What do you think?
Rate this book
The Taylor Triplets #1
Cooking Up Romance
Food isn’t the only way to this single dad’s heart…
Lacy was a redhead with a pink food truck who prepared mouthwatering meals. Hunky construction manager Zack Gardner agreed to let her feed his hungry crew in exchange for cooking lessons for his young daughter. But it looked like the lovely businesswoman was transforming the single dad’s life in more ways than one—since a family secret was going to change both of their lives in ways they never expected.
Lacy was a redhead with a pink food truck who prepared mouthwatering meals. Hunky construction manager Zack Gardner agreed to let her feed his hungry crew in exchange for cooking lessons for his young daughter. But it looked like the lovely businesswoman was transforming the single dad’s life in more ways than one—since a family secret was going to change both of their lives in ways they never expected.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2019
31 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Marshall
212 books305 followersUSA Today Bestselling author, Lynne Marshall, used to worry she had a serious problem with daydreaming until she realized she was supposed to write those stories. A late bloomer, Lynne came to fiction writing after her children were nearly grown. Now she battles the empty nest by writing books which always include a love story and often medicine. She is a Southern California native, married to a New Englander for a long, long time. She is an adoring mother and grandmother, a dog lover, and an optimistic participant on this wild journey called life!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Read
January 2, 2020Dear Reader,
If it wasn’t for DNA testing, I never would have known who my true paternal grandfather was. The discovery was unnerving to say the least, though the history far removed. I bring this up because my reaction to the news was both emotional and physical, without ever having the chance to meet the man. From my personal exaggerated response, I could imagine how discovering at thirty-one that a person was separated at birth from a sister might be earth-shattering! Then I rubbed my hands together and got down to writing this trilogy.
Lacy and Zack are two of my all-time favorite characters. Both are down-to-earth and hardworking. Both have been dealt a tough hand in life but refuse to give up hope. If Lacy hadn’t set out on her own as a food truck cook, she never would’ve met her forever love. If Zack hadn’t been willing to take a chance on the woman with the crazy pink lunch mobile, he never would’ve discovered his perfect match, and mother figure for sweet Emma, his daughter.
But when a stranger insists Lacy looks exactly like another woman, that’s when the series mystery begins.
I hope you enjoy book one of the Taylor Sisters. I loved writing it.
If it wasn’t for DNA testing, I never would have known who my true paternal grandfather was. The discovery was unnerving to say the least, though the history far removed. I bring this up because my reaction to the news was both emotional and physical, without ever having the chance to meet the man. From my personal exaggerated response, I could imagine how discovering at thirty-one that a person was separated at birth from a sister might be earth-shattering! Then I rubbed my hands together and got down to writing this trilogy.
Lacy and Zack are two of my all-time favorite characters. Both are down-to-earth and hardworking. Both have been dealt a tough hand in life but refuse to give up hope. If Lacy hadn’t set out on her own as a food truck cook, she never would’ve met her forever love. If Zack hadn’t been willing to take a chance on the woman with the crazy pink lunch mobile, he never would’ve discovered his perfect match, and mother figure for sweet Emma, his daughter.
But when a stranger insists Lacy looks exactly like another woman, that’s when the series mystery begins.
I hope you enjoy book one of the Taylor Sisters. I loved writing it.
January 1, 2020
Fabulous food and wonderful romance just naturally go hand-in-hand, and talented storyteller Lynne Marshall blends them together beautifully in "Cooking Up Romance"--a charming contemporary love story. Lacy Winters inherited her father's food truck, and after a hot pink paint redo for the truck, and a new business name with a cool logo, her kitchen on wheels was ready to roll. A major new construction site with lots of hungry workers seems like a prime location to set up shop. She would meet with the construction manager and win him over with her cooking, and then she would have a steady income as long as the construction project continued. She was surprised when the construction manager turned out to be Zack Gardner, whom she had briefly met many years before when she had tagged along with her father on his food truck runs. She had been a young girl struck by the golden looks of the teen-aged worker, and he had teased her about her pretty red hair. Zack had grown more handsome through the years. but she had to remain professional and not become distracted. A divorced dad with a with a ten-year old daughter, Emma, who loved to cook, Zack had his hands full running his business and caring for Emma. Lacy had been devastated when she lost the love of her life five years ago in a military accident. Now, with her food truck looking to be a hit and the growing friendship and attraction she felt with Zack, her days were brighter and filled with hope. She even began to give cooking lessons to Emma--and thanks to Lacy, Zack and his daughter had a new sense of joy in their lives. However, one mysterious incident would lead to revelations which would change Lacy's world forever: A guest at wedding where Lacy was one of the caterers called her "Eva", and when Lacy corrected her, the woman told her she looked just like "Eva" and snapped her picture. When truths come to light, will Zack and Emma still be a part of Lacy's life--and hopefully a part of a beautiful, loving future together? Lynne Marshall is more than a storyteller, she is a story weaver who builds worlds and creates in-depth characterizations. She then adds unexpected elements to real-life situations, and she always has a surprise or two in store for the reader. I look forward to the next two books in the series.
Book Copy Gratis Author
Book Copy Gratis Author
May 2, 2020
Good book. After her father's death, Lacy took his food truck and, after a new paint job and a change in name, set out on a new career. Her first goal was to get a contract to set up at a new construction site. She is dismayed to find out that the man her father had worked for has passed away, so she must convince his partner to take her on. Lacy surprised to discover that Zack was once the teenager she had a crush on when she accompanied her dad on his jobs when she was a kid. He's gotten better looking in the years since, which creates quite a distraction for Lacy.
Zach is a divorced single dad with sole custody of his ten-year-old daughter. His life is busy with running his business and taking care of Emma. The last thing he wants is an inconvenient attraction to the food truck lady, but he can't deny his fascination with her.
I liked the development of the relationship between Zack and Lacy. Her business gets off to a bit of a rough start when Zack isn't exactly enthusiastic about her proposal. However, the quality of the food gets him onboard pretty quickly. He also can't deny his attraction to her and asks Lacy to teach Emma to cook as a way of getting to know her. This is the first time in a long time that he has been interested in a woman, thanks to the actions of his ex-wife damaging his ability to trust. Lacy lost her fiancé during the war and hasn't been interested in risking her heart since then. As they spend time together during Emma's cooking lessons, the attraction between them grows, as does their friendship.
I loved seeing how their feelings for each other deepened, though neither was in a hurry to admit it. Zack realized it first, as his mind and heart kept picturing Lacy as a permanent part of his life. Lacy's rapport with Emma was a big part of her appeal, and there are plenty of sweet scenes involving the little girl. However, just as things look promising for a future together, an unexpected discovery causes Lacy to pull back. I ached for Lacy and the fear of loss that made her push Zack away. I hurt for Zack, who didn't understand what was going on, which brought back some unhappy memories. I liked that he didn't allow his fears to hold him back for long, and cheered when he went to confront Lacy.
Lacy was dealing with a lot of confusion and heartache. Some puzzling instances of mistaken identity made her question who she was and her relationship with her parents. I ached for Lacy as she tried to face those feelings at the same time that her heart pushed her toward Zack. There were times I wanted to shake her for not confiding in Zack and letting him give her the support she needed. I liked when she finally realized she was allowing her fears create the loss she was so afraid of and fought to overcome them. I loved the ending and seeing the two of them put their pasts behind them and move toward a future together.
The shock that Lacy received when she went through her parents' papers threw her life into turmoil. It went a long way toward answering some of the things she felt as a child, but she wasn't sure of the effect it would have on her life now. She was torn about what she should do with the information. I liked how Zack tried to help and his shock at what he found. The scene where the two women met was terrific, and I can't wait to see what is in store for them.
Zach is a divorced single dad with sole custody of his ten-year-old daughter. His life is busy with running his business and taking care of Emma. The last thing he wants is an inconvenient attraction to the food truck lady, but he can't deny his fascination with her.
I liked the development of the relationship between Zack and Lacy. Her business gets off to a bit of a rough start when Zack isn't exactly enthusiastic about her proposal. However, the quality of the food gets him onboard pretty quickly. He also can't deny his attraction to her and asks Lacy to teach Emma to cook as a way of getting to know her. This is the first time in a long time that he has been interested in a woman, thanks to the actions of his ex-wife damaging his ability to trust. Lacy lost her fiancé during the war and hasn't been interested in risking her heart since then. As they spend time together during Emma's cooking lessons, the attraction between them grows, as does their friendship.
I loved seeing how their feelings for each other deepened, though neither was in a hurry to admit it. Zack realized it first, as his mind and heart kept picturing Lacy as a permanent part of his life. Lacy's rapport with Emma was a big part of her appeal, and there are plenty of sweet scenes involving the little girl. However, just as things look promising for a future together, an unexpected discovery causes Lacy to pull back. I ached for Lacy and the fear of loss that made her push Zack away. I hurt for Zack, who didn't understand what was going on, which brought back some unhappy memories. I liked that he didn't allow his fears to hold him back for long, and cheered when he went to confront Lacy.
Lacy was dealing with a lot of confusion and heartache. Some puzzling instances of mistaken identity made her question who she was and her relationship with her parents. I ached for Lacy as she tried to face those feelings at the same time that her heart pushed her toward Zack. There were times I wanted to shake her for not confiding in Zack and letting him give her the support she needed. I liked when she finally realized she was allowing her fears create the loss she was so afraid of and fought to overcome them. I loved the ending and seeing the two of them put their pasts behind them and move toward a future together.
The shock that Lacy received when she went through her parents' papers threw her life into turmoil. It went a long way toward answering some of the things she felt as a child, but she wasn't sure of the effect it would have on her life now. She was torn about what she should do with the information. I liked how Zack tried to help and his shock at what he found. The scene where the two women met was terrific, and I can't wait to see what is in store for them.
December 24, 2019
Cooking Up Romance is the first in the Taylor Triplet series and portends to be a wonderful collection. This is a story of being an only child, losing your parents, and discovering secrets that were never revealed. Lacy loved her parents and is following in her father's footsteps by opening her own food truck business but she has always felt like something was missing. Zack is a single, divorced dad of one precocious daughter and not looking for a new relationship but when Lacy drives her pink food truck onto his construction site, the attraction is almost instantaneous. She is grieving over losing everyone she loves, he is guarded after being betrayed by love; both must learn to move on and the story that follows is wonderfully written. As well as a new love, Lacy also finds a new sister.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
December 21, 2019
4 1/2 STARS!
I didn't want to put it down! With the first book in her new The Taylor Triplets series, Lynn Marshall delights her readers with a hint of mystery to go with their romance in COOKING UP ROMANCE!
Zach was a delight to read! As the single dad to an adorable little girl, this owner/manager of a major construction business has a lot on his plate, but keeping his daughter happy is at the top of his list. Seeing him protect her heart when times got rocky was so heartwarming.
Lacy is determined to make her dad's food truck a new success now that she's remodeled and taken over, and snagging this trial job with Zach is a great step in the right direction. She really starts to fall for this kindhearted man and his little girl, but when a strange sighting happens on more than one occasion, she starts to wonder what truth she might find if she digs a little bit into the past she's a little fuzzy on.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a single dad finding a new lady who adores him as well as his kiddo. There's a kick of a mystery happening in the background of this story that leads to a plot twist that will carry forward in the series. I'm looking forward to finding out more!
I didn't want to put it down! With the first book in her new The Taylor Triplets series, Lynn Marshall delights her readers with a hint of mystery to go with their romance in COOKING UP ROMANCE!
Zach was a delight to read! As the single dad to an adorable little girl, this owner/manager of a major construction business has a lot on his plate, but keeping his daughter happy is at the top of his list. Seeing him protect her heart when times got rocky was so heartwarming.
