Showing posts with label #ninacrespo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #ninacrespo. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

A Chef's Kiss (Small Town Secrets Book 1) by Nina Crespo

Today we have the release blitz of Nina Crespo’s A Chef’s Kiss! Check it out and be sure to grab your copy today!

Title: A Chef’s Kiss

Author: Nina Crespo

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About A Chef’s Kiss:

A satisfying, sexy romantic story from Harlequin’s Special Edition Imprint   A welcome second chance…Or a recipe for disaster? After their ill-fated fling quashed her dreams, small-town chef Philippa Gayle’s onetime rival-turned-lover Dominic Crawford upended her life. But when Philippa’s forced together with the celebrity cook on a project that could change her life, there's no denying that the flames that were lit years ago were only banked, not extinguished. Can Philippa trust Dominic enough to let him in…or are they just cooking up another heartbreak?

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
My review:

A Chef’s Kiss is the first book in the new Small Town Secrets series by Nina Crespo.  It was a sweet second-chance romance with all the good feels of a small-town.  I loved getting the chance to see some of the characters from other series while reading this book.  It was a short book, but the storyline was developed and it had wonderful characters.  Philippa and Dominic's lives were both affected by him winning the cooking contest.  He became a celebrity cook who was recognized everywhere and lived in the media spotlight.  Philippa ended up working in a small-town restaurant and forming close relationships over time with everyone.  Can they overcome their differences to have a happy future together?

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

  

Get Your Copy:

Universal | Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play | Amazon Print | B&N Print | Author Website | Harlequin

Exclusive Excerpt:

Philippa fastened the last black button on her crisp new lime-green kitchen jacket. So much for a simple staff presentation. Not only was she expected to introduce Dominic, per Zurie’s request, she now had to stay for his entire cooking demonstration. She snatched the empty packaging for the jacket from her desk. Underneath it was the bio for Dominic that his publicist had dropped off not too long ago. Chef extraordinaire. Bestselling author. Star of an acclaimed cooking show. A pampered chef focused on his public persona. Was that who she was dealing with for the next few weeks? As she stepped out of her office into the kitchen, a few of the staff walked by. “I don’t care what he makes,” one of the servers said. “I just want to hear his voice as he describes it. He could make mud pies sound irresistible.” Philippa kept her face neutral as she followed behind them, but inside, she gave an inner eye roll” “I’m just glad he’s not like some celebrities,” a kitchen helper responded. “The way he stood up for us about where we could sit in the dining room proves he actually cares about people who work in the kitchen.” Stood up for them? Was there not enough seats? Philippa flagged down Quinn. “I heard something about there being a problem with seating for the demo. Is everything okay?” “Oh, yes, it’s fine now. There was just some mix-up with the publicity person. She said all the Pasture Lane employees would have to sit in the back and let everyone else sit up front. But Dominic set her straight.” As Quinn rushed into the dining room, Philippa hung back and peered through the window near the top of the right-hand door. “How does it look out there?” The resonant tone of Dominic’s voice coming from behind ignited a frisson of awareness that moved along Philippa’s spine and tingled across her nape. “It’s a full house.” She calmed an unsteady breath and faced him. Up close, he looked even better than he had in the lobby. But hints of fatigue were in his eyes. She hadn’t taken his present work schedule into consideration when she’d asked him to do the cooking demo. “Thank you...” “I’m sorry...” They both spoke at the same time. Dominic gestured for her to speak first. “I appreciate you adding this to your full schedule. And for making sure my staff have front-row seats. If they weren’t already fans of chef extraordinaire, Dominic Crawford, they are now.” “Chef extraordinaire?” She’d meant to tease him, but from his slight wince, her attempt had fallen flat. “That didn’t come out right. I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I was just referring to the intro Amber gave me.” “I should have guessed.” He smiled, but as he glanced at the paper in her hand a shadow of discomfort moved across his face. “You don’t have to say all that. Owner of Frost & Flame is fine.” “And have Amber come after me? No, thank you.” Dominic gave a low chuckle. “Yeah, she’s insistent.” He took a step forward and the subtle notes of his cologne wafted into the space between them. “About the changes with the demo. I—” The door opened behind Philippa, pitching her forward, and her hand with the paper landed on his solid chest. Dominic took hold of her arms. “You okay?” As she looked into his eyes, familiarity washed over her. The automatic desire to lean into him almost overwhelmed her. Amber peeked past the door. “Chef Gayle, good. You’re right where you’re supposed to be.”

About Nina Crespo:

Nina Crespo lives in Florida where she indulges in her favorite passions — the beach, a good glass of wine, date night with her own real-life hero and dancing.   Her lifelong addiction to romance began in her teens while on a “borrowing spree” in her older sister’s bedroom where she discovered her first romance novel. Let Nina’s sensual contemporary stories and steamy paranormal tales feed your own addiction for love, romance, and happily ever after. Stay connected with Nina on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or through her newsletter.  

Connect with Nina:

Instagram | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bookbub

Enter Nina’s Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Monday, May 10, 2021

Review: An Officer and a Fortune

An Officer and a Fortune An Officer and a Fortune by Nina Crespo

 His homecoming was temporary. Until he met the woman who changed everything.

 

Captain Collin Waldon is on leave from the military, tending to his ailing father in his final days. Knowing his stay in Rambling Rose will be short, Collin is not looking for romantic entanglements—especially not with Nicole Fortune, the beautiful, free-spirited executive chef of Roja Restaurant in the struggling Hotel Fortune. Yet these two unlikely lovers seem perfect for each other, until Collin’s reassignment threatens their newfound bliss…

 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My review:
An Officer and a Fortune is the fifth book in the Fortunes of Texas: The Hotel Fortune series. I’ve read two books in the series but do not feel as if I missed anything by not reading them all. So far, I have loved every book in the series and this one was just as good. It was paced perfectly, had charming characters, and was beautifully written. I love small-town romances because they always have such warm friendships and thoughtful characters in them. This story took place in the small-town of Rambling Rose where the Fortune family has recently moved to. They have been trying to rejuvenate and bring new businesses and people to Rambling Rose.
Captain Collin Waldon is stationed in Germany but has come home on leave to take care of Sam, his terminally ill father. He is feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with Sam but meeting Nicole and spending time with her brightens his day. He’s attracted to her but knows long-distance relationships do not work so he holds back on his attraction.
Nicole Fortune is the executive chef of Roja, the family-owned restaurant in the Hotel Fortune. Her creativity has been on the decline and she is struggling to develop the summer menu. The restaurant was having difficulties with employees leaving and losing business to a local diner. The connection she feels with Collin and their shared love of cooking prompts Nicole to ask Collin to help her create her summer menu and help with the upcoming family fundraiser.

Although I have read a few of the books in the series, I do think reading the entire series in order would improve the overall reading experience. The Fortune family’s businesses have experienced sabotage, and each book and incident add to the mystery of who could be plotting against them. Neither Nicole nor Collin was looking for a relationship but once they meet each other and connected it was too late. The connection between them could be felt from the beginning. I was so glad that Collin was able to finally have a meaningful conversation with his father. That scene was heartbreaking but helped Collin to understand his father and the past. Nicole and Collin were able to help each other through some difficult times and were so supportive of each other. I would have liked to see more of their future lives together, but I am sure we will see them in future books. This was a sweet romance that will leave you grinning at the end and looking forward to the next Fortune adventure.
I received an ARC and am willingly leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.



From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

 

The Fortunes of Texas: The Hotel Fortune

 

Book 1: Her Texas New Year’s Wish by Michelle Major

 

Book 2: Their Second-Time Valentine by Helen Lacey

 

Book 3: An Unexpected Father by Marie Ferrarella

 

Book 4: Runaway Groom by Lynne Marshall

 

Book 5: An Officer and a Fortune by Nina Crespo

 

Book 6: Cowboy in Disguise by Allison Leigh

 

Buy Links:  

 Amazon: https://amzn.to/39EoU2N

Apple: https://apple.co/3wnyGjB

B&N: https://bit.ly/31E6n2m

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3cM8t6M

Google: https://bit.ly/2Pn1FUg

 

Author Information:  

Author Name:  Nina Crespo

Author Bio:  

Nina Crespo lives in Florida where she indulges in her favorite passions — the beach, a good glass of wine, date night with her own real-life hero and dancing. Her lifelong addiction to romance began in her teens while on a “borrowing spree” in her older sister’s bedroom where she discovered her first romance novel. Let Nina’s sensual contemporary stories and steamy paranormal tales feed your own addiction for love, romance, and happily ever after. Stay connected with Nina on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or through her newsletter.

 

Author Links:  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninacrespowrites/ 

Website: https://ninacrespo.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNinaCrespo

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ninacrespo21

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ninacrespobooks/ 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nina-crespo 


Saturday, May 1, 2021

 

Nina Crespo is joining us for the release week blitz of her contemporary romance, An Officer and a Fortune! Check it out and be sure to get your copy today!

Title: An Officer and a Fortune

Author: Nina Crespo

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: The Fortunes of Texas: The Hotel Fortune

About An Officer and a Fortune:

His homecoming was temporary. Until he met the woman who changed everything.   Captain Collin Waldon is on leave from the military, tending to his ailing father in his final days. Knowing his stay in Rambling Rose will be short, Collin is not looking for romantic entanglements—especially not with Nicole Fortune, the beautiful, free-spirited executive chef of Roja Restaurant in the struggling Hotel Fortune. Yet these two unlikely lovers seem perfect for each other, until Collin’s reassignment threatens their newfound bliss…   From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
My Review:

An Officer and a Fortune is the fifth book in the Fortunes of Texas: The Hotel Fortune series. I’ve read two books in the series but do not feel as if I missed anything by not reading them all. So far, I have loved every book in the series and this one was just as good. It was paced perfectly, had charming characters, and was beautifully written. I love small-town romances because they always have such warm friendships and thoughtful characters in them. This story took place in the small-town of Rambling Rose where the Fortune family has recently moved to. They have been trying to rejuvenate and bring new businesses and people to Rambling Rose.
Captain Collin Waldon is stationed in Germany but has come home on leave to take care of Sam, his terminally ill father. He is feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with Sam but meeting Nicole and spending time with her brightens his day. He’s attracted to her but knows long-distance relationships do not work so he holds back on his attraction.
Nicole Fortune is the executive chef of Roja, the family-owned restaurant in the Hotel Fortune. Her creativity has been on the decline and she is struggling to develop the summer menu. The restaurant was having difficulties with employees leaving and losing business to a local diner. The connection she feels with Collin and their shared love of cooking prompts Nicole to ask Collin to help her create her summer menu and help with the upcoming family fundraiser.
Although I have read a few of the books in the series, I do think reading the entire series in order would improve the overall reading experience. The Fortune family’s businesses have experienced sabotage, and each book and incident add to the mystery of who could be plotting against them. Neither Nicole nor Collin was looking for a relationship but once they meet each other and connected it was too late. The connection between them could be felt from the beginning. I was so glad that Collin was able to finally have a meaningful conversation with his father. That scene was heartbreaking but helped Collin to understand his father and the past. Nicole and Collin were able to help each other through some difficult times and were so supportive of each other. I would have liked to see more of their future lives together, but I am sure we will see them in future books. This was a sweet romance that will leave you grinning at the end and looking forward to the next Fortune adventure.
I received an ARC and am willingly leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.



Get Your Copy Today:

Amazon | Apple | B&N | Kobo | Google

Catch up on the Series:

The Fortunes of Texas: The Hotel Fortune

Book 1: Her Texas New Year’s Wish by Michelle Major

Book 2: Their Second-Time Valentine by Helen Lacey

Book 3: An Unexpected Father by Marie Ferrarella

Book 4: Runaway Groom by Lynne Marshall

Book 5: An Officer and a Fortune by Nina Crespo

Book 6: Cowboy in Disguise by Allison Leigh

 

About Nina Crespo:

Nina Crespo lives in Florida where she indulges in her favorite passions — the beach, a good glass of wine, date night with her own real-life hero and dancing. Her lifelong addiction to romance began in her teens while on a “borrowing spree” in her older sister’s bedroom where she discovered her first romance novel. Let Nina’s sensual contemporary stories and steamy paranormal tales feed your own addiction for love, romance, and happily ever after. Stay connected with Nina on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or through her newsletter.  

Connect with Nina:

Instagram | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bookbub

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Review: The Cowgirl's Surprise Match

The Cowgirl's Surprise Match The Cowgirl's Surprise Match by Nina Crespo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars




Blurb:
A sweet charade takes an unexpected turn!

Dearly beloved, we are (not) gathered together…

Maid of honor Zurie Tillbridge has been working secretly with best man Mace Calderone to plan her cousin Tristan’s wedding to a well-known actress. To keep their wedding plans from leaking to the press, Zurie and Mace must pretend they are the ones getting married. Cake tasting and flower arranging seem like harmless fun…until wary workaholic Zurie realizes she’s feeling something real for her fake fiancĂ©…

My review:
The Cowgirl’s Surprise Match is the third book in the Tillbridge Stables series. It’s the first book I have read in the series and I don’t feel like I missed anything by not reading the first two books. Although after reading this book, I’ve put the other books on my TBR list. The book was paced perfectly, easy to read, and had that “can’t put down” factor. The characters were charming and easy to connect with. Zurie Tillbridge was happy when Tristan, her cousin announced his engagement to a famous actor. She needed a break from work and organizing his wedding while keeping it a secret from the media was just the answer for her. She would be helping Tristan and get a break from work. Mace Calderone was happy to help Zurie with the wedding arrangements. His family was pushing him to take his law exams and move to Nevada to work in the family firm. Zurie putting a time limit on their relationship was fine with him because he would be moving right after the wedding. Pretending to be engaged to keep the wedding a secret, allowed them to spend time together and keep the media away. Neither of them expected to want the fake engagement to be real. Mace must decide if giving up his future with the family law firm is worth risking love for.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Out for Blood by Sadie Hunt

Now Available! Out for Blood (Blackwell Hawks #3) by Sadie Hunt Purchase Link:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250323920-out-for-blood ...