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Just a Batter of Time

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From USA Today bestselling author Molly O'Hare comes an older brother's best friend, curvy, teach-me-all-the-things, opposites attract romance.

Riley's been crushing on her older brother's best friend, Liam, for years. Sad, right? Oh well, she's living her best life baking her heart out at Pastries & Paws - her bakery that caters to humans and pets. She's an almost 28-year-old virgin with zero interest in dating ever again. However, it only took one little kitty and an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction to change everything.

Liam's in love with his best friend's curvy, gorgeous, insanely driven little sister. Protecting her and loving her from the sidelines was going to have to be enough, since he can't cross the Bro Code. It doesn't help matters the three of them are roommates. But one kitten caused mishap later, and the thin thread holding him together snapped. When Riley asked him to teach her about "the deed," how could he tell her no? Liam's about to get everything he's ever wanted as long as her brother doesn't find out.

Too bad it's only a matter of time before the cat's out of the bag.

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2022

48 people are currently reading
441 people want to read

About the author

Molly O'Hare

13 books667 followers
Molly O’Hare is a USA Today bestselling author of plus-sized/curvy romance books.

Molly's obsessed with all things animals, mainly Corgis, and body positivity. She grew up with severe dyslexia: trust her, spelling is not her strong suit. Over the years, she’s become a huge advocate of “just because you learn something a little differently than others doesn’t make you less.” To help herself fall asleep, she’d create stories in her head, always picking up where she left off the night before. Molly figured if she got enjoyment out of her imagination, others might as well. So here we are.

To find out more or sign up for her newsletter, check out her social page on her website: https://www.mollyohareauthor.com/soci...

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5 stars
130 (41%)
4 stars
97 (30%)
3 stars
53 (16%)
2 stars
27 (8%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Jenifer Briggs.
1,517 reviews191 followers
September 19, 2022
This was my first time reading this author, and although it did take me a bit to really get into it, I'm so glad I stuck with it because it was so good!!

Riley has to be one of the best heroines I've read about in some time-- not only is she a plus size, beautiful woman, but she's so quirky and hilarious and just so in love with her brothers best friend.

Liam completely won my heart and I love just how protective he is of Riley. There was so many sweet moments here (as well as a lot of freaking hooootttt ones) but you could just feel the love these two had for each other, and I really loved that Liam wanted Riley just as long as she wanted him. Honestly their entire relationship was just adorable!

This was just just the perfect read for the kind of mood I've been in, and I look forward to reading more from this author!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions**
Profile Image for Amy.
1,407 reviews47 followers
September 21, 2022
Well this book is all kinds of sweet and sexy. I love a plus size heroine and a hero who doesn’t care.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,251 reviews123 followers
September 7, 2022
3.5 Star rounded up to 4.

Riley is happy where she is. She is baking and living her dream, for the most part… There are some things she has yet to experience.
Liam is a good guy! His adoration of Riley is just so sweet. He truly would do anything for her.
This story has a bit of praise kink, and he is a bit of a boss in the bedroom added some nice spice to this story.
This was a cute and quirky read. I did struggle at times with the Friends to Lovers aspect. (It is one trope that I do not instantly fall in love with.) But overall, there was enough chemistry and spice that I truly enjoyed the story.
Molly O’Hare writes great curvy heroines and good guy heroes that I instantly one click on her books. If you are looking for great body rep in romance stories Molly O’Hare is a great place to start.
Profile Image for brooke_and_books.
299 reviews
September 8, 2022
Phenomenal Friends to Lovers read!

Molly O’hare does not disappoint when it comes to writing with amazing representation for women with bigger bodies and I am absolutely here for it!!!

Riley has been head over heals for Liam her whole life and has tried to overcome it, and Liam has felt the same but being best friends with her brother Patrick put him in the position to never act on his feelings.

The spice was very good and the sprinkle of praise kink in there really did it for me.

Loved the writing and the story! Liam’s parents also made me fall in love with the story even more!

Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Teresa A.
216 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2022
Molly O’Hare has yet again cemented the fact that she’s one of my favourite authors. Spicy rom-coms about sassy curvy leading ladies, I always find something to relate to in each of her books.

I was lucky to be added to her ARC list for this book, I was so excited and not disappointed.

Patrick and Riley are brother and sister, together with Patrick’s best friend Liam they live together and own Riley’s bakery together. Riley is Pat’s curvy younger sister and is automatically off limits to Liam, bro code and all of that, but he always finds a way to be there for her when she needs him. Riley has harboured a crush on Liam for years, but never thought he would be interested in someone like her. Will either of them ever take the first step? Or will Liam’s parents never get the grand babies they talk about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
September 12, 2022
Riley has had a crush in her brother’s best friend for a long time, and she is the owner of a bakery called “Pastries and Paws” which caters for both humans and pets. Liam has been in love with Riley, even when he knows she is off limits. This is a beautifully written story which is sweet, fun, and quirky, with family, friendships, humor, witty banter, emotions, and love, which leads to a steamy, entertaining, and heartfelt page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Vicious but Romantic.
358 reviews17 followers
September 14, 2022
Is it one of my favorite books by Molly now? Probably. Is it her hottest book yet? Definitely.
Profile Image for Shantel.
177 reviews13 followers
October 1, 2022
I really, really, really wanted to like this book. It’s a plus size heroine in a steamy romance, which is usually my jam, but I just could not get excited about it.

It’ll probably sound snobbish, but this is one of the first self published books I’ve read and the lack of thorough editing just took me out of the story. There were grammatical errors all over the place and SO much repetition.
Profile Image for Mick C.
1,664 reviews
March 17, 2023
So much story in this one. Secretly in love with your brother's best friend and equally claim and love his parents as they helped raise you and your brother. But what happens when the guys are required by "Mom" to help you with your bakery shop so you can get some free time to breathe? Let's just say there is more than bread dough being made... This is a fun read about friends, family and relationships.
Profile Image for  •Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥.
3,436 reviews156 followers
September 13, 2022
Having read Ms.O'Hare's work a couple of times before i've been looking so forward to picking up more of her books! As soon as i stumbled across the synopsis for this one, i knew i had to pick it up next! I got into this story quickly. I so enjoyed it!

Riley and Liam's journey got my attention from the get go! These two have been in each other's lives for years since Liam is Riley's brother's best friend. Now Riley runs her bakery Pastries & Paws and lives with her brother and Liam. When a certain situation happens, can Liam and Riley take a chance on one another and their feelings? I couldn't wait to find out!

I found Riley to be so relatable! Her passion for baking and her love for animals had me adoring her even more! I loved how Liam was protective of Riley and his feelings for her had me falling so much for him! The chemistry between Riley and Liam was so great! I didn't know how they'd tackle things, and that had me even more into their story!

I really liked the whole brother's best friend aspect of it all as well!

With Just A Batter of Time, Ms.O'Hare has created such a good and entertaining read that brought the feels! I can't wait to read more of her books in the future!


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions / the author*
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,642 reviews61 followers
September 12, 2022
OH MY GOSH. Ms. O’Hare has given us readers a real treat with this one. I laughed til I cried as I followed along with this well written, must read RomCom. A story about Riley, a 28 year old feisty woman who has just opened her own bakery, Pastries and Paws, where she creates treats for humans and their furry pets. After two traumatic dates when she was younger, Riley has no interest in men, other than her lifelong crush on her older brother’s best friend, Liam (who also happens to be their roommate). Life around Riley is one crazy day after another. She is a ray of sunshine and brings smiles to everyone around her. Especially Liam. Little does she know Liam has had a crush on Riley for years. He just can’t act on it because 1: it’s Riley and 2: the good ole BroCode.

But when fate steps in, in the form of a mischievous kitten, BroCode is out the window. Especially when Riley decides to ask Liam to teach her everything she’s missed out on. Throw in a family crisis, wacky parents, hot firemen and other family members who will keep you in stitches, and you’ve got one amazingly funny storyline.

Friends to Lovers, Laughs from start to finish and lots of romance - what more can you ask for?

2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Raelene.
918 reviews29 followers
January 18, 2023
This was such a fun read! I loved all of the characters so much. Riley and Liam were both great main characters, but Pat was so fun to read about as well. I also loved seeing characters from Molly’s other books! The mentions were nice for readers of her previous books but I don’t think new readers would feel like they were missing anything.

I’m giving this a 4/5 instead of a full 5 because I feel like the miscommunication lasted longer than I would have preferred. But that being said, I really liked the way things all came together and they talked things out. Also, the banter?? Unbeatable. I loved every scene that these two were together. The brothers-best-friend trope is so fun, and I loved how protective he was of her because of that, but also because of how he felt about her. There’s a lot of sexual scenes (whether it went as far as sex or not), but it was well written and hot so even as someone who prefers low-steam books, this worked for me.

I’m really glad that I read this! The pacing was good, the story really moved along well so it was a pretty quick read that I’d definitely recommend!
Profile Image for The Dragon Den Book Blog.
2,951 reviews66 followers
September 11, 2022
ARC Review of Just A Batter Of Time by Molly O'Hare
* * * * *
A delicious romance between the best friend and the little sister filled with adorable kitten goodness and bakery heaven!

Riley has a problem.
Sure she has the job and business she had always wanted and loves, but it is hard to go out and be full independent when you brother and his best friend are constantly coming in as her guard dogs and body guard.
It'd even worse when her brother's buddy Liam - also he room mate - is her unforgettable crush.
Plus he is a jerk.
If she only knew that he was actually in love with her and played off his feelings.
He wants the sweet curvy beauty, no doubt.
It's just hard when your best mate has seen you as someone who can protect his little sister, not ravish her.
But with one kitten and a dressing gown robe sash...it has opened up something neither were expecting, and that's including the dressing gown.

Full of giggles and fists fights, adorable kitty cat love and horrible parents who deserve some good karma. James and Rhonds are amazing!
Profile Image for Amy Reierson.
1,352 reviews18 followers
September 13, 2022
Most of us know food can be many things beyond a necessity. For Riley O'Neil food is a safe place, food is love, food is home, food is a confidant.
Liam Kelly has a good home, great parents, an annoying best friend, a good job and a love he can't express for his best friend's little sister.
There are so many wonderful things about this book from it being my favorite trope, best friends little sister, found family, but what I loved most is how much I feel like the author poured themselves into it. Riley O'Neil is raw and real and embodies I think a little bit of all of us who struggle with something about ourselves, yet she was strong and confident and I loved her perseverance.
If all of that doesn't convince you to read the book you're really going to want to meet the parents James and Rhonda. They are my dream parents! OMG, the way they talk hilarious, the bets they make lovingly on their "children" hysterical. Definitely many LOL moments, especially with Riley's inner monologue. Grab a copy you really are not going to want to miss out.
I have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Tanika Benson-Minock.
48 reviews
September 13, 2022
The book Just a Batter of Time by Molly O’Hare is absolutely adorable and hilarious. I experienced moments of frustration with both of the main characters, which is to be expected in a book with an unrequited crush. I also found myself laughing out loud at several points.

Riley is so ridiculously awkward, you can’t help but love her. I was cackling when she tried sexting. I love that she found her confidence and where she belonged as the story progressed.

Liam is so swoony. The way that he loves everything about Riley and wants her to fall in love with him was just amazing. Side note: his parents are a riot.

In the interest of full transparency, I have to admit that it was difficult for me to get into this book. The first few chapters were hard to get through. However, that’s not because of the author, the writing style, or the book itself. It was entirely on me. (Book hangovers are the worst.) With that being said, I’m so glad I read it and gave it the chance it deserved because I loved it.

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Marina Skinner.
1,639 reviews47 followers
September 11, 2022
4.5 stars

Just a Batter of Time is a wonderful, heartfelt and emotional read. I just adored Riley and her passion for her bakery and her small family. She shares a house with her brother Pat and his best friend Liam. Honestly the banter and teasing in this book was something else and made me laugh. Especially with Liam’s parents, no filter when they are around lol.
Both Pat and Liam are very protective of Riley and this can be seen throughout the story. The addition of an adorable little kitty, Riley finds, adds to the story. Needless to say when Riley and Liam are near each other, the sparks fly. However Riley doesn’t think Liam would ever see her in any other way than her brothers little sister. It takes a certain moment for things to happen, however these two cant seem to get their feelings in order. Will they figure things out and become more?
I really enjoyed this book. It made my heart happy!
Profile Image for Chantelle Bouffanie.
1,218 reviews11 followers
October 13, 2022
Enjoyable! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This author is new to me. I can't wait to read more from this author. This is Riley and Liam's story! Riley is a quirky ray of sunshine and desperately in love with her brother's best friend Liam. Liam has been in love with Riley for about as long as she with him. Which He won't act on it because 1: it’s Riley and 2: the BroCode. But what happens when fate steps in and the brocode goes out of the window? I loved their banter and the dynamics between them. This is a beautifully written story which is sweet, fun, and quirky, with family, friendships, humor, witty banter, emotions, and love. Which leads to a steamy, entertaining, and heartfelt page turner. It's a MUST READ!!!!! You will not be disappointed in this book. Can't wait to read more from this author. Keep up the great work!
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,676 reviews85 followers
October 13, 2022
This author is new to me. I can't wait to read more from this author. This is Riley and Liam's story! Riley is a quirky ray of sunshine and desperately in love with her brother's best friend Liam. Liam has been in love with Riley for about as long as she with him. Which He won't act on it because 1: it’s Riley and 2: the BroCode. But what happens when fate steps in and the brocode goes out of the window? I loved their banter and the dynamics between them. This is a beautifully written story which is sweet, fun, and quirky, with family, friendships, humor, witty banter, emotions, and love. Which leads to a steamy, entertaining, and heartfelt page turner. It's a MUST READ!!!!! You will not be disappointed in this book. Can't wait to read more from this author. Keep up the great work!

Review by Chantelle
Profile Image for Laura.
280 reviews
September 10, 2022
Fun and sexy!
This is such a fun book. I love Riley. She says the funniest things when she is nervous. She is awesome. I want to get all the goodies at her bakery.
The kitten is so cute. I like the silly names whether it is Snickerdoodles or Trash Panda. That is one lucky kitten to have been found by Riley.
There are so many fun scenes. I like the scene where they almost burned down the bakery. Explaining to the firemen that they had gotten "distracted". So funny.
I have a new author to follow. I need to read all of her books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,250 reviews52 followers
September 14, 2022
4.5 Stars
I loved this book so much!! First off I love this author, but then I found out a kitten was in the book. I was sold!! The kitten alone was enough for me, but then Riley owns a bakery. Not just any bakery, but one that bakes goodies for humans and for their pets. Riley saving Snickerdoodle had me won over by her. I so want to be friends with her and work in her bakery. This book also had tropes I love opposites attract and brother's best friend. This book also delivered on the humor. I can't tell you how many times I laughed while reading this one. This book also packs the heart and feels!! This is a must read!!!
Profile Image for XxnightxowlxX74.
1,197 reviews8 followers
September 16, 2022
This was a cutesy read. Riley lives in a world of her own. Sheltered by her brother Patrick and his best friend Liam.
Riley is a quirky ray of sunshine and desperately in love with her brothers best friend. She’s always had a crush on Liam and at times she thought he was flirting with her but she felt like how could a guy like him like her. She was the chunky, quirky little sister of his best friend.
From inner dialogue we learn that Liam has been in love with Riley for about as long as she with him.
Thanks to a little furball Liam is finally bold enough to cross that forbidden line and to finally show Riley what she means to him. This ends with a HFN after a little drama.
634 reviews11 followers
September 11, 2022
This was a fun friends to lovers romance with the humor you expect from Molly. Riley has liked and crushed on Liam (her brother's best friend) for years. Growing up Rye spent a lot of time at Liam's house along with her brother, learning how to bake from his mom. She now has her own bakery and lives with Liam & her brother while keeping her feelings to herself. Little did she know that Liam has feelings for her that he has also kept hidden. I loved their banter & the dynamics between all of the characters. Plus her kitten Snickerdoodle is adorable!
Profile Image for Sofia.
412 reviews5 followers
September 14, 2022
2.5 stars. Rounded up to 3 stars because it is really cute in its own way.
The story is sweet, the spicy scenes are well done for the most part. Though the miscommunication trope in this is obvious, I feel like we could have also done with less of that.
If I could, I would edit out every single sequence action sentence of the fmc puting on a sweater, turning a knob, picking up a spoon, etc. It takes up like 20% of the book. You can also reduce the repeated inner dialogue by 1/2. It would literally turn itself into a 4 star read for me.
Profile Image for Mina.
772 reviews31 followers
September 15, 2022
If you ever find yourself needing to read something light and fun, I always go for Molly O'Hare. All her stories are fun and light, with little angst that gets right to the HEA - and let's not forget the loveable characters and funny situations.

Just A Batter of Time is Molly’s new release and truly adored it! It was fun, witty, and sexy - besides, what a great idea for pet lovers, a cafe where you can find something yummy and find something yummy for your best 4-legged best friend!

✨ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ✨
-Older brother's best friend
-Pining Hero
-Curvy Heroine
-Roommates
-Opposites attract
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,676 reviews85 followers
September 26, 2022
Fun and sexy!
This is such a fun book. I love Riley. She says the funniest things when she is nervous. She is awesome. I want to get all the goodies at her bakery.
The kitten is so cute. I like the silly names whether it is Snickerdoodles or Trash Panda. That is one lucky kitten to have been found by Riley.
There are so many fun scenes. I like the scene where they almost burned down the bakery. Explaining to the firemen that they had gotten "distracted". So funny.
I have a new author to follow. I need to read all of her books.

REVIEW BY LAURA
Profile Image for Nanasbookreviews.
1,816 reviews52 followers
December 17, 2022
Just a Batter of Time by Molly O'Hare is a beautiful romantic comedy.

The plot is very entertaining. It's a great mix of comedy, sweet romance, and spicy. The characters have fantastic chemistry and
it's obvious.

Riley is incredible. She has so much confidence and isn't afraid to speak her mind. Liam is a hot protective mechanic.
I love how sweet and caring he was toward her.

Their intimate scenes were so hot. My favorite moments were her inner monologues and their teasings.

I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend it to everyone. I will rate it with 5 stars.
Profile Image for Natasha Bovee.
337 reviews13 followers
January 9, 2023
I really enjoyed the story between Liam and Riley. Both of them were in love with the other, but didn’t think they should be or that their feelings were reciprocated. Liam didn’t want to ruin things with Patrick, his best friend and Riley’s brother and Riley was certain that he couldn’t see anything but his best friend’s little sister. I loved the dynamics everyone throughout the story had. Liam’s parents were amazing! I also enjoyed the hints about some of her other book couples. I’m going to need to go back and read the ones I haven’t.
Profile Image for Cherie Alvaro.
1,724 reviews9 followers
February 9, 2023
This is a cute little rom com story that will have you glued to the kindle. It has laugh out loud moments, angst, undeniable attraction. With a big brother who will not understand why his best friend is falling for his curvy little sister. I loved it and can't recommend it enough, the chemistry between Riley and Liam is off the charts and leads to some great interactions. Can't wait to read more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for NattyMoMo.
166 reviews
March 3, 2023
I’m normally all for spicy books with a plus size heroine, but I couldn’t get into the story of Riley and Liam. I felt like the way the story was written didn’t flow well and that made it a lot more difficult to stay immersed in the story.

I did like the bakery aspect and the close-knit family, but there was so much repetition of curse words/phrases/and similar scenes that it ended up feeling a little choppy. I found myself skimming the rest of the book around 60%.

I think the plot line is good, but it could stand to be polished up a little.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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