Lacy is determined to make her dad's food truck a new success now that she's remodeled and taken over, and snagging this trial job with Zach is a great step in the right direction. She really starts to fall for this kindhearted man and his little girl, but when a strange sighting happens on more than one occasion, she starts to wonder what truth she might find if she digs a little bit into the past she's a little fuzzy on.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a single dad finding a new lady who adores him as well as his kiddo. There's a kick of a mystery happening in the background of this story that leads to a plot twist that will carry forward in the series. I'm looking forward to finding out more!
December 18, 2019
Another great book by Ms. Marshall and the best part is its the first book in a series. Lacy Winters recently painted her late Dad's food truck and called it Wrap me up and take me home. Hoping to make it successful in honor of him she pulls into a construction site hoping they will allow her to stay to supply lunch to the workers. Zack Gardner owns the site and is busy running his business and taking care of his daughter Emma who his wife left behind. He wasn't going to let Lacy stay but when he remembers her from their past he weakens offers her a few days . Sounds like a lovely beginning to a love story, which it is but there is so much more . Like someone mistaking Lacy for someone else, then seeing a double of herself and finally revealing papers to show her past was not all it seemed. Awesome story can't wait for the rest of them. Ms. Marshall always delivers and this one will have more to come.
December 30, 2019
The thing I love about Lynne Marshall is that she writes about wonderfully fresh characters... I mean Lacy is a food-truck owner and I love that! Always paired off with wonderful heroes, Zack is awesome! And the situation the two are put in to "meet" is delightful.
I enjoy Lynne's books because not a word is wasted, the narrative is detail packed and the delightful heroines are always a breath of fresh air. Charming and unique plots which are refreshing after reading many the dramatic and intense romances.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a jolly good read!
I enjoy Lynne's books because not a word is wasted, the narrative is detail packed and the delightful heroines are always a breath of fresh air. Charming and unique plots which are refreshing after reading many the dramatic and intense romances.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a jolly good read!
December 15, 2019
With heartwarming scenes and a wonderful cast of characters, the first book in The Taylor Triplets miniseries is repeatedly engaging. I have always thought the stories created by Lynne Marshall to be very inventive, and this book was especially imaginative. Its premise skillfully interweaves emotional situations with a little mystery, and the result is a romance packed with riveting moments. Ms. Marshall once again kept me totally entertained.
As the owner of food truck, Lacy Winters is excited because a construction site will have quite a few potential customers wanting to buy her tasty creations. When she goes to speak with the manager of the site about providing food for his employees, she does her best to impress Zackery Gardner. Though her healthy wraps do appeal to him, it is her expertise in cooking that really grabs his attention, as the single dad’s daughter wishes to learn all about making meals. Asking Lacy to teach his child is for the young girl’s benefit, but being around the enticing woman also brings Zack unexpected happiness.
The main characters in this story are so relatable, as both have some personal issues that greatly affect their current lives. Lacy has lost all the people in her life that really mattered to her, and she is just trying to make the future better. Making his daughter feel loved is most important to Zack, and he plans to make certain all her needs are met. When this couple initially come in contact, neither are looking to be in a relationship because of their past history. But interacting with one another along with his daughter makes them realize what they have been missing because of not letting anyone get close lately.
Between the budding romance of this couple and the mounting questions about the past, I was hooked from the very beginning to the stunning conclusion of COOKING UP ROMANCE. Lynne Marshall certainly knows how to keep me captivated, as I kept wondering what answers would be exposed. Her characters are very realistic, and any of their responses always seemed so probable. Zack and Lacy often feel conflicted about what decisions to make, while his daughter is a delight in every way. I am already intrigued by what could happen in the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion
As the owner of food truck, Lacy Winters is excited because a construction site will have quite a few potential customers wanting to buy her tasty creations. When she goes to speak with the manager of the site about providing food for his employees, she does her best to impress Zackery Gardner. Though her healthy wraps do appeal to him, it is her expertise in cooking that really grabs his attention, as the single dad’s daughter wishes to learn all about making meals. Asking Lacy to teach his child is for the young girl’s benefit, but being around the enticing woman also brings Zack unexpected happiness.
