Liked book 1 better, but still yummy
590127
This book picks up only a couple of months after the end of book 1. After reading Working It, the reader is left with so many questions, and book 2 jumps right back into the pull and tug between Ben and Emmy. Honestly, it was a bit too quick for me, but I can imagine it's plausible for someone to be swept up in the moment of seeing him again for the first time in months and still feeling the need to be with him.

How can Emmy trust Ben after what happened with Fiona? How does she deal with still feeling like she doesn't fit into his world? Can Ben handle how deeply he feels for Emmy, how much he craves her, since he's never felt this way before? Can Emmy forgive Ben for keeping things secret? Can she overcome his past?

As before, Kendall Ryan sure knows how to write some steamy scenes. She has this keen chef ability to throw just the right amount of each ingredient - sweet, sexy, drama, and angst - making the perfect recipe for this book. The author has a great way of writing through Emmy's insecurities to make me feel like I'm in her shoes, but balances it out with how much Ben truly cares for her because she doesn't fit the mold.

Im thankful as s*** you don't fit into this world. You remind me that theres so much more to life. Youre my something to grasp on to at the end of the day. You ground me. I love you.
2457791
While not a 5 star series (yet), I feel like the writing is really improving and it is still a fun series.  The story feels more flush than the last book.  I do have two complaints.
1)  The romance isn't very believable.  Sure, dealing with the wendigo in the last book would provide them with a suitable bond, but their interactions are all really awkward.
2)  In the very beginning, Errol is an unapologetic douche.  He's uncharacteristically rude throughout the interaction and it really pissed me off.  Sure, he has prejudices against "weirdlings" (and that seemed to be the theme of the story), but even so, it didn't make him very likable.
I did enjoy how things seemed to tie together and I like that the main monsters aren't the "usual suspects".  I recognize monsters like dire wolves, chimera, and basilisks, but I've never heard of wendigos or lamia.  It makes it all the more fun.
1223560
I really enjoyed book 1 so I ordered #2 immediately.  It was a bit slower than than the first and really felt like a set-up for the next story.  It was still worth the read and I've ordered #3.
3074693
I really liked book 1, book 2 was ok,  this one, meh.
2970819
2.5 Stars
Reviewed by Suzanne and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog

Molly Gilmore knew helping her sister out by pretending to be pregnant, to cover Charlottes pregnancy would be a huge mistake. Especially when she ends up roping in the guy she has been crushing on for two years and the only progress she has made is sneakily taking a whiff of him. She knows Marcus is bound to right screaming once he encounters her certifiably insane family, especially when they think he has knocked her up and yethe seems to fit right in, Molly cant help thinking, should she be scared or relieved?

So, we come to the end of the Chocoholic series with Baking and Babies, Ive been reading Sivec, especially this series and Chocolate Lovers since 2012 when Seduction and Snacks was first published. And, what I have noticed since then, is that my ratings on her books are slowly decreasing, I adored Seduction and Snacks and it got five very well deserved stars, it was fresh and funny with some outrageous characters ready for you to love. Now I am reviewing Baking and Babies and giving it two point five stars as, after three years I feel like this Sivec has squeezed all the goodness out of this formula and now all we are left with are a few dregs. These books have gone from funny and outrageous to ridiculous and trying-too-hard.

But Baking and Babies did make me laugh, no matter what Sivec always seem to be able to coax a giggle out of me with the antics of Molly, Marcus and crew. This book did feature all the characters you know and love from the previous books in this series and the Chocolate Lovers as we say a final goodbye to them. It seemed though the book was crowded with so many familiar faces that it obscured the romance. Molly and Marcus were nice together, but I don't really feel like I saw enough of them.

This book was okay, it entertained me, but I felt more relief than sadness once I had finished it.
3912314
Well, this book was good, but I think I liked Manaconda (book 1) better. I liked the character, Keys, a lot. Quinn was a little bit off putting to me at the beginning, not sure why. But he improved towards the end. I was sure she'd give him more hell than she did, trying to slip away more than just the 1 time. The flow was good, but there were a few places that were a little confusing to me, & a bit too much predictability. I felt there should have been more twists thru the story, from the bad guy/gal than there was, to drive the story more. I felt their relationship really didn't develop enough, it felt like it was all lust driven, especially since Quinn didn't really get out of his head/talk much. I also was disappointed that there was still some unanswered questions lingering from book 1, that I was sure we'd get an answer to or more info at least about it by this point. I really liked the supporting character of Noah, I'd like to read his story, I liked him better than all the other characters.
712286
I was so excited to read this book, as the first book was such an enjoyable read. I have to admit, I am disappointed, as this was not as good as Book 1. If you read first book, which I highly recommend, you will want to read this one, as it takes up right where you were with Braden and Gab's relationship.  The sneak preview of book 3 seems to be more entertaining than book 2, so there is hope for another great one by this author.
2190748
So far this is my least favorite book in the series, which is unfortunate because I've liked the other three. The plot didn't seem to be as light-hearted, as if something was missing from the equation this time around. I can't put my finger on it. Anyway, the recipes seem as yummy as ever and I will continue to look forward for more books in this series.
4149802
This is the third book in the series and I have to say that I enjoyed it, but not as much as I enjoyed book 2. The book picks up where book 2 left off with Liam, Hammer, Raine, Beck and Seth at the lodge and Liam having received a call in the middle of the night from his ex-wife and goes from there. There was a lot happening in this book, from Liam's awful ex-wife to Raine's disgusting father to them trying to solidify their relationship, but I have to say that the story did not flow as well in this one as it did in book 2. I found that the main characters made a lot of silly decisions that were unnecessary, especially after two of the main premises of book 2 were communication and honesty. It was as though those lessons were just thrown by the wayside once the situation with Liam's ex-wife arose. I also have to say that I actually really feel for Hammer, who has to deal not only with Raine and her inability to believe that she is loved, but he also has to deal with Liam and his jealousy issues. I feel like Hammer gets the rough end of the stick a lot of the times in dealing with these two and that he is always trying to smooth and soothe the two of them. I feel like Hammer's issues with having lost his pregnant wife are not really dealt with. However, I must say that I do love the way Hammer deals with the two of them, especially  with the way he deals with Liam's jealousy issues.

Although, book 3 was not what I expected, I cannot wait to read book 4. I truly hope that Liam has dealt with his jealousy issues because the way this one left off makes me nervous about him and those issues. I really hope that I will be getting more on Beck, Seth and nurse Heavenly. Good job, ladies, and I look forward to book 4.
621839
I loved the first book but it felt a little disjointed after the second. I still read with a smile but book 3 felt rushed and lacked detail. I would have liked to know more about their relationship and how it progressed to where book 3 started. Book 4 and the conclusion was quite satisfying. This isn't a typical menage story with warm fuzzies from adoring men and everyone striving to make their alternate lifestyle work.
884248
3 1/2 Stars
I loved the first book in this series. I was hoping for good things for Hannah after the loss of her husband. While there were parts of this book that I loved, there were others I really didn't care for.
I really loved Nolan. The man had the patience of a saint when it came to Hannah. He was cautious, caring and loving with her. Never pushing, always conscious of her mind set and feelings. Always putting her first, even at his own expense.
I love this little town created for this series, from the quirky townsfolk to the towns mascot, Fred the moose.
I loved catching glimpses of Hannah's rather large family. And seeing the probable storylines set up for several of her siblings. Her father and grandfather are hilarious. I love the epilogue.

What I didn't care for was Hannah. While I understand her loss, and I know everyone deals with loss in their own way, it just felt like she took it to the extreme. She seemed to be more worried about how everyone else felt about her moving on, than how she herself should feel. Going as far as putting distance between herself and Nolan when it upset her brother-in-law after he found out she was seeing him. She spent so much time worrying about what others would think, she forgot to live her own life.
Hannah's internal monologue became monotonous. The book could have been shortened by at least a third, if we didn't have to put up with her thoughts of why she shouldn't move on, and what everyone must/probably/could be, thinking of her.
And Caleb, the deceased husband, had more page time than most of the living characters.
Nolan and Hannah do have a happy ending. But there were a few things I wanted answers to. Like what ultimately happened to Nolan's dad? The plans he had for his house? And her plans for the retreat she and Cameron came up with? Lots of things thrown out there that were just left dangling.
It did feel a bit like a "transition" book. Used to set up the upcoming books.
Even with this one not being my favorite, I'll continue to read the series. I'm curious about where some of the stories may be going.
476822
3.5 Stars

I was looking forward to reading Veils and Vengeance and finding out more about Adri after reading the first book in this series. I also think you could definitely read this one as a standalone, but it did help quite a bit that I had read the first book. Just like the first book, Adri is working on a wedding and finishing up the final touches for it in Hawaii. It should be a joyous, wonderful event and then tragedy strikes when she finds the body of a young woman in the ocean while snorkeling. This then initiates the mystery and suspense for this story as Adri tries to figure out what happened and how it all connects to those around her.

Adri still has a ways to go with her confidence in love and other people because of her prior history. When she started to spend time with one guy who was new to her life, I resisted because I remembered another guy from the last book who I thought she should give a chance. It was interesting to see how she interacted with two different men who were very different and knew her in different ways. There was also a different level of intimacy between Adri and Luke because of their experiences in the past from the last book. In some ways it was easier for Adri to be more carefree and let go with Jon because he didn't know her past.

Then there was the whole murder, a threatening hotel guest, attempts for foul play on others, and some things that Adri was trying to piece together to muddle the story and create plenty of tension and suspense. I liked that this was more on the cozy mystery side. There definitely was some danger, deception, and risks involved, but Adri had a few people on backing her up that she could count on to help her through it all. There were also a few things that didn't quite add up and felt slightly unrealistic, but otherwise it was a great mystery that kept me hooked and that I definitely enjoyed. The last half of the book I read about as fast as I could because I needed to find out what was going to happen and how the romance would progress.

If you're looking for a cozy mystery where everything isn't as it seems then I'd recommend Veils and Vengeance. Adri was an innocent, unsuspecting woman, put into danger, trying to finish organizing a wedding, enjoying Hawaii while doing so, with two men vying for her favor. There was plenty going on to hold my interest, especially towards the end.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through ebooksforreview.com, which did not affect my review in any way.
2932379
I'd had no plans to read this book, but I stopped in the library and it was sitting there right in front of me, and I figured what the heck.

The forced wittiness that bothered me so much in the first book is definitely better here - though I think I'm still sensitive to it because of it's previous overuse. It feels as if it serves to keep us at a distance from Charley, which I don't really like. Added to the completely selfish thing (with no care about some pretty serious possible consequences) she does at the end and I'm left a little stupefied.

Again though, I love the world-building, and the plot was interesting again. A little less so on the plot this time because we know who Reyes is (which was the most compelling part in the first book).

There's some good stuff with Charley and her family that really makes me hope that we're going to be able to really know Charley at some point, but I didn't feel much closer to her in this book than I did the first (another big draw back).

Once again, Darynda Jones knows how to end a book on one hell of a cliff-hanger. Which made me immediately go out and pick up the next book.
1645704
I didn't like book 2 nearly as much as book 1.  I am glad Brad grew up and quit being a douche but I just couldn't really ever connect with him. I also thought that there would be more interaction with the characters of book 1 with book 2.
2726716
So first I didn't know that this is really a companion to Forest of Hands & Teeth, than an actual, direct sequel. I read FoH&T a few months ago and wasn't too into it but I already owned a copy of Dead-Tossed Waves from a Borders sale a few years ago. I finally picked it up and was confused by the back cover synopsis and this Gabry girl! As I started reading, I figured it out. "Twenty to thirty odd years later..." is how it should've started. I liked this one a little better than book 1 but it still had a lot of the same flaws and issues as book 1, thus the same 3-star rating. It's almost a 3.5 because the story is just a *tad* better than book 1 but it's closer to 3 than 4 on the half point scale, so a 3. I gave this a lot of thought. As you can probably tell. I feel like Gabry's choices were a little odd but I can't really get into what and why without giving anything away. The library has book 3 so I shall be reading it, if only to satisfy my curiosity. The next companion is about a girl named Annah. Huh.
45706
Personally, I liked this book WAY better than the first one, although it did delve into a more noticeable form of "teen-chick-lit" (there are THREE romantic interests in this one O_o). The story is overall MUCH better than "Marked" though. There is less insane and uneven internal dialogue, and her interaction with the other characters have a much more interesting twist. Another plus for the book is that it was able to elicit a powerful response from me around page 220. I always like when books can stir me emotionally.

Sadly for the series, anyone who couldn't trouble themselves with the first book (and although I liked it, I completely understand why they wouldn't be able to get through it) will never know that this book is better than the first.
2292668
not bad, I like book 1 better. don't know if I want to geve the other books a try or not