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Chely When my grandmother and I started the Tacontento Grill, it was just a small, hole-in-the-wall taco joint with delicious food. But after the restaurant is featured on a popular food show, business starts to boom and it’s almost more than I can handle. That’s when Noah Bradford rides in on his white horse. He’s a restaurant investor with good taste and even better buns. But while he may look like Prince Charming, I’m no swooning Cinderella. Can I stop being one of the boys long enough to let him treat me like the princess he says I am?
Noah I always dreamed of running my own restaurant, which was why I double-majored in business and culinary arts. Instead, now I’m working for a big investment company buying other people’s restaurants and flipping them for a profit. When I hear about the Tacontento Grill, I know it has to be my next conquest. What I don’t expect is Araceli Torres. She’s curvy, smart, and doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty. But I need to remember where I come from and what’s really important if I’m going to conquer her heart.
C.L. Cruz writes short, steamy romance with curvy girls and the men who love them. She is a single mom of two kids currently seeking her own happily ever after.
I really enjoyed this story. It was quick, sweet and sexy. Noah showed up just when Chely needed him. The chemistry between the two is intense but Chely has trouble trusting and asking for help. Noah was a good guy who’s priorities were a little off, being in the corporate world so long had made him lose perspective. Being around Chely and her family made him realize what was off with his life. I loved how these two made each other better people.
Safety and Spoilers Completely safe. No ow/om drama. Both of their pasts weren’t really mentioned and neither one was a virgin. No abuse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wonderfully fantastic... The book was amazing... It had a lot of details and juicy scenes to it... The characters and their personalities match them perfectly... The plot and the storyline was very descriptive and amazing... "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Stars: 3 Length: Lunch Break Read POV: Dual Series: Juniper Creek #1 (Stand Alone) Ending: HEA Re-read? No
If you think I’m going to give up that easily, you have no idea what it takes to make it in the restaurant business.” I lick my lips, which are suddenly very dry. “What does it take?” “Persistence. Dedication.” With each word, his face gets closer to mine until our noses are almost touching. His fingers tighten around my arm, and my lips part without my permission. “Hard work.”
I had a few problems with this story. Firstly, as evidenced by the quote above, there was a whole lot of mansplaining. He is telling a woman who is successfully running a restaurant what it takes to make it in the restaurant business! He doesn't even have a restaurant! I wanted to smack him and Chely somehow took it all in stride. This was not the only instance of him speaking down to her and frankly it was just irritating.
Secondly, I have no idea why they named this "Tomboy". There was no indication that she was an actual tomboy. In fact, they call her a tomboy in the last 5% of the book and again, there is no reason why. Out of all of the titles in the world, why name it this?
So, besides those two very annoying facts, it was an alright story. Not great, just alright.
A great start to what I think is going to be a fabulous series. A love at first sight short story that wraps up with a very Happily Ever After.
Tomboy is completely safe and free of abuse and cheating, no ow/om drama, no others after meeting, no mention of either the hero or heroine's previous experience or partners.
Chely's restaurant is crazy busy and she needs help in walks Noah who she mistakes for the new cook. Noah wants to turn Chely's restaurant into a franchise but Chely has other plans. With these two at off over the restaurant, sparks still fly in this sweet and heartwarming story about finding your true priorities. I freely reviewed this book.
First book from this Author. I liked her writing style most of all. I did not find the characters likeable that much, but the whole book had a very charming atmosphere. I will try more books from her.
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the the first book in the Juniper Creek series. In this book Chely and her grandmother own a Mexican restaurant that was featured on a cooking show and now they can't keep up with business. Chely is expecting a new cook to show up to start work with them and when Noah shows up, she thinks he is the new chef. Noah was there to try and get Chely to sell her business to his boss who wanted to franchise their restaurant with a number of locations. Noah took on the role of chef that day to try and get Chely to talk to him, but when she learned he was not the chef and why he was really there, she told him she wasn't interested in selling. Noah wasn't about to give up and he said he would be back, he also wants Chely for himself. Noah was very attracted to Chely and knew she felt the same toward him. Chely hated that she found Noah attractive and when he kissed her, she knew she couldn't fight her feelings any longer. Noah asked Chley to go to an investors ball with him to meet his boss and she agreed. When they got to the ball, Chely felt even more out of place and wanted to leave, but she overheard women talking about Noah and then she began to doubt his feelings for her. I liked Chely and her grandmother. I love how they wanted to keep their business and how they grew it themselves. I think Noah lost sight of what made him happy. Noah needed to get back to doing what made him happy and not to worry so much about money. I think Chely and Noah were good for each other. I can't wait to read more of this series.
I really liked this short story. It was entertaining although I wanted to smack Noah on more than one occasion. The characters were likable.
Chely, her friends, and her Abuelita run a restaurant called the Tacontento Grill. The restaurant gets really busy after they are on a food show. This is good for business but brings outside interest to the restaurant in the form of an investor. Chely likes Noah (the investor's lead guy) but not the plans that they have for her restaurant.
Noah wanted to have his own restaurant at one point, but after college, he ended up working at an investment company. His job is now to investigate possible restaurant investments so that they can be purchased and turned into franchises. Noah's plan when he meets Chely changes slightly to include her. He wants to get to know her better, but he also wants her to agree to a deal with his company. When Chely reminds him of what's really important, he hopes that it's not too late for him to win her heart.
I really loved how Noah and Chely met. It cracked me up that he went along and helped Chely when he knew he wasn't who she thought he was. The chemistry between them was awesome. The way everyone was like a big family made me happy. I loved the dancing! Their happy ever after made me smile. I recommend reading this book.
Did you read "Spare Tire" from C.L. Cruz? No!! You should go read it because Emmy finds herself in Juniper Creek on the way to a wedding. She has an issue and Nico comes to her rescue. And really, so does Juniper Creek! This is the first introduction of Juniper Creek to readers and it made me want to visit the place. Luckily, C.L. Cruz is making it happen with a new series. Tomboy is the first book! We meet Chely and Noah. Chely is a hard working and helping her Abuelita with her restaurant that is now nationally known thanks to being featured on a TV program. People are flocking to get the best tacos and Chely's extremely busy. Enter Noah! At first, Chely mistakes him as the new cook. However, Noah is there for other reasons and an added one he didn't know about until he meets Chely.
Noah wants more for Chely and her restaurant. However, is that what Chely wants? Will these two get their act together and see what's in front of them? Well, this is a C.L. Cruz story so you already know the answer. The fun is seeing how they get there in the end.
Love these stories from C.L Cruz. I can't wait for more stories from Juniper Creek!
Thia is a ARC short story by C. L. Cruz and it features, Chely and Noah. Chely and her grandmother started a small restaurant, and at the beginning they only had few customers each day, but since the restaurant was featured on a national morning news, they have been very busy, busy enough to hire another cook. And he's late. Noah works at Talbot Investments, and has alway wanted his own restaurant. So when this little town of Jupiter Creek has the best tacos in the state, he wanted his company to invested in Tacontento Grill. Noah arrives at the grill and fines the line around the corner, waits till it shorten and enters to talk to the owner and to his surprise he is rushed into the kitchen and is put to work. At the end of the day, Noah tells Chely and the others who he is and why he is there. Of course Chely said NO, but the attraction is so strong for both Chely and Noah, they can't keep their hands to them self. Now they are on there way to a gala to talk to Talbot himself about what Chely wants from this arrangement. But what will Ben Talbot tell is the right decision for Chely and her grandmother. I am volunteering to leave a review for a ARC of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story of Noah and Chely’s relationship. Chely and her grandmother run a small, local Mexican restaurant that has great reviews and has gotten very busy. Noah works for an investment firm that wants to talk Chely into franchising the restaurant. There is a misunderstanding when they meet and she thinks he is the new cook hired to help and she immediately puts him to work. Noah had always been interested in culinary arts so he didn’t correct her and went to work in the kitchen because he wanted to get more of a feeling about the restaurant. When Chely finds out who Noah is she lets him know she has no interest in selling out even though she could use the money. He doesn’t give up easily and tries to convince her to sell. They both feel a personal connection and are unsure how to proceed. Will they find love and/or a business relationship?
