Maddie Frye, the Checkerberry Inn’s snarky, introverted chef, just wants to be left alone. But with the inn’s upcoming gala, Maddie’s boss has matchmaking on the brain. So when the gorgeous new guy in town helps her out for a night, she comes up with the perfect solution to her problem… Cole Granville is looking for a fresh start. When a part-time job opens in the Checkerberry’s kitchen, he … kitchen, he takes it without a second thought. The only catch? He’s got to help his sexy new coworker snag a date for an upcoming dance. But as he coaches Maddie on attracting her crush, Cole realizes he’s the one falling for the curvy brunette.
Each book in the Checkerberry Inn series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 Her Unexpected Detour
Book #2 Her Unexpected Engagement
Book #3 Her Unexpected Hero
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Oh my gosh! I absolutely loved this story! As in, every…freaking…thing…about it.
When Maddie’s kitchen help leaves her high and dry, she’s desperate for someone to replace her. Cole is in need of extra funds to help start his dream and the minute Maddie offers him the job for the night, he takes it.
When a little negotiation gets them both what they want, Cole begins working regularly in the Checkerberry’s kitchen. Unfortunately, gaining the job also means he has to help the feisty chef gain the attention of another man.
”He could not allow himself to fall for the woman he’d promised to set up with someone else. Talk about masochistic – that’d be like volunteering to have your heart torn in two.”
Maddie’s past has left her insecure and reluctant to take a chance again. But with Cole’s help she begins to make an effort. Except along the way, her thoughts are on her friend Cole more than the muscle man she’s had her eye on.
I loved Cole and the way that he was constantly encouraging her and building her up. Their relationship was fun and witty, sweet and everything that makes you feel good. I laughed through their witty banter and when they finally admit what they feel for each other, I swooned over Cole’s assurances in the face of Maddie’s nervousness.
”You are 100 percent real in a world full of imposters and fakes, and I think that makes you absolutely perfect.”
Despite all the lightheartedness of this story, there is some serious drama taking place. Cole’s past has followed him when he had hoped to have a new beginning, a new life, and a new town to call his own. Now every dream he has ever had is being threatened and there is absolutely nothing that can be done to stop it. My heart broke for him as he struggled against the injustice of it all.
”But I have to know – does this story have a happy ending?”
“Of course,” she whispered, stroking his face even more gently than before. “Fairy tales always do.”
Although all the smexy times are behind closed doors, the chemistry between these characters was very real. There are some amazing secondary characters that obviously had their own stories and I’m definitely going back to check them out. There wasn’t one thing about this book that I didn’t love. When I reached the end I was filled with euphoria from having read such an amazing story with characters that will live a long while in my memory.
I absolutely love this book. From the first chapter, I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. I really enjoyed Maddies character. Strong, independent and vulnerable at the same time. And Cole, wow. Bad boy or not, he had me from the start. The last few chapters had me crying and I couldn’t stop reading until I got to the end. I can’t wait to read the other 2 Checkerberry books. Great job Kyra and thanks for the awesome read.
I love visits to the Checkerberry Inn. While this is the third book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone.
Maddie is the no-nonsense chef for the Checkerberry Inn. She’s talented and confident in the kitchen but when it comes to getting a date, she’s anything but that. When she suddenly needs help in the kitchen and help with her dating life, in walks Cole, the new guy in town who is trying to start over without the black cloud of his past messing up his opportunities.
Maddie and Cole were perfect for each other: comfortable, connected, and willing to call each other out. From the moment they began working together, their chemistry was evident and the friendship they built was so sweet. This book was a quick, cute, heartwarming story.