Tiffany N. York

With a title like The Meatball Mistress, the reader can't help but enjoy this entertaining contemporary romance about two people wounded by past love gone wrong, who meet at the Jersey shore and find unexpected romance.

Author Tiffany N. York weaves a fun romantic tale that follows Cara Manzoni and Ryan Garridy's unexpected journey towards love.

Cara is a thirty year old cocktail waitress from the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. Cara is two months away from her wedding to live-in fiance Robbie, but her world is turned upside down when she comes home to find Robbie cheating with her hairdresser of twelve years, Annemarie. Upset and brokenhearted, Cara leaves the apartment and drives to Crabclaw Island on the Jersey shore, where she recalls fond memories of past family summer vacations. With only the clothes on her back, no place to stay, and eighty-seven dollars to her name, Cara isn't about to turn tail and head back to Robbie. Hungry and with no money, Cara is drawn to Bella Vita Italian restaurant, where she meets owner Ryan Garridy. After enjoying each other's company, Cara skips out on paying for the meal, leaving Ryan upset ... but he later meets up with her on the street and she looks sick ... being the nice guy that he is (ahem .... a ladies man who loves em and leaves em ... oh did I mention he's a commitment phobe), Ryan lets Cara stay at his condo and gives her a job at his restaurant. Sparks fly and attraction grows with sassy barbs traded back and forth mixed in with a comforting dose of mouthwatering aroma of good old Italian cooking. Can two wounded people put their past hurt behind them, learn to trust, and open themselves to a second chance at love?

The Meatball Mistress is a fast-paced and entertaining tale that has a great mixture of romance, and humor, seasoned with a sprinkling of to-die-for intoxicating Italian food. The reader is easily drawn into Cara and Ryan's story, you can't help but embrace these two wounded souls, from their unexpected meeting to the development of their relationship, they will keep in you in stitches with their sassy barbs and kitchen drama, while their undeniable passion will have you cheering them on and hoping that they will find each other. Add in a beach setting that is near and dear to my heart, being a born and bred Jersey girl, and a quirky cast of supporting characters who are just as entertaining with their own humorous dilemmas, and you have one heck of a fun summer read!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-meatball-mistress-by-tiffa...… (more)

The Meatball Mistress by Tiffany York is a 2014 Crimson Romance publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Cara is two months away from getting married when she walks in on her fiance having sex with her hairdresser. With no family and a dead end job, Cara just takes off in her car with a hundred dollars in her account. She is homeless, living in her car and starving when she decides she must have good meal. She picked the wrong place to try and run out on the bill. Ryan took a liking to his guest and sat with her while she ate. When she skipped out on the bill he was furious. By chance he sees her again . By this time Cara is sick and Ryan assumes the worse.. she's a drug addict or prostitute. When he hears her story he hears himself offer to let her stay at his place and work at his eatery. What was he thinking? But, Cara soon learns Ryan is the very definition of a ladies man. He dates several women at one time, only out for a good time and absolutely NO emotional attachments. He and Cara constantly trade barbs in a good old fashioned battle of the sexes. But, then it seems as though Cara is beginning to see things from Ryan's perspective. Maybe this casual dating thing could work for her, Ryan could be her "sexual bandaid" while she nurses her wounds after being cheated on. Not only that Cara has a talent for making the best meatballs in the world, something that could come in handy in Ryan's kitchen when he starts having some financial issues. Cara grows more confident and able each day, deciding to go back to school and put a serious romance on the back burner until she has her life in order. Ryan gave her some great advice about all those things. So, now it looks as though the tables have turned. Cara is in the drivers seat and loving it. But, is she really enjoying herself as much as she lets on? When push comes to shove, Ryan knows Cara has wormed her way into his life, but he hasn't said those magical words Cara longs to hear. So, will Cara stay with Ryan or will she set out on her own?
This is a cute contemporary romance featuring two people that had been badly hurt, each coping with it in their own way. The quirky cast of characters Ryan and Cara work with adds seasoning and spice to the story as well as a healthy dose of humor. The reader knows a bit about Ryan's past that Cara isn't aware of so we have an idea why he keeps women at arms length emotionally. Cara just knows he gets under her skin with all his exploits and talk of women always making things too complicated and wanting more. So, I loved it when Cara begins to use Ryan's words against him. He seems genuinely surprised when the tables are turned and he becomes Cara's sex toy . She doens't seem to need much real intimacy from him and he finds himself wanting to cuddle and be close to her on a different level. So, while the couple will have to go through some drama before it all comes together for them, these two will be good for and to each other .
Chick lit, RomCom, or contemporary romance lovers will be delighted with this one. Overall this one gets a B. (3.5 stars)… (more)

Reviewed by: Karina
Book provided by: Publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

I wanted to have a break from YA books so when I saw this Contemporary book, I didn’t hesitate to request it for review. What made me want to read it is the plot itself. I’ve known people who had relationships with 10-20 years age gap and I wanted to know how it will be translated in the book.

The Accidental Cougar is a fast-paced, fun and steamy read. I liked how it started. It instantly caught my attention which made me turn each page with ease.

The main character, Nicole Woods is a 41-year-old single mom who just focuses in her son, work and no fun. She came out from a divorce years ago so it’s understandable she’s afraid to find love and trust men again. She’s beautiful in and out, genuinely nice and loves her son and friends unconditionally.

Then here comes Wil, a gorgeous and successful 25-year-old guy who wishes to be a part of Nicole’s life even if it’s just a summer fling. It’s obvious that he’s attracted to her but it seems Nicole won’t make it easy for him. I really love his personality! He’s real; he knows what he wants and will do anything to have it. He’s hardworking and a very passionate guy that’s why he’s so successful at such a young age.

Both of these characters are very likeable. I liked how the main and the supporting characters blend together- Nicole’s friends and workmates, then Wil’s family. For the first part, I was just a bit confused as to who is who because there were a bunch of characters. It took time for me to be familiar with them.

As expected, the book contains some sweet, steamy scenes. But the steamy meter is not on full blast. I can’t explain why, but it needs more!

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It touches not just about romance and love but also about family and friendship. It is highly recommended to those who love Contemporary and Romance Genres.… (more)