The main characters in this story are so relatable, as both have some personal issues that greatly affect their current lives. Lacy has lost all the people in her life that really mattered to her, and she is just trying to make the future better. Making his daughter feel loved is most important to Zack, and he plans to make certain all her needs are met. When this couple initially come in contact, neither are looking to be in a relationship because of their past history. But interacting with one another along with his daughter makes them realize what they have been missing because of not letting anyone get close lately.
Between the budding romance of this couple and the mounting questions about the past, I was hooked from the very beginning to the stunning conclusion of COOKING UP ROMANCE. Lynne Marshall certainly knows how to keep me captivated, as I kept wondering what answers would be exposed. Her characters are very realistic, and any of their responses always seemed so probable. Zack and Lacy often feel conflicted about what decisions to make, while his daughter is a delight in every way. I am already intrigued by what could happen in the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion
December 17, 2019
Loved it! My only complaint is that it was too short. Thrilled to see it is the beginning of a series. I want to know more. Pleasant romance with a child and a cat also included. Intriguing back stories for the lead characters. Yes, this is a complete tale with a happy ending, so you won't be disappointed. Other characters have stories to tell. Looking forward to reading them. Thanks to the author for providing a copy for my voluntary review.
June 26, 2020
Lacy a redhead with a pink food truck who prepares amazing wraps. A divorced construction manager Zack Gardner (a hunk) agreed to let her feed his workers in exchange for cooking lessons for his spanky daughter. Lacy
having lost her parents was desperate for a family. Felt part of her was missing. She didn't want a broken heart, because she always lost the people she loved. Loved Lacy, Zack and Emma.
Read
January 1, 2020Categories
Contemporary Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
The Taylor Triplets
Contemporary Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
The Taylor Triplets
February 16, 2020
Wonderful book!
This was a wonderful book. Loved everything about it. So sweet. Romantic! I have just found a new favorite author. Can't wait to read more from her. Five stars all the way just wish I could have gave to more.
This was a wonderful book. Loved everything about it. So sweet. Romantic! I have just found a new favorite author. Can't wait to read more from her. Five stars all the way just wish I could have gave to more.
January 3, 2020
Absolutely loved it. Waiting impatiently for the next in trilogy.
Review to come soon.
Update 03.01.2020
Originally published on Hina Loves To Read
The first thrill was reading the author's note which said this was book 1 of a trilogy. As I love reading Lynne Marhsall's work, I can't wait to read the next two. Post reading the book, I know who the female lead for book 2 will be but there is nothing about the 3rd one yet. But, I am sure this will be an amazing trilogy.
What I loved about this one?
First love can come back in one's life and that may be the perfect happily ever after one needs.
If someone fails in love once does not mean that there will be no other chances at love
The heroine is very lively and with her around things remained lively and full emotion. Even the melancholy was a tangible thing.
Zack's character cold have had more aspects highlighted apart from the fact that he had trouble trusting the female gender.
I am not much of a cooking person but this story and those cooking classes Lacy gave to Zack's daughter made me develop an interest in cooking too (small interest I am not likely to do anything about😉)
But, honestly I loved the book and highly recommend it!
Review to come soon.
Update 03.01.2020
Originally published on Hina Loves To Read
The first thrill was reading the author's note which said this was book 1 of a trilogy. As I love reading Lynne Marhsall's work, I can't wait to read the next two. Post reading the book, I know who the female lead for book 2 will be but there is nothing about the 3rd one yet. But, I am sure this will be an amazing trilogy.
What I loved about this one?
First love can come back in one's life and that may be the perfect happily ever after one needs.
If someone fails in love once does not mean that there will be no other chances at love
The heroine is very lively and with her around things remained lively and full emotion. Even the melancholy was a tangible thing.
Zack's character cold have had more aspects highlighted apart from the fact that he had trouble trusting the female gender.
I am not much of a cooking person but this story and those cooking classes Lacy gave to Zack's daughter made me develop an interest in cooking too (small interest I am not likely to do anything about😉)
But, honestly I loved the book and highly recommend it!
