In the Mood for Love (Cupcake Lovers, #4)

by Beth Ciotta

[kimbacaffeinate]

When I saw the cover and read the synopsis for In the Mood for Love by Beth Ciotta, I could not help but say yes to this tour. I love small-town romance and cupcakes! While this is the fourth in the Cupcake Lovers series, I was able to slip into this small-town story, and they quickly made me feel at home. Of course, after reading this I immediately picked up book one! In the Mood for Love offers a sweet romance, suspense, humor and a whole lotta heart.

When you first begin reading, you might, as I did feel overwhelmed by all the characters. I thought, “Oh no! I should have started at the beginning of this series.” Hang in there for the first chapter as, Ciotta quickly gets you acclimated. Then the focus of the tale switched to Harper and Sam. We also get side stories featuring a moody guitar player and hot gym instructor as well as a crazy meddling lady who changes her hair color for every occasion and her sweet boyfriend.

Sam is a widower and father of two. This sexy carpenter and ex-solider is the full package, and I could not help but adore him. The man bakes cupcakes!! Townsfolk know he is looking for a wife and mother for his two children and with the exception of some wild hook-ups with Harper Day the man has been celibate since the death of his wife. Harper Day bought a small farm in Sugar Creek that she uses for a retreat from her high-stress job. She is a celebrity publicist in L.A., but she also makes time to help promote the Cupcake Lovers group. Harper’s haunted by events from her past and the more I learned about her, the more I connected.

In the Mood for Love has one of my favorite tropes, and since the synopsis doesn’t mention it you will have to read it for yourself. I loved the banter, dance and interaction between Sam and Harper. The attraction was smoking hot. Most of the heat comes from the buildup and aside from one scene almost all of the sexual encounters are fade to black. Ciotta tackles some serious issues including PTSS and harassment. There are tender moments; tense moments and their storyline gave me the “feels.” I laughed, signed and even shed a tear. The side stories were wonderful. My favorite involved Adam and Peppy a musician. These two made me giggle:snort and I wanted more time with them. Then there was Daisy. This woman is a hoot from her blue hair to her matchmaking schemes.

Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer