Someone Like Lorenzo

Finding Love #1

by Ashley Zakrzewski

Celebrity Chef meets Girl Next Door.



Allison McCory dreams of seeing the world. Having lived her whole life on the isolated island of Cushnagh off the Irish coast, her whole small world revolves around her grandmother's health. She can't leave. Not now. Maybe never.

Celebrity chef Lorenzo Moratti's life has fallen apart. He's caught up in a messy divorce, hiding from the paparazzi, and his cooking show is in danger of being canceled. Overwhelmed, he retreats to Cushnagh to get away from it all ... and maybe to never come back.

A chance encounter redirects their lives. Can Allison help restore Lorenzo's faith?

Or is their meeting a recipe for disaster?

Genres: Contemporary

235 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2018

About the author

Ashley Zakrzewski is a Romance Author known for her captivating storytelling, sultry plots, and dynamic protagonists. Hailing from Arkansas, her affinity for the written word began early on, and she has been relentlessly chasing after her dreams ever since.

When she isn't crafting stories, Ashley is either pursuing her business degree, blogging, or being a bookworm. Above all else, she loves spending quality time with her amazing husband and beautiful daughter.

You can find more at www.ashleyzakrzewski.com

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/7/2020)! 🎁

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

it has been forever since i have read a hand held book that had a good sized text. i wear glasses to read books, so i appreciate that. on my kindle which i normally read i can increase the text. but real book i have to read them in the daylight hours ... i have noticed the better the light the better i see. not sure what that means? it works for me. i was super lucky to win this book. not sure if it was instagram, FB or Goodreads, or was it 'cause i am on her newsletter list??! ...but thankful i won it ... new to Ashley's writing ... i wanna read the Vampire books ...they fall under the paranormal romances genre ... i have not read a good vampire book in a long time ... here's hoping??! i think i will read more from this series soon. they are standalone reads. so that is super great!! awesome!! i really enjoyed the characters. the setting. so fun. i will say there is a curious happening throughout the book ... i noticed "q" 's ... are not there ... i wonder what that mean? i had a kid like thought ... maybe there was a hidden message ... so i took down the pages i found that had missing q's ... did see one that i could find?? but it did not matter whether it was big case or little case ...the q's were missing .. a printer issue? there is a preview of "Simply Complicated" at the back of the book so that is great for me ... i love finding authors i am not familiar with and reading books i just falling in love ... thank you, Ashley .. well done. enjoyable. quick for me .. i look forward to reading more soon from this author. so excited!!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison McCory has lived her life on the isolated island of Cushnagh, wanting to leave and see more of the world outside her small domain. But with her grandmother needing her, she may never have that opportunity.

Celebrity Chef Lorenzo Moratti is having a melt-down. He’s trying to avoid the media, worried that his cooking show is in jeopardy, and dealing with a nasty divorce. He needs to get away from it all and de-stress. What better place than an island? Cushnagh will be perfect, and he may just decide to stay there permanently rather than face what’s “out there”!

This was a good story line with lots of emotions coming from every direction. We have a woman who would love to be free by leaving, and a man who would love to be free by staying! Fortunately for Lorenzo, Allison recognizes someone who needs a friend more than anything to help him sort things out. Their relationship was a beautiful slow burn, taking them from friendship to romance. Was this what both of them had needed all along?

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book is book one in The Finding Love Series and it is Allison and Lorenzo's story and it is a great start to a new series. Allison lives on the isolated island of cushnagh and even though she would love to travel her grandmother needs her more. Lorenzo is a celebrity chef and he is dealing with a lot in his life including a really nasty divorce and he feels like he needs to take some time for himself and get away from the stress of it all and that is how he ends up on the island of cushnagh. When Allison and Lorenzo meet they have a instant attraction but friendship is what they both need more but only time will tell if romance is in the card's for them in the future. This was a really great book and I couldn't put it down and the characters and storyline pulled you in to this sweet romance . I definitely recommend you read this book, series and other books by Ashley Zakrzewski who is a brilliant author and writer and her books are definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a romance story. The main characters were Allison McCory and Lorenzo Moratti. And also the other characters too.

Allison McCory has lived all her life on the isolated island of Cushnagh with her grandmother. Allison like helping people around town.

Celebrity Chef Lorenzo Moratti has came to Cushnagh to get a way from things that are happening at his home in London. He never expected to find love on the island.

