A Taste Of Love

The Village Romance #2

by Clare Lydon

Can The City Girl Win The Village Sweetheart?
Single since forever, Natalie Hill has all but given up on love. She’s convinced herself and everyone else she wants a quiet life. But if a tall, dark and gorgeous stranger turned up on her doorstep, her plans might change…
Enter Ellie Knap, who’s jump-starting her life in the Cotswolds after bailing on her relationship and her career. Her plan? To open an ice cream shop and melt into the village.
When the two meet it’s far from love at first sight, but then slowly, they become friends. Then one night, on a moonlit bridge, everything changes… But can Ellie pack up her old life in time to embrace the new? And can Natalie hold on tight when her quiet life suddenly gets deafeningly loud?
Best-selling lesbian romance author Clare Lydon has crafted a witty, warm hug of a book, that focuses on family, love & community. It’s part of The Village Romance series which features books by lesfic favourites TB Markinson (A Shot At Love), and Harper Bliss (A Lesson In Love).
One English village, three charming romances. Read the lesfic trilogy that’s the talk of the summer today!

72,500 words

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Lesbian, Audiobook, Queer, Lesbian Romance, Fiction

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 2019

About the author

Clare Lydon is a London-based writer of contemporary lesbian romance. She's a No.1 best-seller on lesbian fiction charts around the globe with five full-length novels to her name, as well as writing the All I Want series, set to continue throughout 2016. If you love romantic comedies, prepare to fall head over heels in love.

If you like books shot through with witty dialogue, 3D characters and sharp observations of modern lesbian life, why not give Clare's books a try?

More at: www.clarelydon.co.uk

Get a copy of my free Christmas novella 'It Had To Be You' by signing up to my mailing list here:

www.clarelydon.co.uk/it-had-to-be-you

Reviews

[Gaby LezReviewBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie Hill works at her aunt’s gin distillery based in the Cotswolds and is convinced she’ll remain single forever. That is until newly-arrived city-slicker Ellie Knap opens an ice-cream parlour in front of Natalie’s shop. Ellie is hard to resist with her tall, dark good looks and her exquisite ice creams flavours, but Natalie fears that Ellie’s stay in the Cotswolds won’t be permanent. Will they have a happily ever after?

This is book 2 of ‘The Village Romance’ series of three romance novels by T.B. Markinson, Clare Lydon and Harper Bliss set around a small town in the Cotswolds, England. Even though the main characters in each novel make an appearance in the others, each story is completely independent of the other two and can be read as standalone. Having said that, ‘A taste of love’ reveals a bit of TB Markinson’s ‘A shot at love’, so I recommend to read that one first. As a matter of fact, I recommend reading the three books because they are all equally enjoyable.

‘A taste of love’ presents three of my favourite things in life: love, gin and ice cream! Let me warn you that it’s hard to avoid temptation with so many references of ice cream flavours, some classic and others very innovative. The gin tasting scene had my mouth watering and the romance is classic Clare Lydon: funny, witty and hot.

This novel goes beyond the romance to also depict family relationships and life in a small community. I particularly enjoyed the secondary plot that highlights the relationship between Natalie and her father in which the author throws an unexpected twist. All secondary characters are well written and make the small town come alive in front of the readers’ eyes. As usual, Ms. Lydon delivers an authentically English, banter-filled, hot romance.

Overall, an entertaining, flavoursome and love-filled city country girl romance book. 4.5 stars.

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com

[Elske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice and light summer read. Enjoyed it. It was funny, warm-hearted and had lovely characters. 4 stars as it was good but I am not immediately putting it on my 5 star reread list.
Recommend

[Jo reece · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5.

[Les Rêveur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalie is the village sweetheart. Everyone loves her; the only problem is she can’t find a love life. She has all but given up on love when Ellie crashes into her… literally! Ellie is from London originally, but she is ready for a quiet life in the Cotswolds with her newly opened Ice Cream parlour.
Neither woman are looking for love, but love finds them, and with the usual wacky family members and village locals you are in for a wild ride!

Fantastic book! Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down and the late night/early morning finish was a testament to what a beautiful story it was. I especially loved the secondary character in this book, especially Natalie’s Dad. He won my heart in a big way. That all being said I would have loved an epilogue for these two awesome ladies.

Natalie and Ellie have chemistry in spades! The attraction was evident from very early on, and when they do finally get to the first kiss, it was explosive. The sexual tension and built up was spectacular. I love how the author cultivated their passion for each other.

Excellent novel and this new series is shaping up well. I can’t wait to start Harper Bliss’s book three in the Village Romance Series.


Star Rating: 4.5 Stars

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the second in the Village Romance series much more enjoyable. My issue of the first was in in your face stereotypes of tourists about every other page. While this story had them as well, it wasn’t as predominant or annoying. Remember folks, as annoying as those tourists are, they are what keeps you in business. I live in a town that once a year is inundated with tourists from all over the world for 10 days, I get the madness. The two main characters in this story were both very sweet and strong, working and building successful businesses and lives of their own. Both have been burned in the past, but as much as they both don’t want to admit it haven’t closed themselves off completely to love. A tiny bit of angst where I think Natalie jumped to conclusions a little too quickly. All in all a very enjoyable read and I honestly wouldn’t mind living in a village like this. I think the village is a character itself. Yes, everyone knows about everything that is going on in everyone’s lives, but they also have each other’s backs. The community comes together and supports each other. I’m looking forward to hearing about more.

[Best Lesfic Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, funny and sweet – this is a feel-good romance set in an idyllic English village.

Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...

[Carol Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this!!!

Natalie Hill, the village sweetheart hasn’t given up on love, but it hasn’t been easy for her. When Ellie, another Londoner arrives in Upper Chewford, Natalie is worried she might be another fleeting city escapee, but when she gets to know Ellie, and her dreams to sell ice cream to the villagers, she gets more than she bargained for.

I couldn’t get enough of this story, or the characters, or this series, and certainly of the Gin, and Ice Cream!!! It was really addictive. The story was sweet, romantic, a pinch of humour, and yet refreshingly exciting and inventive. Clare brings her unique style to this collaboration series, with her humour, and loveable characters that inject nothing but charm into the story.

Of course no romance would be complete without drama, and conflict, which Clare brings in healthy servings throughout the story to keep the reader on their toes, let alone the poor characters – village life certainly isn’t sleepy!

I laughed so much reading this, and had the biggest smile on my face because it was cute, funny, and like spending time with an old friend. I couldn’t put it down and really got invested in Natalie and Ellie’s lives, as if I was right there in the village ready to give my opinion like all the other villagers. I could totally connect to the storyline, the characters, and their feelings, just everything. It was just perfect! (Like mint choc chip ice cream – sorry Clare!)

I really need more from Natalie and Ellie, I haven’t had enough of them, and I still have some gin left, which is only appropriate to drink with them!

I can’t chose a favourite character out of Ellie and Natalie because they were so unique, and I really could identify with what they were both going through. Their chemistry was amazing, instant attraction, but self-denial and holding back makes it the ultimate slow burn romance, with heaps of amazing tension. When they are together they are cute, and sexy – fitting a few stereotypes but I wouldn’t have them any other way. Loved them so much, and really, really hope I see more from them in future. Special shoutout to Natalie’s dad though – when you read the book you will know why!!!

A total cuteness overload, sweet, and totally a loveable book. Really can’t recommend it, and this series enough – it’s just good for the soul, and a total mood booster.

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book, part 2 of a lovely series, though they are easily read individually. Excellent secondary characters, the life of a village well documented even if through rose-coloured glasses. Recommended.

[Kristin Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Just be prepared you will really want some ice cream while reading this. The 2 main characters are great together. I love how the town itself seems to take on a character role. Each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone. There are a few mentions of Jess and Harry from the 1st book. I look forward to reading the 3rd in this series soon.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the way the MCs became acquainted with each other, those clumsy moments felt out of a romantic comedy movie, and I’m a sucker for those.

The secondary characters made it a better book, they were funny and necessary. I wasn’t so keen about the ex girlfriend and the misconceptions but I understand some drama was necessary and given the plot that was the way to go.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars - This a really cute romance book, and I love the setting in the small English village. Currently reading my way through all of Clare's books, and can really recommend this one.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Taste of Love is the second romance in The Village Romance series with the first one written by T.B Markinson and the 3 being written by Harper Bliss. I would first say that this could be read as a standalone, but I recommend you reading #1 first just because it's a good book. The MCs in this one is Natalie and Ellie. Both have had a rough go at romance in the past with Natalie always falling for the Londoner who can't commit to country living and Ellie the Londoner who has fled city living for Country living after heartbreak.

These two MCs are just so cute together. I have to admit that I liked that Ellie was a good bit taller than Natalie (not that that really matters). Even though they have a rocky start, there is chemistry between them. I really enjoyed the story line. My one complaint is that the angst in this one was a bit overblown. Despite that I did enjoy the supporting characters and the secondary story about Natalie's dad. Whenever I pick up a Lydon romance, I know that I am going to enjoy it.

I will rate this one 4 stars.

[Lisa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Book 2 in the Village Romance Series. They are standalone books, but I would suggest reading book 1 first as ‘A Taste of Love’ does reference events in ‘A Shot at Love’.
A very nice, easy read with a touch of spice!
I was given an advance review copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars. Natalie Hill is not looking for love in her small town. That was until she met Ellie Knap, who is from London. She first meets Ellie has Ellie accidentally makes Natalie falls into the river when Ellie bike rides over a small, narrow bridge. Ellie and Natalie cannot stay away from each other. Ellie is opening an ice cream shop next to Ellie's gin store. Natalie is helping Ellie open her shop and get accustomed to the town and Ellie wants to help Natalie with her festival she is planning for the town. They cannot deny their attraction bur Natalie has had been hurt by a city girl before. Natalie cannot help but be a little cautious.

I enjoyed this book, it was easy to read. I did not particularly love it, I thought it was average for the most part. It was not bad and it was an enjoyable read. I liked the dynamic between Ellie and Natalie but I was a little frustrated by Their relationship at times and their misunderstandings leading to fights. I would recommend this book if you enjoy Claire Lydon, as it seemed average for her.

[Robin Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. The conflict in the third act was sooooo unnecessary in my opinion. The rest was nice.

[Chand · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. Characters are superficial and sound fake. There's no chemistry between the protagonists either. It's not easy to pull off a story based in a small town.

[JWG1973UK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

This is book 2 of a trilogy. I loved this book from start to finish. I loved the story line, the characters of Ellie and Natalie were sweethearts all the way through the book. The secondary characters were also a great bunch. The pace was just right.

I would definitely recommend reading this. It can be read as a standalone but to get the full experience of all characters etc I would start with book 1.

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more like it!

Whether or not you read book 1 by TB Markinson is up to you - it only gives back story to some characters who play minor parts in this work.

Book 2 is the superior article. Lydon's writing is fresher and more authentic. There's the seemingly inevitable manufactured conflict, but thankfully it's short-lived.

[Em Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of a 3 book series written by 3 different authors and it’s brilliant. Who knew village life could be such fun add romance and an ice cream store and it’s perfect. I really enjoyed this lighthearted romp through Upper Chewford.

So it’s hats off to T.B Markinson, Clare Lydon and Harper Bliss for coming up with this concept, it’s a winner.

[Lorraine Rusnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a pleasure

I love Clare's writing. I read book 1 and couldn't wait for book 2. I was not disappointed. Great friend to lover angle. I like that the main characters are more mature in this series. Love is ageless. I truly look forward to book 3.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute but predictable

Solid read. It won’t take any turns you’re not expecting, but watching the story unfold was still enjoyable. Can be read as a stand alone, despite being listed as book two in the series.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon the Village Romance Series with book 3, Lessons in Love by Harper Bliss. I enjoyed Lessons so much that I wanted to read the series. The setting for the series is a fictitious village in the Cotswold region of England. Having experienced a study-abroad some years ago, I was charmed by the villages in the region therefore I could not resist the pull. The authors of the series managed to portray the village in an equally charming and likely realistic way. I truly enjoyed the crossover characters appearing in each of the stories. Each book’s main characters were strong and engaging. Each couple, whether Josie and Harry, Ellie and Natalie, or Helen and Rory (Victoria), had realistic story arcs with understandable challenges and magnetic chemistry. Each story had quirky and enjoyable secondary characters as well.

Book 1, A Shot at Love by T.B. Markinson is a charming romance between Josie and Harry (Harriet).

Book 2, A Taste of Love by Clare Lydon is the also charming romance between Ellie and Natalie.

Book 3, Lessons in Love by Harper Bliss is again a charming romance between Helen and Rory (Victoria).

I am aware that I overused “charming” in the review. It cannot be helped as the word fits each story. I generally rate stories that I enjoy as FOUR STARS. While I originally rated the three stories FOUR STARS. However, when taken as a whole, I must change the rating to FIVE STARS. I reserve FIVE STARS for stories that I plan to reread. I expect to reread all three stories often, as they landed in my Five Star-Hall of Fame shelf.

[SPF Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd read Harper Bliss' contribution to this series (and started on the first book, but stopped because I've realized that author's style doesn't really jive with me). So, it was fun to see some of the same characters pop up. This is my second and a half book by Clare Lydon (given one was co-authored), and her books are lighthearted. Nothing's too deep. Given that 2022 was my year of discovering lesbian romance I have to say I've probably become a bit more of a discerning reader now, and certain tropes no longer seem as novel as when I first started out exploring this genre. The characters are fine but feel a little immature (do people still get jealous of ex-lovers in their late 30s? I say as someone in their late 30s who finds this really... strange). The drama at the end felt really unnecessary, and just reeked of poor planning on the part of the characters. Why would someone plan a trip right before a big event?! Why this and why that. Made the characters feel a little one-dimensional. The (spoiler) gay dad was a nice touch though, and a nice way to explore internalized homophobia and how queer folks can sometimes take out their fears on those closest to them. Some of the descriptions of lust/desire/sex are a little cringe-worthy, I wonder if intentionally so? Descriptions of "oozing" and "weapons of mass pleasure." Erm. Not really lustworthy, but it did make me groan a little in a different way, if that was the intended effect.

A light fun read for when such a read is desired.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second of the Village Romance series and we're back in Chewford, this time with Ellie and Natalie. Ice cream and gin. And… it was good to return. It felt a little weird when we had some crossover of people from the first book in a way that made clear that the timelines overlapped (though those characters had minor enough roles in this book that I shouldn't have worried about any weirdness).

I felt like this book appreciated the village more than the first book, though it still suffered from the trope of having to be introduced to the village by somebody escaping the city in search of a better life. As some body who grew up in a small town, it sometimes feels like authors think they need the "city" point of view to validate a small town to the reader. I can understand (especially in lesbian romance) why you might not have two women from the same small town "all of a sudden" fall in love with each other, but… why can't the "outsider" come from another small town sometimes? (My apologies to Clare Lydon for this, because she didn't do it badly, but that the same trope that annoys me has come up two books in a row in this series, so TB Markinson already had me itching about this trope from the first book.)

That said, I want to visit this village and the ice cream shop and the chocolate shop and the pub… Sorry, I'm not a big drinker, so I'll pass on the distillery and the gin… and I look forward to Harper Bliss bringing me back to the village in the third book!

[Cara Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gentle Walk Into Love

This book felt like a fairy tale but in modern times. Upper Chewford sounds like a dream of a place to live. And into that dream walks Ellie, a woman who needs a quieter pace of life, less tension, and a home where she can breathe. And who does she run into, quite literally, the very first day in town? Natalie.

Knocking Natalie off the bridge into the shallow waters isn’t a good start but after that, and one more mishap that’s totally not Ellie’s fault, Natalie and Ellie are drawn into each other’s orbits by circumstance and, seemingly, fate itself.

And unlike the last London woman who Natalie fell for, Ellie doesn’t seem like someone to run back to London if life gets complicated.

I enjoyed this book. It was good to see Josie and Harry from the first book in this series. And the spiel from the third book tells me that the Oxford professor who holds the monthly trivia contest at the local pub is going to be the center of the third book.

I enjoy all three of these authors and Clare Lydon has told a little English fairy tale that sails along wonderfully on wings of hope and love.

[Katie O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clare Lydon is just so consistently supreme at delivering a solid, well-written, feel good romcom. A Taste if Love is no exception, though it’s the first time she’s collaborated with other authors on a series. Though this is book 2, it can certainly stand on its own. This book’s setting is probably the best part - you’ll love spending time in Upper Chewford - a quaint, gorgeous, small town in the Cotswolds along a river with foot bridges just perfect for meet-cutes and first kisses. Ellie is new to town, having left London to heal a broken heart and broken spirit and opened 2 businesses in Upper Chewford (most notably an ice cream shop). Natalie is from the Cotswolds, manages the shop associated with her family’s gin distillery, and is known (and loved) by the whole town. Romance, comedy, city mouse/country mouse conflict, ice cream, and gin and tonics ensue. A great feel-good read, heading right into my “re-ready worthy” collection on my Kindle.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. I came to love Clare Lydon after reading a free kindle book she sent out and I was so glad to find this. A great plot and gives me hope for love! I love reading lesfic about women out of their 20s (because I'm in mine and single, so great to know I could stumble upon love one day post quarantine!) Aside from that mildly depressing reason for loving this book, I loved the plot in and of itself. It was well written and the story moved along nicely. I found it on Kindle Unlimited and was excited to download it. Can't wait to read more of Clare Lydon! I hear she has another book coming out in June? or July, cowriting with another author. I'll definitely be buying that now that I'm 3/3 Clare Lydon and loving all of it.

[Alastair Neil Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic trilogy set in a Cotswold village

The second book in the series is just as good as the first. Again I could not put it down. I love the characters and their different backgrounds; their roles in village life; their families; their tensions and even the quarrels. I became absorbed in the life of a village which I must admit was not something that would normally grab my interest. But these stories are so richly portrayed and the characters so loveable that I became totally immersed in their lives with a yearning to see insecurities and fears overcome. Fortunately the ending is entirely satisfying. This is a tender romance. And it's very sexy.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most touching of Clare's books, it has an emotionally charged story like "Change of heart " who is my favorite of hers. I loved the plotine with her and her dad, it made me touched.
"She took it like a champ. I married her for a reason.” Dad squeezed Jonathan’s arm as he said the last bit, but Jonathan didn’t seem bothered that Keith’s ex-wife had been around. Jonathan had been married to a woman, too, and had a son. He totally got later-life coming out and juggling of family.

[Michelle Schuler]

From City to Country

Clare Lydon nails this sequel A Taste of Love. Ellie burnt out in all aspects of her life decides what she truly wants. Deciding to open an Ice Cream Shop that just happens to be across from Natalie. The two have instant and amazing chemistry. I loved the human aspect of the characters, yes there was angst, but resolved beautifully and timely. I look forward to book 3 in the series.