January 8, 2020
Cooking Up Romance is the first book in Lynne Marshall’s new series: The Taylor Triplets. I absolutely loved this book. Lacy wants to keep her father’s legacy alive. She repaints his food truck and seeks to build her own business. Zack, who is a contractor, is surprised when he sees a bright pink truck pull up at his construction site. Immediately they realize they were childhood acquaintances from when her father visited construction sites with his business. He allows her to park her truck on a trial basis.
It was heartwarming watching Lacy give Zack’s daughter Emma cooking lessons. I loved watching as their relationship slowly built around not only the growth of her business but through his daughter as well.
I can’t wait to see where Ms. Marshall takes this storyline especially with Lacy’s parentage in question. I highly recommend reading Cooking Up Romance. I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review.
It was heartwarming watching Lacy give Zack’s daughter Emma cooking lessons. I loved watching as their relationship slowly built around not only the growth of her business but through his daughter as well.
I can’t wait to see where Ms. Marshall takes this storyline especially with Lacy’s parentage in question. I highly recommend reading Cooking Up Romance. I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review.
January 2, 2020
COOKING UP ROMANCE (The Taylor Triplets) by author Lynne Marshall is a January 2020 release by Harlequin Special Edition release.
Lucy came with her food truck but would the construction manager allow her to park and sell food?
Zack was hooked to Lucy’s food and wanted her to teach his young daughter to cook. Then they find there was another lady just like Lucy. Who was she? Was she related to Lucy?
COOKING UP ROMANCE is a swoon-worthy romance. It is fast-paced and interesting. I was enthralled by this story and can’t wait to read the other books in this mini-series. Author Lynne Marshall wove this tale beautifully and brought Zack and Lucy together for their happy ever after.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
Lucy came with her food truck but would the construction manager allow her to park and sell food?
Zack was hooked to Lucy’s food and wanted her to teach his young daughter to cook. Then they find there was another lady just like Lucy. Who was she? Was she related to Lucy?
COOKING UP ROMANCE is a swoon-worthy romance. It is fast-paced and interesting. I was enthralled by this story and can’t wait to read the other books in this mini-series. Author Lynne Marshall wove this tale beautifully and brought Zack and Lucy together for their happy ever after.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
March 26, 2020
Construction manager, Zack Gardner wants some cooking lessons for his young daughter. Lucy Winters has a food truck, that belonged to her late father. Wanting to make it successful she agrees to give cooking lessons if she can park at the construction site. What could happen? Handsome single father, beautiful redhead who can cook some delicious meals. Let’s not forget about his daughter. Spending time together, can bring to people together. Will they fall in love? Lynne Marshall did it again. It is sweet, romantic and a little plot twist. Can’t wait for the next one
December 31, 2019
This is a keeper for me. Interesting story that moved along well.
Unfortunately this will be the last Special Edition I buy as they have moved from the sweet romance category to explicit sex category.
Guess Harlequin has gotten enough of my money over many years lol.
Unfortunately this will be the last Special Edition I buy as they have moved from the sweet romance category to explicit sex category.
Guess Harlequin has gotten enough of my money over many years lol.
Read
April 24, 2022I don't really write reviews. I write notes to myself about my reading experience.
So, this was the category romance that made me really sit down and think about why I find so many such books so disappointing. I recognize that the category romance I started reading back when I was 11 years old was meant for women much older than me, and the category romance written now is generally for women much younger than me. I never did experience a sweet spot where I was the target audience and I was getting the books I wanted, but there are always some books that are likable, and some that you like enough to re-read, and some that are just shite that makes you wonder how the authors slipped that crap past the editors and into publication.
It's also the book that made me decide to stop giving category romances star ratings. What is a great category read is not the same thing as a great fantasy read is not the same thing as a great literary fiction read. I am that asshole who hardly ever rates anything more than a 3 star read, and category romances are deserving of an accurate reflection on how I responded on a gut level--it is, after all, about the emotional experience. There are plenty of people who will give stars; let them lift that load. And, truth be told, I have long said that the star rating here on Goodreads tends to be out of proportion to a book's actual value. So many pieces of crap have great star rating because someone spent money or influence to buy reviews.
So I am going to shelf them based on my emotional reaction to the book for a while, and see if that works for me.
