Romance Week: The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert

Romance Week

Read for: Enjoyed the author in the past & Recent Purchase

Steam Level:

2 of 6: There is a bit of bedroom scene in the later part but it isn't overly descriptive but the scene leading up to it certainly builds the temperature.

Synopsis: "YOU'VE GOT MAIL meets HOW TO EAT A CUPCAKE in this delightful novel about a talented chef and the food critic who brings down her restaurant—whose chance meeting turns into a delectable romance of mistaken identities.

In downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lou works tirelessly to build her beloved yet struggling French restaurant, Luella’s, into a success. She cheerfully balances her demanding business and even more demanding fiancé…until the morning she discovers him in the buff—with an intern.

Witty yet gruff British transplant Al is keeping himself employed and entertained by writing scathing reviews of local restaurants in the Milwaukee newspaper under a pseudonym. When an anonymous tip sends him to Luella’s, little does he know he’s arrived on the worst day of the chef’s life. The review practically writes itself: underdone fish, scorched sauce, distracted service—he unleashes his worst.

The day that Al’s mean-spirited review of Luella’s runs, the two cross paths in a pub: Lou drowning her sorrows, and Al celebrating his latest publication. As they chat, Al playfully challenges Lou to show him the best of Milwaukee and she’s game—but only if they never discuss work, which Al readily agrees to. As they explore the city’s local delicacies and their mutual attraction, Lou’s restaurant faces closure, while Al’s column gains popularity. It’s only a matter of time before the two fall in love…but when the truth comes out, can Lou overlook the past to chase her future?

Set in the lovely, quirky heart of Wisconsin, THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE is a charming love story of misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and the power of food to bring two people together."

My Review: I really enjoyed Reichert's Simplicity of Cider last year and it linked up with her previous books, so I am finally getting around to reading them. I really enjoyed this book even though I have seen the theme of food critic/chef and the conflict several times before. With that said, I loved the food descriptions, I ended up starving the entire time I was reading the books (even woke Hubby up and told him we are going for cheese curds ASAP). I really enjoy when an author can describe a food so well that you will die if you don't get to eat it right away! I also enjoyed the easy way between the characters and the local fun they enjoyed. It has me looking at my own area a little differently. Also Gertrude and Otto have my heart, I do adore them. It was a light, fun and easy read. I hope that we get to revisit some of the side characters in other books soon!

My Rating: I rather enjoyed this book, I adored the characters, though not the trope so much but it was pulled off really well. I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag!

Note: There is a recipe for the infamous coconut cake in the back of the book. I have not tried it because no one in my family really like coconut but I want the special vanilla!!