This book was a fun, short read with 2 strong personalities. I recommend it for an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chely It’s not necessarily a tomboy. She spends most of her time in the kitchen with her Abuela. Chely spends hours prepping for the next day for tacos, tamales and tostadas to serve to the customers. People travel far and wide for this. But now Noah shows up from an investment company. The investment company thinks that they can franchise the restaurant. Ever since it hit like Twitter a couple times in a couple other social media brands have come and the popularity of the restaurant is booming. when he shows up he’s mistaken as the new hire that is needed to work the grill in the kitchen. He tried to explain but because of his love for cooking he participates. And it brings bad to surface why he got in a culinary field. he needs to convince the woman that he seems to of falling in love with to invest in a franchise. She just wants a food truck. I wonder who’s gonna win this fight? No cliffhanger
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tomboy by CL Cruz is a delightful quick reading contemporary romance novel with a touch of spice, and a sweet HEA. I enjoyed it so much that I reread certain portions, and I finished it with a smile.
Tomboy is about a Mexican Grill restaurant owner and an investor, Noah/MMC, who claims he can move her into the Major Leagues of restaurants, where she belongs. As Noah puts on the pressure and offers opportunities, Chely/FMC must decide - what are her priorities and what does she (truly) want?
I recommend Tomboy to readers who enjoy: romance novels with cooking themes; contemporary romances with HEAs; quick reading stories that can be read in under 3hrs; novels where the main characters work together to accomplish a common goal; and sweet stories with a dash of “spice.”
Reader Cautions - This is not a Clean novel. Profanity - occasional, less than 15 times, perhaps 10. Violence - none. Sexual situations - several on-scene intimate moments between the 2 main characters (perhaps a 3.0 or so, on a 0-5, Sweet to Very Steamy scale). I felt Tomboy was a Sweet story with just a touch of Steam. I do not recommend it for young readers or those who would be offended by the aforementioned.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review which is my opinion alone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a quick read, but engaging. Chely owns a small restaurant that's feeling the pressure after receiving positive reviews on a recent newscast. Noah is from an investment firm specializing in taking small businesses and turning them into franchises. Noah sees an opportunity to expand his portfolio with Chely's restaurant. Will Chely be able to show Noah the true worth of her business? Will Noah see this as a more personal opportunity than business? I enjoyed the chemistry between these two characters. The supporting characters are fun, and the dialogue quick. This is a hot, fast paced story that has left me looking forward to more tales from Juniper Creek.
OMG every single book C.L. Cruz has put out I have enjoyed each one tremendously. This is another book that hits the best of the best books I have read. I k ow their short reads and I can’t imagine what her books would be like if they were longer but I’ll take anything this author puts out! Cheryl and her grandma run a restaurant in Jupiter Creek and Noah is an investor looking to expand their restaurant. Little does Cheryl know who he really is at the beginning of the book but once she finds out she has to fight with what she believes in. The chemistry between Noah and Cheryl is undeniable and swoon worthy. You’ll have to get this book to see how they finally deal with everything together!!
I voluntarily read this book and I am leaving my honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Chely owns and operates an Authentic Mexican Restaurant who is hoping to get a food truck in her future but right now her little place in Juniper Creek is doing pretty good but she has to work so hard to make ends meet, but it is worth it. She has her Abuelita and her friend Veda, and a dishwasher as her staff. Noah comes to town an executive for an investment firm he has been working for since he got out of college but his love is cooking, When he encounters a miscommunication between him and Veda and then Chely. Noah is really there he believes to help her improve her place, that is not exactly how Chely sees it. Great storyline and the characters are very interesting. I purchased this book. I am providing an honest review.
I was so excited to see that this new series is set in Juniper Creek. We get some glimpses of Emmy and Nico from Spare Tire - fun, fun, fun! Chely is a true tomboy - more at home in jean and a t shirt than in anything close to fancy dress. Noah is a man who's forgotten his dreams. A business opportunity brings them together, but Chely knows who she is and what she wants - and it isn't what Noah's company is offering. But Chely reminds Noah of what's important in life - love, family, and following your heart's desire. A quick read, great for a break in your day!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chely, a restaurant owner, believes Noah, an investor, is the new cook she hired and puts him to work when he walks into the kitchen. As the story progresses the first pitch is spoiled from the start, things heat up in the kitchen, and what was ordered may not be what either of them wants. C. L. Cruz’s Tomboy is a great start to her new Juniper Creek series. I fell in love with everyone from the start and cannot wait to read more Chely, Veda, Abuelita.
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
OMG - LOVE Chely - a woman that knows what she wants. This was a cute short story and I really love that they are all geared toward curvy girls. This is about Chely and Noah. Noah is there as an investor or better yet to try to convince her to franchise her business, but she doesn't want to. Love Abuelita (grandma) and all of the Mexican food that was mentioned in the book. Love how the Pozole is made as I'm pretty good at making that myself and like Chely states - it depends on the mood which determines the spiciness of it. This is the first book of the series, I hope there is more to come, but I know Veda is absolutely getting her own.
Chely has been running her restaurant with her grandmother for a long time in their sleepy little town, but ever since they were on tv their business has tripled and she is exhausted! When the new cook arrives she is happy for some help, only what she doesn’t know is that Noah is actually from an investment company looking to buy her restaurant! Noah takes one look at Chely and immediately falls for her! Only will she forgive him for not telling her who he really is? Great book that I would highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Being a tomboy myself, I understand how Chely feels being put into the friend category by other guys all the time. You just don’t feel sexy or pretty. Instead she focuses on putting her heart and soul into the restaurant. Noah doesn’t know what hit him upon meeting Chely. He goes in the place focused on making a business deal and leaves questioning his life choices. After awhile, Noah discovers some new goals and Chely becomes even more certain that her business stay the way it is. In the midst of all the craziness, these two fall into a love that is as hot and spicy as the food. I received an advanced reader copy from the author in exchange for my volunteer review.
Family restaurateur Chely had the interest of investment business agent Noah in more ways than one. At first they aren't a great fit, but what I really enjoyed was how they both learnt about themselves and what their wants and needs are. Especially Noah. The characters were fun and a teensy bit quirky. There wasn't a lit of steam as is usual in this Author's books but there was a great deal of fun flirting going on. I truly enjoyed this story and seems like a great start to a new series. This was an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This is a 4.5 star rating. Loved this story!! It is a wonderfully sweet short story in which the author brings the characters to life on the pages of the book. Cruz does and outstanding job of introducing the people of Juniper Creek to her readers and making them want to get to know the people and town of Juniper Creek better. The attraction and sexual tension between Chely and Noah is well done but I could’ve done with out the steamy love scene. I don’t think it added to the story at all, hence the 4.5 rating.
After a TV spot the restaurant is a big hit and a company wants to expand it all over the place. He comes to talk to her about selling . Mistaken him for their new cook they really work well together and he remembers of how much he loves to cook. He tells them the truth and she says no. But the attraction is strong,she goes to a ball and know she doesn't fit in. After a fight ,he does some deep hard thinking after talking to his boss. He buys a food truck for her and tells her thanks to her he remembers what he loves...cooking and her
Poor Charlotte old enough to go to College but not old enough to say home without her parent in attendance. She goes to Juniper Creek to stay for a few days while her dorm gets ready. She's suppose to stay with Lonnie but he ends up dropping her off at Tanks place and tells them he'll be right back. Well, Lonnie goes MIA, plus he has Charlotte's luggage. Charlotte falls big time for Tank and well as Tank falling for her. The chemistry between these two is fantastic. It's a short story but the storyline flows. Highly recommend. I received this ARC for an honest review.
This was my first book by CL Cruz and I have to say, it was a great first pick and I'll be back for more.
I LOVED that Chely was as strong, fierce and determined woman. She knew what she wanted out of life and she was putting in the time and hard work to make it happen. A strong leading lady is always my favorite.
The sense of family in this book really shined and enhanced the story for me. It was more than just Noah and Chely in this story, it was also her family and friends dedicated to the success of the restaurant.
This is Chely's story who we met in Fat Chance with Berkley and Nico. She is a tomboy and her main focus is the restaurant she owns with her grandmother. When she meets Noah, it is a case of mistaken identity. The way these two interact from the very beginning is perfect. The push and pull between the two is magical. This is a great start to what I hope will be a new series.
I think out of all the characters I have met so far, Tank is who I am looking forward to the most :)
Can a case of mistaken identity lead to a happy ever after? Chely is a chef in her restaurant for taco and enchiladas. She works alongside her grandmother. She hired a cook. In walks Noah and everyone thinks that Noah is the cook that she hired. The characters are good and have chemistry. Noah screwed up when it comes to Chely. Now he has to get her back and find himself in the process. I voluntarily received an ARC of this book and this is my opinion.