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Lemon Curd
Lemon Curd is a love story between the righteous and opinionated Anna Lisa Gibson and her arrogant British officemate, Neil Scott Whittaker. He can have any woman he desires but Anna Lisa's honesty and down to earth personality makes him fall in love with her. Except that he doesn't want to give up his fiancée and she doesn't want to have an affair with a soon to be married man. Yet romance is only part of this story. From the streets of Los Angeles to the streets of London, Lemon Curd depicts the millennium lifestyle - Women's position in the business world, the workaholic and multitasking attitude of our society and the difficulty of balancing family and work life while trying to make a difference in the lives of the people around us.
356 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2006
9 people want to read
About the author
Homa Pourasgari
3 books2 followersHoma Pourasgari spent hours in her father’s home office, writing, reading and letting her imagination carry her to unseen worlds. She moved to Los Angeles, California, at a young age. After graduating from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in business, she went to Paris for a year to study literature at the Sorbonne. Before becoming a full-time writer, she ran her own boutique, worked at a bank and a CPA firm, was a personal trainer and even taught spinning and cardio kickboxing. When she is not writing, she is stumbling, miming and pointing to find her way in a foreign country. Her latest novel, The American Outsider, is based on her travels in Japan.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 16, 2023
“Lemon Curd” by Homa Pourasgari is an irresistible opposites-attract romantic drama set in the marketing world, including Los Angeles and London. Main characters Anna Lisa Gibson and Neil Scott Whitaker meet over the last lemon curd. They must share an important client, but they both find each other intolerable in a way, so we, the readers, are treated to a will-they-or-won’t-they premise that is exciting and rewarding. The banter is charged with electricity, and the conflicting personalities are just perfect for a romance novel like this.
I like the fact that Anna is a professional with a backstory and that Neil is set in his ways too, with an equally interesting backstory. So, it’s a bit of a mystery to wonder how things will unfold. As you read, at times you think that their coming together would be almost impossible. But the story unfolds in a satisfying way, first with friendship.
I enjoy Neil’s confidence–some would say over-confidence because he isn’t used to getting rebuffed by women. Their relationship develops over time, and I like that both grow in character as the chapters go on. I appreciate the witty dialogue, which helps drive the story along. Their conflict seems genuine, and I like how he wonders what it would be like to be more than friends with Anna, his co-worker. I also welcome the fact that Anna has a realistic past, even though she’s successful at work. She isn’t perfect, has self-image problems, and has made mistakes along the way regarding relationships.
Pourasgari’s work is the kind of story romantic movies are made of. There is a lot of energy and heart that comes through the chapters, and you will want to finish this one to find out how it ends. The author seems to be a born storyteller, with a talent for entertaining. The writing is fresh, vibrant, and well-paced. The author adds tension to Anna and Neil’s situation by having them already in a relationship even before they meet. The plot is engaging, and you are immediately into the story from the first few lines. Overall, “Lemon Curd” by Homa Pourasgari is a well-rounded, classic example of modern romantic drama.
I like the fact that Anna is a professional with a backstory and that Neil is set in his ways too, with an equally interesting backstory. So, it’s a bit of a mystery to wonder how things will unfold. As you read, at times you think that their coming together would be almost impossible. But the story unfolds in a satisfying way, first with friendship.
I enjoy Neil’s confidence–some would say over-confidence because he isn’t used to getting rebuffed by women. Their relationship develops over time, and I like that both grow in character as the chapters go on. I appreciate the witty dialogue, which helps drive the story along. Their conflict seems genuine, and I like how he wonders what it would be like to be more than friends with Anna, his co-worker. I also welcome the fact that Anna has a realistic past, even though she’s successful at work. She isn’t perfect, has self-image problems, and has made mistakes along the way regarding relationships.
Pourasgari’s work is the kind of story romantic movies are made of. There is a lot of energy and heart that comes through the chapters, and you will want to finish this one to find out how it ends. The author seems to be a born storyteller, with a talent for entertaining. The writing is fresh, vibrant, and well-paced. The author adds tension to Anna and Neil’s situation by having them already in a relationship even before they meet. The plot is engaging, and you are immediately into the story from the first few lines. Overall, “Lemon Curd” by Homa Pourasgari is a well-rounded, classic example of modern romantic drama.
March 18, 2012
Lemon Curd introduces you to Anna Lisa Gibson, a powerful marketing executive in Los Angeles with a history of bad relationships and poor self esteem. The first pages bring her head to head with Neil Scott Whittaker her British counterpart who is equally complicated and mostly opinionated.
Although both Anna Lisa and Neil are involved in serious relationships already - it is immediately obvious there is an attraction and tension between the two. Anna Lisa is in a dead end relationship with a no good man several years her junior but remains in denial for some time. Neil is engaged to marry a high class British socialite who although he felt was the perfect partner, he begins questioning the longer he remains in Los Angeles working alongside Anna Lisa.
This book covers common issues regarding men and women and their battles in the workplace as well as in relationships. There is a strong sense of fidelity, morality and family in Homa's writing.
Overall, I enjoyed the story line - the idea behind the book. Anna Lisa is a powerful woman in her career field of choice. She is highly respected and knows what she is doing - there is no doubt from anyone that she is in control in her office and with her clients and accounts. Unfortunately, her own self image is rocky and she has had a tendency to fall for the wrong men. Neil is a strong and self sufficient man who just needs to relax and enjoy life more. Going from the "stiff" or perhaps "stuffy" lifestyle of London to the carefree and fun lifestyle of Los Angeles he begins questioning what he really wants in his life and future wife. As you already suspect, this becomes a bit of a love triangle that includes heartache, pain, infidelity, and questioning of all common sense and what real love truly is.
I felt that the plot was excellent, but unfortunately the writing itself was a bit on the choppy side at times. Perhaps it was the excessive details that I had a problem with or maybe it just wasn't as fluid as I would have liked. Either way, I love the idea of the book but cannot say that I am a huge fan of the writing style of Homa Pourasgari. She includes great culturally and politically relevant topics that I loved and her characters are well fleshed out, but I simply find the style itself difficult to follow and enjoy.
I give the book 3 1/2 stars. Although a good plot, the writing could use some polishing.
Although both Anna Lisa and Neil are involved in serious relationships already - it is immediately obvious there is an attraction and tension between the two. Anna Lisa is in a dead end relationship with a no good man several years her junior but remains in denial for some time. Neil is engaged to marry a high class British socialite who although he felt was the perfect partner, he begins questioning the longer he remains in Los Angeles working alongside Anna Lisa.
This book covers common issues regarding men and women and their battles in the workplace as well as in relationships. There is a strong sense of fidelity, morality and family in Homa's writing.
Overall, I enjoyed the story line - the idea behind the book. Anna Lisa is a powerful woman in her career field of choice. She is highly respected and knows what she is doing - there is no doubt from anyone that she is in control in her office and with her clients and accounts. Unfortunately, her own self image is rocky and she has had a tendency to fall for the wrong men. Neil is a strong and self sufficient man who just needs to relax and enjoy life more. Going from the "stiff" or perhaps "stuffy" lifestyle of London to the carefree and fun lifestyle of Los Angeles he begins questioning what he really wants in his life and future wife. As you already suspect, this becomes a bit of a love triangle that includes heartache, pain, infidelity, and questioning of all common sense and what real love truly is.
I felt that the plot was excellent, but unfortunately the writing itself was a bit on the choppy side at times. Perhaps it was the excessive details that I had a problem with or maybe it just wasn't as fluid as I would have liked. Either way, I love the idea of the book but cannot say that I am a huge fan of the writing style of Homa Pourasgari. She includes great culturally and politically relevant topics that I loved and her characters are well fleshed out, but I simply find the style itself difficult to follow and enjoy.
I give the book 3 1/2 stars. Although a good plot, the writing could use some polishing.
May 3, 2012
For years now I have had the same two favourite authors, Mary E Pearce and Margaret Dickinson, I now have three!! After reading the authors book, The Dawn of Saudi I was absolutely blown away and knew I had to read her first book, Lemon Curd. I literally could not wait until it arrived, although when you look forward to something so much you do worry slightly in case it doesn't match your expectations, I needn't have worried. Another fantastic 'unable to put down' read.
The main character, Anna Lisa, has a great job at a marketing firm with a fantastic boss and also has the benefit of working with the love of her life and ladies man, Paul. Her parents died in a car crash when she was three months old and she was brought up by her grandmother and aunts. Without any word of warning she is suddenly told that the firm have brought a colleague over from the London office to work with her on the important Olson account, a cosmetic company ran by an aunt and nephew. The guy stood next to her, Neil, who she is supposed to not only work with but share an office with, is the annoying man she ran into earlier that day and who had stole her cherished and rare car parking space. Not only that he has decided to call her Leeza which is even more annoying !!
They slowly fall in love with each other, although denying it to themselves as Neil has a fiancée, who eventually starts to infuriate him due to being so spoilt and self centered and Anna Lisa has Paul. When things fall apart in Anna Lisa's relationship with Paul it hits her hard and starts to have even more impact on their feelings. Can they finally allow themselves happiness and fall in love with each other or will they both walk away from what potentially could be the 'one'?
You may feel that you want to shout at the characters at times to make them see sense and act on their feelings. A truly enjoyable read with a great storyline. The way the author writes draws you into the story and you warm very quickly to the characters in the story, which is why I loved reading both books. Another really enjoyable read by this wonderful author !
The main character, Anna Lisa, has a great job at a marketing firm with a fantastic boss and also has the benefit of working with the love of her life and ladies man, Paul. Her parents died in a car crash when she was three months old and she was brought up by her grandmother and aunts. Without any word of warning she is suddenly told that the firm have brought a colleague over from the London office to work with her on the important Olson account, a cosmetic company ran by an aunt and nephew. The guy stood next to her, Neil, who she is supposed to not only work with but share an office with, is the annoying man she ran into earlier that day and who had stole her cherished and rare car parking space. Not only that he has decided to call her Leeza which is even more annoying !!
They slowly fall in love with each other, although denying it to themselves as Neil has a fiancée, who eventually starts to infuriate him due to being so spoilt and self centered and Anna Lisa has Paul. When things fall apart in Anna Lisa's relationship with Paul it hits her hard and starts to have even more impact on their feelings. Can they finally allow themselves happiness and fall in love with each other or will they both walk away from what potentially could be the 'one'?
You may feel that you want to shout at the characters at times to make them see sense and act on their feelings. A truly enjoyable read with a great storyline. The way the author writes draws you into the story and you warm very quickly to the characters in the story, which is why I loved reading both books. Another really enjoyable read by this wonderful author !
March 5, 2012
Lemon Curd is the story of Anna Lisa, a successful account executive and her coworker, Neil Whittaker. Things don't start off well for these two - Neil's cocky attitude does not sit well with Anna Lisa, a hardworking woman who has no time for drama. After taking a second look, these two start to wonder if maybe they were wrong about each other... maybe there's something more between them than they had thought.
The story isn't just about Neil and Anna Lisa. There's Anna Lisa's boyfriend, who is anything but nice to her and Neil's fiancee, a spoiled brat. There's a good deal of drama between all of the characters, which kept me interested.
I found the characters to be quite relatable. Anna Lisa, the main character, is a sassy, successful woman who knows what she wants (well, for the most part). I loved her spunk and I often found myself saying/thinking "Oh my gosh, that's exactly how I feel!" or "I would have done the same thing."
This book also has a little bit of a soap opera style to it. Some things seemed a little over the top and some of the dialogue seemed unrealistic. I may have tolled my eyes a time or two but I know the same things that made me roll my eyes, others will go crazy for! Quite a few of my female family members are soap fans so I'll be passing the book on to one of them.
Overall, I liked the storyline and the drama in this book. The characters seemed to be well-thought out. I was able to relate to Anna Lisa's professional lifestyle, relationship troubles and her struggle to balance the two! It's a great book for both romance fans and all the women out there who represent sexiness and success.
The story isn't just about Neil and Anna Lisa. There's Anna Lisa's boyfriend, who is anything but nice to her and Neil's fiancee, a spoiled brat. There's a good deal of drama between all of the characters, which kept me interested.
I found the characters to be quite relatable. Anna Lisa, the main character, is a sassy, successful woman who knows what she wants (well, for the most part). I loved her spunk and I often found myself saying/thinking "Oh my gosh, that's exactly how I feel!" or "I would have done the same thing."
This book also has a little bit of a soap opera style to it. Some things seemed a little over the top and some of the dialogue seemed unrealistic. I may have tolled my eyes a time or two but I know the same things that made me roll my eyes, others will go crazy for! Quite a few of my female family members are soap fans so I'll be passing the book on to one of them.
Overall, I liked the storyline and the drama in this book. The characters seemed to be well-thought out. I was able to relate to Anna Lisa's professional lifestyle, relationship troubles and her struggle to balance the two! It's a great book for both romance fans and all the women out there who represent sexiness and success.
August 13, 2016
As soon as I started reading this book I found it very difficult to put it down. Finished it in 3 days! First of all, I am feeling homesick to my hometown Los Angeles so having this book take place their made me feel like I was home. Second, I was able to relate to Anna on a personal level. At one point in my life I wanted to be a career woman who had it all with no help from anyone. It made me think that had I chosen that path, that's how I would have ended up being instead of a Stay-At-Home mom. I am sucker for love stories so this had me right away but it also talked about those decisions we have to make to gain happiness. Will our sacrifices be worth it in the end? Should we expose ourselves and make ourselves vulnerable just for the sake of love? I loved that this book covered it all, not many romances are as realistic as this one was. In this day an age we are constantly tested to do the right thing, make the right decision and live with our decision. This comes easier to some versus those that decide to take the easy way out.
June 22, 2012
Looking for a lighthearted summer read? Lemon Curd by Homa Pourasgari is a good one to pack for the beach. A gently budding romance between two career-minded Type A individuals is the premise of the story. The obstacles standing in their way border on the predictable, but you won't mind. There is enough humor and cultural drama to keep things going. I finished this book in two days because I just needed to see how the two fared by the end. Sometimes I felt that the actions of the characters conflicted with their personalities. Romance books are not my cup of tea so I was glad to see that this was a relatively clean book. There were some expletives sprinkled in the storyline that could have been left out; they did nothing to add to the story. The book needed another once-over from the proofreading department. Still, it's an overall decent read and one that I wouldn't mind sharing with a friend.
I received this book for review. These opinions are 100% mine.
I received this book for review. These opinions are 100% mine.
April 2, 2012
Lemon Curd is the story of Ana, the average workaholic woman living in United States. She ends up having to work with and even share an office with Neil, a British man that came to the US for a work assignment. However, her and Neil got off to a very rough start. Needless to say, Ana is not happy about the new situation.
Ana and Neil are both in serious relationships when they meet each other, but their attraction to each other is very apparent. Even though they cannot get along and do not like each other, they develop a very interesting relationship.
The book deals with work problems, family relationships, friendships, and love. I would consider this to be a romance novel. The book is very easy to read and understand. I read it only in a few days, because I really enjoyed it. Lemon Curd borders on the predictable side, but little twists and funny bits made me really enjoy the book.
Ana and Neil are both in serious relationships when they meet each other, but their attraction to each other is very apparent. Even though they cannot get along and do not like each other, they develop a very interesting relationship.
The book deals with work problems, family relationships, friendships, and love. I would consider this to be a romance novel. The book is very easy to read and understand. I read it only in a few days, because I really enjoyed it. Lemon Curd borders on the predictable side, but little twists and funny bits made me really enjoy the book.
March 17, 2012
Lemon Curd by Homa Paragarsi was a really good book I was thoroughly captivated by it. A love story that follows two very head strong and independent people Anna Lisa and Neil don’t like each other at first but are forced to work together. Through their working relationship they begin to find common ground and soon realize how much they have in common but sometimes love isn’t easy and when both characters are stubborn and headstrong find ones way to back to the person you love can be a rather difficult road. If you enjoy a good love story with well developed characters and a good story line then I suggest you pick up a copy of Lemon Curd it’s sure to help you pass the time on any day.
July 11, 2012
I was happy to get the chance to read another one of Homa Pourasgari's books. I read The Dawn of Saudi: In Search for Freedom book and knew I wanted to read Lemon Curd. I was surprised at how this book was true to my life in the way the main characters interacted with each other. They were sarcastic and funny. I liked how the romance between the characters flowed and was not like any other romance book. I would say this is a good book to read on one of those rainy weekends.
March 20, 2012
Lemon Curd is a lovely romantic story without being a “romance novel”. I really enjoyed the fact that the heroine was a REAL modern day woman. Anna Lisa is very relatable, and feels like someone I might know or call a friend.
I flew through this book in just a couple days, and I can’t wait for the authors next book!
I flew through this book in just a couple days, and I can’t wait for the authors next book!
March 17, 2012
I loved this book. It was an extremely well-written romantic fiction novel. It kept me involved and interested. I love watching the relationship between Anna Lisa and Neil evolve. The characters and happenings are very relatable and also intruiging. I highly reccomend it.
March 26, 2012
I dove right into this book. The characters and story line drew me in and kept me there. I fell in love with Neil and I wish he was real! This is one of those books that is hard to put down so plan on reading until you are finished! Definitely a must read.
April 19, 2012
An absolutely stunning modern romance novel. The characters draw you in and hold you and the author's ability to write exceptional and witty lines captures your interest. This is the perfect Summer read.
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April 1, 2010Pourasgari, Homa
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews