Like the cupcakes in the series title, this book was “sweet”. I enjoyed Rachel and Mike. Mike is open and friendly and very uncomplicated which was refreshing. Rachel was a bit more complex but no such much that it takes endless chapters to fix her. There was just the right mix of conflict, resolution and character development to make the story a quick, fun read great for an afternoon of summer relaxation.

I accidentally read the book before the first in the series and didn’t feel I’d missed anything by doing so.

This book was received by MY BOOK ADDICTION AND MORE from the publisher for an honest review.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: Sweet: No sex or scenes of physical intimacy except some kissing. No graphic violence or profanity.

REVIEWED BY: ReadWarrior ( )

Darlene Panzera’s Recipe for Love is the second novella in the Cupcake Diaries series. The first novella, Sweet on You is available, and the third, Taste of Romance, will be released next week. If you’re looking for a quick light read then this is the book for you!

Recipe for Love picks up a few months from where Sweet on You left off. Creative Cupcakes is still in business, but the ladies are looking for ways to drum up more business. Rachel has taken on the job to be their social media guru and it’s up to her to expand avenues of income opportunities. Rachel has an important reason for wanting to make Creative Cupcakes more profitable. Her grandfather is ill, her mother is working several jobs, and Rachel can barely afford her pay her car payments. She is lonely and longs for someone to sweep her off feet, but before she can think about dating, the ladies have to deal with Gaston, the new owner of a French pastry shop and Creative Cupcake’s direct competition.

I really enjoyed Recipe for Love! Your heart aches for Rachel and her troubles. I believe we can all associate with Rachel and the need to be strong and wear that mask of handling things. The first time we’re introduced to Mike, I loved the interaction between them. Although, I admit to being creeped out by him during the formal meeting between him and Rachel. It comes down to the fact he knew what she looked like while we were kept in the dark to his looks like Rachel. Once Mike was in her life it was a breath of fresh air! I really liked that she had someone to turn to for support.

The real heart of Recipe for Love is Rachel and her family. Her grandfather is ill and her mother is working nonstop to pay for his medical bills. In many ways Kim and Andi become Rachel’s family by giving her the support she lacks at home. When things don’t go exactly as planned with regards to Gaston trying to close Creative Cupcakes, you can feel the weight of the problems Rachel has. When you’re introduced to the members of the Saturday Night Cupcake Club your heart aches for them as well. I laughed at the references to romance writers in the cupcake shop and no one really trusting them.

Recipe for Love is a delightful read and if you’re looking for a quick light romance I highly recommend this novella. You don’t need to read Sweet on You prior to Recipe for Love, but I do recommend it because you’re introduced to the ladies and how Creative Cupcakes came to be. ( )