This was an emotional type of story with a slow burn feel to it. There are parts of the story that was sad and also happy to.

I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

[The Literary Chimera · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Someone Like Lorenzo" has potential, but I think it lacks something. The FMC is relatable and sweet and the MMC is flawed and also relatable. It just moves very slowly and while there is a hint of an underlying plot it just doesn't seem to be enough. If you like the completely predictable Hallmark movie style stories, this would be up your alley. It is sweet and clean as nothing happens on page. Any intimate scenes are glossed over, which is okay, but it can make them feel like an after thought, especially when the romance is the main focus of the book. Overall it is okay, but it definitely could be more.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel had a lot of good moments, a lot of sweet moments; BUT it also had lot of just okay moments and just a sliver of the romance that the title implied. However, even though there were times when it would lull, I never pondered choosing another novel for immediately something would grab my attention again. There was always something slightly spicy or mysterious which would  reel me back in to stick by the side of this author. In the end, though, I'm glad I finished reading this novel.

[Sharon A Shovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allison lives with her grandmother and works in a Bakery. A small island of Cushnagh in Ireland is her home. Her next door neighbor usually visits his home here in the summer. For some reason the lights are on and Allison is very curious. She finally sees the person who is living there and her impression is not a good one. He is abrupt and has an attitude. But there is something about him that calls to her. She loves to help people. Guess we will see what occurs next.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quaint story had me connecting with Allison and Lorenzo. She has her hands full running a bakery and taking care of her grandmother. Lorenzo has the weight of the world on his shoulder with all of the emotional fallout thanks to the divorce from his wife and the drama surrounding it. She meets him at one of his worst times and it starts their path. Will these two lost souls find a bond that leads them to happiness.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Jurae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Allison lives in small town in Ireland so when Lorenzo a well known Celebrity chef shows up seemingly in need of a friend she doesn't hesitate. 

The story was good but dry, for lack of a better term. It just seemed lack luster.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating romance with characters that have definite chemistry. The story line pulls you in and holds your attention as you continue turning the pages. Strong and well developed characters that are realistic and easy to like. A good summer time read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book that was full of well written and amazing characters with plenty of chemistry and an engaging storyline that had me turning the pages and keeping me entertained.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Will Decker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had no clue that all I was getting was a PREVIEW! I even went back to the source and looked it over and no mention that this was just a preview and at the end of the preview it says basically, 'Buy the book here.' Really?

[Alan Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentle endearing romantic story full of good feelings a good story line and good characters adding to the storyline which moves on in an smooth and happy way. I Enjoyed it for a bit of light relief buy and enjoy

[jennifer davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Allison and Lorenzo had me enraptured. Turning pages and learning their story was amazing to me. I enjoyed watching them learn to become more than what they thought they were. It captured my attention, and I could not stop reading.

[Angie Large · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet closed door romance. It gave me Hallmark vibes minus the third act breakup. There were many great side characters and Lorenzo was a loveable lost soul. However there were a few times I noticed it jumped from first person narration to third person and I found it distracting.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming, caring, kind and compassionate Ali helping out the familiar guy staying next door. Helping out when Lorenzo just needs a friend. Friendship leading to more but from different worlds.

[Angelica Larsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the chemistry between Lorenzo and Allison and would love to read more about them.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has been on my Nook’s To-Read shelf for a while. I’m not even sure why. I don’t normally download a book that has a less than 3.90 rating. I guess I wanted to give this author a try. Sorry to say that I’m not really going to up the rating on this one. The story has an interesting plot line but it just isn’t well developed. The author switches from first person to third person throughout the entire book. The writing style is OK but not terribly interesting. The book is short, it was over before I felt the urge to DNF it.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone Like Lorenzo is the first book in the Finding Love series. Allison lives on an isolated island, but when Lorenzo comes to find himself, she figures he could really use a friend. As they spend more and more time together, they find a spark, but before they can act on anything, Lorenzo has to reveal some secrets. Could a small town girl fit in with the celebrity world, or is their relationship doomed?

This is a sweet romance with a little bit of a slow burn, but I loved the emphasis on their friendship, connection, and their fight for love. Allison is so friendly and wears her heart on her sleeve. She knows when to protect herself, but also when to fight for herself, too. Lorenzo is a mess in the beginning of the book, but he understands that it’s a mess partially of his own making. I love that he comes clean about the whole truth and doesn’t try to hide anything from Allison. I think they made a really great couple, I loved that he kind of opened up Allison to loving life and seeing more, but she really helped him change from an attention seeker to a more caring and well rounded man. I enjoyed this book! Between the connection you could feel between the characters, the drama, and wanting to know what was going to happen next, I think this was a well rounded romance and I enjoyed reading it!

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small town girl and a celebrity chef make an interesting dish

Someone Like Lorenzo is s good debut novel by Ashley Zakrzewski. It is a sweet and romantic story with a well developed story-line and fun and witty characters that had some depth and background.. It was also nice to read a romance where the two main characters did not fall into insta-love with each other and then into bed, or a couch, or against a wall, or..........well you get the idea.

There were a couple things that I thought worked against the book and that is the length of it. From my viewpoint the story could have been edited down a lot as it was just too wordy. Additionally some of the dialogue was just too slow and did not make sense if you read it with an eye as to if people would actually talk that way, at least not the people I know. But overall I enjoyed reading Someone Like Lorenzo and look forward to discovering more of Ashley's books as they are published..

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - quit at 56%
This moved so slowly, I got bored. I really didn’t see the romance between them, they seemed more like “just friends”. I think there was too much repetitiveness & internal dialogue, between the two of them, too. The characters felt flat to me. I really didn’t get a personality from them, even though the author tells the readers, she’s always helpful & nice, and he’s hot headed & a passionate Italian, but other than his snotty, spoiled attitude towards everyone, I didn’t see any of it. I just couldn’t care about them to continue reading.

At my age, life is to short & my time to important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.

[Tracy Muffoletto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some issues but good overall

This was a well paced and enjoyable story which would have earned a higher review if it wasn’t for all of the errors. Spelling and using past or present tense can be annoying, but for me doesn’t spoil an overall story. Having said that, what I can’t get over is the author using the wrong names for her characters, especially within the same paragraph and sometimes the same sentence. The dog named mixed with the main Character,the main heroine was Allison but sometimes sebine. All this causes confusion, I did however start to get a kick out of highlighting the errors about a third of my way through.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a romance story. The main characters were Allison McCory and Lorenzo Moratti. And also the other characters too.

Allison McCory has lived all her life on the isolated island of Cushnagh with her grandmother. Allison like helping people around town.

Celebrity Chef Lorenzo Moratti has came to Cushnagh to get a way from things that are happening at his home in London. He never expected to find love on the island.

This was an emotional type of story with a slow burn feel to it. There are parts of the story that was sad and also happy to.

I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stories so different that you can not wait to read the next one. Lawyers, CEOs, Billionaires, Chefs, fake fiancées, and more. Fantastic characters with varied backstories that give the stories depth. Surprises, twists, romance and lots of intense feelings to keep the pages turning. Someone Like Lorenzo, The Billionaire's Lie and ReKindled Love are my favorites, but they are all good. I will be looking for more stories by these authors in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jakki Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

these two are wonderful. I really enjoyed following along with Lorenzo and Ali. He's a passionate italian badboy chef whose life is falling apart, she's the sassy innocent irish rose who insists he suck it up and get on with life. Crawl out of the wiskey bottle and get a clue dude. Each is like no one the other has ever met before and each is perfect for each other.

lovely book easy to read with all the fun of the irish

[Renata Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading this book. I was engrossed from page one and couldn't put it down until I finished reading it. A celebrity chef ends up on on island to get away from from all his failing marriage and failing career. When he is at his lowest he is pulled from the darkness by a local who opens his heart to love again.

This was my first book by this author and wont be the last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a fun, emotional, clean read. The characters are well thought out and it was a nice slow burn from friendship to romance. Celebrity chef Lorenzo is a broken man when he takes up residence in a friends cottage on the small Irish island. Allison is a life long resident who recognizes someone who is need of a friend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick enjoyable read.
I felt that the author had the ability to convey some depth to the personalities of the characters bringing a greater sense of reality to her story.
The writing draws you in and keeps you interested until the end.
The chemistry between the H and h is great plus their attitudes and events going on make the story even richer.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Finding Love series and this Author's description of Ireland brought it alive for me. This is one place on my bucket list and after reading this story it now makes me want to see it more. I enjoyed reading Lorenzo and Ali's story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.