This one was mostly likable, but there was a lot of filler; the heroine has the same angsty, circular thoughts across multiple scenes and for multiple pages, and you know, I just do not want so much anxiety in a piece of escapist fiction that it seems like an anti-anxiety compound would make this character's life a lot better.
But the important thing here is the feeling that there was a lot of filler. This is one of the things that seriously disappoints me in modern category romance. The books are generally around 200 pages. Why do so many of them have so much filler?
So, this was the category romance that made me really sit down and think about why I find so many such books so disappointing. I recognize that the category romance I started reading back when I was 11 years old was meant for women much older than me, and the category romance written now is generally for women much younger than me. I never did experience a sweet spot where I was the target audience and I was getting the books I wanted, but there are always some books that are likable, and some that you like enough to re-read, and some that are just shite that makes you wonder how the authors slipped that crap past the editors and into publication.
It's also the book that made me decide to stop giving category romances star ratings. What is a great category read is not the same thing as a great fantasy read is not the same thing as a great literary fiction read. I am that asshole who hardly ever rates anything more than a 3 star read, and category romances are deserving of an accurate reflection on how I responded on a gut level--it is, after all, about the emotional experience. There are plenty of people who will give stars; let them lift that load. And, truth be told, I have long said that the star rating here on Goodreads tends to be out of proportion to a book's actual value. So many pieces of crap have great star rating because someone spent money or influence to buy reviews.
So I am going to shelf them based on my emotional reaction to the book for a while, and see if that works for me.
This one was mostly likable, but there was a lot of filler; the heroine has the same angsty, circular thoughts across multiple scenes and for multiple pages, and you know, I just do not want so much anxiety in a piece of escapist fiction that it seems like an anti-anxiety compound would make this character's life a lot better.
But the important thing here is the feeling that there was a lot of filler. This is one of the things that seriously disappoints me in modern category romance. The books are generally around 200 pages. Why do so many of them have so much filler?
March 14, 2021
I get that this book isn't trying to be anything revolutionary, it's a sweet romance. I enjoyed it for what it was, especially the first half of the book. but the reveal at the end was so dumb, rushed, and poorly handled that I had to give this book 2 stars. it felt like it was relegating too much to the sequel or whatever, and drained me of any interest.
October 27, 2020
A fantastic story about loving others again and opening yourself up to new possibilities. Can’t wait to read Eva’s story!
September 28, 2022
Harlequin romance with an obvious twist. She's an orphan, he's a single parent but there's mistaken identity thrown in. 2.75 stars
March 19, 2023
This was a cute read with realistic challenges for the hero and heroine. Can't wait to read book 2!
September 8, 2023
Lacey is alone in the world, but things are changing fast for her. A great romance with a mystery about Lacey. Very good.
June 24, 2024
Nice little start to a trilogy, although I did want to slap the heroine silly in several parts.
January 29, 2020
Cooking up Romance by Lynne Marshall. Lucy has a pink food truck and is determined to continue her fathers legacy. She lands a job visiting a building site where Zach is the site manager. Zach has a little girl and he wants her to be happy. She wants to learn to cook, so he employs Lucy to teach her. They start to fall for each other. Now there are strange coincidences and sightings of Lucy, but is it really her. A romance with a twist.
February 18, 2020
Well-written, relatively straightforward story, though a minor character's subplot is a jarring note. Largely closed door bedroom scenes fit well. I'm troubled by the frequency with which ex-spouses, male and female, are completely out of the picture when children are involved - an issue with many authors. The characters are reasonably strong and independent, with a few dashes of too good to be true. The tone at the outset is humorous, but that's not maintained.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2020
Good story
I love stories of siblings finding each other and especially twins or triplets. The mystery of what occurred is still to come, can't wait. Zach and Lacy's story of meeting again after 20 years and falling in love was just icing on the cake. Emma is a jewel.
I love stories of siblings finding each other and especially twins or triplets. The mystery of what occurred is still to come, can't wait. Zach and Lacy's story of meeting again after 20 years and falling in love was just icing on the cake. Emma is a jewel.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews