Next Month in Books – February 2024

As befitting for the month of Valentine’s Day, February 2024 brings with it a bumper stack of 9 x new releases to keep every romance reader happy.

Even if you’re not a fan of V-Day, February has still got you covered because 5 of this month’s new releases come out on the 13th so you can spend the 14th snuggled up with your Kindle and pretend V-Day doesn’t exist (everyone knows boys in books are better anyway).

As usual, if you’ve got any suggestions for February 2024 releases I might have missed out on, please let me know in the comments or by e-mail at louisehallbooks@gmail.com.

Until next time, happy reading x

Note: I don’t get paid for including any of the links below, they’re just the books I’m most looking forward to being published each month.

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1ST FEBRUARY 2024

Fool Me Once by Ashley Winstead

Although this was first published in 2022, I’ve been waiting not-so-patiently for Fool Me Once to be released in the UK ever since I finished reading The Boyfriend Candidate, which was one of My Favourite Books of 2023 (Alexis from TBC & Lee from FMO are sisters).

Lee Stone is a twenty-first-century woman: she kicks butt at her job as a communications director at a women-run electric car company (that’s better than Tesla, thank you), and after work she is ‘Stoner’, drinking guys under the table and never letting any of them get too comfortable in her bed…

That’s because Lee’s learned one big lesson: never trust love. Four major heartbreaks set her straight, particularly grad-school boyfriend Ben Laderman – who wasn’t actually cheating, but she could have sworn he was, so she reciprocated in kind.

Then Ben shows up five years later as a policy expert for the Texas governor, just as Lee is trying to get a clean-energy bill rolling. Tension builds as old sparks reignite when they’re forced to work together, fanning the flames for a romantic dustup the size of Texas.

Tags: Favourite Author / Fictional Politicians / Second Chance

Links: Amazon UK / Goodreads

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6TH FEBRUARY 2024

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone

Eve Hatch is pretty content with her life. Her apartment in Brooklyn is cozy and close to her childhood best friend Willa, but far from her midwestern, traditional family who never really understood her. While her job is only dream- adjacent , she’s hoping her passion and hard work will soon help her land a more glamorous role. And sure, her most recent romantic history has consisted of not one but two disappointing men named Derek. At least she always knows what to expect…until she finds herself expecting after an uncharacteristic one-night stand.

The unplanned pregnancy cracks open all the relationships in her life. Eve’s loyal friendship with Willa is feeling off , right when she needs her most. And it’s Willa’s steadfast older brother, Shep, who steps up to help. He has always been friendly, but now he’s checking in, ordering her surprise lunches, listening to all her complaints, and is… suddenly kinda hot? Then there’s the baby’s father, who is supportive but conflicted. Before long, Eve is rethinking everything she thought she knew about herself and her world.

Over the course of nine months, as Eve struggles to figure out the next right step in her expanding reality, she begins to realize that family and love, in all forms, can sneak up on you when you least expect it.

Tags: Friends to Lovers / New-to-Me Author / Oopsie Babies

Links: Amazon / Goodreads

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13TH FEBRUARY 2024

The Catch by Amy Lea

In a last ditch attempt to rescue her brand from the brink of irrelevance, fashion influencer Melanie Karlsen finds herself in a rural fishing village on the east coast of Canada. The only thing scarier than nature itself? Burly fisherman Evan Whaler – who single-handedly disproves the theory that Canadians are ‘nice’.

After a boating incident lands Evan in the hospital, Mel is mistaken for his fiancée by his welcoming yet quirky family. And, in exchange for Evan’s help with her social media content, Mel agrees to fake their engagement for just. one. week.

But reeling in their budding feelings for each other proves more difficult than expected.

Is Mel willing to sacrifice her picture-perfect life in the city for a chance at true love in the wild?

Tags: Fake Dating

Links: Amazon UK / Goodreads

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13TH FEBRUARY 2024

Fangirl Down (Big Shots #1) by Tessa Bailey

Wells Whitaker was once golf’s hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to show for his “promising” career is a killer hangover, a collection of broken clubs, and one remaining supporter. No matter how bad he plays, the beautiful, sunny redhead is always on the sidelines. He curses, she cheers. He scowls, she smiles. But when Wells quits in a blaze of glory and his fangirl finally goes home, he knows he made the greatest mistake of his life.

Josephine Doyle believed in the gorgeous, grumpy golfer, even when he didn’t believe in himself. Yet after he throws in the towel, she begins to wonder if her faith was misplaced. Then a determined Wells shows up at her door with a wild proposal: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And considering Josephine’s professional and personal life is in shambles, she could really use the cash…

As they travel together, spending days on the green and nights in neighbouring hotel rooms, sparks fly. Before long, they’re inseparable, Wells starts winning again, and Josephine is surprised to find a sweet, thoughtful guy underneath his gruff, growly exterior. This hot man wants to brush her hair, feed her snacks, and take bubble baths together? Is this real life? But Wells is technically her boss and an athlete falling for his fangirl would be ridiculous… right?

Tags: Favourite Author / Unusual Sports Romance (Golf)

Links: Amazon UK / Goodreads

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13TH FEBRUARY 2024

Fish Out of Water by Katie Ruggle

Why date a mountain man? Because he knows how to pitch a tent.

When Dahlia Weathersby’s sister disappears on what should have been a simple day hike, Dahlia immediately heads deep into the Colorado Rockies to find her. Knowing she’ll never survive the mountains alone, she convinces the local hermit—adorably grouchy survival expert Winston Dane—to be her guide. All it takes is a good helping of Dahlia’s charm…and just the teeniest bit of blackmail…before she’s got all six-foot-something of him wrapped around her finger. But even with her very own mountain man in tow, things aren’t going to be easy. There are:

Long hikes through gorgeous wilderness? Check.

Bears? Check.

A single shared sleeping bag? Check.

Enough sparks to set the Rockies ablaze? Check, check, check.

With everything the wilderness has to throw at them, it’ll take more than charm and some city girl ingenuity to make this trek anything but a disaster waiting to happen…and an adventure she’ll never forget.

Tags: New-to-Me Author / One Bed

Links: Amazon UK / Goodreads

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13TH FEBRUARY 2024

Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy

When nineteen-year-old Abbey Bly gets the opportunity to study abroad for a year in London, it’s the perfect chance to finally slip out from under the thumb of her beloved but overbearing retired rock star father. She’s ready to be free, to discover herself – but first off, to meet the girls she’s rooming with. That is, until she arrives at her gorgeous new flat to discover those roommates are actually all boys. Charming, funny, insufferably attractive boys. And off-limits, with a rule against fraternizing between housemates after unwanted drama with the previous girl.

Abbey has never considered herself a rule-breaker. But soon, she’s lying to her father about her living situation and falling for not one, but two men she can’t have: her rugby-player roommate and a broody musician with a girlfriend. Not to mention, her research for school has gotten her tangled in a deeply hidden scandal of a high nobility family, surrounding her in secrets on all sides.

If there’s any hope of Abbey finding love, answers, or a future in London, she’ll have to decide which rules – and hearts – might be worth breaking . . .

Tags: College / Favourite Author

Links: Amazon UK / Goodreads

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13TH FEBRUARY 2024

Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair by Laura Piper Lee

Hannah Tate can hardly believe her sleep-deprived eyes when she finds an engagement ring hidden in the closet. Killian, her super responsible, incredibly attractive boyfriend—and the father of her new baby, Bowie—is finally going to propose. But a romantic night out goes horribly wrong when Killian reveals he’s dumping Hannah, not proposing.

Furious and heartbroken, Hannah takes Bowie and moves in with her mama and stepdaddy in the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Hannah realizes that her parents’ cabin has vacation property gold written all over it—and could save her mama from going broke. Again.

Only problem? The cabin’s décor is . . . mildly terrifying and it’s in desperate need of renovation. Hannah hires the hot carpenter living in the treehouse next door to fix up the place. Not only does River respect Hannah’s business acumen, he looks at her like she’s a woman, not a hot mess. And Hannah can’t deny that River awakens something new inside her.

Can Hannah embrace a future that looks different from the picture-perfect family she once dreamed of . . . and maybe start living life on her own terms?

Tags: Cabin in the Woods / New-to-Me Author / Love Under Construction

Links: Amazon UK / Goodreads

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20TH FEBRUARY 2024

Till There Was You by Lindsay Hameroff

Culinary student Lexi Berman, 24, has one goal: to make her late mother proud by becoming an executive chef in a Michelin-star restaurant. And she isn’t going to let anything–or anyone–get in the way. But when she meets Jake Taylor, a dive bar musician who charms her with show tunes, she makes a rare exception to her no-dating rule. After a steamy weekend together, Jake leaves for L.A. to record his demo, and Lexi never expects to see him again. And she definitely doesn’t expect him to become an overnight celebrity, with a breakout single that’s almost certainly about her famous blueberry pancake recipe.

As Jake’s star rises and the world speculates about the subject of his song, Lexi keeps the affair to herself. After all, she’s finally found her footing at her new restaurant job, and even has a prospective romance with her co-worker. But when a distraught Jake turns up on her doorstep late one night, her carefully-laid plans are thrown for a loop. Though she and Jake try to be friends, things between them soon reheat faster than a bowl of Lexi’s matzah ball soup. But a relationship with Jake means risking her face in tabloids, withstanding cruel internet comments, and worst of all, jeopardizing her career. As Jake’s upcoming tour approaches, and rumours swirl about him and another pop star, Lexi has to decide if holding onto her meticulously-planned future is worth walking away from what could be the perfect recipe for love.

Tags: Chefs / Fictional Musicians / Jewish / New-to-Me Author / Second Chance

Links: Amazon UK / Goodreads

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29TH FEBRUARY 2024

A Villa with a View (Romantic Escapes #11) by Julie Caplin

Lia Bathurst had always dreamed of escaping to the white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas of the Amalfi coast – but that dream hadn’t included meeting her real father. A father she had never even known about until a few weeks ago! Yet here she was, standing outside the gates of a gorgeous pink villa being refused entry by the insufferable – and insufferably handsome – Raphael Knight, her father’s business manager.

When an old black and white photo proves Lia’s claim to be true, Raph is determined to make sure this stranger, with her long caramel waves and infectious smile, doesn’t have an ulterior motive. Even if that means not letting her out of his sight.

As temperatures rise, and not just from the heat of the Mediterranean sun, could Lia and Raph’s forced proximity lead to something more like… amore?

Tags: Italy

Links: Amazon UK / Goodreads

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The Weekly Book Date (13 November 2023)

Photo Credit: Lisa Fotios @ Pexels.

The Weekly Book Date is where I talk all things books from the previous 7 days.

I’ve definitely rediscovered my love of fiction, finishing 5 x books this week (including 2 x Five Star Reads).

After 16 years in our apartment, we recently splurged on a fancy-pants sofa and after all the stress of getting it delivered (we couldn’t get it through the door at first so the upholsterers had to take it apart and then put it back together again in our lounge) there’s literally nothing better than curling up on the sofa with my duvet and Kindle.

If, like me, you’re in your Winter Holiday Romance era, I’d definitely recommend Christmas in Cape May, Same Time Next Year (New Year’s Eve), A Winter in New York (Christmas) & Eight Dates and Nights (Hanukkah).

All the best, Louise x

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Currently Reading (& What I Bought This Week):

Christmas in Cape May (Sunshine Sisters #3.5) by Jennifer Probst (2023)

Devon Pratt loves many things in life. The beauty of flowers. The yin and yang of energy. The power of positivity in people. And everything to do with the Christmas season.

As a floral shop owner in the beach town of Cape May, she looks forward to decorating both the town and running the annual holiday party to benefit the local animal shelter. Too bad the new owner of her favourite venue is more like the Grinch than Santa. Working with him will be a challenge, but she’s too full of seasonal cheer to let him annoy her, right?

Jameson Franklin hates many things in life. Crowds. Fake cheer. Ostentatious décor. And especially Christmas. The season is full of things he’d rather avoid, but since taking over the popular restaurant Vintage temporarily for his cousin as a favour, he’s trying to play nice with the locals. Too bad the florist is insisting on overrunning his sacred space with blooms, dogs, and an endless positive persistence that pushes all of his buttons. But when too many heated confrontations lead to heated encounters, he begins to wonder what it would be like to love not only Christmas, but Devon Pratt.

Let the festivities begin.

Tags: Christmas – Favourite Author – Favourite Series – Flowers – Grumpy Sunshine

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What I Read This Week:

(1) Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey (2023)     

My 1st Five Star Read from last week, Same Time Next Year isn’t widely released until 1 December 2023 but you can get it for 99p now as one of Amazon’s First Reads for November 2023. You know exactly what you’re going to get when you read a Tessa Bailey book. Same Time Next Year is sexy as hell (Sumner gets an A+ for dirty talk), the chemistry between Britta & Sumner is undeniable and it’s got lots of my favourite things (he falls first, marriage of convenience & sports romance).

Adored by all, Britta is an ambitious waitress working at Sluggers. The popular bar holds a special place in her heart and is a regular hangout for the Bridgeport Bandits, the local hockey club. With a half-brother on the team, Britta has a strict no-dating policy for hockey boys. But she does have a soft spot for one particular player.

A beast on the ice, Sumner Mayfield is on the brink of breaking into the NHL. But time’s running out. With his work visa about to expire, Sumner’s only chance to stay in Bridgeport is to marry an American—and get a green card. Otherwise, it’s back to Canada for the defenseman.

On New Year’s Eve, the team begs Britta to marry Sumner that very night. Sum is embarrassed yet hopeful—he’s desperately in love. But Britta balks at first. Until something about Sumner’s soulful brown eyes and ripped physique makes her reconsider…

Tags: Favourite Author – Marriage of Convenience – Sports Romance (Ice Hockey)

(2) Summer Wedding by Sarah Morgan (2023)    

Sarah Morgan is one of my all-time favourite authors and catching up on Summer Wedding, which is set on the gorgeous island of Corfu, was a lovely escape from a wet and windy autumn here in England. Catherine and her two daughters, Adeline and Cassie have their own romantic threads within this family saga and I don’t know any other author who can balance the two quite like Sarah, I was equally invested in all 3 x characters.

A family wedding

Catherine Swift is a bestselling romance author, but her personal story hasn’t been quite so successful; three failed marriages have left her relationship with her daughters strained. Engaged once again, Catherine is counting on this wedding, at her villa in Corfu, to finally bring the family together.

A summer of secrets

Adeline can’t believe her mother is getting married for a fourth time, or that she’s expected to attend. It brings back the pain of her mother’s infidelity and the baby who was the result. Not that she blames her half-sister Cassie, but then she’s never tried to know her, either. Cassie, on the other hand, is thrilled by her mother’s news – she’s always admired Catherine’s resilience, and is excited to meet the mystery groom. Cassie also has a secret of her own, and a summer in Corfu will give her the time she needs to process everything.

A chance to start over again

As the guests arrive on the island, and the big day approaches, Catherine begins to reveal secrets from her past, and suddenly both Cassie and Adeline realise that they don’t know their mother at all . . .

Tags: Favourite Author

(3) A Winter in New York by Josie Silver (2023)     

My 2nd Five Star Read from last week, A Winter in New York has everything you could possibly want from a romance. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I want to eat vanilla forever gelato, re-watch my favourite movies and be adopted by the Bellotti’s. I haven’t read anything else by Josie so far but as soon as I’d finished reading AWINY I immediately added her other books to my TBR.

When Iris decides to move to New York to restart her life, she realizes she underestimated how big the Big Apple really is—all the nostalgic movies set in New York she’d watched with her mom while eating their special secret-recipe gelato didn’t quite do it justice.

But Bobby, Iris’s best friend, isn’t about to let her hide away. He drags her to a famous autumn street fair in Little Italy, and as they walk through the food stalls, a little family-run gelateria catches her eye—could it be the same shop that’s in an old photo of her mother’s?

Curious, Iris returns the next day and meets the handsome Gio, who tells her that the shop is in danger of closing. His uncle, sole keeper of their family’s gelato recipe, is in a coma, so they can’t make more. When Iris samples the last remaining batch, she realizes that their gelato and her gelato are one and the same. But how can she tell them she knows their secret recipe when she’s not sure why Gio’s uncle gave it to her mother in the first place?

Iris offers her services as a chef to help them re-create the flavour and finds herself falling for Gio and his family. But when Gio’s uncle finally wakes up, all of the secrets Iris has been keeping threaten to ruin the new life—and new love—she’s been building all winter long.

Tags: Chefs – New-to-Me Author

(4) Promises We Break After Dark (Decisions in Durham #3) by Rachel Higginson (2023)   

I wanted to love this because I’ve read 8 x books by Rachel Higginson so far and never given any of them less than 4 x stars (5 were 5 x Five Star Reads including the 1st instalment of the Decisions in Durham Series: Decisions We Make After Midnight) but Promises We Break After Dark was just OK. I don’t know why but I just didn’t warm to Ada and Charlie even though I’d been intrigued by their backstory after reading the 1st 2 x Decisions in Durham books.

Ada Kelly is doing the best she can. Smart, driven, and practical, she works hard to make her favourite Durham bar, Craft, as successful as possible. Except she’s thwarted at every turn by the sibling drama of the bar’s co-owning trio. Still, she loves her job, and everyone she works with.

Well, almost everyone.

Charlie English is selfish, flaky, and the sexiest man she’s ever known. And he makes her absolutely stupid. Early on in her employment at Craft, Ada made the mistake of sleeping with him. She knew it wasn’t going to go anywhere. Charlie wasn’t the kind of guy who knew how to settle down. Or think about anyone besides himself. So why had she done it? And why would she still do it now? Years later?

Ada has promised herself she’ll never make that mistake again. She’s promised herself she’ll put Charlie in the past where he belongs and move on with her life.

But the thing about promises is . . . they’re meant to be broken.

Tags: Favourite Author – Second Chance – Workplace Romance

(5) Eight Dates and Nights by Betsy Aldredge (2023)    

I started reading Eight Dates and Nights, expecting to read just a couple of chapters but I didn’t put my Kindle back down again until after I’d finished. It made me unexpectedly emotional. I think it’s partly because after October 7 and the dramatic rise in antisemitism here in the UK, it reminded why Jewish stories are so important and Hannah’s grandmother made me think about my own nana, who we lost 21 years ago. Nana wasn’t Jewish but Poppa was from a Jewish family and she had lots of Jewish friends so she used to make many of the Jewish recipes mentioned in EDAN including gefilte fish.

New Yorker Hannah Levin is allergic to exactly two things, horses and tinsel. Unfortunately, she’s surrounded by both this Hanukkah when, thanks to a freak snow storm, she’s stranded in the small town of Rosenblum, Texas, visiting her grandmother, who she hasn’t seen in years due to family drama.

Super lonely, missing latkes and reliable wi-fi, she follows the scent of fried potatoes and wanders into an old deli where she meets the only other Jewish teen in town, Noah, who happens to be equal parts adorable and full of annoying, over the top Hanukkah spirit that he’s determined to share with Hannah, one ugly, itchy Hanukkah sweater at a time.

She makes him a deal, she’ll help him save his family’s deli, which is practically the only Jewish remnant in a town that once had a thriving community of European immigrants, if he’ll leave her to sulk in peace. However, after a spectacularly memorable kiss Hannah wonders if there’s more to Hanukkah, this community, and even her grandmother than she thought.

Tags: Foodies – Hanukkah – Jewish – New-to-Me Author

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Pre-Orders:

(1) A Villa With A View (Romantic Escapes #11) by Julie Caplin (29 February 2024)

I’ve really enjoyed travelling vicariously through the previous instalments of the Romantic Escapes Series and the Amalfi Coast is high up on my Dream Travel Wish List so of course I had to pre-order A Villa With A View.

Lia Bathurst had always dreamed of escaping to the white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas of the Amalfi coast – but that dream hadn’t included meeting her real father. A father she had never even known about until a few weeks ago! Yet here she was, standing outside the gates of a gorgeous pink villa being refused entry by the insufferable – and insufferably handsome – Raphael Knight, her father’s business manager.

When an old black and white photo proves Lia’s claim to be true, Raph is determined to make sure this stranger, with her long caramel waves and infectious smile, doesn’t have an ulterior motive. Even if that means not letting her out of his sight.

As temperatures rise, and not just from the heat of the Mediterranean sun, could Lia and Raph’s forced proximity lead to something more like… amore?

(2) One Last Shot by Betty Cayouette (9 May 2024)

I’m too old for TikTok so I hadn’t actually heard of Betty Cayouette (creator of Betty’s Book List) until One Last Shot was included in a 2024 Books post on Instagram. After reading the blurb, I knew I had to pre-order it because I love books about the fashion industry (It’s Called Fashion, Darling) and (as you can tell from my 1st pre-order, A Villa With A View) Italy (Love, Italian Style). The fashion model – photographer vibe reminds me of Behind His Lens by R.S. Grey, which was a Five Star Read (Pre-Blog).

From the moment Emerson and Theo met as teenagers, they were inseparable. But just when they finally expressed their feelings to one another, they were torn apart.

Now, supermodel Emerson is nearing her twenty-eighth birthday, and she’s tired of looking for love in all the wrong places. When the calendar reminder for the marriage pact she and Theo made as teens goes off on her phone, she realizes this is it―her chance to rekindle the only romance that ever really made sense. Emerson convinces her grumpy agent to book her as the face of the fashion campaign that Theo, now a fashion photographer, is shooting. The good news is the campaign is being shot in ridiculously romantic Cinque Terre, Italy. The bad news? Theo might not be as happy to see her as she’d hoped.

The two embark on a four-day campaign that tests not only their feelings, but their ability to keep their hands off one another. But as roadblock after roadblock keeps them apart, Emerson starts to wonder will this photoshoot be the key to getting one last shot at love, or will it be a final goodbye?

(3) Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne (13 August 2024)

If you’ve read any of my previous posts, you’ll know that I’m a self-proclaimed Lauren Layne Super Fan. I’ve read everything she’s written and devoured her most recent book, Emergency Contact (Five Star Reads – October 2023), within a couple of hours of it downloading on my Kindle so I couldn’t be any more excited that we’re getting a new LL book in 2024.

As the youngest physics professor at her university, practical-minded Miranda Reed plans her life with minute precision. But that’s before she’s denied tenure and the promotion she thought was guaranteed. Suddenly, her tidy life is anything but constant.

Overdue for a sabbatical, Miranda takes some time to look towards the stars—only this time, she’s not looking for black holes. With her faith in science shaken, Miranda turns to a practice she’s long dismissed as astrology.

Determined to figure out why her life has suddenly gone sideways, Miranda commits to a year of letting her horoscope guide her. Put a down payment on a home? Not while Mercury’s in retrograde. Spontaneous dinner party invitation? Sorry, horoscope says Gemini Rising best stay in tonight. And as far as the intriguingly aloof artist living next door? Never. His Aries energy is all wrong. On the other hand, the charming father of her new tutoring pupil is Sagittarian perfection. Made for her…right?

As Miranda navigates life with a new perspective, she slowly discovers neither science nor the stars have all the answers. And that, when it comes to love, you sometimes just have to trust your heart.

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The Great Fictional Bake-Off 2023

Photo Credit: Madison Inouye (Pexels / Website / Instagram)

The Great British Bake-Off returns to UK TV screens tonight (26 September).

I love baked goods & book lists so what better way to celebrate the return of GBBO than with the Great Fictional Bake-Off (GFBO) 2023.

In this GFBO, it’s up to you to decide who gets Star Baker and who gets sent home.

It’s time to meet your 10 x fictional bakers…

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Contestant #1 is Noah Walker from The Pie Shop in Rome, Kentucky, USA. If the name Noah Walker sounds familiar to you, it’s because in addition to following in his family’s decades-long tradition of making delicious pies, he’s also the love interest of pop princess, Rae Rose. Although if he’s going to succeed in this year’s GFBO 2023, he’s going to have to get over his dislike of pies (yep, you read that right, even though the pies he makes are a big hit in Rome, Kentucky, Noah doesn’t actually eat them himself).

