A cook rediscovers her passion… Thanks to a new chef in townIf she’s to keep her diner afloat, single mom Ivy Parker must overhaul her menu. When high-profile chef Cam Monroe comes to Second Chance, she’s wary of asking for help. Would a perfectionist like him approve of the corners she cuts to find time for her children? But as Cam helps her rediscover her love for cooking, Ivy finds they have … love for cooking, Ivy finds they have more in common than she expected…
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Melinda Curtis always deliver humor wrapped up in a happily ever after and this sweet romance was such a treat to read. Be prepared for adorable kiddos, and delicious-sounding dishes that will leave you hungry. A joy to read with funny banter and lovable characters.
Another great book by a great Author this was also a page turner Ivy Parker is The diner owner of The Bent Nickle trying to keep her diner afloat! Then Cam Monroe a high-profile chef comes to Second chance little did Ivy know she would be working with him she’s afraid to ask for help. But Cam helps her rediscover her love for cooking! What a great book if you haven’t read you need too! You wont be disappointed this is a great book I highly recommend !
Oh, Ivy! Who would have ever guessed. I sure didn’t. I won’t say any more than that. No spoilers from me!
Charmed by the Cook’s Kids is the next in The Mountain Monroes series but can also be read as a stand alone story. This is a story of Cam Monroe, the professional chef in the family and Ivy Parker, the owner of the local diner. Although Ivy is secretly a chef in her own right, she only serves quick, easy meals in her diner which at first annoys Cam. Now, because of a bet with Shane, Ivy and Cam are competing to see who raises the most money from their meals in the diner. Ivy and Cam are continually sniping at each other but both are dealing with struggles that the other doesn’t know about. As their struggles and insecurities are revealed, the two grow closer but the depth and strength threaten to destroy what is building. This is a wonderfully written story that is filled with raw emotions, reality based issues and fun, quirky kids that make for lovely, enjoyable read. I think this is my favorite story in the series so far and can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
Ivy Parker is safe in Second Chance. Here she runs the Bent Nickel diner. Her mood changes when Cam Monroe comes to town to cater his cousin Laurel’s wedding. After all he has a Michelin Star but that doesn’t give him the right to look down on Ivy and her menu. She a vibrant single mom raising her two sons. The boys like cooking and Cam. They enjoy having him around. I enjoyed the banter between Ivy and Cam as they try and coexist. Their interaction made me smile. I could feel the attraction but they both have baggage. Cam was fired and has lost his confidence. Ivy divorced her husband because he was abusive and a bully. Now she is afraid to trust. I hope that these two would become a couple and find love. They deserve happiness. I enjoyed catching up with the rest of the Mountain Monroes. The people of Second Chance have taught them so much about love. Just like Grandpa Harlan wanted. Melinda Curtis touched me with this romantic story. I loved the characters, the setting and the HEA. Which of the remaining Monroes will fall next?
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
What an enjoyable story! This book can be read as a stand alone or read as part of the entertaining Mountain Monroes series. I really liked learning about Ivy’s background. There was a lot that she has had to deal with in life.
I loved the banter that led to eventual respect and attraction between both Ivy and Cam. They were both fun people that I couldn’t help but like, even as I hoped that they could both get over their own personal hurdles that weighed them down.
Ivy’s kids made some great appearances in the book and I loved the way they interacted with both their mom and with Cam. It was fun to catch up with some of the town members and find out how their lives were going. I’m looking forward, once again, to reading more in this series.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This is book six in the Mountain Monroe series. I absolutely love this story. I’ve read all the books and this is my favorite. The old saying “too many cooks in the kitchen” definitely applies here. Cam is a Michelin Chef and a Monroe. Ivy is living in Second Chance and runs the local diner. She bills herself as a short order cook, and takes pride in knowing what her customers want. But, she’s not what she appears, just trying to survive and raise her children alone. So, let’s spice it up, throw in a wedding, a kitchen competition among cooks, and a little romantic attraction and you have Melinda Curtis’s latest book. Totally awesome read.
I really enjoy this series. The Monroes do not agree on what to do with the town, but they are slowly coming around. They just need to spend time there to appreciate it. Cam has decided that he wants to sell. He is only in town to lick his wounds after being fired, again! Ivy is not about to let Cam in her kitchen. He has insulted her enough. She has endured enough abuse by her ex-husband, who is also a chef. Cam needs a place to cater the wedding and Ivy’s kitchen is the only place big enough. Cam and Ivy both have misconceptions about each other and if they can quit arguing long enough to really get to know each other, they might find they were wrong about a lot of things. Ivy’s boys are great kids and Cam has come to really enjoy their company. Will either of them unbend long enough to fall in love?
I really love reading about the Monroe family. I like how Grandpa Harlan has set the rules and it really has soften and open the hearts of some. When I first started this book I did not like Cam I really honestly didn’t expect to like this book because he just got on my nerves. However that changed pretty quickly he grows on you quickly and he starts to show his true self and his heart. I have loved Ivy from the get go and she has always been a favorite and I could not wait to read her story. Her story was not always easy to read but it makes who she its that much more special. I loved her boys and their spunkiness. There was a situation with Gabby that I want to know what happened but I am sure the author has something big planned for that, not so much that she left us hanging but build up for the next I am sure. I really enjoyed this book a lot and can’t wait for more from this family. If you are looking for a clean read and a fun read check this series out, you won’t be disappointed. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
Ivy Parker runs the Bent Nichel Diner in small town Second Chance, Idaho. She divorced her husband and is raising her two young sons alone. Running the diner and raising two young boys alone are both full-time jobs. She has simplified the menu at the Bent Nickel to fit her very busy life. She sure didn’t need a Michelin star chef Monroe to come to town and make waves. The Monroe grandchildren had inherited Second Chance when their grandfather died. In his will he made a stipulation that his grandchildren be let go of their Monroe family jobs in order for his sons to inherit his fortune. All four sons let their children go. The businesses in town were technically owned by the Monroes and leased by the townsfolk for $1 per business per year. It has been a good deal for the business owners of Second Chance. There are twelve grandchildren and all twelve have one year after their grandfather’s death to agree to sell the town or not. It will take an unanimous vote either way. Chef Camden “Cam” Monroe entered Second Chance as a “sell” vote. Will meeting Ivy and her two little boys change his mind?
Charmed by the Cook’s Kids by Melinda Curtis is the sixth book in her Mountain Monroes series. This is part of Harlequin’s Heartwarming line. Perfect fit! The story is truly heartwarming with a glob of delightful on top. I loved it.
I wasn’t ready to like this book as much as I did! Ivy has been in all the other books in the series because she runs the diner in town and all the characters have been in and out of the diner at various times in their stories! It was great to get her backstory! There hadn’t been any info on Cam except that he was a famous chef and in the first chapter or so, I wasn’t prepared to like him but oh how he transformed into someone you loved! That saying that says, “too many cooks in the kitchen….” well, that fits in this story! Ivy and Cam clash from Day One!!! Cam is a famous chef and wants to cook “just so” and Ivy runs the diner so she is cooking “diner food”. Cam wants to change everything but Ivy knows that the people in the small town just want simple, basic food. Cam thinks he can bring all his fancy food to the people and they will love it….well, things don’t turn out quite that way! Then, there is the personal side! I loved how Cam treated Ivy’s young sons. I also loved how Cam and Ivy, even though they butted heads constantly, finally found common ground and their relationship grew! A wonderful story that I fell in love with!
A pleasurable story with two chefs, delectable desserts, two children. small town characters, a villain and a Monroe having to sort his life out in Second Chance, Idaho. One in a series but can be read as a standalone. A good read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This 6th book in this series, is a standalone clean romance that is at times heartbreaking as well as heartwarming.
Cam Monroe, Michelin star chef and one of the Monroes that owns Second Chance, is in town to cater his cousin’s wedding. He wants the town sold but somehow finds himself cooking at Ivy Parker’s diner.
Ivy, a woman who has decided she must “stay in her lane”, considers herself a mother first and foremost. She is not the average cook that Cam assumes she is, but her past is still affecting her.
As time is spent together , they both realize their preconceived beliefs of each other is far from the truth.
Will Cam and Ivy learn to trust and find a new future, or will the past, keep them from finding their HEA?
This was truly a touching story that reminds us that our past does in fact affect our present and our future.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
“Charmed by the Cook’s Kids” is book 6 of The Mountain Monroes miniseries by Melinda Curtis and features chef Camden Monroe and diner owner Ivy Parker.
Cam lost his chef job in Vegas and is now in Second Chance, Idaho for a family wedding and to give his vote on whether to sell or keep the town left to them by their grandfather, Harlan. His brother, Shane, talks Cam into catering cousin Laurel’s wedding, but to do that Cam needs a kitchen.
Ivy doesn’t want anyone in her kitchen, especially a Monroe who has no idea what it takes to run a diner. But with her lease expiring at the end of the year, she agrees.
Together, as they serve up burgers and milkshakes, Ivy learns that not all men are like her ex and Cam learns he is more than his Michelin star.
Ms. Curtis pens a story that is a recipe for love with a dash of laughter.
“Charmed by the Cook’s Kids” (The Mountain Monroe’s Book 6) by Melinda Curtis is a terrific read. I loved Ivy and Cam’s story. This is a fantastic addition to this series. This story is full of romance, entertaining characters, family, small-town life, twists, and more. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Second Chance, and with this interesting cast of characters. Highly recommend to all fans of romance, family, and series.