up...
Eli Howard knew he had no business...
Being in Sin City with his Little Sister and her Best Friend...
Especially since the Jilted Bride caused some Protective Feelings in him...
Which was very Odd as He was never going to be in a Relationship...
Ever.
Neither of them could have known...
One Night in Vegas would lead to More...
A Night of Fun, A Night of Blind Choices...
A Marriage, something both need desperately to...
Take It Off the Menu (Mile High Matched, #3)
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free-FREE TODAY!!!!
This series has been a fun ride for me. I have enjoyed getting to know Christina Hovland's style and humor. I know I am really into a book when I am reading and what is on the page makes me start talking out loud and even to a co-worker about the crazy thing that just happened...As if it was a real-life experience. When I started this story and reached a couple of early turning points, I did just that!
Marlee Medford was prepared for her soon-to-be life. She was to marry her long-time fiance' and then start the next chapter. She had been doing all of the wedding prep, mainly alone which did put stress on her but she was sure once the vows had been said and they were married, all the fire and passion they once had would come back.
After all, Marlee and her husband to be worked together at her father's company, her family adored him and in her social status, trust fund baby, and all...everything should fall into place.
Except it didn't...
Marlee is told by her fiance' two days before the wedding, he isn't feeling it...and hasn't for a while...The man who told her He Always Loved Her More...Didn't. And surprise, surprise...when it was all said and done, Marlee realized she had stopped loving him too. It just was a very selfish way of doing what he did...
Now Marlee's world as she knows it has been turned upside down. The good news is her posse is in town and have her back. She makes a call to them and they immediately swing into gear bringing their secret weapon, Eli Howard.
Eli has been the protector and support system for this crew since forever. He is the big brother of one of Marlee's besties and through the years has always been there to be the shoulder to lean on or bail them out. Eli never knows until he gets the call. This time, he was there because he was catering the wedding that didn't happen.
Eli was a self-made man who was on his way to French culinary school when suddenly he was needed to help with his sister and family. Instead, he studied at a lessor school and worked to hone his skills. He now is at the point where he is known for winning awards and talked about as one of the top bachelors on the Hot Denver Scene.
Eli had experienced all the responsibility of others in helping raise his sister and her friends. He never wanted to be that responsible for another person's happiness or pain...it was too hard, too painful. He made a promise to himself, he would enjoy and make sure every partner knew the score...no relationships.
Now he is here in Marlee's house, watching her try to be strong and hold it together while the troops are packing up her stuff. She looks so lost. She was this rich kid whose parents thought it would be good for her to go to public school and that was how she became tight with his sister. Eli always thought she was something...big heart, sweet as all get out and a little bit cray-cray...
Well, now the Sh!t has Hit the Fan because the idiot ex has come to "talk " with Marlee and what comes out of his mouth is absolutely ridiculous and makes Eli want to slam him up against the wall. Restrained and the ex is escorted out, the crew decides it is going to Vegas and before Eli can say anything, he is on the private plane with them...
Yes, Marlee is that loaded and the trip takes on a life of its own...with her feeling all the hidden feelings she has had over the years for Eli and Eli trying to be good but things getting out of control...Dares are made, challenges too and before you know it, the Vegas Cliche Captures another couple, Marlee and Eli.
This is the beginning of this tale and with the humor and ways of a Hovland story, we experience a gamut of things. Some, as I said earlier, were so perfectly funny or just so annoying, it felt like it happened to me and I was talking to myself. That was a good thing. Other times, it did get a bit messy but worked itself out. When Eli and Marlee's relationship was working...it was terrific, lots of chemistry and you wanted them together.
All of the secondary players had their purpose, causing humor or anger...I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and look to see what Ms. Hovland has coming next.
Going Down on One Knee (Mile High Matched #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rock Hard Cowboy (A Mile High Matched, #1.5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Blow Me Away (Mile High Matched, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Take It Off the Menu (Mile High Matched, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Do Me a Favor (Mile High Matched, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Balled Sacked (Mile High Matched, #4.5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Just started and oh, so excited!
●•●•●•●•●•●•●•
Marlee Medford knew things had been a little off...
How far off, not so much...
Instead, learning her Longtime Fiance was dumping her...
It was a Wake-Up Call...
Now she needed to Shake Things Up...
Sin City sounded great...
Girls Trip Coming Up...
Eli Howard knew he had no business...
Being in Sin City with his Little Sister and her Best Friend...
Especially since the Jilted Bride caused some Protective Feelings in him...
Which was very Odd as He was never going to be in a Relationship...
Ever.
Neither of them could have known...
One Night in Vegas would lead to More...
A Night of Fun, A Night of Blind Choices...
A Marriage, something both need desperately to...
Take It Off the Menu (Mile High Matched, #3)
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
December 1, 2019
This is my first read by miss Hovland. I have to say, it does not leave strong impression. The idea of the story is promising. The execution is mediocre.
What does not work for me is the cheracter development and chemistry. I can not feel it. The relationship between Eli and Marlin is suppose to be funny. But it is not.
Overall, i do not hate the book nor like it either.
3 stars
What does not work for me is the cheracter development and chemistry. I can not feel it. The relationship between Eli and Marlin is suppose to be funny. But it is not.
Overall, i do not hate the book nor like it either.
3 stars
August 9, 2019
5 - "What did I get myself into with you..?" Stars!
The third book in the Mile High Matched series gives us Eli’s book, I loved his dry humour in the previous two, and Christina had me crying with laughter at some of the antics he got himself talked into getting involved in, in Take it off The Menu.
"You make me feel too much."
Marlee and Eli are opposites in every way, while he is insular, low-key, not interested in commitment and from humble beginnings, Marlee is a people person, loves being in a relationship, likes attention and comes from a well-known and respected family. They push each other out of their comfort zones, and what starts out as a joke marriage while drunk in Vegas with Eli, after being dumped two days before her real wedding to her fiancé Scotty, turns into so much more as they wait the 90 days for their divorce to become final.
Nothing hugely new or unusual about the tropes used in this one, but it was hilarious in parts, poignant and touching in others and just a good all round read in general. Babuska gets up to her usual antics and it was good to see the rest of the crew from the previous books as well. The author also gave a hint at who the next book is likely to be about in the latter stages of this one too, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
The third book in the Mile High Matched series gives us Eli’s book, I loved his dry humour in the previous two, and Christina had me crying with laughter at some of the antics he got himself talked into getting involved in, in Take it off The Menu.
"You make me feel too much."
Marlee and Eli are opposites in every way, while he is insular, low-key, not interested in commitment and from humble beginnings, Marlee is a people person, loves being in a relationship, likes attention and comes from a well-known and respected family. They push each other out of their comfort zones, and what starts out as a joke marriage while drunk in Vegas with Eli, after being dumped two days before her real wedding to her fiancé Scotty, turns into so much more as they wait the 90 days for their divorce to become final.
Nothing hugely new or unusual about the tropes used in this one, but it was hilarious in parts, poignant and touching in others and just a good all round read in general. Babuska gets up to her usual antics and it was good to see the rest of the crew from the previous books as well. The author also gave a hint at who the next book is likely to be about in the latter stages of this one too, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
August 12, 2019
This hilarious, well-written, contemporary romantic comedy is a real page turner. The characters are likable and the romance is heart-warming. I highly recommend that you access the bonus scene from the link at the end of the book. It is wonderful! I am looking forward to reading the other entries in
Ms. Hovland's "Mile High Matched" series.
Ms. Hovland's "Mile High Matched" series.
dnf
August 23, 2019DNF at 35%
So.. these people are supposed to be adults, right? Like late 20s if I remember correctly? Just checking 'cause...
... what the heck, man? That court scene was utterly ridiculous, and not in a good way. And I wish I could say that was the only time they were behaving like lobotomized teenagers. But it wasn't. And her parents? Ugh. I can't.
Which is a shame because I actually enjoyed the first few chapters.
No rating, obvs.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So.. these people are supposed to be adults, right? Like late 20s if I remember correctly? Just checking 'cause...
... what the heck, man? That court scene was utterly ridiculous, and not in a good way. And I wish I could say that was the only time they were behaving like lobotomized teenagers. But it wasn't. And her parents? Ugh. I can't.
Which is a shame because I actually enjoyed the first few chapters.
No rating, obvs.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2019
When crusty, loner, Eli showed up suddenly at his friends' party with a wife, I just knew that story was going to be a fun one. This author excels at fun, feel-good romantic comedies among a set of friends who are small business owners in the Denver area. I look forward to each new release to get the next fun and flirty story.
Take It Off the Menu is book three in the Mile High Matched series. It's a standalone connected to the previous books because of a group of single friends who slowly are finding their own romances.
Marlee was getting married in two days. It was to be the biggest wedding of Denver's social calendar, but now her fiance' is calling it off. He doesn't need time; he needs it to be over. She should have felt grief or heartbreak at such news. So, what did it say that she felt only relief and some anger at how long he held off. She was with Scotty for ten years and knew that they were both settling. He was right to call it off, but then the hits kept coming. He expected to keep his job in her dad's office and keep their house, and heck, keep the honeymoon trip because no hard feelings, right? That was when her besties and Eli, the brother of one of her besties, step in support her. A trip to Vegas to fling away her sorrows is in order, but a Vegas wedding and a honeymoon night with 'marriage' is a dirty word Eli was not how it was supposed to end.
Eli knew Vegas, a night of boozing and partying with Marlee, his sister and their friends was a bad idea. His mistake was going along. Now, he's married, bewildered by how little he panicked, and not nearly as upset to be stuck with Marlee for the 90-Day divorce period. He gives her a roof over her head when her parents pick her ex and she settles in easily among his friends and even Jase's crazy Babushka. He wants to prepare his best dishes for her, have her in his kitchen even though she's a disaster, and he shares his big dream with her. He doesn't even mind her chihuahua service dog and he strangely feels jealousy at times. But, he doesn't do relationships so he should be relieved that this is short-term, right?
I settled in for the fun from the very first page. I should have felt badly that Marlee was jilted almost at the altar and that her parents were being such jerks about it all. But as soon as her three best friends and Eli came to the rescue, I thought it was the best thing that could have ever happened. It paced nicely and I enjoyed seeing the romance pair start to develop as a couple and the times when the group of friends got together.
The main characters were both engaging and the angst was light.
Eli is curmudgeonly and more the organized 'stay out of my space' type. He is a talented chef and his catering business is doing great and working him toward his dream of opening a restaurant. He really is a sweetie on the inside and a giver rather than the irascible person he likes people to think he is.
Marlee is a dash about who finds trouble without even trying and can't cook to save her life. She has a generous, good heart and Eli saw that all along. He never thought of her as the poor little rich girl and never doubted she could stand strong when her parents pulled her credit cards and gave her apartment away. I loved seeing her having fun sharing Eli's world and working out her life even while helping Eli open up to the possibility of a lasting relationship.
The comedy is laced through the story especially when Babushka makes her appearance and things go mad cap quick and Marlee's nutty dog wasn't getting amorous with Eli's shoes, but it isn't distracting and melds with the romance so well.
All in all these are sassy and just sparkle. Easy, quick reads that I devour so quickly and wish for the next. Those who enjoy flirty romantic comedies with some heart and a little heat should definitely pick this one up.
My thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book to read in exchange for an honest review.
COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt Clue- man on cover 1 pt.
Take It Off the Menu is book three in the Mile High Matched series. It's a standalone connected to the previous books because of a group of single friends who slowly are finding their own romances.
Marlee was getting married in two days. It was to be the biggest wedding of Denver's social calendar, but now her fiance' is calling it off. He doesn't need time; he needs it to be over. She should have felt grief or heartbreak at such news. So, what did it say that she felt only relief and some anger at how long he held off. She was with Scotty for ten years and knew that they were both settling. He was right to call it off, but then the hits kept coming. He expected to keep his job in her dad's office and keep their house, and heck, keep the honeymoon trip because no hard feelings, right? That was when her besties and Eli, the brother of one of her besties, step in support her. A trip to Vegas to fling away her sorrows is in order, but a Vegas wedding and a honeymoon night with 'marriage' is a dirty word Eli was not how it was supposed to end.
Eli knew Vegas, a night of boozing and partying with Marlee, his sister and their friends was a bad idea. His mistake was going along. Now, he's married, bewildered by how little he panicked, and not nearly as upset to be stuck with Marlee for the 90-Day divorce period. He gives her a roof over her head when her parents pick her ex and she settles in easily among his friends and even Jase's crazy Babushka. He wants to prepare his best dishes for her, have her in his kitchen even though she's a disaster, and he shares his big dream with her. He doesn't even mind her chihuahua service dog and he strangely feels jealousy at times. But, he doesn't do relationships so he should be relieved that this is short-term, right?
I settled in for the fun from the very first page. I should have felt badly that Marlee was jilted almost at the altar and that her parents were being such jerks about it all. But as soon as her three best friends and Eli came to the rescue, I thought it was the best thing that could have ever happened. It paced nicely and I enjoyed seeing the romance pair start to develop as a couple and the times when the group of friends got together.
The main characters were both engaging and the angst was light.
Eli is curmudgeonly and more the organized 'stay out of my space' type. He is a talented chef and his catering business is doing great and working him toward his dream of opening a restaurant. He really is a sweetie on the inside and a giver rather than the irascible person he likes people to think he is.
Marlee is a dash about who finds trouble without even trying and can't cook to save her life. She has a generous, good heart and Eli saw that all along. He never thought of her as the poor little rich girl and never doubted she could stand strong when her parents pulled her credit cards and gave her apartment away. I loved seeing her having fun sharing Eli's world and working out her life even while helping Eli open up to the possibility of a lasting relationship.
The comedy is laced through the story especially when Babushka makes her appearance and things go mad cap quick and Marlee's nutty dog wasn't getting amorous with Eli's shoes, but it isn't distracting and melds with the romance so well.
All in all these are sassy and just sparkle. Easy, quick reads that I devour so quickly and wish for the next. Those who enjoy flirty romantic comedies with some heart and a little heat should definitely pick this one up.
My thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book to read in exchange for an honest review.
COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt Clue- man on cover 1 pt.
August 18, 2019
***5 ‘Exactly The Same’ Stars***
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in the series and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one, especially after reading the blurb, and I was not disappointed! This was such a fun read. I loved every moment ~ even when I wanted to Gibbs smack and/or gut a few people with a spoon ~ and really wished there were more words to read because hanging out with this crew is all kinds of fun!
Eli. Okay I was already swooning over the guy because of the chef thing...totally swoon worthy! And I absolutely loved him and how protective he was of those he called his own, even when he didn’t necessarily want to be, but he had the whole ‘insert foot into mouth disease’ going on and had me wanting to Gibbs smack him many, many times.
I absolutely ADORED Marlee. She was sweet, sassy, and generous in such a selfless way that it drew me in and had me wishing she was my friend in real life. She had her moments of cluelessness that had me scratching my head and wondering how she couldn’t know certain things ~ even when I did get it.
To say that Jase and Marlee’s journey was a bit bumpy is an understatement, what with not only the whole ‘oops we were drunk and got married in vegas’ thing, but also the fact that Marlee is BFF’s with Jase’s sister...there was just a whole lot going on, but it all worked for me. I loved watching as the attraction grew between them and they started to realize that they were catching feelings ~ which was a bit awkward considering the divorce thing. The chemistry between them was HAWT and I loved their bantering, but more than that, I loved how they saw each other and saw how amazing each other was. Now for that BIG bump in the road. Let’s just say, I was totally #TeamMarlee, but I really enjoyed how it all worked out in the end.
This really was a fun read from the very beginning and I loved watching both Eli and Marlee evolve into better and stronger versions of themselves without losing what made them so unique. But of course, part of the changes were helped along by their friends and family. I loved catching up with Brek and Velma, Claire and Dean, Jase and Heather and getting to hang out with Sadie, Kellie and Becca and am looking forward to getting to know them all better as the series continues. But Babushka and Lothorio totally stole the show. I still want to be Babushka when I grow up and Lothario...well, you’ll just have to meet him to understand.
Note: The books in the series can be read as stand alones, but I do highly recommend that you start at the beginning so you can get the full impact of what these characters mean to each other.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in the series and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one, especially after reading the blurb, and I was not disappointed! This was such a fun read. I loved every moment ~ even when I wanted to Gibbs smack and/or gut a few people with a spoon ~ and really wished there were more words to read because hanging out with this crew is all kinds of fun!
Eli. Okay I was already swooning over the guy because of the chef thing...totally swoon worthy! And I absolutely loved him and how protective he was of those he called his own, even when he didn’t necessarily want to be, but he had the whole ‘insert foot into mouth disease’ going on and had me wanting to Gibbs smack him many, many times.
I absolutely ADORED Marlee. She was sweet, sassy, and generous in such a selfless way that it drew me in and had me wishing she was my friend in real life. She had her moments of cluelessness that had me scratching my head and wondering how she couldn’t know certain things ~ even when I did get it.
To say that Jase and Marlee’s journey was a bit bumpy is an understatement, what with not only the whole ‘oops we were drunk and got married in vegas’ thing, but also the fact that Marlee is BFF’s with Jase’s sister...there was just a whole lot going on, but it all worked for me. I loved watching as the attraction grew between them and they started to realize that they were catching feelings ~ which was a bit awkward considering the divorce thing. The chemistry between them was HAWT and I loved their bantering, but more than that, I loved how they saw each other and saw how amazing each other was. Now for that BIG bump in the road. Let’s just say, I was totally #TeamMarlee, but I really enjoyed how it all worked out in the end.
This really was a fun read from the very beginning and I loved watching both Eli and Marlee evolve into better and stronger versions of themselves without losing what made them so unique. But of course, part of the changes were helped along by their friends and family. I loved catching up with Brek and Velma, Claire and Dean, Jase and Heather and getting to hang out with Sadie, Kellie and Becca and am looking forward to getting to know them all better as the series continues. But Babushka and Lothorio totally stole the show. I still want to be Babushka when I grow up and Lothario...well, you’ll just have to meet him to understand.
Note: The books in the series can be read as stand alones, but I do highly recommend that you start at the beginning so you can get the full impact of what these characters mean to each other.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
February 3, 2020
*4 CHEF STARS*
Christina Hovland is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance others and I'm not mad about it!
After reading four of her books I can safely say she can do no wrong!
After Brek and Jase, it was finally Eli's turn to get a book and I loved him sooo much!
Received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Christina Hovland is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance others and I'm not mad about it!
After reading four of her books I can safely say she can do no wrong!
After Brek and Jase, it was finally Eli's turn to get a book and I loved him sooo much!
Received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 26, 2019
Glorious romantic comedy.
When your fiancé dumps you two days before the wedding, keeps the house, the honeymoon, his job in your family business and apparently your parents too, what's a girl to do? Well a blow-out girls' weekend in Vegas sounds like the answer!
Eli has been looking after his little sisters most of his life, when his sister's BFF Marlee's wedding gets cancelled (a wedding he was supposed to be catering BTW) he is there for Marlee as always, but when the girls decide to go to Vegas he knows this has trouble written all over it so he agrees to come along.
Long and short of it, Marlee and Eli decide to pretend to get married (it was a dare) but are too drunk to remember to sign fake names, then the judge refuses to grant them an annulment. Marlee's parents want her and her ex to get back together and are worried that Eli is a gold-digger so they cut off her credit cards and offer her an allowance if she'll move back home with them- like a teenager instead of a 30 year old woman! So Marlee does what any self-respecting woman would do, she calls the person she knows will have her back, her soon-to-be-ex husband.
I enjoyed the first book in this series but I thought that maybe it was trying a tad too hard to be madcap with the crazy Russian grandma, this time the crazy Russian is still around but the humour feels more natural, less forced.
I loved Eli and Marlee's romance, it was cute and sweet and steamy and adorable.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
When your fiancé dumps you two days before the wedding, keeps the house, the honeymoon, his job in your family business and apparently your parents too, what's a girl to do? Well a blow-out girls' weekend in Vegas sounds like the answer!
Eli has been looking after his little sisters most of his life, when his sister's BFF Marlee's wedding gets cancelled (a wedding he was supposed to be catering BTW) he is there for Marlee as always, but when the girls decide to go to Vegas he knows this has trouble written all over it so he agrees to come along.
Long and short of it, Marlee and Eli decide to pretend to get married (it was a dare) but are too drunk to remember to sign fake names, then the judge refuses to grant them an annulment. Marlee's parents want her and her ex to get back together and are worried that Eli is a gold-digger so they cut off her credit cards and offer her an allowance if she'll move back home with them- like a teenager instead of a 30 year old woman! So Marlee does what any self-respecting woman would do, she calls the person she knows will have her back, her soon-to-be-ex husband.
I enjoyed the first book in this series but I thought that maybe it was trying a tad too hard to be madcap with the crazy Russian grandma, this time the crazy Russian is still around but the humour feels more natural, less forced.
I loved Eli and Marlee's romance, it was cute and sweet and steamy and adorable.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
September 2, 2019
Thank you to Inkslinger and the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Take It Off The Menu
By: Christina Hovland
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Take It Off The Menu is the first book I've read by Christina Hovland, but it won't be the last. I've always been a fan of romcoms and such. This story is adorable despite its bleak beginning. Marlee is dumped two days prior to her wedding, but if she's being honest, Marlee is actually relieved. This guy, Scotty, takes her house, his place in her family's business and her parents side with him. To escape this ridiculous sideshow, Marlee and friends and one friend's older brother, Eli, take a long weekend in Vegas. Marlee and Eli end up drunk and married. They are then forced to wait 90 days for a divorce. Marlee has nowhere to go because her parents are ridiculous. She ends up staying with the guy she married and realizing that maybe he's not a bad husband after all. Eli and Marlee get to know each other for real, and they have a chance at an actual relationship. Life throws unexpected everything at you, though. It's never easy ,so will these two stay together or get divorced? It's a fun light read that's full of humor and wisdom. The characters are likeable and relatable with their mistakes and mishaps. I recommend for anyone who enjoys romcom stories. This one will make you smile!
Take It Off The Menu
By: Christina Hovland
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Take It Off The Menu is the first book I've read by Christina Hovland, but it won't be the last. I've always been a fan of romcoms and such. This story is adorable despite its bleak beginning. Marlee is dumped two days prior to her wedding, but if she's being honest, Marlee is actually relieved. This guy, Scotty, takes her house, his place in her family's business and her parents side with him. To escape this ridiculous sideshow, Marlee and friends and one friend's older brother, Eli, take a long weekend in Vegas. Marlee and Eli end up drunk and married. They are then forced to wait 90 days for a divorce. Marlee has nowhere to go because her parents are ridiculous. She ends up staying with the guy she married and realizing that maybe he's not a bad husband after all. Eli and Marlee get to know each other for real, and they have a chance at an actual relationship. Life throws unexpected everything at you, though. It's never easy ,so will these two stay together or get divorced? It's a fun light read that's full of humor and wisdom. The characters are likeable and relatable with their mistakes and mishaps. I recommend for anyone who enjoys romcom stories. This one will make you smile!
August 4, 2021
this is an adorable rom-com. (which is one of my favorite kind of reads) Our heroine has been deep in planning mode for the wedding with the 'perfect guy'. Her family loves him (a little too much) and they work together. But, two days (Two Days!!) before the wedding he calls it off. She is devastated, especially because he wants the house, too. She calls her friends to help her move out and, like all good friends, they suggest a trip to Vegas. This trip involves lots of alcohol (of course) and some interesting dares (also, of course). The heroine wakes up in bed with the hero (who is also her best friend's older brother) married.
Not a problem. Vegas must be known for the fast divorces as well as the fast marriages, right? Not so fast. Complications arise (hilarious) and the happy couple must wait ninety days. This is where the fun and interesting twists begin.
A good story and fun to read.
Not a problem. Vegas must be known for the fast divorces as well as the fast marriages, right? Not so fast. Complications arise (hilarious) and the happy couple must wait ninety days. This is where the fun and interesting twists begin.
A good story and fun to read.
October 27, 2021
Loved this whole series on audio! I listened to them straight through.
August 22, 2019
*** ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Delightfully fun and sweet, with feel-good romantic vibes that made me smile so many times I lost count.
Review to come!
I am a huge fan of Christina Hovland’s Mile High Matched series. From the moment I met these bunch of friends, I knew that they would have some interesting things to share.
What happened in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Not for Eli and Marlee. Friends who ended married after a wild night in Vegas. This accidental marriage between these two people who had known each other since childhood felt so right. However, Eli was the reserved guy who loved his planned life and Marlee loved a little bit of wildness in it.
It took one night to finally let them see what was under their eyes for so long. Seeing the other in a new light, feelings they weren’t aware until they felt that connection, something as enthralling as scary. I adored how they did everything in their own way, when their colorful friends were enjoying too much their situation. From friends to marriage, there was just a little step right into love!
Damn if I hadn’t appreciated every moment. It made me smile, swoon, laugh and I was totally under the spell. I adored how they found their balance, their home, finding their person. The author wrote once again a fun romantic comedy, with this little touch of craziness in the air, written with heart, the characters were engaging and endearing. I appreciated watching the characters growing throughout the story and reading their perspectives.
Delightfully fun and sweet, with feel-good romantic vibes that made me smile so many times I lost count.
Delightfully fun and sweet, with feel-good romantic vibes that made me smile so many times I lost count.
Review to come!
*** ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review ***
I am a huge fan of Christina Hovland’s Mile High Matched series. From the moment I met these bunch of friends, I knew that they would have some interesting things to share.
What happened in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Not for Eli and Marlee. Friends who ended married after a wild night in Vegas. This accidental marriage between these two people who had known each other since childhood felt so right. However, Eli was the reserved guy who loved his planned life and Marlee loved a little bit of wildness in it.
It took one night to finally let them see what was under their eyes for so long. Seeing the other in a new light, feelings they weren’t aware until they felt that connection, something as enthralling as scary. I adored how they did everything in their own way, when their colorful friends were enjoying too much their situation. From friends to marriage, there was just a little step right into love!
Damn if I hadn’t appreciated every moment. It made me smile, swoon, laugh and I was totally under the spell. I adored how they found their balance, their home, finding their person. The author wrote once again a fun romantic comedy, with this little touch of craziness in the air, written with heart, the characters were engaging and endearing. I appreciated watching the characters growing throughout the story and reading their perspectives.
Delightfully fun and sweet, with feel-good romantic vibes that made me smile so many times I lost count.
May 18, 2020
Rating: 4.5/5.0
This book is a light, sweet romance that is also a very quick read. This story is more than a romance!
Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This book is a light, sweet romance that is also a very quick read. This story is more than a romance!
Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read
March 23, 2021DNF @ 36%. I thought this sounded cute, but I never really connected with it. I didn't think the main character was very likable and I hate when poor communication is a major plot point.
August 23, 2019
Take It Off the Menu is the third book in Christina Hovland’s Mile High Matched series. It is more contemporary romance than romantic comedy, and it is absolutely delicious! Each of the books in this series focuses on a different guy in a tight group of friends. In this latest installment, Denver socialite, Marlee Medford, pushes her best friend’s brother, Chef Eli Howard, way out of his comfort zone.
From the first page to the last, I was hooked on this story. The characters are delightful, and the story line is charming (like many romantic comedies, the plot points are sometimes far fetched, but forgivable). It is such a fun read, that I could not put it down.
I just loved Marlee! She has a big heart, and she is very generous. That generosity is totally taken advantage of when her fiancé not only dumps her, but also kicks her out of their shared house as well as tries to get her parents on his side. You can’t help but assume he was in it for the money and career advancement (ugh!). Clearly, Scotty, the ex-fiancé, is an easy to despise secondary character!
Eli is strong, sexy, and a man of few words. He is giving toward and protective of everyone he holds close to his heart. That includes his kid sister’s best friend, Marlee. Even though Eli claims he is not a relationship guy, you just know that sparks are going to fly between these two main characters. Not only do these two characters define fun, they bring out the best in each other. It was fun and joyful to see how their relationship blossomed.
Take It Off the Menu is a fun, romantic read with sweet little messages about what is important in life. This novel is a fantastic series addition that left this reader hoping for more stories of the secondary characters because I'm not ready for it to end.
I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
From the first page to the last, I was hooked on this story. The characters are delightful, and the story line is charming (like many romantic comedies, the plot points are sometimes far fetched, but forgivable). It is such a fun read, that I could not put it down.
I just loved Marlee! She has a big heart, and she is very generous. That generosity is totally taken advantage of when her fiancé not only dumps her, but also kicks her out of their shared house as well as tries to get her parents on his side. You can’t help but assume he was in it for the money and career advancement (ugh!). Clearly, Scotty, the ex-fiancé, is an easy to despise secondary character!
Eli is strong, sexy, and a man of few words. He is giving toward and protective of everyone he holds close to his heart. That includes his kid sister’s best friend, Marlee. Even though Eli claims he is not a relationship guy, you just know that sparks are going to fly between these two main characters. Not only do these two characters define fun, they bring out the best in each other. It was fun and joyful to see how their relationship blossomed.
Take It Off the Menu is a fun, romantic read with sweet little messages about what is important in life. This novel is a fantastic series addition that left this reader hoping for more stories of the secondary characters because I'm not ready for it to end.
I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
August 23, 2019
An entertaining and delightful romantic comedy. It engaged every emotion, has 'real' characters and the drama comes from character growth not contrived situations. Apparently, this is part of a series but I had no idea. It reads wonderfully as a stand-alone. I will be seeking out the other books in this series and other books by Christina. I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Gems
March 19, 2021
Review to be written soon...
February 6, 2022
ok I was right this is exactly what I needed
tok essay who ???
very insta lovey but i was ok with it. Very cute :D
tok essay who ???
very insta lovey but i was ok with it. Very cute :D
January 20, 2025
this was so freaking cute, i loved it
September 5, 2019
Please note: I received an advance digital copy of this book through NetGalley from Victory Editing in exchange for a honest review. This does not influence my opinions in any way.
Two days before her wedding, Marlee is dumped by her fiancé Scotty and her first thought is effort it’s take to cancel the wedding. The spark in their relationship had faded long ago, but she had hope it’d rekindle after the wedding. But when she discovered Scotty had left her to deal with the fall out alone while he went on their honeymoon alone, she lets Sadie and her friends convince her to head to Las Vegas with them to get back at him. They’re chaperoned by Eli, Sadie’s older brother, who fears what trouble they’d get up to. Marlee has known him all her life and, after a drunken night out, is shocked to wake up in bed with him, married. Shocked because of how right it feels. But Eli is horrified, considers their wedding a mistake and so Marlee concedes to help him rectify it. But can they fall in love while they await the divorce to go through?
This is a slow-burn and I feel it does a really good job of establishing the relationship and making us fall in love with Marlee and Eli right alongside them. Though I got through this book slower, it was due to the lack of time and not because of boredom. In fact, I tried picking it up whenever I could, eager to see how Eli and Marlee would overcoming their fears and resolve their differences. I liked the fact that they’re opposites in many ways and how nicely they balance each other out. (Eli’s mom stated it perfectly: “Marlee is wild. And he’s stable. Balance.”) I’m not a fan of love triangles, but I did how Marlee compared what she once felt for Scotty to what she feels now for Eli, showing us how different her love was for each man. And why Eli is better suited for her, without completely villianizing Scotty to force us to like Eli better. That was pretty refreshing to read.
And I loved Eli in his own right for how courteous, determined, and compassionate he was. My heart goes out to him. After being unable to study culinary aboard due to having to look after his sisters after his mother got sick, he had no choice but to run a catering company. What he really longs for is to run his own high-end restaurant in the heart of downtown and he even has the spot picked out. He works so hard to accomplish this goal on his own, he does not realize that he has people around who’d gladly help him out. He dreads having people rely on him, but he’s always there for others when they need him.
I loved Marlee, her courage, her fighting nature and kindness. After discovering her parents had cut her off and favouring her ex-fiancé over her, she’s fights to get control of her life at all cost, not even complaining at her lowered standard of living. That isn’t easy and was refreshing to read! I loved how easily she befriended Eli’s friends, while still keeping contact with her own. I loved reading about her antics she got up to with Babuska. And most of all, how she found her real passion in arranging flowers and kept that going even when she got her trust fund back.
All in all this was a very enjoyable read and I’m looking to read more of Christina Hovland’s other books. I realized after I finished it, that this is book three of her Mile High Matched series. It could be read as a stand-alone. Despite that, I’ll definitely be picking up the rest of the books in foreseeable future because I want to read more about Eli’s friends.
Thank you Netgalley, Victory Editing, and Christina Hovland for providing me with the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
Two days before her wedding, Marlee is dumped by her fiancé Scotty and her first thought is effort it’s take to cancel the wedding. The spark in their relationship had faded long ago, but she had hope it’d rekindle after the wedding. But when she discovered Scotty had left her to deal with the fall out alone while he went on their honeymoon alone, she lets Sadie and her friends convince her to head to Las Vegas with them to get back at him. They’re chaperoned by Eli, Sadie’s older brother, who fears what trouble they’d get up to. Marlee has known him all her life and, after a drunken night out, is shocked to wake up in bed with him, married. Shocked because of how right it feels. But Eli is horrified, considers their wedding a mistake and so Marlee concedes to help him rectify it. But can they fall in love while they await the divorce to go through?
This is a slow-burn and I feel it does a really good job of establishing the relationship and making us fall in love with Marlee and Eli right alongside them. Though I got through this book slower, it was due to the lack of time and not because of boredom. In fact, I tried picking it up whenever I could, eager to see how Eli and Marlee would overcoming their fears and resolve their differences. I liked the fact that they’re opposites in many ways and how nicely they balance each other out. (Eli’s mom stated it perfectly: “Marlee is wild. And he’s stable. Balance.”) I’m not a fan of love triangles, but I did how Marlee compared what she once felt for Scotty to what she feels now for Eli, showing us how different her love was for each man. And why Eli is better suited for her, without completely villianizing Scotty to force us to like Eli better. That was pretty refreshing to read.
And I loved Eli in his own right for how courteous, determined, and compassionate he was. My heart goes out to him. After being unable to study culinary aboard due to having to look after his sisters after his mother got sick, he had no choice but to run a catering company. What he really longs for is to run his own high-end restaurant in the heart of downtown and he even has the spot picked out. He works so hard to accomplish this goal on his own, he does not realize that he has people around who’d gladly help him out. He dreads having people rely on him, but he’s always there for others when they need him.
I loved Marlee, her courage, her fighting nature and kindness. After discovering her parents had cut her off and favouring her ex-fiancé over her, she’s fights to get control of her life at all cost, not even complaining at her lowered standard of living. That isn’t easy and was refreshing to read! I loved how easily she befriended Eli’s friends, while still keeping contact with her own. I loved reading about her antics she got up to with Babuska. And most of all, how she found her real passion in arranging flowers and kept that going even when she got her trust fund back.
All in all this was a very enjoyable read and I’m looking to read more of Christina Hovland’s other books. I realized after I finished it, that this is book three of her Mile High Matched series. It could be read as a stand-alone. Despite that, I’ll definitely be picking up the rest of the books in foreseeable future because I want to read more about Eli’s friends.
Thank you Netgalley, Victory Editing, and Christina Hovland for providing me with the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
August 10, 2019
Rating: ★★★★☆ (3/5 Stars)
Title: Take It Off the Menu
Author(s): Christina Hovland
Character(s):
― Marlee Medford: 39 years old
― Elias "Eli" Howard: Black
Setting: Denver, Colorado
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: R
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s):
― “Do you know how scary it is to be the one who loves you more?”
Overall Opinion:
A good old best friend older brother trope which oddly enough I'm not the biggest fan of that was actually sorta kinda cute. From the get-go, your able to see the strong connection between Marlee and Eli, and how their relationship developed throughout the pages. Sure this didn't wow me like "Blow Me Away" but it was still entertaining to say the least. In conclusion, this was a cute romance filled with likable characters, some funny moments and old faces of whom we previously read and loved.
August 30, 2019
"She was only falling in love with the guy who had the power to totally decimate the remains of her tattered heart."
Eli was hired as a caterer to the wedding of his youngest sister's best friend. What he didn't expect was to have to comfort a jilted bride, take part on a girl-only trip to Vegas and end the weekend with a different marital status. One that makes him shiver.
Marlee planned her wedding for eighteen months and is now married. But with the wrong groom. After being abandoned two days before her wedding, there's nothing like going to Vegas with her bridesmaids and drowning her sorrows in alcohol. What wasn't in the plans was to marry her best friend's older brother.
He has a wedding phobia. She was just abandoned. They have known each other since adolescence and have never looked at each other differently. Until they get married in Vegas. And this will be the beginning of a journey of discovery.
The always frowning and lonely Eli and the sweet, talkative, radiant Marlee seem to have no place in each other's lives. But they complement each other perfectly. The evolution of this relationship that started upside down is as natural as breathing. And it culminates in a story full of flavors and feelings that warms the heart and makes us sigh.
A special read, full of romance, with some steamy scenes near the end of the narrative. With that touch of destiny that shakes the lives of the characters and makes them rethink what is really needed to achieve happiness.
Eli and Marlee will make you laugh, fall in love and cheer for happy endings. Even when they happen out off plan and totally the upside down.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
https://avidezliteraria.wordpress.com/
Eli was hired as a caterer to the wedding of his youngest sister's best friend. What he didn't expect was to have to comfort a jilted bride, take part on a girl-only trip to Vegas and end the weekend with a different marital status. One that makes him shiver.
Marlee planned her wedding for eighteen months and is now married. But with the wrong groom. After being abandoned two days before her wedding, there's nothing like going to Vegas with her bridesmaids and drowning her sorrows in alcohol. What wasn't in the plans was to marry her best friend's older brother.
He has a wedding phobia. She was just abandoned. They have known each other since adolescence and have never looked at each other differently. Until they get married in Vegas. And this will be the beginning of a journey of discovery.
The always frowning and lonely Eli and the sweet, talkative, radiant Marlee seem to have no place in each other's lives. But they complement each other perfectly. The evolution of this relationship that started upside down is as natural as breathing. And it culminates in a story full of flavors and feelings that warms the heart and makes us sigh.
A special read, full of romance, with some steamy scenes near the end of the narrative. With that touch of destiny that shakes the lives of the characters and makes them rethink what is really needed to achieve happiness.
Eli and Marlee will make you laugh, fall in love and cheer for happy endings. Even when they happen out off plan and totally the upside down.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
https://avidezliteraria.wordpress.com/
September 3, 2019
In short, this was boring. For some reason it feels like it took me forever to finish this book. It was fine. Not great, not awful, just ok. Nothing stands out, neither in a good nor in a bad way. The characters are bland and the storyline predictable. Before the halfway mark I was already skimming in hope of getting to something interesting again. This story line had so much potential and I so desperately wanted to like it. It wasn't a bad book, nothing special really bothered me about it but nothing really held my attention either. I really wanted to like Take It Off Menu but I just had a hard time connecting to Marlee from the get-go. I also feel like the plot was not flowing. I skipped pages in between because I kept getting bored. I keep thinking that I was supposed to like and enjoy the main couple, except I didn't. I didn't hate or dislike them but I didn't like them either. They were simply 'meh'. I liked some of the ways they handled their relationship though. I was thinking to myself not so long ago that what I like about romance is how a good author can take an expected outcome - falling in love, the happy ever after - and make the getting there feel fresh and inventive. And this didn't really do that for me. It felt like pretty paint-by-the-numbers contemporary romance, to be honest. Perfectly serviceable, but nothing to get excited about.
I tried, I really tried but this one just didn't do it for me. I’m still looking forward to reading more books by Ms. Hovland but this one didn’t quite excite me as much as I had hoped.
***I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I tried, I really tried but this one just didn't do it for me. I’m still looking forward to reading more books by Ms. Hovland but this one didn’t quite excite me as much as I had hoped.
***I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 23, 2020
4.7 stars
This book was exactly what I needed to get out of the dry spell I had been having lately. It was flirty, fun, and heartfelt. I just recently discovered this author and have loved everything that I have read so far. This author has a knack for keeping the balance between funny and also sweet. The characters are always perfect. Not just for each other but just perfect in a normal sense. They have insecurities and fears like real everyday people do.
Has the accidental marriage in Vegas been done time and time again? Yes. Do they often blend in with each other? Yes. However, this one stuck with me. There was something about the characters having known each other all their lives and already having that established bond that helped. It made it more real and less surprising to have them believe in each other the way that they did. I loved that Eli was able to help Marlee find her niche in life and that she was able to break him out of his shell.
Lots of laughs again with Babushka making an appearance (that lady really is a hoot) and a chance to see that true love prevails. I highly recommend this author and all of her books. She is one of my favorite discoveries in 2019. I cannot wait to see what is next in this series of standalones.
This book was exactly what I needed to get out of the dry spell I had been having lately. It was flirty, fun, and heartfelt. I just recently discovered this author and have loved everything that I have read so far. This author has a knack for keeping the balance between funny and also sweet. The characters are always perfect. Not just for each other but just perfect in a normal sense. They have insecurities and fears like real everyday people do.
Has the accidental marriage in Vegas been done time and time again? Yes. Do they often blend in with each other? Yes. However, this one stuck with me. There was something about the characters having known each other all their lives and already having that established bond that helped. It made it more real and less surprising to have them believe in each other the way that they did. I loved that Eli was able to help Marlee find her niche in life and that she was able to break him out of his shell.
Lots of laughs again with Babushka making an appearance (that lady really is a hoot) and a chance to see that true love prevails. I highly recommend this author and all of her books. She is one of my favorite discoveries in 2019. I cannot wait to see what is next in this series of standalones.
July 12, 2019
I love this series. Diving back into Brek, Velma and their friends-- this time with Eli and Marlee-- was like getting together with old friends. It was funny, sweet, sexy, and a great addition to an already awesome series. The humor of Babushka being mirrored by Marlee and her girls was very enjoyable. The sweet moments totally tugged at my heart and I found myself smiling several times.
August 8, 2019
I read this because it was about a chef and I'm food-obsessed.
April 10, 2025
This book dragged for me I just couldn't buy into the characters. So disappointing as I really liked books 1.5 and book 4 of this series.
I don't like the h Marlee she has been in a boring relationship for long time but still is going to marry the guy. Lucky for her he breaks it up as he is bored too, unluckily she is left cancelling wedding of the year 2 days before it is supposed to happen. Her wealth has let her be stupid, staying engaged and planning event wedding just because she wants the "show" even though she not madly in love with the groom. She is rich, entitled and out of touch in many way although kind in many ways looking out for others, bringing coffee and being friends to homeless dude and being chirpy positive all the time.
She then takes her friends on an impromptu Vegas trip to get over the cancelled wedding. She gets drunk married in Vegas to a really nice guy Eli (her friend's brother) who she's known forever but wants instant divorce as she has been cut off financially by her parents. She is almost 30!! I don't feel the chemistry as she just seems weak and kind of shallow and he is grumpy but solid guy and VERY anti relationship, has goals and doesn't want to be tied down.
After her ex fiance keeps their house she ends up living with Eli the oops husband as she finds her shallow local "friends " don't want her if she is poor. She's made many bad choices and has led a superficial life. She now has to wake up to REAL life, get a job, but not really... as she is still waiting for the divorce so she can get her trust fund money back. She wants to pay Eli for his help which is thoughtful but for me she is just unrealistic and naive (didn't find it charming).
The last 1/3 of the book is just out of control as predictably they fall for each other, there is a confrontation with her rich parents and ex fiance, and she finds out she is pregnant. TOOO MUCH for me and yes there were some cute parts but overall not for me.
I don't like the h Marlee she has been in a boring relationship for long time but still is going to marry the guy. Lucky for her he breaks it up as he is bored too, unluckily she is left cancelling wedding of the year 2 days before it is supposed to happen. Her wealth has let her be stupid, staying engaged and planning event wedding just because she wants the "show" even though she not madly in love with the groom. She is rich, entitled and out of touch in many way although kind in many ways looking out for others, bringing coffee and being friends to homeless dude and being chirpy positive all the time.
She then takes her friends on an impromptu Vegas trip to get over the cancelled wedding. She gets drunk married in Vegas to a really nice guy Eli (her friend's brother) who she's known forever but wants instant divorce as she has been cut off financially by her parents. She is almost 30!! I don't feel the chemistry as she just seems weak and kind of shallow and he is grumpy but solid guy and VERY anti relationship, has goals and doesn't want to be tied down.
After her ex fiance keeps their house she ends up living with Eli the oops husband as she finds her shallow local "friends " don't want her if she is poor. She's made many bad choices and has led a superficial life. She now has to wake up to REAL life, get a job, but not really... as she is still waiting for the divorce so she can get her trust fund money back. She wants to pay Eli for his help which is thoughtful but for me she is just unrealistic and naive (didn't find it charming).
The last 1/3 of the book is just out of control as predictably they fall for each other, there is a confrontation with her rich parents and ex fiance, and she finds out she is pregnant. TOOO MUCH for me and yes there were some cute parts but overall not for me.
December 22, 2019
Marlee thought she had found the perfect man to spend the rest of her life with as not only did he fit perfectly in her life but in her family as well. No one was more surprised that she was when he suddenly cancelled the wedding but losing him wasn’t the worst part it was the way that people reacted that hurt the most so when her friends suggested a getaway to Vegas it seemed like the perfect plan.
Eli has always put the needs of those he cared about first and himself second. When he needed to stay in town to help those he loved he found a different way to become the successful chef that he is. Now that his sister’s best friend Marlee is hurting he heads off to Vegas with them to assist.
A few drinks, a few laughs and Marlee and Eli wake up the next morning married. When annulment isn’t an option they find themselves living together until their divorce is final and that is when the fun really begins!
Heat, humor and heart all combine into a sweet and sexy story. I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook and I thought the narrators did a good job of bringing out the essence of the characters.
Eli has always put the needs of those he cared about first and himself second. When he needed to stay in town to help those he loved he found a different way to become the successful chef that he is. Now that his sister’s best friend Marlee is hurting he heads off to Vegas with them to assist.
A few drinks, a few laughs and Marlee and Eli wake up the next morning married. When annulment isn’t an option they find themselves living together until their divorce is final and that is when the fun really begins!
Heat, humor and heart all combine into a sweet and sexy story. I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook and I thought the narrators did a good job of bringing out the essence of the characters.
October 11, 2021
This was a surprisingly good read. Plus, can’t beat the setting. 5280 represent! Knocking a star off because Marlee was, at times, too stupid to function and it annoys me so hard when the heroine has a propensity for being dumb as a box of rocks.
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