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Mistletoe and Mofongo
Together they'll discover the recipe for love.
Celebrity chef Matteo Gonzalez believes home is where your family is, which led him to settle in the Northwest. Life’s losses taught him to treasure those he loves, and his Abuelita’s passion for food gave him the foundation that he shaped into a successful career.
A year ago, Macy Hart’s life was turned upside down when her husband left her a Dear, Jane letter and little else. After losing everything, she is desperate, cynical, and can’t see past her regrets.
When the two meet unexpectedly in a coffee shop, things get hot (literally). Much to Macy’s horror, she leaves a lasting impression on both Matteo’s mind and clothing. Macy hopes she’ll never see the attractive stranger again, but fate has other ideas and—surprise—he’s the owner and head chef at El Corazón Borikén where she’s interviewing for the position of sous chef.
A firm believer in following his heart, Matteo hires Macy and makes it his mission to change how she sees the world—one recipe at a time.
Like sugar and salt tantalize in a dish, their opposing personalities spice things up in and out of the kitchen. Slowly, Macy allows herself to live again and Matteo finds a woman he can love. That is, until Macy’s soon-to-be ex-husband comes crashing back into town with big promises and small apologies.
Will the twists of life tear Matteo and Macy apart, or will the love they found while making mofongo bring them together under the mistletoe?
Celebrity chef Matteo Gonzalez believes home is where your family is, which led him to settle in the Northwest. Life’s losses taught him to treasure those he loves, and his Abuelita’s passion for food gave him the foundation that he shaped into a successful career.
A year ago, Macy Hart’s life was turned upside down when her husband left her a Dear, Jane letter and little else. After losing everything, she is desperate, cynical, and can’t see past her regrets.
When the two meet unexpectedly in a coffee shop, things get hot (literally). Much to Macy’s horror, she leaves a lasting impression on both Matteo’s mind and clothing. Macy hopes she’ll never see the attractive stranger again, but fate has other ideas and—surprise—he’s the owner and head chef at El Corazón Borikén where she’s interviewing for the position of sous chef.
A firm believer in following his heart, Matteo hires Macy and makes it his mission to change how she sees the world—one recipe at a time.
Like sugar and salt tantalize in a dish, their opposing personalities spice things up in and out of the kitchen. Slowly, Macy allows herself to live again and Matteo finds a woman he can love. That is, until Macy’s soon-to-be ex-husband comes crashing back into town with big promises and small apologies.
Will the twists of life tear Matteo and Macy apart, or will the love they found while making mofongo bring them together under the mistletoe?
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2022
4 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 16, 2024
I almost rated this a 4.5 but the ending explained what bothered me throughout the book lol
as a Puerto Rican my self you'll see what I'm talking about
This was fun and easy to read, cute little love story during the holidays with spice 😈 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I love how Mateo pushed Macy out of her comfort zone when she was going through a lot of changes in her life and how his family accepted her with open arms.
as a Puerto Rican my self you'll see what I'm talking about
This was fun and easy to read, cute little love story during the holidays with spice 😈 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I love how Mateo pushed Macy out of her comfort zone when she was going through a lot of changes in her life and how his family accepted her with open arms.
December 7, 2022
Well, Lyra, you've done it. You're written an absolutely top notch holiday romcom.
Now, I am no holiday romcom expert, but I do know my own feelings and I felt so much through this entire read.
The story itself is full of humour, food (trust me, you'll spend most of the time drooling at the mouth from the food references), a perfect setting and a combination of excellently written characters.
The back story for Macy in particular is highly relatable, particularly her lack and want of a family feeling. She definitely has that with her best friend, Leo (top freaking side character ever!) but there is always something missing for her. The found family with Leo, the restaurant, and Matteo's own found family is, pun intended, chef's kisses.
I loved watching Macy's healing journey and we even get a sweet taste of revenge which is absolutely delicious (ok these cooking puns are giving me life).
Oh! And if you like your books with spice, this is also fantastic for that.
I devoured Mistletoe and Mofongo in less than 24 hours and, as I said before, it is a soul hugging story.
I highly recommend and I will also be encouraging Lyra to write more holiday romcoms because she freaking nailed it!
Now, I am no holiday romcom expert, but I do know my own feelings and I felt so much through this entire read.
The story itself is full of humour, food (trust me, you'll spend most of the time drooling at the mouth from the food references), a perfect setting and a combination of excellently written characters.
The back story for Macy in particular is highly relatable, particularly her lack and want of a family feeling. She definitely has that with her best friend, Leo (top freaking side character ever!) but there is always something missing for her. The found family with Leo, the restaurant, and Matteo's own found family is, pun intended, chef's kisses.
I loved watching Macy's healing journey and we even get a sweet taste of revenge which is absolutely delicious (ok these cooking puns are giving me life).
Oh! And if you like your books with spice, this is also fantastic for that.
I devoured Mistletoe and Mofongo in less than 24 hours and, as I said before, it is a soul hugging story.
I highly recommend and I will also be encouraging Lyra to write more holiday romcoms because she freaking nailed it!
January 1, 2025
ROM-Com for sure !! I loved reading a book with so much little reminders of my homeland.🥹 I absolutely loved the chemistry between Macy & Matteo. They were so cute and funny. And Leooooooo, oh my goodness, she definitely had me laughing out out, literally. I loooooves this book! 🥰❤️
December 8, 2023
This book was cute and steamy with a diverse cast of characters! The writing was flawless and it was the perfect cup of eggnog with a kick way to start my holiday reading journey!
December 27, 2022
Loved! I loved Matteo and Macys first meeting and then their second meeting when she interviews to be his sous chef.. great story!
Found family is usually always a yes for me and this one is perfect. Love a good big family vibe.
Found family is usually always a yes for me and this one is perfect. Love a good big family vibe.
July 27, 2023
I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this book. Matteo is my absolute favorite side character of Lyra’s(Shane, you are my number 2 babe! Don’t worry). I fell in love with him in Julian, and begged and begged for Lyra to write Matteo’s book. I was told roughly a year ago that it wouldn’t happen for a couple years. But Christmas miracles do happen and Matteo now has a wonderful, wonderful story!!
Macy is grumpy but lovely. Matteo is the sunshine on a rainy Portland day.
Lovely holiday romcom that does not disappoint!
Macy is grumpy but lovely. Matteo is the sunshine on a rainy Portland day.
Lovely holiday romcom that does not disappoint!
May 12, 2023
Macy e Matteo s'incontrano per la prima volta in una caffetteria quando Macy per sbaglio gli versa addosso il proprio caffè. Perciò lei spera di non rivederlo mai più, e invece, sorpresa, Matteo è il proprietario del ristorante dove lei spera di poter lavorare come sous chef.
Questa rom com in generale mi è piaciuta: tra i due protagonisti ho apprezzato di più Matteo (Macy è decisamente insicura e indecisa). Molto bello il modo in cui l'autrice scrive di cibo e della vita nella cucina di un ristorante
Anche le scene erotiche sono carine, anche se forse un po' cringe, almeno per me.
Non ho apprezzato molto il modo in cui Macy reagisce (o meglio subisce) il ritorno dell'ex: un po' di spina dorsale, eh su!
In teoria questo dovrebbe essere un romance natalizio, ma non lo è, l'atmosfera arriva solo negli ultimi capitoli.
Questa rom com in generale mi è piaciuta: tra i due protagonisti ho apprezzato di più Matteo (Macy è decisamente insicura e indecisa). Molto bello il modo in cui l'autrice scrive di cibo e della vita nella cucina di un ristorante
Anche le scene erotiche sono carine, anche se forse un po' cringe, almeno per me.
Non ho apprezzato molto il modo in cui Macy reagisce (o meglio subisce) il ritorno dell'ex: un po' di spina dorsale, eh su!
In teoria questo dovrebbe essere un romance natalizio, ma non lo è, l'atmosfera arriva solo negli ultimi capitoli.
December 29, 2024
It was a great story with a lot of reminders of home. I loved all the food descriptions and the drink from the restaurant it made me feel like I was at home. Being a puertorican makes me proud to have read such a great story about our traditions and how proud we are to show them. It is definitely a saucy chef story even though there was a point in the story that I was to punch Macy in the face I kept reading and it was all worth it.
December 24, 2022
4.2 ⭐️ Such a cute read. Matteo is the epitome of what any girl would want in a man. I understood Macys insecurities but she annoyed me at times and that’s why I didn’t give 5 stars. But besides that, it was a really wholesome book that had me laughing mainly due to the side character, Leo.
Perfect for the holiday season.
Perfect for the holiday season.
Read
April 16, 2023DNF 88%
El persona principal que es rico (multimillonario), apuesto y es perfecto y tambien es bueno con los niños ? Awww no
El persona principal que es rico (multimillonario), apuesto y es perfecto y tambien es bueno con los niños ? Awww no
December 26, 2022
Hey look, a fun little holiday rom-com taking place in my hometown!
Macey’s husband suddenly up and abandoned her one year ago. She has just recently started to emotionally move on from this long-term failed relationship, before she has a disastrous chance encounter with Matteo, a local celebrity chef, which ends in him drenched in coffee and her storming out the door, completely and utterly embarrassed.
A few days later, Macey shows up to her dream job interview and discovers her interview is with the same Matteo from that disastrous encounter.
This is a rom-com with a heavy dose of emotional healing for our FMC. Our MMC is a supremely patient, cinnamon roll-type, with a tragic backstory, here to help Macey through her journey.
My favorite part of this story is by far Macey’s best friend, Leo. She is so hilarious and has Macey’s back throughout everything; the type of best friend we all would love to have.
I did find that the “soon-to-be” ex-husband was a little over the top “evil” for my liking, but luckily he only took up a small portion of the book.
So, anyway, this is my first time meeting the Rivera Brothers, and consider me intrigued by the little mentions of their pasts; yet another series to add to my TBR list ✔️.
The author dedicated this book: “To all my kindred spirits who secretly (or unashamedly) binge sappy holiday romance and believe food is love.” And let me say, if that describes you, you will not be disappointed in this book.
Rating:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 5
What this book is giving:
✅ Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
✅ He falls first
✅ Curvey FMC
✅ A healthy dose of Puerto Rican food
✅ Found Family
✅ Dual POV
Look out for
⚠️ Pending Divorce / Acrimonious Divorce
⚠️ FMC not divorced at time of budding relationship with MMC, but personally, since her husband completely abandoned her over 1 year prior, with no communication since that time whatsoever, I don’t see it as “cheating”, but some people might?
Macey’s husband suddenly up and abandoned her one year ago. She has just recently started to emotionally move on from this long-term failed relationship, before she has a disastrous chance encounter with Matteo, a local celebrity chef, which ends in him drenched in coffee and her storming out the door, completely and utterly embarrassed.
A few days later, Macey shows up to her dream job interview and discovers her interview is with the same Matteo from that disastrous encounter.
This is a rom-com with a heavy dose of emotional healing for our FMC. Our MMC is a supremely patient, cinnamon roll-type, with a tragic backstory, here to help Macey through her journey.
My favorite part of this story is by far Macey’s best friend, Leo. She is so hilarious and has Macey’s back throughout everything; the type of best friend we all would love to have.
I did find that the “soon-to-be” ex-husband was a little over the top “evil” for my liking, but luckily he only took up a small portion of the book.
So, anyway, this is my first time meeting the Rivera Brothers, and consider me intrigued by the little mentions of their pasts; yet another series to add to my TBR list ✔️.
The author dedicated this book: “To all my kindred spirits who secretly (or unashamedly) binge sappy holiday romance and believe food is love.” And let me say, if that describes you, you will not be disappointed in this book.
Rating:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 5
What this book is giving:
✅ Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
✅ He falls first
✅ Curvey FMC
✅ A healthy dose of Puerto Rican food
✅ Found Family
✅ Dual POV
Look out for
⚠️ Pending Divorce / Acrimonious Divorce
⚠️ FMC not divorced at time of budding relationship with MMC, but personally, since her husband completely abandoned her over 1 year prior, with no communication since that time whatsoever, I don’t see it as “cheating”, but some people might?
December 13, 2022
I read an ARC of this book and once again Lyra has made me fall in love with her characters and this version of Portland that she has created.
🎄🎄Mistletoe and Mofongo🎄🎄
Lyra Blake’s newest book was everything I wanted and more in a holiday romance.
This had all the emotional moments that I have come to expect from Lyra’s writing —definitely cried a few times during this book. But it also had all the fun festive activities that you would expect a holiday romance novel to have.
Matteo—I loved him from the first time we met him in Julian book 1 of the Rivera Brothers series. And was always hoping he would get his own happy ever after. He was the sweetest, kindest, caring MMC ever! A true golden retriever 😍😍😍
Macy—I loved her and wanted to protect her from everything just like Matteo. The way she fought for herself and never gave up even when she didn’t feel like it was just *chefs kiss*
Let’s talk side characters… LEO WHAT AN AMAZING BEST FRIEND!! I need more of her, I don’t care if she gets her own book but I need more of her.
Okay back to the book itself, the meet cute moment of them meeting in that coffee shop I laughed out loud so many times. And who else wants to get coffee with Matteo and the Rivera brothers? Just me? I mean come on, they meet weekly to chat and most of them are in suits, what more could you want?!!
Lyra-I’ve said it before and I’ll say it many more times but you are amazing and I love you and seeing everything you have accomplished this year just blows me away. Every time I finish one of your books I come away with an overwhelming love for your characters and the world you have built. Thank you so much for the ARC I loved Mistletoe and Mofongo so much!!
🎄🎄Mistletoe and Mofongo🎄🎄
Lyra Blake’s newest book was everything I wanted and more in a holiday romance.
This had all the emotional moments that I have come to expect from Lyra’s writing —definitely cried a few times during this book. But it also had all the fun festive activities that you would expect a holiday romance novel to have.
Matteo—I loved him from the first time we met him in Julian book 1 of the Rivera Brothers series. And was always hoping he would get his own happy ever after. He was the sweetest, kindest, caring MMC ever! A true golden retriever 😍😍😍
Macy—I loved her and wanted to protect her from everything just like Matteo. The way she fought for herself and never gave up even when she didn’t feel like it was just *chefs kiss*
Let’s talk side characters… LEO WHAT AN AMAZING BEST FRIEND!! I need more of her, I don’t care if she gets her own book but I need more of her.
Okay back to the book itself, the meet cute moment of them meeting in that coffee shop I laughed out loud so many times. And who else wants to get coffee with Matteo and the Rivera brothers? Just me? I mean come on, they meet weekly to chat and most of them are in suits, what more could you want?!!
Lyra-I’ve said it before and I’ll say it many more times but you are amazing and I love you and seeing everything you have accomplished this year just blows me away. Every time I finish one of your books I come away with an overwhelming love for your characters and the world you have built. Thank you so much for the ARC I loved Mistletoe and Mofongo so much!!
December 8, 2022
A recipe for Total Holiday Goodness!
I love a good holiday romance. I am NOT above a rom-com. Give me the cheesey goodness and a few awkward moments set around a holiday theme and I'm a happy camper.
Lyra did that beautifully here!
Mistletoe & Mofongo is liked a spiced hot cocoa. It's filling and warms you from the inside out. It's got all the basics for a nice night in. And then she ups the heat level on you!
Matteo was such an incredible side character in the Rivera brothers' books. I loved his appearances and he added so much to the moments he was in those books. Honestly, I felt like I knew him more or that we saw him more than we did because he was such a steadfast, honorable, enchanting character.
Macy is totally new to us in the Lyra-Blake-world. And she fits into this world so beautifully! Her backstory is relatable to so many people that you'll fall in love with her as quickly as Matteo does.
Now... let me say this. This book is NOT an insta-love in the way that many Winter-holiday books are. The plot doesn't take place over 30 days. Lyra gives us time with Macy & Matteo and I loved every second with them. I loved the development between the two. The burning and waiting... *Chef's kiss*
Also, have a notebook handy. You'll want to jot down a few of the recipes because the attention to detail is so great, your mouth will be watering for more than just Matteo.
I love a good holiday romance. I am NOT above a rom-com. Give me the cheesey goodness and a few awkward moments set around a holiday theme and I'm a happy camper.
Lyra did that beautifully here!
Mistletoe & Mofongo is liked a spiced hot cocoa. It's filling and warms you from the inside out. It's got all the basics for a nice night in. And then she ups the heat level on you!
Matteo was such an incredible side character in the Rivera brothers' books. I loved his appearances and he added so much to the moments he was in those books. Honestly, I felt like I knew him more or that we saw him more than we did because he was such a steadfast, honorable, enchanting character.
Macy is totally new to us in the Lyra-Blake-world. And she fits into this world so beautifully! Her backstory is relatable to so many people that you'll fall in love with her as quickly as Matteo does.
Now... let me say this. This book is NOT an insta-love in the way that many Winter-holiday books are. The plot doesn't take place over 30 days. Lyra gives us time with Macy & Matteo and I loved every second with them. I loved the development between the two. The burning and waiting... *Chef's kiss*
Also, have a notebook handy. You'll want to jot down a few of the recipes because the attention to detail is so great, your mouth will be watering for more than just Matteo.
December 10, 2022
Blake
��ARC Review💫
This is has all the makings of the BEST rom com of 2022 holiday season. A rollercoaster of emotions- heart-warming, hilarious, embaressing and everything inbetween.
When celebrity chef Matteo is looking for a new sous chef in the holidays he didn't expect his reccomended candidate to be the women from the disastrous coffee 'incident'.
There is an instant spark between the two, however Macy has some serious reservations on life following her recent crumbled marriage.
This is a story of learning to see love in life again- to roll with the punches and advocate for what you really want!
This read was captivating, hilarious, swoony and had me loving to hate certain characters. Macy will be relateable to many I am sure, and her best friend Leo is such an incredible ride ir d!e side kick. I adored the grumpy/sunshine trope through Macy character arc. Lyra had a way of balancing plot and quirky moments to create the perfect experience. She has absolutely outdone herself with this read.
Cameos from @lyrablakeauthor Riviers Brother series are a gorgeous addition to Matteo and Macys story.
If you love food, true love and a little vanilla-ish action then this is the perfect read for you!
It leaves you with a giddy feeling- it is absolutely sensational!! 5🌟
��ARC Review💫
This is has all the makings of the BEST rom com of 2022 holiday season. A rollercoaster of emotions- heart-warming, hilarious, embaressing and everything inbetween.
When celebrity chef Matteo is looking for a new sous chef in the holidays he didn't expect his reccomended candidate to be the women from the disastrous coffee 'incident'.
There is an instant spark between the two, however Macy has some serious reservations on life following her recent crumbled marriage.
This is a story of learning to see love in life again- to roll with the punches and advocate for what you really want!
This read was captivating, hilarious, swoony and had me loving to hate certain characters. Macy will be relateable to many I am sure, and her best friend Leo is such an incredible ride ir d!e side kick. I adored the grumpy/sunshine trope through Macy character arc. Lyra had a way of balancing plot and quirky moments to create the perfect experience. She has absolutely outdone herself with this read.
Cameos from @lyrablakeauthor Riviers Brother series are a gorgeous addition to Matteo and Macys story.
If you love food, true love and a little vanilla-ish action then this is the perfect read for you!
It leaves you with a giddy feeling- it is absolutely sensational!! 5🌟
January 22, 2024
Categories rated on a 10 point scale. Averaged and then translated into Star Rating. See CAWPILE by Book Roast.
I read this book via Kindle, gifted to me by a BookTok friend. I love Book Fairies.
Matteo is a spicy little gumdrop! As I am writing this, I am eating the spearmint gummy leaves I ordered that I was craving while reading! Not a cinnamon roll, but definitely a sweet treat. Macy hit close to home for me, but she had it way worse than I ever did. Definitely well developed, including side characters.
The kitchen came alive in my mind with the sprinkled in details. The writing flowed well and at no time did I have to flip back pages to pick out details that I missed.
The Plot was pretty straight forward but the progression of the small subplots kept the story moving in deliciously intriguing ways. Even though a revelation about an inconsequential side character made me bawl and put the book down for 10 minutes, I enjoyed the heck out of this book. I was in the mood for a palate cleansing little Rom-Com, but this was far more than that. There is realness in the characters and very little that is unbelievable.
Characters: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.5
Writing: 7.6
Plot: 8.5
Intrigue: 9.1
Logic: 7.2
Enjoyment: 9.9
Points: 57.9
Stars: Low 4.5
I read this book via Kindle, gifted to me by a BookTok friend. I love Book Fairies.
Matteo is a spicy little gumdrop! As I am writing this, I am eating the spearmint gummy leaves I ordered that I was craving while reading! Not a cinnamon roll, but definitely a sweet treat. Macy hit close to home for me, but she had it way worse than I ever did. Definitely well developed, including side characters.
The kitchen came alive in my mind with the sprinkled in details. The writing flowed well and at no time did I have to flip back pages to pick out details that I missed.
The Plot was pretty straight forward but the progression of the small subplots kept the story moving in deliciously intriguing ways. Even though a revelation about an inconsequential side character made me bawl and put the book down for 10 minutes, I enjoyed the heck out of this book. I was in the mood for a palate cleansing little Rom-Com, but this was far more than that. There is realness in the characters and very little that is unbelievable.
Characters: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.5
Writing: 7.6
Plot: 8.5
Intrigue: 9.1
Logic: 7.2
Enjoyment: 9.9
Points: 57.9
Stars: Low 4.5
December 27, 2022
“Reach for the life you want. Nobody is going to hand you a happy ending.”
Holy moly, someone bring me Matteo Gonzalez! I'm pretty sure I have a new book boyfriend. I love reading a reverse grumpy sunshine when the man is the sunshine, and the girl is the grump. Gah, gets me all the time. I'm from Portland so I loved reading Lyra's bits about the northwest and funny little bits about its interesting food tastes. But I also really loved Matteo and how incredibly wholesome of a man he is. Macy is the grumpy dynamic because of her past and the narcissist she was married to, and she has a lot to work through. Matteo sees that in her immediately and through the hard shell she wears. He will wait the time it takes to win her over because he knows from the start, she's worth it.
This book was great. Lyra's first rom-com as a mostly dark romance writer was really well done! Definitely romantic and definitely cute and funny. And also the right amount of sexy.
For the new year I plan on manifesting my own Matteo Gonzalez since he does live close by.... well... in the fictional world at least.
Holy moly, someone bring me Matteo Gonzalez! I'm pretty sure I have a new book boyfriend. I love reading a reverse grumpy sunshine when the man is the sunshine, and the girl is the grump. Gah, gets me all the time. I'm from Portland so I loved reading Lyra's bits about the northwest and funny little bits about its interesting food tastes. But I also really loved Matteo and how incredibly wholesome of a man he is. Macy is the grumpy dynamic because of her past and the narcissist she was married to, and she has a lot to work through. Matteo sees that in her immediately and through the hard shell she wears. He will wait the time it takes to win her over because he knows from the start, she's worth it.
This book was great. Lyra's first rom-com as a mostly dark romance writer was really well done! Definitely romantic and definitely cute and funny. And also the right amount of sexy.
For the new year I plan on manifesting my own Matteo Gonzalez since he does live close by.... well... in the fictional world at least.
December 6, 2022
“This seems fitting.” I pointed to the mofongo and the sprig of greenery. “Mistletoe and mofongo. Hope and home.”
Excuse me while I add Matteo to my long list of fictional boyfriends…✍🏼
I had the opportunity to receive an ARC of “Mistletoe and Mofongo” by Lyra Blake — and when I tell you I pretty much devoured this book in one sitting…I’m not lying.
There were so many things I loved about this book…and here a few highlights:
- Laugh out loud funny
- He falls first
- Workplace romance
- Mid-size FMC / Diversity + inclusion of other characters
- Sheds a light of inner healing and mental health
- Grumpy vs Sunshine
Not only is this extremely well written, it’s also a beautiful depiction of Macy’s journey to inner healing / being open to love. Matteo is the definition of a golden retriever and I know y’all are going to love him just as immediately as I did.
PS. Don’t read this book at night unless you want to be salivating reading about all of the Puerto Rican dishes.
Excuse me while I add Matteo to my long list of fictional boyfriends…✍🏼
I had the opportunity to receive an ARC of “Mistletoe and Mofongo” by Lyra Blake — and when I tell you I pretty much devoured this book in one sitting…I’m not lying.
There were so many things I loved about this book…and here a few highlights:
- Laugh out loud funny
- He falls first
- Workplace romance
- Mid-size FMC / Diversity + inclusion of other characters
- Sheds a light of inner healing and mental health
- Grumpy vs Sunshine
Not only is this extremely well written, it’s also a beautiful depiction of Macy’s journey to inner healing / being open to love. Matteo is the definition of a golden retriever and I know y’all are going to love him just as immediately as I did.
PS. Don’t read this book at night unless you want to be salivating reading about all of the Puerto Rican dishes.
December 8, 2022
❄️New Holiday romance book alert❄️
Mistletoe and Mofongo was the perfect holiday rom com. *chefs kiss* 😘
Our male main character Matteo owns a fancy shmancy restaurant and needs a new sous chef. Macy is reeling from some past hurt and needs a new job asap.
This book made me laugh out loud a few times, blush A LOT, and swoon during Matteo’s flirty banter. I really appreciated Macy’s healing journey and it was refreshing to see a main character combat and grow with her anxiety and mental health.
Read if you like:
🎄Holiday romance
✌🏻Dual POV
🥐Cinnamon roll male main character
☀️Reverse grumpy sunshine trope
👨🏻Boy falls first
🫦Flirty banter
🥵Tension/angst
🌶️Spice
😋Food descriptions
🏢Work place romance
🇵🇷Puerto Rican culture
🫂Found Family
Mistletoe and Mofongo releases on Kindle Unlimited Dec 13. Add it to your holiday TBR asap ❤️💗
Thank you Lyra Blake for providing me with an arc for my honest review. I absolutely LOVED it!
Mistletoe and Mofongo was the perfect holiday rom com. *chefs kiss* 😘
Our male main character Matteo owns a fancy shmancy restaurant and needs a new sous chef. Macy is reeling from some past hurt and needs a new job asap.
This book made me laugh out loud a few times, blush A LOT, and swoon during Matteo’s flirty banter. I really appreciated Macy’s healing journey and it was refreshing to see a main character combat and grow with her anxiety and mental health.
Read if you like:
🎄Holiday romance
✌🏻Dual POV
🥐Cinnamon roll male main character
☀️Reverse grumpy sunshine trope
👨🏻Boy falls first
🫦Flirty banter
🥵Tension/angst
🌶️Spice
😋Food descriptions
🏢Work place romance
🇵🇷Puerto Rican culture
🫂Found Family
Mistletoe and Mofongo releases on Kindle Unlimited Dec 13. Add it to your holiday TBR asap ❤️💗
Thank you Lyra Blake for providing me with an arc for my honest review. I absolutely LOVED it!
December 13, 2022
This book is like drinking spiked hot chocolate. It makes you feel warm and tingly inside - exactly what you didn’t know you needed and then want again and again.
I'm not normally a fan of RomComs, but I'm a fan of Lyra's and this book did not disappoint. It's different from what she usually writes, but still so good in every possible way.
If you've read Lyra's other books, you will remember Matteo as the adorable chef from the Rivera brothers books. If you haven't you are in for a treat. He gives golden retriever energy - loyal, patient, understanding - the perfect antidote the Macy's jaded attitude of men.
I laughed, cringed, and cackled at different points in this story. Reading spicy scenes in public? Face on lockdown. Reading things Leo says? Absolutely no control over my face. Do I like Romcoms now? I don't know. Do I like Romcoms Lyra writes? Hell. Yes. This is a great book to read if you want something light, spicy, and an easy feel good read.
I'm not normally a fan of RomComs, but I'm a fan of Lyra's and this book did not disappoint. It's different from what she usually writes, but still so good in every possible way.
If you've read Lyra's other books, you will remember Matteo as the adorable chef from the Rivera brothers books. If you haven't you are in for a treat. He gives golden retriever energy - loyal, patient, understanding - the perfect antidote the Macy's jaded attitude of men.
I laughed, cringed, and cackled at different points in this story. Reading spicy scenes in public? Face on lockdown. Reading things Leo says? Absolutely no control over my face. Do I like Romcoms now? I don't know. Do I like Romcoms Lyra writes? Hell. Yes. This is a great book to read if you want something light, spicy, and an easy feel good read.
February 14, 2023
4.5 stars (Goodreads, can we finally get that half star situated? Thanks.)
I'm going to hide this review because I am listing out elements of what I loved in this book, and I don't want to risk any of them being a spoiler for readers.
I'm a sucker for a good, cheesy Hallmark movie that makes you want to curl up into a chair with a cup of hot cocoa. I'm also a sucker for a spicy rom-com book. Lyra Blake has managed to merge the two in the perfect way!
This book is for you if you love:
- spice
- laughing
- a meet-cute
- a found family
- a journey of healing and love
- seeing people follow their dreams and crushing it
- food (yes, food—be prepared for the urge to request recipes)
- friends who will make food in the shape of body parts for you to destroy in anger (not saying anything else on the matter—just enjoy)
I'm going to hide this review because I am listing out elements of what I loved in this book, and I don't want to risk any of them being a spoiler for readers.
I'm a sucker for a good, cheesy Hallmark movie that makes you want to curl up into a chair with a cup of hot cocoa. I'm also a sucker for a spicy rom-com book. Lyra Blake has managed to merge the two in the perfect way!
This book is for you if you love:
- spice
- laughing
- a meet-cute
- a found family
- a journey of healing and love
- seeing people follow their dreams and crushing it
- food (yes, food—be prepared for the urge to request recipes)
- friends who will make food in the shape of body parts for you to destroy in anger (not saying anything else on the matter—just enjoy)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2022
**I received an ArC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
I know Lyra from her instagram and discord so I wasn’t surprised that I loved this book with its humour! It’s the best kind of rom com - you have a meet cute, a swoon worthy hero, mistakes, angst and the adorable best friend. I think Leo may be one of my favourites and that is Ofcourse the real strength of Lyra’s writing - no character feels background or under developed - though I need Leo’s HEA now!
This can be read as stand alone but those of us who have read the other books by the author will enjoy the call backs and appearances!
It was nicely festive without being only about Christmas which I enjoyed! Great and fun read for your Christmas season
I know Lyra from her instagram and discord so I wasn’t surprised that I loved this book with its humour! It’s the best kind of rom com - you have a meet cute, a swoon worthy hero, mistakes, angst and the adorable best friend. I think Leo may be one of my favourites and that is Ofcourse the real strength of Lyra’s writing - no character feels background or under developed - though I need Leo’s HEA now!
This can be read as stand alone but those of us who have read the other books by the author will enjoy the call backs and appearances!
It was nicely festive without being only about Christmas which I enjoyed! Great and fun read for your Christmas season
December 13, 2022
Macy is facing the emotional and financial fallout of her husband leaving her when she meets Matteo, a celebrity chef. He is immediately drawn to her despite their first rocky meeting. Now can they work together and develop into something more?
She isn’t really grumpy but I love the reverse grumpy sunshine vibes. Plus, found family is perfect for the timeframe of the book (Thanksgiving/Christmas). Once again, Lyra makes you love her side characters (Leo is amazing) and have some serious cravings for good food.
While this is a stand-alone seasonal book there are characters from previous books. Some information is given regarding previous plot points.
She isn’t really grumpy but I love the reverse grumpy sunshine vibes. Plus, found family is perfect for the timeframe of the book (Thanksgiving/Christmas). Once again, Lyra makes you love her side characters (Leo is amazing) and have some serious cravings for good food.
While this is a stand-alone seasonal book there are characters from previous books. Some information is given regarding previous plot points.
December 29, 2022
I wanted to love this more but right before the book ends something happens and I really really wished it didn’t. Matteo deserved better and I don’t feel like the author did him justice.
He’s one of the sweetest and nicest characters I’ve ever read.
Leo was annoying and way too much. Her questions were crazy.
Macy was ok. Anxiety ridden, grumpy and standoffish…she’s kinda hard to like at times. But she has her moments.
He’s one of the sweetest and nicest characters I’ve ever read.
Leo was annoying and way too much. Her questions were crazy.
Macy was ok. Anxiety ridden, grumpy and standoffish…she’s kinda hard to like at times. But she has her moments.
December 27, 2024
Cute with a splash of spicy
Absolutely loved this book…it’s on the lighter side of what I’m used to but it was just the right palette cleanse I needed. The slow burn between Macy and Matteo made the spicy scenes so much better. The few scenes with the Rivera brothers made it a great read. If you want a sweet, slow burn, cutesy romance with a side of spicy then this is definitely the book for you. Mrs. Blake never disappoints with any of her books.
Absolutely loved this book…it’s on the lighter side of what I’m used to but it was just the right palette cleanse I needed. The slow burn between Macy and Matteo made the spicy scenes so much better. The few scenes with the Rivera brothers made it a great read. If you want a sweet, slow burn, cutesy romance with a side of spicy then this is definitely the book for you. Mrs. Blake never disappoints with any of her books.
January 16, 2023
One of my favorite reads of 2022.
It had everything I wanted at the end of the year. Fun, banter, Chefness... yes I made up a word but all the cooking reference made me fall in love.
I am a trained chef and it filled my heart with so much joy.
Matteo and Macy are such a great couple. This is a slow burn but hoottttt!!!
Totally recommend it <3
It had everything I wanted at the end of the year. Fun, banter, Chefness... yes I made up a word but all the cooking reference made me fall in love.
I am a trained chef and it filled my heart with so much joy.
Matteo and Macy are such a great couple. This is a slow burn but hoottttt!!!
Totally recommend it <3
December 19, 2022
THE ABSOLUTE PINNACLE OF A HOLIDAY ROM-COM.
With this book Lyra had me in stitches with her quick little one-liners, in tears with the hurt that her characters go through, and in search of a fan for the steamy scenes that she does OH SO WELL.
Loved it so much 💜
With this book Lyra had me in stitches with her quick little one-liners, in tears with the hurt that her characters go through, and in search of a fan for the steamy scenes that she does OH SO WELL.
Loved it so much 💜
December 29, 2022
Delightful Holiday Read
Long but worth it. Amazing dialogue, plenty of communication, a scoundrel of an ex, and a couple story that lasts and lasts. Absolutely a 5 star rating from this old war dog.
Thanks for the journey, Miss Lyra.
Long but worth it. Amazing dialogue, plenty of communication, a scoundrel of an ex, and a couple story that lasts and lasts. Absolutely a 5 star rating from this old war dog.
Thanks for the journey, Miss Lyra.
December 15, 2023
This was exactly the hallmark movie vibe I was looking for! I love a grumpy x sunshine. I only wish there had been a teensy bit more with Ethan at the court because I love the drama.
Also, Matteo is just the sweetest ❤️
Also, Matteo is just the sweetest ❤️
December 14, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
RTC!
RTC!
December 23, 2022
I just really enjoyed and loved this book so much.
I loved Macy and Matteo and their relationship. I loved how attentive Matteo was with Macy and everything she was going through. Such an incredible support.
I also loved Leo and the Riveras. Leo's love for Macy made me absolutely cry. Best Friends really just got me going this year.
I can't find a way to eloquently explain why I loved this so much, I just did. It hit all the right notes for me.
Also I just really loved all the food and restaurant stuff.
This was my first Lyra Blake book and I definitely want to read more!
I loved Macy and Matteo and their relationship. I loved how attentive Matteo was with Macy and everything she was going through. Such an incredible support.
I also loved Leo and the Riveras. Leo's love for Macy made me absolutely cry. Best Friends really just got me going this year.
I can't find a way to eloquently explain why I loved this so much, I just did. It hit all the right notes for me.
Also I just really loved all the food and restaurant stuff.
This was my first Lyra Blake book and I definitely want to read more!
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