When in Rome (Rome, Kentucky #1) by Sarah Adams (2022)

Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her “princess of pop” image. Inspired by her favourite Audrey Hepburn film, Roman Holiday, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome . . . Rome, Kentucky, that is.

When Noah Walker finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn’t have the time or patience for celebrity problems. He’s too busy running the pie shop his grandmother left him and reminding his nosy but lovable neighbours to mind their own damn business. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room—but only until her car is fixed—then she’s on her own.

Then Noah starts to see a different side of Rae Rose—she’s Amelia: kind-hearted and goofy, yet lonely from years in the public eye. He can’t help but get close to her. Soon she’ll have to return to her glamorous life on tour, but until then, Noah will show Amelia all the charming small-town experiences she’s been missing, and she’ll help him open his heart to more.

Amelia can’t resist falling for the cosy town and her grumpy tour guide, but even Audrey had to leave Rome eventually.

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Contestant #2 is Alana (Lana) Castillo from Lake Wisteria, Michigan, USA. Lana, who often draws on her Colombian heritage with her bakes, is famous in Lake Wisteria for her blueberry crumb cake, which almost incited a riot at the small town’s 4th of July barbecue. Even if you haven’t been lucky enough to visit Lake Wisteria yet, if you’ve been to Dreamland and salivated over the yummy tres leches cakes in the land of Princess Marianna, you’ve got Lana to thank for that because she’s a baking consultant for the theme park and rumour has it the Kane Company were so impressed with her tres leches cake that they paid her $5m for the recipe. She’s definitely one to watch in this year’s GFBO.

Final Offer (Dreamland Billionaires #3) by Lauren Asher (2023)

Callahan: I’m the Kane brother everyone gossips about behind closed doors. Trust fund brat. Washed-up athlete. High-functioning alcoholic. No one knows the real me but her. Lana Castillo—my childhood best friend and the only woman I ever loved. When I broke her heart six years ago, I promised to never return to Lake Wisteria. I kept my word until my grandfather’s will changed everything. To receive my inheritance, I was tasked with spending a summer at the family lake house before selling it. The request was simple in theory until my entire plan blew up on the very first day. Turns out Lana doesn’t just live at the house, but she claims to own it, too.

Alana: Falling in love with Callahan Kane was a mistake. He told me so before destroying my heart and our friendship six summers ago. When he promised never to come back, I foolishly believed him. But then Cal showed up again, intending to sell his grandfather’s lake house. The biggest flaw in his plan? My name is on the deed.

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Contestant #3 is Ginger Winter from Ginger’s Bake Shop in Reindeer Falls. Ginger is already a veteran of bake-offs having reached the final in Season 1 of the Food Network’s Great Gingerbread Bake-Off and co-hosted Season 2 with British celebrity chef, Keller James (Brunch, Biscuits & Tea). Ginger and Keller falling in love during Season 1 was captured by the GGBO cameras and in addition to co-hosting duties, the couple also have companion restaurants with Keller opening Gingersnap’s breakfast restaurant right next door to Ginger’s Bake Shop in Reindeer Falls.

If You Give A Jerk A Gingerbread (Reindeer Falls #2) by Jana Aston (2019)

Dear Santa,

I do not want Keller James for Christmas.

I will not fall for him, no matter how charming or irresistible or famous he is. I will not be swayed by his skills in the kitchen or by his British accent. I’m going to win the Great Gingerbread Bake Off and no one is going to stand in my way. Not even Keller.

All kisses are off. I mean all bets. All bets are off. And his clothes, those are off too.

Grr, never mind. I’ll figure this out myself.

XOXO,

Ginger Winter

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Contestant #4 is Leo Bexley (son of Broadway legend, Bernard Bexley) from The Cookie Jar in New York City, New York, USA. The Cookie Jar went viral on TikTok when Leo & love interest, Reese came up with the idea for the Sweetest Fix. Leo’s personalised cake pops proved to be such a must-have for cynical New Yorkers that they almost broke the internet. Time will tell if the judges of this year’s GFBO will also fall under the spell of Leo and his magical creations.

The Sweetest Fix by Tessa Bailey (2021)

Reese dreams of seeing her name in lights on Broadway, but so far she has only graced the used car parking lots of rural Wisconsin. With her window of opportunity shrinking fast, a miracle happens. She wins an audition with Bernard Bexley, Broadway’s most respected dance choreographer. When disaster strikes and Reese misses the audition, she has to find another way in front of Bernard, otherwise face the disappointment back home.

Following the sage advice of a Times Square Pikachu—Reese seeks out Bernard’s son, prepared to beg for his aid, never expecting mega sparks to fly between her and the gentle giant baker. With Reese’s heart now involved, she refuses to use Leo to her advantage and tries to walk away before her ulterior motives are exposed, but gravity continues to draw them back together…until it’s impossible to stay apart.

But Reese’s lie of omission can only stay buried for so long. When Leo finds out how their relationship started, will Reese keep her ultimate role as Leo’s leading lady? Or will the curtain fall on their real-life fairytale?

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Contestant #5 is Posy Paxton from Posy’s Pie Shop in New York City, New York, USA and rule Posy out of the GFBO at your peril. A little competition isn’t going to faze her after PPS was almost put out of business by her ex-husband’s psychotic new girlfriend, Posy and her young nephew were kidnapped and held at gunpoint and as if that wasn’t enough, PPS was also at the centre of a cat and mouse game between The Company, a high-tech security company and The Plumber, who used the shop’s Wi-Fi to post about his murderous crimes.

Loverboy (The Company #2) by Sarina Bowen (2020)

Secrets, desires, and exquisite pie. It’s all in a day’s work at The Company.

Growing up, I was the rough guy from the wrong neighbourhood who couldn’t catch a break. Posy was the pampered girl I tried to impress. But I managed to steal only a single kiss before I had to skip town. Now I’m back, and the tables are turned. Posy runs a struggling pie shop. I’m the VP of a secretive billion dollar security company.

Not that I can tell her.

There’s a murderer on the loose in New York, and he seems to spend a lot of time at Posy’s shop. I can’t let on that I’m here to bring him down before he can harm a hair on her pretty head.

Going undercover as Posy’s new barista wasn’t my idea. I don’t even drink coffee. But now I have to call her “boss,” and do everything the curvy perfectionist asks of me. I’d forgotten how much we infuriate each other, and that she somehow fills me with both irritation and desire in the same breath.

There’s nobody more skilled at stealth ops than me. I can bring this killer down. Right after I take a cold shower. And just as soon I figure out how to make a skinny peppermint latte with milk poured in the shape of a kitten…

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Contestant #6 is 2 x Stanley Cup winner & Chef de Pâtissier at Black Delilah, Lucian (Oz) Osmond. Like Noah (#1), Oz also has a famous love interest in Emma Maron aka Princess Anya on Dark Castle. After being forced out of professional hockey by concussion syndrome, Oz retreated to his grandmother’s Rosemont estate near the base of the Santa Ynez Mountains in Montecito, California, USA and found refuge in the pâtisserie recipes his great-grandfather (Jean Philipe aka one of the greatest pastry chefs in the world) taught him during childhood summers in France.

Make It Sweet by Kristen Callihan (2021)

Life for Emma isn’t good. The world knows her as Princess Anya on Dark Castle, but then her character gets the axe—literally. The cherry on top is finding her boyfriend in bed with another woman. She needs a break, and sanctuary comes in the form of Rosemont, a gorgeous estate in California promising rest and relaxation.

Then she meets the owner’s equally gorgeous grandson, ex–hockey player and current recluse Lucian Osmond, and she sees her own pain and yearning reflected in his eyes. He’s charming when he wants to be but also secretive and gruff, with protective walls as thick as Emma’s own.

Despite a growing attraction, they avoid each other. But then there’s an impromptu nighttime skinny-dip, and Lucian’s luscious homemade tarts and cream cakes start arriving at Emma’s door, tempting her to taste life again… In trying to stay apart, they only grow closer—and their broken pieces just might fit together and make them whole.

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In keeping with the French theme, Contestant #7 is Nina Hadley from Nina’s in Paris, France. Originally from the UK, even hard-to-please Parisians adore Nina’s Anglo-French fusion pastries including the social media sensation, chocolat caramel suprême (a twist on the classic millionaire’s shortbread). Nina got her big break helping her brother’s friend, Sebastian Finley with teaching at a patisserie. Mostly self-taught, with her innate gift for flavours and enthusiasm for all things pastry, Nina will be one to watch in this year’s GFBO (as long as she doesn’t have to go anywhere near raw meat otherwise producers might need to have an ambulance on stand by).

The Little Paris Patisserie (Romantic Escapes #3) by Julie Caplin (2018)

In a cosy corner of Paris, a delicious little patisserie is just waiting to be discovered. And romance might just be on the menu…

As the youngest of four, Nina Hadley has always had her big brothers telling her what to do. So, when she’s given the chance to move to Paris and help run a patisserie course, she can’t say au revoir quick enough!

There’s just one problem: high-flying chef Sebastian Finlay is the owner of the patisserie. He’s also her brother Nick’s best friend – and the man she has secretly been in love with since forever.

Amongst the mouth-wateringly delicious eclairs and delicate macaroons, Nina’s culinary creations aren’t the only tempting thing she’s working with…

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After a disappointing stint at culinary school, Contestant #8, Blaire Calloway spent a year in Paris, France and fell in love with all things patisserie. When she returned to the U.S. she was co-owner of a food truck, Cakes to Go! before opening cupcake and cocktail cafe, Buttercream and Booze. After fiercely competing for potential customers with her next-door neighbour, Ronan Knight, Blaire and Ronan didn’t just get engaged (their proposal went viral), they also combined their business interests by opening The Knight Cap and Cupcakery. We all know how much of a fan our judges are of alcohol with baked goods so if Blaire can get the balance right, she could be on to a winner with this combo.

Kiss My Cupcake by Helena Hunting (2020)

Blaire Calloway has planned every Instagram-worthy moment of her cupcake and cocktails shop launch down to the tiniest detail. What she didn’t plan on? Ronan Knight and his old-school sports bar next door opening on the very same day. He may be super swoony, but Blaire hasn’t spent years obsessing over buttercream and bourbon to have him ruin her chance at success.

From axe throwing (his place) to frosting contests (hers), Blaire and Ronan are constantly trying to one-up each other in a battle to win new customers. But with every clash, there’s also an undeniable chemistry. When an even bigger threat to their business comes to town, they’re forced to call a temporary time-out on their own war and work together. And the more time Blaire spends getting to know the real Ronan, the more she wonders if it’s possible to have her cupcake and eat it too.

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Chances are that you might not have heard of Contestant #9 Polly Lockhart, owner of Wild Child Bakery in Rainsville, California, USA but if you’re a lover of candy, you’ll most likely have tasted the heart-shaped rock candies, which were named after her aka Polly Promises by the Sugar Rush Candy Company. Polly and Wild Child also started the nationwide craze for Declairs (hybrid éclair and doughnuts). Like Lucian (#6), Nina (#7) & Blaire (#8), Polly has also tested her pastry mettle in France after completing Art of French Pastry in Paris mentored by amongst others, Pierre Lacroix.

Sweet Dreams (Sugar Rush #1) by Nina Lane (2016)

He makes sweet the new sexy.

Sugar Rush Candy Company CEO Luke Stone is a devoted businessman who doesn’t do relationships. He does short-term affairs with clearly defined rules. But when a sexy bohemian angel propositions him in a bar, Luke is tempted to want more.

Polly Lockhart is horrified when she wakes the morning after her twenty-third birthday to realize she made a fool of herself with a sinfully delicious man. She tells herself she doesn’t have time for romance anyway, as she’s fighting to keep her mother’s beloved bakery afloat and finish her culinary studies. That all changes when her class tours the famed Sugar Rush headquarters, and Polly collides with her dream man again.

As she succumbs to their hot attraction, Polly soon realizes her bakery isn’t the only thing that needs saving. Luke, driven and unyielding, will burn out unless someone convinces him to taste the sweetness of life. But can Polly remember this sugar rush is only temporary?

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Rock star, Leo Nash and his fellow Seattle-ites know what they’re talking about when they wax lyrical about the baking skills of Contestant #10, Nic Dalton from Succulent Sweets in Seattle, Washington, USA. After growing up in a small town in Wyoming, Nic worked various jobs after leaving high school until at 23 she’d saved up enough to be able to attend culinary school at the Art Institute in Seattle. Like Noah (#1), Nic doesn’t indulge in her own creations but unlike Noah, who doesn’t like pie, Nic has to be careful with her sugars because she’s diabetic. A self-confessed control freak, it’ll be interesting to see how Nic copes with the twists and turns of the GFBO.

Tied With Me (With Me in Seattle #6) by Kristen Proby (2014)

A man whose lifestyle is so different from her own…

Nic Dalton’s cupcake bakery is thriving. She serves both rock stars and locals alike, content with her growing business. But one adventurous night out with her best friend, Bailey, turns her life upside down. She meets a handsome stranger who makes her skin sizzle and her heart race. Their one night together is explosive and unexpected, but when he has to suddenly leave without taking her phone number, Nic resigns herself to never seeing him again.

…What will it take to trust and submit to his every desire?

Matt Montgomery is one of Seattle’s finest. He works hard, loves and protects his family fiercely, and is loyal almost to a fault.

And he has a penchant for bondage.

Matt enjoys the way a woman looks wrapped up in his ropes, and makes no apologies for his preferences. When he meets Nic at a fetish festival, the small, beautiful woman catches his eye, drawing him to her. His one night with her was everything he’s ever looked for in a partner, but is cut short because of a family emergency. Even before he sees her again weeks later, he knows he’ll never get her out of his system.

And he’ll do whatever it takes to make her his.

“Give in to this, Nic. Let me prove to you that I will be one of the best decisions you ever make.” –Matt Montgomery

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Yes, Chef (AKA My Favourite Fictional Chefs)

Photo Credit: Sebastian Coman Photography @ Pexels.

Did you know that from 10-16 September 2023 is Chef Appreciation Week (CAW)?

CAW was co-founded 10 years ago (2013) by Donald and Lisa Crutch from the organisation, Chefs Against Cancer to “honour and recognise all those serving in the culinary industry.”

Days of the Year has plenty of suggestions on how to celebrate CAW but I’m a Book Nerd so if you’ve already binge-watched The Bear (2022+) on Disney Plus, why not check out Yes, Chef (AKA My Favourite Fictional Chefs).

As always, if you’ve got any recommendations I might have missed out on, please let me know either in the comments or by e-mail at louisehallbooks@gmail.com.

Happy reading x

In alphabetical order by author’s surname, My Favourite Fictional Male Chefs are:

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(1) Gabriel Mathias from The Only One (One Love #1.5) by Lauren Blakely (2016)

Let’s say there was this guy. And he gave you the most mind-blowing night of sex in your life. And you never saw him again.

Until ten years later.

Now, it turns out he’s the ONLY ONE in all of Manhattan whose restaurant is available the night of my charity’s gala.

The trouble is, he doesn’t recognize me.

***

This woman I’m working with is so damn alluring. The first time I set eyes on her, I’m captivated and I can’t get her out of my mind. Even if it’s risky to tango with someone I’m working with, she’s a risk I’m willing to take.

The trouble is, she won’t give me the time of day.

But I’m determined to change that.

Tags: Five Star Reads (Pre-Blog)

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(2) Conor Byrne from The Cosy Cottage in Ireland (Romantic Escapes #8) by Julie Caplin (2021)

Talented lawyer Hannah Campbell is after a change in her workaholic Manchester life – so on an uncharacteristic whim she books herself a place at the world-renowned Killorgally Cookery School in County Kerry. But on her first night In Ireland, sampling the delights of Dublin, Hannah can’t resist falling for the charms of handsome stranger Conor. It’s only when Hannah arrives at her postcard-pretty home at Killorgally for the next twelve weeks that she discovers what happens in Dublin doesn’t quite stay in Dublin…

Nestled amongst rolling green hills and breath taking countryside, the cookery school throws Hannah and Conor together again–for better or worse.

Tags: Five Star Reads

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(3) Griffin from The First Husband by Laura Dave (2011)

Annie Adams is days away from her thirty-second birthday and thinks she has finally found some happiness. She visits the world’s most interesting places for her syndicated travel column and she’s happily cohabiting with her movie director boyfriend Nick in Los Angeles. But when Nick comes home from a meeting with his therapist (aka “futures counsellor”) and announces that he’s taking a break from their relationship so he can pursue a woman from his past, the place Annie had come to call home is shattered. Reeling, Annie stumbles into her neighbourhood bar and finds Griffin-a grounded, charming chef who seems to be everything Annie didn’t know she was looking for. Within three months, Griffin is Annie’s husband and Annie finds herself trying to restart her life in rural Massachusetts.

Tags: Favourite Author – Favourite Book by This Author – Five Star Read (Pre-Blog)

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(4) Luke from Sadie on a Plate by Amanda Elliot (2022)

Sadie is a rising star in the trendy Seattle restaurant scene. Her dream is to create unique, modern, and mouthwatering takes on traditional Jewish recipes. But after a public breakup with her boss, a famous chef, she is sure her career is over–until she lands a coveted spot on the next season of her favourite TV show, Chef Supreme.

On the plane to New York, Sadie has sizzling chemistry with her seatmate, Luke, but tells him that she won’t be able to contact him for the next six weeks. They prolong their night with a spontaneous, magical dinner before parting ways. Or so she thinks. When she turns up to set the next day, she makes a shocking discovery about who Luke is….

If Sadie wants to save her career by winning Chef Supreme, she’s going to have to ignore the simmering heat between her and Luke. But how long can she do that before the pot boils over?

Tags: Favourite Author – Favourite Book by This Author – Jewish – Reality TV

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(5) Aiden Reid from The Nanny by Lana Ferguson (2023)

After losing her job and being on the brink of eviction, Cassie Evans finds herself with two choices: get a new job (and fast) or fire up her long-untouched OnlyFans account. But there are no jobs to be found, and as for OnlyFans. . . . Well, there are reasons she can’t go back. Just when all hope seems lost, an ad for a live-in nanny position seems the solution to all her problems. It’s almost too perfect—until she meets her would-be employer.

Aiden Reid, executive chef and DILF extraordinaire is far from the stuffy single dad Cassie was imagining. She is shocked when he tells her she’s the most qualified applicant he’s met in weeks, practically begging her to take the job. With hands that make her hindbrain howl and eyes that scream sex, the idea of living under the same roof as Aiden feels dangerous, but with no other option, she decides to stay with him and his adorably tenacious daughter, Sophie.

Cassie soon discovers that Aiden is not a stranger at all, but instead someone who is very familiar with her—or at least, her body. She finds herself at a loss for what to do, given that he doesn’t remember her. As their relationship heats to temperatures hotter than any kitchen Aiden has ever worked in, Cassie struggles with telling Aiden the truth, and the more terrifying possibility—losing the best chance at happiness she’s ever had.

Tags: 2023 New Release – The Nanny

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(6) Nick Lupo from Forked (Frenched #2) by Melanie Harlow (2014)

Twenty-eight year old Coco Thomas knows the recipe for disaster:

1) Agree to plan last-minute engagement blowout for spoiled Mafia princess before you realize her choice of caterer is Nick Lupo, a despicably gorgeous young chef with a hot new restaurant in town, a reality TV show victory, and a romantic past with you—one that did not end well.

2) Strike a deal with Nick in which you agree to spend a weekend with him in exchange for his services, under the strict conditions there will be no talking about the past, no second chances, and definitely no sex.

3) Violate all three conditions within 24 hours and spend two glorious days remembering what made you fall for the sexy, egotistical bastard in the first place, and why it hurt so much when he broke your heart.

Add one road trip, plenty of good scotch, and endless spoonfuls of chocolate cake batter drizzled over your body and licked off inch by oh-my-God-yes-right-there inch, then just admit it.

You’re totally FORKED.

Tags: Favourite Author – Favourite Series – Second Chance

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(7) Gianni Lupo from Taste (Cloverleigh Farms #7) by Melanie Harlow (2022)

If the surname Lupo sounds familiar, it’s because Gianni is the son of Nick & Coco from ‘Forked.’

The last person on earth I want to be stranded with is Gianni Lupo.

But thanks to the blizzard of the century, I’m trapped in a roadside motel room with that cocky bastard for two straight days.

With one small bed.

Some women might thank Mother Nature for delivering a polar vortex that maroons them with six feet of solid muscle, those deep blue eyes, that sexy grin–but not me. I’ve known Gianni Lupo all my life, and he’s never brought me anything but bad luck and trouble.

So when the tension between us explodes with enough fiery heat to melt my icy defenses, I should have known what the disastrous end result would be–

A big fat plus sign.

After the snow melts, I’m left with more than just memories of the night we spent keeping each other warm. And he might be a rising star on the culinary scene, but he’s got no idea how to handle this bun in the oven.

He says he wants to do the right thing, but I’m not about to spend the rest of my life feeling like someone settled for me.

But just when I think I’ve got Gianni Lupo all figured out, he gives me a taste of the man he could be, of the family we could become, of the way he could love me if I let him.

I’m terrified of falling for him.

But one taste might be all it takes.

Tags: Enemies to Lovers – Favourite Author – Favourite Series – One Bed – Oopsie Babies

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(8) Parker Hamilton from Mixed Up by Emma Hart (2017)

Dirty cocktails, deadly enemies with a red-hot attraction, and one big, crazy, Greek family–what could possibly go wrong?

Hiring my brother’s best friend was not on my to-do list.

Neither was he.

Expanding my dirty cocktail bar into food was supposed to be easy, except finding a chef in my little town of Whiskey Key is anything but.

Until Parker Hamilton comes home–bringing his Michelin starred chef’s hat with him.

He has no work. I need someone like him in my new kitchen.

There’s just one problem: I hate his cocky, filthy-mouthed, sexy-as-hell guts.

Even if I might want him. Just a little…

***

Working for my best friend’s sister? Not on my to-do list.

She’s another story.

Whiskey Key was supposed to be a relaxing vacation, except I haven’t reached the heights I have by lying in a hammock drinking cocktails. So when Raven Archer is desperate for a chef, I offer up my skills.

I’m bored. She needs what I can give her.

Except there’s a problem: I’ve always hated her.

Her and her big, blue eyes, sassy mouth, and killer curves.

If only I didn’t want her.

Tags: Brother’s Best Friend – Enemies to Lovers

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(9) Cole from Cocky Chef by J.D. Hawkins (2017)

You can call me arrogant as much as you want. But when you’re the best at what you do and have the hottest restaurant on the west coast, with enough Michelin stars to make Gordon Ramsay’s head spin, you’ve earned the right to your confidence.

When I give an instruction in the kitchen, it’s not a suggestion–it’s an order. So when a new chef thinks she can do things her way, and dares to say so to my face, even her sharp wit and gorgeous pouty lips don’t make it okay.

But I have to admit, she’s got talent. She’s creative in the kitchen and not even that double-breasted chef jacket can hide her perfect body. As I get to know her, I can’t help wanting to know everything she thinks. I’ve never met a more talented chef. And I’ve never met a sassier and sexier woman in my life.

There’s only one way this push and pull can end.

With her in my bed, begging for more.

Tags: Favourite Author – Favourite Book by This Author – Five Star Reads (Pre-Blog)

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(10) Killian Quinn from The Opposite of You (Opposites Attract #1) by Rachel Higginson (2017)

I’ve sworn off men.

All men.

Famous last words, right? You’re expecting some epic tale of reluctant love and my dramatic change of heart? Well, you’re not going to get it.

I’m stubborn. And headstrong. And I’ve just survived the worst three years of my life. After escaping an abusive boyfriend to live in hostels and cheap hotels while I worked my way across Europe, I’ve come to two conclusions.

The first? Now that I’m back home, I’m going to squander my expensive culinary degree on a food truck that caters to the late night drunk crowd.

The second? I’m going to prove to the bastard across the plaza that my street food is better than his fussy five course monstrosities.

Killian Quinn might be Food and Wine’s Chef to Watch Out For. He might have a Michelin Star. He might have every food critic in the city wrapped around his too-large fingers. But he’s also pretentious and unbearably arrogant and the very opposite of me.

So he can keep his unsolicited advice and his late night visits and his cocky smiles. I want none of it. Or him.

I want the opposite.

Tags: Favourite Author – Favourite Book by This Author – Favourite Series – Five Star Reads (Pre-Blog)

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(11) Wyatt Shaw from The Problem With Him (Opposites Attract #3) by Rachel Higginson (2018)

I’m over men. I’m done with them.

Or at least the ones that work in my kitchen. Fine, one man in particular. Wyatt Shaw is cocky and condescending and so far out of his element that he doesn’t know which way is up. Or how to run his brand new kitchen all by himself.

That’s where I come in. Sous chef extraordinaire. Second in command. Bane of his existence. I am the reason Wyatt’s doing so well as the new executive chef of one of our city’s most prestigious restaurants. He has me to thank for his glowing accolades and five-star write-ups. Only if you were to ask him, he’d say I’m his biggest problem.

Despite his discouragement and bullish behaviour, I’ve set two goals for myself.

The first? I’m going to fight my way to the top of this male-dominated industry and claim my own award-winning kitchen.

The second? I’m going to do whatever it takes to ignore Wyatt and his rare smiles and the thickening tension that’s started to simmer between us.

Wyatt Shaw might be Durham’s new shining star. He might be up for a James Beard Award. He might be my new boss and key to my future success, but he’s also in my way.

So he can keep his smouldering looks and secret kisses. And he can be the one that figures out how to make it through service without getting distracted by me.

I’m not the problem. The problem is him.

Tags: Favourite Author – Favourite Series – Five Star Reads (Pre-Blog)

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(12) Colton from Sideways (Speakeasy Taproom #4) by Lisa Hughey (2021)

She’s a political princess and media darling…

There’s no such thing as bad publicity. Yeah, right. Tell that to the PR firm that handles Tracy’s very prominent political family. Pushed by scandal from Boston to the boondocks, now she’s on the other side of the serving tray, dishing up beer and burgers, hoping no one recognizes her. But there’s something very familiar–and maddeningly tempting–about the new caterer at Speakeasy.

He’s a cranky recluse…

Colton was the star of the celebrity chef circuit until he wasn’t anymore. Now he lives in a remote country cabin and spends his time alone, far from the spotlight and liking it that way. Until the gorgeous new waitress at Speakeasy starts poking at his resolve and suddenly all he wants is to see her let down her hair. And spread it all over his pillow. She’s got secrets he knows he won’t like, but he can’t stay away from her.

She lives in the spotlight, and he hates attention. When her public life collides with his private one, can their love write a fairy-tale ending after all?

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(13) Gavin Luciano from All The Way by Jennifer Probst (2013)

Side Note: ‘All The Way’ was republished as Unbreak My Heart (2023). 

The food critic…

Miranda Storme never expected to see Gavin Luciano again. Three years ago, they had an intense affair—and then he bolted. Now he’s back, and Miranda has the pleasure of a little payback: a scathing review of his restaurant. Revenge is a dish best served the first chance you get…

And the restaurateur…

With three months to make his family’s struggling Italian restaurant successful, a bad review is Gavin’s worst nightmare. But this isn’t just about the meal. He’s finally realized what he left behind and is determined to spend the next eight weeks proving himself to her in the kitchen…and in the bedroom! This is one dish she won’t be able to refuse…

Tags: Favourite Author – Second Chance

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(14) Camden Sawyer from Savor You (Fusion #5) by Kristen Proby (2018)

Cooking isn’t what Mia Palazzo does, it’s who she is. Food is her passion . . . her pride . . . her true love. She’s built a stellar menu full of delicious and sexy meals for her restaurant, Seduction. Now, after being open for only a few short years, Mia’s restaurant is being featured on Best Bites TV. To say Seduction is a wild success is an understatement. All the blood, sweat, tears, and endless hours of work Mia has put into the restaurant has finally paid off.

Then Camden Sawyer, the biggest mistake of her life, walks into her kitchen . . .

Camden’s celebrity chef status is world-renowned. He’s the best there is, and the kitchen is where he’s most at home. He can’t resist the invitation to Portland for a showdown against Mia for a new television show. Mia was in his life years ago, and just like before, he’s met his match in the beautiful Italian spitfire. The way she commands the kitchen is mesmerizing, and her recipes are clever and delicious. He’s never had qualms about competition, and this is no different. He can’t wait to go head to head with Mia. But can he convince her the chemistry they share in the kitchen would be just as great in the bedroom as well?

As Mia and Camden face off, neither realizes how high the stakes are as their reputations are put on the line and their hearts are put to the ultimate test.

Tags: Favourite Author – Favourite Series – Five Star Reads (Pre-Blog) – Reality TV – Second Chance

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(15) Giacomo from Chasing the Italian Dream by Jo Thomas (2021)

Lucia has worked hard as a lawyer in Wales, aiming for a big promotion she hopes will shortly come her way. Finally taking a well-earned break at her grandparents’ house in southern Italy, the sunshine, lemon trees and her nonna’s mouth-watering cooking make her instantly feel at home.

But she’s shocked to learn that her grandfather is retiring from the beloved family pizzeria and will need to sell. Lucia can’t bear the thought of the place changing hands – especially when she discovers her not-quite-ex-husband Giacomo wants to take it over!

Then bad news from home forces Lucia to re-evaluate what she wants from life. Is this her chance to carry on the family tradition and finally follow her dreams?

Tags: Five Star Reads – Love, Italian Style – Second Chance

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My Favourite Kindle Book Deals – July 2023

Photo Credit: Cottonbro Studio @ Pexels.

It’s July 1st which means it’s time for a brand new month of UK Kindle Book Deals. I skipped posting last month because there just weren’t any deals I thought worth highlighting but this month there’s a very respectable 8.

Disclaimer: I’m not being paid to promote any of these books, I’ve either already read or I’ve got them on my not-so-insignificant TBR List and they’re my own personal recommendations.

Until next time, happy reading!

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Practice Makes Perfect (When in Rome #2) by Sarah Adams (READ)

Series: When in Rome (#1)

I’ve been waiting not-so-patiently for ‘Practice Makes Perfect’ since I finished ‘When in Rome’ (which was one of My Favourite Books of 2022) and even the worst case of sinusitis I’ve ever had didn’t stop me from making PMP one of my Five Star Reads for June 2023. Let’s just say the pharmacy has overtaken B&N as my new best friend. Side Note: I don’t think Orlando likes me very much because last year I got COVID when I was on holiday here. I’m a huge Audrey Hepburn fan and whilst ‘When in Rome’ referenced Roman Holiday (1953), PMP referenced my all-time favourite Audrey movie, Funny Face (1957). I really hope we get books for Noah and Annie’s two sisters next.

How hard can it be to find the perfect match?

Florist Annie Walker is determined to find someone who complements her life. But after overhearing her latest date describe her as ‘so unbelievably boring’, Annie wonders if the problem might be her. Is it too late to become flirtatious and fun like the leading ladies in her favourite romance movies? Maybe she only needs some practice . . . and Annie has the perfect tutor in mind.

Sexy and tattooed Will Griffin is temporarily back in Rome, Kentucky, providing security for pop-star Amelia Rose in the build-up to her wedding to Annie’s brother. He also has his own agenda: stay away from Annie Walker and any attachments to this sleepy town, which becomes difficult when she enlists him to help fix her love life.

Amid steamy practice dates and strictly ‘educational’ tutoring lessons, the lines of their friendship blur and Annie reconsiders what her ‘dream guy’ might look like. Maybe her love life doesn’t need to be perfect – it just needs to be real.

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The French Chateau Dream (Romantic Escapes #10) by Julie Caplin (TBR)

If, like me, you enjoy travelling vicariously through books, Julie Caplin’s Romantic Escapes are perfect for you and ‘The French Chateau Dream’ sounds like the ideal summer read.

You are invited to a summer of sparkling champagne, warm buttery croissants and a little bit of je ne sais quoi…

With a broken heart and a broken spirit, Hattie is in need of a summer escape. So when an opportunity comes up to work at a beautiful, stately chateau in the Champagne region of France she books her flights quicker than the pop of a cork.

Romance is the last thing Hattie is looking for but then she wasn’t expecting gorgeous Luc to stroll into her life. With picnics in the warm French sun and delicious foodie trips to the local market, Hattie starts to wonder if a holiday fling – or maybe even something more – might be just what she needs.

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Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune (TBR)

The paperback version of ‘Meet Me at the Lake’ was part of my Orlando 2023 Book Haul (check out the others on my Insta). Carley Fortune is a New-to-Me Author but I’ve seen plenty of love for her books online and the premise sounded really interesting so I handed over another chunk of change to the mothership aka B&N. I’m way too old for TikTok (I managed to somehow hurt my back putting dungarees on whilst on holiday which resulted in me waddling around like a penguin for a few days so my dancing days are absolutely an insignificant speck in my rearview mirror, thank goodness) but I still can’t resist a TikTok Loves Table.

One day. One promise. Two lives changed.

Fern Brookbanks has wasted far too much of her adult life thinking about Will Baxter. She spent twenty-four hours in her early twenties with the aggravatingly attractive, idealistic artist – a chance encounter that spiralled into a daylong city adventure. The timing was wrong, but their connection was undeniable: they shared every secret, every dream, and made a pact to meet one year later. Fern showed up. Will didn’t.

At thirty-two, Fern’s life hasn’t turned out how she imagined it. She’s back home, running her mother’s lakeside resort, which is in disarray – and her ex-boyfriend is the manager. She needs a lifeline.

To Fern’s surprise, it comes in the form of Will, who arrives – nine years too late – with an offer to help. Will may be the only person who understands what Fern’s going through. Yet how can she possibly trust this expensive suit-wearing mirage who seems nothing like the young man she met all those years ago.

But ten years ago, Will Baxter rescued Fern. Can she do the same for him?

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You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry (READ)

I don’t need to wax lyrical about how amazing Emily Henry’s books are (although Happy Place was a Five Star Read for June 2023) because if you’re a romance reader, you’ll already know this.

12 YEARS AGO: Poppy and Alex meet. They hate each other, and are pretty confident they’ll never speak again.

11 YEARS AGO: They’re forced to share a ride home from college and by the end of it a friendship is formed. And a pact: every year, one vacation together.

10 YEARS AGO: Alex discovers his fear of flying on the way to Vancouver.

Poppy holds his hand the whole way.

7 YEARS AGO: They get far too drunk and narrowly avoid getting matching tattoos in New Orleans.

2 YEARS AGO: It all goes wrong.

THIS YEAR: Poppy asks Alex to join her on one last trip. A trip that will determine the rest of their lives.

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Walk of Shame (Love Unexpectedly #4) by Lauren Layne (READ)

Series: Blurred Lines (#1), Good Girl (#2), Love Story (#3) & An Ex for Christmas (#5)

The first thing you need to know about me is that I’m unashamedly a Lauren Layne Superfan. After bingeing on Lauren’s entire back catalogue between September 2021 and April 2022, for my Lauren Layne Appreciation Thread, I set myself the unenviable task of selecting my 6 x Favourite LL Novels and ‘Walk of Shame’ was one of them.

IT’S 5 A.M.

HER NIGHT IS ENDING.

HIS DAY IS BEGINNING.

SPARKS FLY WHEN THEY MEET . . .

Pampered heiress Georgianna Watkins has a party-girl image to maintain, but all the shopping and clubbing is starting to feel a little bit hollow – and a whole lot lonely. Though Georgie would never admit it, the highlights of her week are the mornings when she comes home at the same time as her uptight, workaholic neighbour is leaving to hit the gym and put in a long day at the office. Teasing him is the most fun Georgie’s had in years – and the fuel for all her naughtiest daydreams.

Celebrity divorce attorney Andrew Mulroney doesn’t have much time for women, especially spoiled tabloid princesses who spend more time on Page Six than at an actual job. Although Georgie’s drop-dead gorgeous, she’s also everything Andrew resents: the type of girl who inherited her penthouse instead of earning it. But after Andrew caps one of their predawn sparring sessions with a surprise kiss-a kiss that’s caught on camera-all of Manhattan is gossiping about whether they’re a real couple. And nobody’s more surprised than Andrew to find that the answer just might be yes.

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Between Us by Mhairi McFarlane (TBR)

Mhairi McFarlane is another New-to-Me Author but as soon as I found out that the opening chapter is set in my hometown of Stockport, I bought it straight away. The rest of the chapters could be gibberish for all I care (I haven’t read it yet so I’m assuming they’re not) but you just don’t get that many fiction books set in Stockport. To be honest, I’m still in shock even typing this. Stockport is famous for hats, our railway viaduct (which is the largest brick built structure in Western Europe) and unfortunately Phil Foden who plays for Manchester City (boo!). I know, I know, who needs the glamour of London, Paris or New York when you’ve got hats, viaducts and Manchester City players, right? #everybody

When Joe and Roisin join their group of friends for a weekend away, it’s a triple celebration – a birthday, an engagement and the launch of Joe’s new crime drama on TV.

But when Roisin sees secrets she shared with Joe play out on the TV screen, she knows that between us means nothing at all.

Roisin finds herself searching for clues to the truth – about her life, their history, and the man she thought she loved. And it’s then that Roisin finds the most unexpected plot twist of them all. Among those same old friends, there’s a surprising potential for new beginnings . . .

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Summer Wedding by Sarah Morgan (TBR)

There are 2 x authors that I’ve granted myself Superfan Status of and that’s Lauren Layne (see above) and Sarah Morgan (if you want to find out more, you can check out my Author Spotlight: Sarah Morgan. I prefer the convenience of reading on my Kindle but I’ve got actual physical copies of all Sarah’s books so when Sarah releases a new book, I buy the paperback usually the same day it’s released and then when the ebook goes on sale, I’ll buy it for my Kindle as well.

A family wedding

Catherine Swift is a bestselling romance author, but her personal story hasn’t been quite so successful; three failed marriages have left her relationship with her daughters strained. Engaged once again, Catherine is counting on this wedding, at her villa in Corfu, to finally bring the family together.

A summer of secrets

Adeline can’t believe her mother is getting married for a fourth time, or that she’s expected to attend. It brings back the pain of her mother’s infidelity and the baby who was the result. Not that she blames her half-sister Cassie, but then she’s never tried to know her, either. Cassie, on the other hand, is thrilled by her mother’s news – she’s always admired Catherine’s resilience, and is excited to meet the mystery groom. Cassie also has a secret of her own, and a summer in Corfu will give her the time she needs to process everything.

A chance to start over again

As the guests arrive on the island, and the big day approaches, Catherine begins to reveal secrets from her past, and suddenly both Cassie and Adeline realise that they don’t know their mother at all . . .

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Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman (TBR)

I loved this author’s previous book, Funny You Should Ask so much that not only was it a Five Star Read – February 2023, I also included it in My Favourite Novels with Jewish Representation and My Favourite Stage & Screen Romances. I’ve read several books recently with the same theme of MCs who were once famous and are now living normal lives only for fame to catch up with them again so it’ll be interesting to see how ‘Once More With Feeling’ compares.

Then. Katee Rose is living the dream as America’s number one pop star, caught in a whirlwind of sold-out concerts, screaming fans and constant tabloid coverage. Everyone wants to know everything about her and her boyfriend, Ryan LaNeve, the hottest member of adored boy band CrushZone. Katee loves to perform but hates the impossible demands of stardom. Maybe that’s why she finds herself in the arms of another CrushZone member, Cal Kirby. Quiet, serious Cal, who’s always been a good friend to Katee, is suddenly Cal with the smouldering eyes and very good hands. One unforgettable night is all it takes to blow up Katee’s relationship with Ryan, her career, her whole life . . .

Now. Kathleen Rosenberg is okay with her ordinary existence and leaving her pop star image in the past. That is, until Cal shows up with the opportunity of her dreams – a starring role in the Broadway show he’s directing and a chance to perform the way she’s always wanted. The two haven’t spoken since the joint destruction of their careers, and each of them blames the other. But rehearsals are long, those eyes still smoulder and those hands are still very good. Despite everything, Katee can’t deny the chemistry between them. Is it ever a good idea to reignite old flames? Especially if you’ve been burned in the past?

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