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Lackluster Duet #1
Lackluster
Do you believe in second chances?
Gwenevere Luve, a popular food blogger is a tough skinned no nonsense reviewer. She has a very strict policy against second chances, so when a disgruntled chef reaches out for one after a lackluster review she’s less than impressed.
Annoyed and distracted by the chef’s demands, Gwen accidentally crashes into the man of her dreams at a local farmers market. But looks can be deceiving, and he’s keeping a huge secret. One that could break them before they even have the chance to begin.
In a tale of secrets, sex, and food, see what happens to Gwen as the alluring man who stumbled into her life flips her world upside down.
Gwenevere Luve, a popular food blogger is a tough skinned no nonsense reviewer. She has a very strict policy against second chances, so when a disgruntled chef reaches out for one after a lackluster review she’s less than impressed.
Annoyed and distracted by the chef’s demands, Gwen accidentally crashes into the man of her dreams at a local farmers market. But looks can be deceiving, and he’s keeping a huge secret. One that could break them before they even have the chance to begin.
In a tale of secrets, sex, and food, see what happens to Gwen as the alluring man who stumbled into her life flips her world upside down.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 28, 2022
4.5⭐️
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱, 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘸𝘢𝘺? 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰.”
When Eli brought homemade fudge for Gwen, I knew he was a total goner for her. These two were so smitten with each other, I thought it was just gonna be a sweet romance, but the way their first date ended up.. 👀👀
Does he fuck up? Yes, I mean let’s be honest 🤷🏻♀️ Does he grovel? YES. & he’s not afraid to show emotion? 😮💨
One of my favorite things about Gwen is that she didn’t give in to Eli immediately. She knew what she deserved but she also learned that it was ok to give second chances.
That epilogue was literally the cutest ever & I can’t wait to get his POV!
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭. 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴”
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱, 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘸𝘢𝘺? 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰.”
When Eli brought homemade fudge for Gwen, I knew he was a total goner for her. These two were so smitten with each other, I thought it was just gonna be a sweet romance, but the way their first date ended up.. 👀👀
Does he fuck up? Yes, I mean let’s be honest 🤷🏻♀️ Does he grovel? YES. & he’s not afraid to show emotion? 😮💨
One of my favorite things about Gwen is that she didn’t give in to Eli immediately. She knew what she deserved but she also learned that it was ok to give second chances.
That epilogue was literally the cutest ever & I can’t wait to get his POV!
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭. 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴”
July 22, 2022
Debut book & Pamela should be proud! It was such a pleasure to read this book. Short, sweet, & hella sexy. Plus I die for a chef romance. I only wish we got dual POV but book 2 is from Kai’s perspective, can’t wait!
June 30, 2022
•No Spoilers Ahead•
This book is quick and dirty, in a good way! Gwen is a food blogger who is known for giving her well rounded, honest and blunt opinion. She is also known for one other thing, no second chances. So when she leaves a review for a high scale French restaurant, and the chef reaches out to her to ask for a second chance, her answer is absolutely not. Can he change her mind?
I was given an Advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest opinion. Pamela Belliston was amazing and great to work with. I absolutely loved working with her. This is her debut novel and set to be released on July 29th! This book is fast paced and a great, quick, smutty read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is in between books or are trying to get out of a book slump. The characters introduced to us had strong personalities and I felt like I connected with them well. If food is your love language then this is definitely the book for you!
This book is quick and dirty, in a good way! Gwen is a food blogger who is known for giving her well rounded, honest and blunt opinion. She is also known for one other thing, no second chances. So when she leaves a review for a high scale French restaurant, and the chef reaches out to her to ask for a second chance, her answer is absolutely not. Can he change her mind?
I was given an Advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest opinion. Pamela Belliston was amazing and great to work with. I absolutely loved working with her. This is her debut novel and set to be released on July 29th! This book is fast paced and a great, quick, smutty read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is in between books or are trying to get out of a book slump. The characters introduced to us had strong personalities and I felt like I connected with them well. If food is your love language then this is definitely the book for you!
July 31, 2022
• novella • plus sized fmc • lies • fudge
tw: uninformed consent.
she’s a food critic and he’s a chef that wants a second chance after a bad review is published. there’s so much i want to say, so much i want to explain but i can’t without giving it all away lol but just know there is lots of groveling, maybe too much? Did i just say that?? And there’s lots of food & Eli brings the heatttt 😋
tw: uninformed consent.
she’s a food critic and he’s a chef that wants a second chance after a bad review is published. there’s so much i want to say, so much i want to explain but i can’t without giving it all away lol but just know there is lots of groveling, maybe too much? Did i just say that?? And there’s lots of food & Eli brings the heatttt 😋
July 23, 2022
A restaurant reviewer and a chef walk into a farmer’s market… I thought this was going to be a meet cute turned quick and sweet rom com. I wasn’t expecting the twist. I can’t wait for his POV.
June 26, 2022
⚠️trigger warnings⚠️
Loss of a family member (terminal illness)
Fake identity
This is Pamela’s debut novel and it was an enjoyable ride. Gwen has been a food blogger for the past 3 years and while on her weekly trip to the farmers market she meets Eli who is shopping for ingredients for his friend’s food truck. I’m not gonna say too much so it doesn’t spoil the book but I highly recommend this contemporary romance as a cute summer read that has some heat. This is told in Gwen’s POV so I’m excited to read Eli’s POV soon!
Loss of a family member (terminal illness)
Fake identity
This is Pamela’s debut novel and it was an enjoyable ride. Gwen has been a food blogger for the past 3 years and while on her weekly trip to the farmers market she meets Eli who is shopping for ingredients for his friend’s food truck. I’m not gonna say too much so it doesn’t spoil the book but I highly recommend this contemporary romance as a cute summer read that has some heat. This is told in Gwen’s POV so I’m excited to read Eli’s POV soon!
September 15, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥
“Now let’s make this night anything but lackluster.”
This a Pamela Belliston debut book and I really enjoyed it. It was a fast read but I only wished it’s was in duo POV. I definitely enjoyed reading this book.
The story follows Gwen who is a very popular food blogger that has a strict policy against second chances. So when she receives dms from the chef/owner of The Hudson about her review she isn’t happy and that when she bumps into Eli the man of her dreams at the farmer’s market. They begin to see each other and that when she finds out the truth that he is actually Kai the owner of the Hudson. I really loved Gwen and Eli(Kai) relationship from the moment they meet until the end of the book.
I also love Gwen and her sister Edens relationship.
I would recommend if you like:
* Strangers to Lovers
* Plus size fmc
* Food
* Secrets and lies
* Spicy scenes 🔥
A special thanks to Pamela For giving me an ARC!!!
🔥🔥
“Now let’s make this night anything but lackluster.”
This a Pamela Belliston debut book and I really enjoyed it. It was a fast read but I only wished it’s was in duo POV. I definitely enjoyed reading this book.
The story follows Gwen who is a very popular food blogger that has a strict policy against second chances. So when she receives dms from the chef/owner of The Hudson about her review she isn’t happy and that when she bumps into Eli the man of her dreams at the farmer’s market. They begin to see each other and that when she finds out the truth that he is actually Kai the owner of the Hudson. I really loved Gwen and Eli(Kai) relationship from the moment they meet until the end of the book.
I also love Gwen and her sister Edens relationship.
I would recommend if you like:
* Strangers to Lovers
* Plus size fmc
* Food
* Secrets and lies
* Spicy scenes 🔥
A special thanks to Pamela For giving me an ARC!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2022
For starters, there’s a good amount of trigger warnings so make sure to read them in case there’s something you’re not into.
I love how the book wasn’t extremely slow burn if I’m being honest. Gwen is a good blogger who has a very strict rule on second chances and Eli is one of the chefs who’s restaurants she gives a not so nice rating. Love how they coincidently run into one another and From the very beginning you could tell that Eli loves Gwen even though he lied about his name.
The book had a good plot, AMAZING smut and a MMC who actually loved to show his emotions and how he was feeling.
I would one hundred and ten percent recommend this book if you’re a food lover who loves fast paced, smut filled books.
I love how the book wasn’t extremely slow burn if I’m being honest. Gwen is a good blogger who has a very strict rule on second chances and Eli is one of the chefs who’s restaurants she gives a not so nice rating. Love how they coincidently run into one another and From the very beginning you could tell that Eli loves Gwen even though he lied about his name.
The book had a good plot, AMAZING smut and a MMC who actually loved to show his emotions and how he was feeling.
I would one hundred and ten percent recommend this book if you’re a food lover who loves fast paced, smut filled books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2022
❀ 𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 ❀
𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 ♡
While I channel many of my female characters in life, I know Gwen will always be my main one from now on! She’s a funny, headstrong character that holds herself with so much self confidence it made me love her more! It amazes me how much I connect with books, I seriously think they come across my path right when I need them and I definitely loved how I got a little bit of myself back after reading Pamela’s words ♡
—
Gwen is a food blogger. An honest reliable person. She doesn’t take her job lightly, first impressions are key to anything or anyone that comes into her life. Second chances aren’t her thing, that is until she realizes the man she fell in love with was hiding a truth that would ultimately break them before they even had a chance to start… The insta-love, laughs, THE SPICE along with the heartache all wrapped up beautifully in this debut novel. Only a few more days until you meet Gwen and her mysterious man!
𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 ♡
While I channel many of my female characters in life, I know Gwen will always be my main one from now on! She’s a funny, headstrong character that holds herself with so much self confidence it made me love her more! It amazes me how much I connect with books, I seriously think they come across my path right when I need them and I definitely loved how I got a little bit of myself back after reading Pamela’s words ♡
—
Gwen is a food blogger. An honest reliable person. She doesn’t take her job lightly, first impressions are key to anything or anyone that comes into her life. Second chances aren’t her thing, that is until she realizes the man she fell in love with was hiding a truth that would ultimately break them before they even had a chance to start… The insta-love, laughs, THE SPICE along with the heartache all wrapped up beautifully in this debut novel. Only a few more days until you meet Gwen and her mysterious man!
June 29, 2022
*I was given an advanced copy of this book for my honest opinion and review* I devoured this book. I started reading it at like 1am and didn’t stop until 4 when I finished it. Such a heartbreaking but beautiful story and I am obsessed with the characters. I want more of their story!! Amazing debut for the author! Can’t wait to read more of what she writes! ❤️
June 30, 2022
What can i say other then this was absolutely good i really enjoyed the characters and the story was amazing this isn’t one of my normal reads but I’m so glad i had the chance to read it because it just absolutely phenomenal I’m in a bit of a slump now it was so good I’m going to have trouble finding something to top this right now absolutely worth the read
July 17, 2022
WARNING: Don't read on an empty stomach!
Seriously there is so much delicious food in this book it will make you hungry. I would gladly take an in-universe cookbook!
Okay back to the story: This was such a sweet and spicy read! I sped read through it in two days. The hero is adorable and hot (well-manner southern boy with a sentimental streak) and I LOVE the heroine. She is outspoken and strong willed. Her sister is great too and I can't to read her book.
The author really shines in the intimate scenes. I would've welcome even more, but I didn't think it was necessary either.
I've never read a duology where one book is in the heroines perspective and the other in the hero's so I'm excited to see how it all comes together.
ARC received in exchange for honest review
Seriously there is so much delicious food in this book it will make you hungry. I would gladly take an in-universe cookbook!
Okay back to the story: This was such a sweet and spicy read! I sped read through it in two days. The hero is adorable and hot (well-manner southern boy with a sentimental streak) and I LOVE the heroine. She is outspoken and strong willed. Her sister is great too and I can't to read her book.
The author really shines in the intimate scenes. I would've welcome even more, but I didn't think it was necessary either.
I've never read a duology where one book is in the heroines perspective and the other in the hero's so I'm excited to see how it all comes together.
ARC received in exchange for honest review
July 29, 2022
Gwen is passionate about food, and that passion got her her career as a food blogger and critic. She doesn't take her job lightly, and calls it like she sees (in this case eats) it. For her, there are no second chances, as they are not useful for a truthful experience. Life is great, with her bad ass sister as her best friend and her career thriving, love life not being a priority right now. However, things take an unexpected turn after she gets a DM from a stubborn chef and a surprise clash with a hot guy in a grocery aisle.
Lackluster is a first person, strangers to lovers story, with a little bit of angst and enough spice to blush even the more seasoned readers.
The book was an easy and fast read. The rhythm of the story is good, albeit it could be a longer book, seeing as the story seemed rushed in some parts.
It was a great experience overall. There will be another book with the love interest's POV, and I can't wait to read it!
Lackluster is a first person, strangers to lovers story, with a little bit of angst and enough spice to blush even the more seasoned readers.
The book was an easy and fast read. The rhythm of the story is good, albeit it could be a longer book, seeing as the story seemed rushed in some parts.
It was a great experience overall. There will be another book with the love interest's POV, and I can't wait to read it!
August 5, 2022
If you like angst with a side of tears I promise you’ll have a good time.
For Pam’s debut book this is *chefs kiss*. I absolutely love Gwen and Kai. I stayed up to late because this book had me sucked in. I predict this will be a 2022 favorite for me.
For Pam’s debut book this is *chefs kiss*. I absolutely love Gwen and Kai. I stayed up to late because this book had me sucked in. I predict this will be a 2022 favorite for me.
August 5, 2022
"I know we didn’t get to have any wine, but I am very ready for that dessert."
Ratings
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
Tropes, Keywords, and Dynamics
Strangers to lovers, Contemporary Romance, Novella
Review
This book follows Gwen, who is a food critic. She is brutally honest in her reviews and has a genuine love for food and the craftsmanship it takes to make a delicious meal.
"You fucking men. Always need to have your manhood stroked and be told how great you are."
She is at a farmers market when she runs into Eli. They bond over their love of food and start to fee a little chemistry. But, Eli is keeping a secret that could ruin what they have before it even begins.
"We aren’t leaving this bed till I’ve thoroughly apologized to every single part of you."
This book was like being wrapped up in a warm blanket. Sweet, coxy and so satisfying. This book had it all..... a fiery FMC with a passion, a sexy MMC who delivers deliciousness inside the bedroom and out. A hype woman side character, Gwen's sister, and a plot twist or two as well.
"Now let’s go make this night anything but lackluster."
A word of caution.... do not read this book with an empty stomach. Pam's descriptive writing had my stomach grumbling throughout the whole story.
Ratings
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
Tropes, Keywords, and Dynamics
Strangers to lovers, Contemporary Romance, Novella
Review
This book follows Gwen, who is a food critic. She is brutally honest in her reviews and has a genuine love for food and the craftsmanship it takes to make a delicious meal.
"You fucking men. Always need to have your manhood stroked and be told how great you are."
She is at a farmers market when she runs into Eli. They bond over their love of food and start to fee a little chemistry. But, Eli is keeping a secret that could ruin what they have before it even begins.
"We aren’t leaving this bed till I’ve thoroughly apologized to every single part of you."
This book was like being wrapped up in a warm blanket. Sweet, coxy and so satisfying. This book had it all..... a fiery FMC with a passion, a sexy MMC who delivers deliciousness inside the bedroom and out. A hype woman side character, Gwen's sister, and a plot twist or two as well.
"Now let’s go make this night anything but lackluster."
A word of caution.... do not read this book with an empty stomach. Pam's descriptive writing had my stomach grumbling throughout the whole story.
July 29, 2022
If you’re looking for a cute,spicy, fast paced book this one is for you!
Gwen is a food blogger who gives HONEST reviews and doesn’t give second chances. When she goes to The Hudson and finds the experience ‘lackluster’ she receives a message from the Chef/Owner Kai. Gwen being the spitfire she is immediately shuts down the opportunity of redemption/second chance. Soon after she meets Eli at the farmers market where things quickly escalate. Of course there are secrets and a twist that transpire (don’t want to spoil it)
The story has a good fast paced flow. The chemistry between Gwen and Eli can be seen from their first interaction. The groveling is truly chef’s kiss and I loved that Gwen doesn’t cave right away. She truly holds her own. The spice picks up from the almost the very beginning of the book. Kinda wish their story was a bit longer but enjoyed it nonetheless! Excited for his POV next!
The only complaint I have is that this book made me very hungry lol, I needed snacks during my read.
Gwen is a food blogger who gives HONEST reviews and doesn’t give second chances. When she goes to The Hudson and finds the experience ‘lackluster’ she receives a message from the Chef/Owner Kai. Gwen being the spitfire she is immediately shuts down the opportunity of redemption/second chance. Soon after she meets Eli at the farmers market where things quickly escalate. Of course there are secrets and a twist that transpire (don’t want to spoil it)
The story has a good fast paced flow. The chemistry between Gwen and Eli can be seen from their first interaction. The groveling is truly chef’s kiss and I loved that Gwen doesn’t cave right away. She truly holds her own. The spice picks up from the almost the very beginning of the book. Kinda wish their story was a bit longer but enjoyed it nonetheless! Excited for his POV next!
The only complaint I have is that this book made me very hungry lol, I needed snacks during my read.
July 31, 2022
This was such a fun read!
When I learned it would be about a food blogger who doesn’t go around giving second chances for the restaurants she reviews, I was interested.
When I learned she stumbles across a hot man that’s keeping a secret at the farmers market, I was sold.
I thought it was going to be all sweet & romcom-y throughout. HA! No! We have some deep & heavy moments in the story, which makes me mention: check the TW, just in case.
And the twist?! 🤌🏻
I adore Gwen and Eli. Gwen is funny & sweet and Eli is the simp of simps.
And shoutout to Eden! I love when side characters steal my heart as well.
You will laugh & possibly shed some tears. You will also get hungry as all hell thanks to Pam’s amazing job at describing food. So grab some snacks and a drink before getting to it.
Definitely a recommendation for a short, fun & spicy read.
I cannot wait to read Heat and see Eli’s POV!
When I learned it would be about a food blogger who doesn’t go around giving second chances for the restaurants she reviews, I was interested.
When I learned she stumbles across a hot man that’s keeping a secret at the farmers market, I was sold.
I thought it was going to be all sweet & romcom-y throughout. HA! No! We have some deep & heavy moments in the story, which makes me mention: check the TW, just in case.
And the twist?! 🤌🏻
I adore Gwen and Eli. Gwen is funny & sweet and Eli is the simp of simps.
And shoutout to Eden! I love when side characters steal my heart as well.
You will laugh & possibly shed some tears. You will also get hungry as all hell thanks to Pam’s amazing job at describing food. So grab some snacks and a drink before getting to it.
Definitely a recommendation for a short, fun & spicy read.
I cannot wait to read Heat and see Eli’s POV!
July 31, 2022
Buckle in for this one because this review isn't going to be like my other reviews.
This review will contain some spoilers.
I disliked Eli and Gwen. There, I said it. There was no redeeming them. They had childish reactions/responses to each other, someone needed to smack some sense into Eli, and on that note, Gwen too. Gwen's whole relationship with her sister? I wasn't feeling that at all. And that breakup at 47% into the book? I literally put the book down and sort of wished they found someone else.
That being said.
The storyline was built up well, it had a steady flow and made you feel in the moment. The characters, as much as I disliked them, were well rounded and who doesn't love a man who can cook?! It kept a reader involved, I mean hey, I finished it and I'm looking forward to the duet.
Maybe I'll like it better from Eli's point of view. Maybe it's just the characters personalities that don't fit me. Either way, I would recommend this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
This review will contain some spoilers.
I disliked Eli and Gwen. There, I said it. There was no redeeming them. They had childish reactions/responses to each other, someone needed to smack some sense into Eli, and on that note, Gwen too. Gwen's whole relationship with her sister? I wasn't feeling that at all. And that breakup at 47% into the book? I literally put the book down and sort of wished they found someone else.
That being said.
The storyline was built up well, it had a steady flow and made you feel in the moment. The characters, as much as I disliked them, were well rounded and who doesn't love a man who can cook?! It kept a reader involved, I mean hey, I finished it and I'm looking forward to the duet.
Maybe I'll like it better from Eli's point of view. Maybe it's just the characters personalities that don't fit me. Either way, I would recommend this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
July 17, 2022
Gwen is a food blogger who has established herself as a tough and honest reviewer. She doesn't give second chances and all of her readers know this. So she is particularly annoyed when a chef reaches out requesting another opportunity to impress her. While navigating this online conversation, she literally runs into the perfect man, Eli. He quickly sweeps her off her feet. However, not everything may be as simple as it seems between the two of them...
I LOVED this debut by Pam Belliston. This was a perfect quick read that didn't seem to short due to the strong content. The only thing I struggled with was being incredibly hungry the entire time I was reading due to the appetizing food descriptions. I'm also a sucker for a good side character and Gwen's sister is one of my favorites!
Thank you to Pam Belliston for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I LOVED this debut by Pam Belliston. This was a perfect quick read that didn't seem to short due to the strong content. The only thing I struggled with was being incredibly hungry the entire time I was reading due to the appetizing food descriptions. I'm also a sucker for a good side character and Gwen's sister is one of my favorites!
Thank you to Pam Belliston for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 1, 2022
This is the first book in the Lackluster Duet and the first book I’ve read by this author. I couldn’t believe this is her debut book! The descriptions of the food will have you so hungry and you can picture what it looks like easily. Bravo Pamela! What a great way to start out as an author with this first installment in this duet. Though I do have to say, I really wish this was a dual POV, and longer. Perhaps if it was, we’d be reading a full length smutty chefs kiss.
Gwen has been a good blogger for 3 years. She’s honest, doesn’t sugar coat things and never gives second chances. So when a cancellation occurs at The Hudson, she immediately takes it to critique the French restaurant. But the food was less than par, and her 3 star review held nothing back. So when chef Kai writes her asking for a second chance, she immediately says no. Then an outing at the farmers market with her sister leads to her meeting Eli, a chef. Their attraction and chemistry is off the charts. He’s an amazing chef and even better in bed. But what happens when secrets are revealed?!
This was such a good read. Full of second chances, steam, lies, secrets, honesty, love, food, chemistry and so much more. Can’t wait to read book 2!!
Gwen has been a good blogger for 3 years. She’s honest, doesn’t sugar coat things and never gives second chances. So when a cancellation occurs at The Hudson, she immediately takes it to critique the French restaurant. But the food was less than par, and her 3 star review held nothing back. So when chef Kai writes her asking for a second chance, she immediately says no. Then an outing at the farmers market with her sister leads to her meeting Eli, a chef. Their attraction and chemistry is off the charts. He’s an amazing chef and even better in bed. But what happens when secrets are revealed?!
This was such a good read. Full of second chances, steam, lies, secrets, honesty, love, food, chemistry and so much more. Can’t wait to read book 2!!
September 2, 2023
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Fast paced and an easy read.
Second chance romance, he falls first, sort of work place romance.
He’s a chef, she’s a food critic.
There Story in Musical Form: (so lame but I love it)
He was a boy, she was a girl.
Can I make it anymore obvious,
He was a chef,
She ate all day,
What more can I say?
He wanted her
She couldn’t tell,
Secretly she wanted him as well
But her little sister
Stuck up her nose
She had a problem with his E-LIES!!! (See what I did there 😏, if you know, you know)
Happy ending, and lots of spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Fast paced and an easy read.
Second chance romance, he falls first, sort of work place romance.
He’s a chef, she’s a food critic.
There Story in Musical Form: (so lame but I love it)
He was a boy, she was a girl.
Can I make it anymore obvious,
He was a chef,
She ate all day,
What more can I say?
He wanted her
She couldn’t tell,
Secretly she wanted him as well
But her little sister
Stuck up her nose
She had a problem with his E-LIES!!! (See what I did there 😏, if you know, you know)
Happy ending, and lots of spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 6, 2022
Can you handle the heat of a bad review?
Lackluster is Pam's debut novel and let's just say it's far from lackluster.
This story follows Gwen, a popular, take no shit food blogger who strongly believes in giving no second chances. After receiving a DM from a disgruntled chef asking for a second chance she finds herself distracted by the chef’s audacity and ends up running into the man of her dreams at the local farmers market.
I just adored this story so much. It is sweet and smutty as hell, Pam really knows how to write some great spice and have you falling for her characters. Not to mention, Gwen’s sister Eden is probably one of my favourite side characters ever, her sass and attitude is elite and I fucking loved her.
This book may be fast paced but it has something for everyone. Food that’ll have you drooling and hungry, humour to keep you laughing and engaged with the characters, spice that’ll have you blushing and sweating, and of course a plot-twist to keep things interesting and have you questioning will they have a chance to truly begin their relationship before it’s even really started.
I just wanna say that I am so incredibly proud of my friend, and author Pam and grateful to have been a part of alpha reading her debut book. She is such a pleasure to work with and I can’t wait for everyone to see what she has coming up in the future!!
4.5 ✨
3.5 🌶️
Lackluster is Pam's debut novel and let's just say it's far from lackluster.
This story follows Gwen, a popular, take no shit food blogger who strongly believes in giving no second chances. After receiving a DM from a disgruntled chef asking for a second chance she finds herself distracted by the chef’s audacity and ends up running into the man of her dreams at the local farmers market.
I just adored this story so much. It is sweet and smutty as hell, Pam really knows how to write some great spice and have you falling for her characters. Not to mention, Gwen’s sister Eden is probably one of my favourite side characters ever, her sass and attitude is elite and I fucking loved her.
This book may be fast paced but it has something for everyone. Food that’ll have you drooling and hungry, humour to keep you laughing and engaged with the characters, spice that’ll have you blushing and sweating, and of course a plot-twist to keep things interesting and have you questioning will they have a chance to truly begin their relationship before it’s even really started.
I just wanna say that I am so incredibly proud of my friend, and author Pam and grateful to have been a part of alpha reading her debut book. She is such a pleasure to work with and I can’t wait for everyone to see what she has coming up in the future!!
4.5 ✨
3.5 🌶️
August 6, 2022
Omigosh, where do I begin?
Gwen is a food critic and she takes her job very seriously. So seriously in fact she does not visit the same place twice. To her surprise, a restaurant that is typically booked up had a cancellation and she was able to sneak her way in and get to critiquing. Unfortunately, this restaurant didn't live up to its expectations. Following her routine, Gwen hits send on her review. Set a little off her axis, Gwen forgets a crucial step in her routine - silencing her phone. In the middle of a debacle, she runs into this stunning man at the farmers market. Gwen and this stranger actually hit it off and the restaurant debacle is now on the back of her mind. And everything is perfect.. until it's not.
Gwen is seriously the most adorable FMC. She is a little fiery, but she is well thought out and organized at all times. She has structure and never strays away. Gwen is also an older sister, so you get to see her relationship with her younger sister and it is hilarious.
Our stranger treats Gwen like the queen she is. He is so freaking sweet with her, you will be swooning. He calls her gorgeous!!
One of my favorite quotes,
"I want you to know that I had no plan to ravage you tonight. I truly intended to win you over with my homemade fudge."
Warning, do not read this book while you are hungry. Pam does such an amazing job at the food descriptions, you will be salivating at the mouth.
This is a short, sweet romance with a sprinkle of spice.
*Quote provided from ARC. Thank you Pam for the ARC; however, above is my honest review.
Gwen is a food critic and she takes her job very seriously. So seriously in fact she does not visit the same place twice. To her surprise, a restaurant that is typically booked up had a cancellation and she was able to sneak her way in and get to critiquing. Unfortunately, this restaurant didn't live up to its expectations. Following her routine, Gwen hits send on her review. Set a little off her axis, Gwen forgets a crucial step in her routine - silencing her phone. In the middle of a debacle, she runs into this stunning man at the farmers market. Gwen and this stranger actually hit it off and the restaurant debacle is now on the back of her mind. And everything is perfect.. until it's not.
Gwen is seriously the most adorable FMC. She is a little fiery, but she is well thought out and organized at all times. She has structure and never strays away. Gwen is also an older sister, so you get to see her relationship with her younger sister and it is hilarious.
Our stranger treats Gwen like the queen she is. He is so freaking sweet with her, you will be swooning. He calls her gorgeous!!
One of my favorite quotes,
"I want you to know that I had no plan to ravage you tonight. I truly intended to win you over with my homemade fudge."
Warning, do not read this book while you are hungry. Pam does such an amazing job at the food descriptions, you will be salivating at the mouth.
This is a short, sweet romance with a sprinkle of spice.
*Quote provided from ARC. Thank you Pam for the ARC; however, above is my honest review.
July 28, 2022
Gwen is a food blogger. She's has been blogging for around three years, gaining a steadily increasing fanbase. She is passionate about giving honest opinions on the food she tastes.
After giving a review that had the chef reaching out for a second chance to prove his restaurant wasn't as bad as she had stated, she was left reeling at the chef's audacity. In her distraction, she meets Eli at a food market and sparks fly.
But Eli isn't all that he appears to be. He is hiding a dark secret from Gwen. Does Eli come clean and get the woman of his dreams? Or does his secret rip him away from what could have been the love of his life?
After giving a review that had the chef reaching out for a second chance to prove his restaurant wasn't as bad as she had stated, she was left reeling at the chef's audacity. In her distraction, she meets Eli at a food market and sparks fly.
But Eli isn't all that he appears to be. He is hiding a dark secret from Gwen. Does Eli come clean and get the woman of his dreams? Or does his secret rip him away from what could have been the love of his life?
July 30, 2022
“ℝ𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕠𝕜𝕒𝕪 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦, 𝔾𝕠𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕠𝕦𝕤?”
.
ARC Review
.
Gwen is a food critic, she is always honest about her experience with restaurants, because as she said “If you can't take the heat of an honest review maybe you should get out of the kitchen.” And she doesn't give second chances.
When she doesn't give a good review to The Hudson, the chef decides that he is going to change her mind.
.
This book is such a fun and easy read. I love Gwen I swear! Seriously, these two stole my heart. I am so excited to read his POV in the next book. This is Pam's debut book and I can't wait what other stories she will bring us.
.
And as always I have to point out that he has a dimple because guys with dimples are my weakness.
.
ARC Review
.
Gwen is a food critic, she is always honest about her experience with restaurants, because as she said “If you can't take the heat of an honest review maybe you should get out of the kitchen.” And she doesn't give second chances.
When she doesn't give a good review to The Hudson, the chef decides that he is going to change her mind.
.
This book is such a fun and easy read. I love Gwen I swear! Seriously, these two stole my heart. I am so excited to read his POV in the next book. This is Pam's debut book and I can't wait what other stories she will bring us.
.
And as always I have to point out that he has a dimple because guys with dimples are my weakness.
July 6, 2022
I was given a copy of this ARC for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and there was nothing Lackluster about it. This story of Gwen and her food blog adventure turned romance is a first person POV of an enemies to lovers story. I found that it was a fun, fast, and spicy read with a hint of angst. It was just what I needed to help me inbetween books.
I really loved that I was able to connect with both Gwen and our MMC through the love of food. When Pamela is writing the scenes involving cooking you can tell she knows her way around a kitchen, and if she doesn't she certainly sold me on it - which is the entire point. I wanted to cook the things that Gwen was cooking and eating.
I would and will recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick fun spicy read between heavier books, readers in slumps, readers looking to make their reading goal, and I mean just romance readers in general!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and there was nothing Lackluster about it. This story of Gwen and her food blog adventure turned romance is a first person POV of an enemies to lovers story. I found that it was a fun, fast, and spicy read with a hint of angst. It was just what I needed to help me inbetween books.
I really loved that I was able to connect with both Gwen and our MMC through the love of food. When Pamela is writing the scenes involving cooking you can tell she knows her way around a kitchen, and if she doesn't she certainly sold me on it - which is the entire point. I wanted to cook the things that Gwen was cooking and eating.
I would and will recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick fun spicy read between heavier books, readers in slumps, readers looking to make their reading goal, and I mean just romance readers in general!
July 18, 2022
I was honored to be able to be an ARC reader for Pamela!
I give this book 3.5 stars!
This book was as if Hallmark Movie and HBO had a love child! This book was such a cute and simple love story with all the spice! I enjoyed going on a journey with Gwen and Eli! I am SO excited to read the second book in this duet from Eli's POV! To get into that sexy mans head will be everything!
Pamela created a quick and short romance that is an easy sweet read! I recommend it if you like romance and some spice! This would be a nice break from more hardcore books you're reading or if you're in a slump and want something quick you'll enjoy!
I give this book 3.5 stars!
This book was as if Hallmark Movie and HBO had a love child! This book was such a cute and simple love story with all the spice! I enjoyed going on a journey with Gwen and Eli! I am SO excited to read the second book in this duet from Eli's POV! To get into that sexy mans head will be everything!
Pamela created a quick and short romance that is an easy sweet read! I recommend it if you like romance and some spice! This would be a nice break from more hardcore books you're reading or if you're in a slump and want something quick you'll enjoy!
July 26, 2022
Pro tip: make sure you have a snack before reading this book.
I am such a foodie and I love trying new restaurants, so this book was right up my alley! I really enjoyed the meet cute at the farmer’s market and loved their spicy scenes. If you’re looking for a quick smutty contemporary romance, then definitely check this one out!
Congrats to Pam on her debut and I can’t wait to read the next one!
I am such a foodie and I love trying new restaurants, so this book was right up my alley! I really enjoyed the meet cute at the farmer’s market and loved their spicy scenes. If you’re looking for a quick smutty contemporary romance, then definitely check this one out!
Congrats to Pam on her debut and I can’t wait to read the next one!
July 29, 2022
Cute Story!
This was such an enjoyable quick read! The FMC is a food blogger who prides herself in giving honest reviews. She meets the MMC and feels a spark between them that drew her to him. This is a fast pace book about their relationship, including some spicy spice. It was really fun to read, and I am looking forward to book 2 so we can get the story from the MMC’s perspective. I think that will help bring the whole story together!
🖤🖤🖤🖤/5
🔥🔥/5
This was such an enjoyable quick read! The FMC is a food blogger who prides herself in giving honest reviews. She meets the MMC and feels a spark between them that drew her to him. This is a fast pace book about their relationship, including some spicy spice. It was really fun to read, and I am looking forward to book 2 so we can get the story from the MMC’s perspective. I think that will help bring the whole story together!
🖤🖤🖤🖤/5
🔥🔥/5
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