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Love & Other Recipes
Desserts for Stressed People
Nothing brings stressed people together like desserts.
Revenge is a dish best served scorching hot. That’s why professionally stressed and dessert loving Heaven Wilson creates a fake profile on the app her cheating boyfriend is using to find hookups.
But when she unexpectedly matches with Shane H, a man who seems as sweet as the baked treats he tempts her with, revenge becomes the least of her problems.
A more pressing issue? Not falling for the man she’s catfishing until she can ditch her unfaithful boyfriend. More pressing still? Shane turns out to be the professionally stressed, intimidating new boss she’s sent to work with.
And he has no idea she's the girl whose messages leave him craving more every night.
With a boyfriend who could doom her to enormous financial debt, a hot and cold, irresistible boss complicating her work life, and the intricate web of lies she’s designed for herself, this is the perfect recipe for disaster.
When it turns out Heaven isn’t the only one keeping secrets, will the cookie finally crumble?
Desserts for Stressed People is a steamy, slow burn, laugh out loud story about love, friendship, and sweet treats. It features two stressed workaholics who, relying on each other’s strength, find the courage to chase the happily ever after they deserve.
Revenge is a dish best served scorching hot. That’s why professionally stressed and dessert loving Heaven Wilson creates a fake profile on the app her cheating boyfriend is using to find hookups.
But when she unexpectedly matches with Shane H, a man who seems as sweet as the baked treats he tempts her with, revenge becomes the least of her problems.
A more pressing issue? Not falling for the man she’s catfishing until she can ditch her unfaithful boyfriend. More pressing still? Shane turns out to be the professionally stressed, intimidating new boss she’s sent to work with.
And he has no idea she's the girl whose messages leave him craving more every night.
With a boyfriend who could doom her to enormous financial debt, a hot and cold, irresistible boss complicating her work life, and the intricate web of lies she’s designed for herself, this is the perfect recipe for disaster.
When it turns out Heaven isn’t the only one keeping secrets, will the cookie finally crumble?
Desserts for Stressed People is a steamy, slow burn, laugh out loud story about love, friendship, and sweet treats. It features two stressed workaholics who, relying on each other’s strength, find the courage to chase the happily ever after they deserve.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2023
About the author
Letizia Lorini
3 books572 followersLetizia Lorini is the author of the Love & Other Recipes series. She’s an Italian writer who’s passionate about heart-warming books with high cackling potential.
Currently based in a quaint town with pretty canals in southern Sweden: Malmö, she inhabits the Scandinavian country with her partner and their fluffy Japanese Spitz.
When she’s not writing or reading romance, she’s cooking up some new story, researching the indie business, or wishing she was better at marketing or graphic design.
She also has a degree in sociology and one in criminology, speaks three languages and drinks the daily recommended dose of coffee before breakfast.
Instagram: letizialorini.writes
Tiktok: letizialorini.author
Pinterest: letizialoriniauthor
Website: www.letizialorini.com
Letizia LOLs about pretty much everything and takes nothing seriously enough, as proved by her own ridiculous author bio.
Currently based in a quaint town with pretty canals in southern Sweden: Malmö, she inhabits the Scandinavian country with her partner and their fluffy Japanese Spitz.
When she’s not writing or reading romance, she’s cooking up some new story, researching the indie business, or wishing she was better at marketing or graphic design.
She also has a degree in sociology and one in criminology, speaks three languages and drinks the daily recommended dose of coffee before breakfast.
Instagram: letizialorini.writes
Tiktok: letizialorini.author
Pinterest: letizialoriniauthor
Website: www.letizialorini.com
Letizia LOLs about pretty much everything and takes nothing seriously enough, as proved by her own ridiculous author bio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 911 reviews
January 3, 2024
its the way january just started and i already know this will be my favorite read of 2024
♾️/5
♾️/5
February 10, 2023
AND WE HAVE FOUND MY FIRST 5 STAR READ OF THE YEAR.
This book was everything I hoped it would be! Funny, MESSY, adorable. I devoured it in less than a day. Shane Hassholm is a book boyfriend I will not be forgetting anytime soon.
Thank you so much for this ARC!!! 🧡
This book was everything I hoped it would be! Funny, MESSY, adorable. I devoured it in less than a day. Shane Hassholm is a book boyfriend I will not be forgetting anytime soon.
Thank you so much for this ARC!!! 🧡
September 14, 2023
Rating: 2.5/5 ⭐️
I wanted to like this. I really do. Except, a lot of things bothered me in this book. But let's focus on the good things first. I love that the man (Shane) is the one who loved baking. Because it's almost always the woman who's baking and the man is cooking. But it's the opposite here. Heaven doesn't even cook a lot but Shane LOVES baking. He absolutely loves it and is good at it too.
What I didn't like about this is that everyone was just horrible at each other. Everyone. The miscommunication between each character was awful. I usually like the miscommunication trope but what happened here isn't even a trope, it was just plain miscommunication. The catfishing was annoying and the fact that halfway through the book it was almost a cheating trope. Heaven joined RadaR (a dating app) because apparently her boyfriend, Alex, was on it cheating on her and looking for one night hook ups. So Heaven’s friend was like you should join RadaR as someone and catch him on the act. This is the same friend who told her that she saw Alex coming out of the hotel with a woman. So Heaven joins RadaR and tries to match with Alex but matched with someone else first that’s apparently Shane. She finds out that it’s her temporary boss “Mr. Asshole.” So in reality, she’s catfishing two people. Because even after Shane’s identity reveal, she still continues to talk to him on RadaR as someone else (Neveah). They eventually catch feelings for one another and Heaven hasn’t even broken up with Alex even when she said yes on a date with Shane. She said yes on a date with Shane when she’s still Naveah talking to Shane on RadaR and as Naveah talking to her cheating boyfriend and as Heaven still in a relationship with Alex. And then we find out that it was actually her friend who’s pretending to be Alex on RadaR and that he’s never joined the dating app! Like??? Yah he was having an affair but the person Heaven was talking to on RadaR is not Alex but her friend. That’s so fucked up. So so so fucked up. And the way Heaven forgave her friend that easily??? It was just awful. So much betrayal and dishonesty and the reconciliation wasn't written well.
Anyways, it's still not bad for a debut novel. I found the epilogue cute. I loved that there’s an epilogue. I would still read Letizia Lorini's other works after this.
I wanted to like this. I really do. Except, a lot of things bothered me in this book. But let's focus on the good things first. I love that the man (Shane) is the one who loved baking. Because it's almost always the woman who's baking and the man is cooking. But it's the opposite here. Heaven doesn't even cook a lot but Shane LOVES baking. He absolutely loves it and is good at it too.
What I didn't like about this is that everyone was just horrible at each other. Everyone. The miscommunication between each character was awful. I usually like the miscommunication trope but what happened here isn't even a trope, it was just plain miscommunication. The catfishing was annoying and the fact that halfway through the book it was almost a cheating trope. Heaven joined RadaR (a dating app) because apparently her boyfriend, Alex, was on it cheating on her and looking for one night hook ups. So Heaven’s friend was like you should join RadaR as someone and catch him on the act. This is the same friend who told her that she saw Alex coming out of the hotel with a woman. So Heaven joins RadaR and tries to match with Alex but matched with someone else first that’s apparently Shane. She finds out that it’s her temporary boss “Mr. Asshole.” So in reality, she’s catfishing two people. Because even after Shane’s identity reveal, she still continues to talk to him on RadaR as someone else (Neveah). They eventually catch feelings for one another and Heaven hasn’t even broken up with Alex even when she said yes on a date with Shane. She said yes on a date with Shane when she’s still Naveah talking to Shane on RadaR and as Naveah talking to her cheating boyfriend and as Heaven still in a relationship with Alex. And then we find out that it was actually her friend who’s pretending to be Alex on RadaR and that he’s never joined the dating app! Like??? Yah he was having an affair but the person Heaven was talking to on RadaR is not Alex but her friend. That’s so fucked up. So so so fucked up. And the way Heaven forgave her friend that easily??? It was just awful. So much betrayal and dishonesty and the reconciliation wasn't written well.
Anyways, it's still not bad for a debut novel. I found the epilogue cute. I loved that there’s an epilogue. I would still read Letizia Lorini's other works after this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2023
This book is absolutely addicting....I started reading and didn't put it down until I finished! The twists and turns between Heaven and shane had me on the edge of my seat. I love the friendships, Character building and how invested Leticia made me get. I look forward to her up and coming books
January 22, 2024
OMG, "Desserts for Stressed People" is, like, the cutest romance ever! 🍰💕 The sweet moments between Shane and Heaven had me melting into a puddle. I found myself squealing at their cute interactions and craving sweets by the end of every chapter. This book is basically a warm hug in literary form, and I'm totally here for it. So grab some pastries and dive into this sugary, heartwarming goodness. 📖🍩 #SweetRomance🩷
Shane H.
He baked desserts to impress her😭. Ohhh.. Fictional Men!💙
Heaven
She stayed with him recognized his passion and helped him to make his dream come true✨️💙
Shane H.
He baked desserts to impress her😭. Ohhh.. Fictional Men!💙
Heaven
She stayed with him recognized his passion and helped him to make his dream come true✨️💙
March 9, 2023
4.5 stars | What an amazing debut novel! I could not stop reading this romance.
"Do you ever not think about work?"
"Yes. I often think about you."
IF YOU LIKE:
🌞 Grumpy x Sunshine
🗂 Boss x Employee
😍 He Falls First
❤️🔥 Slow Burn
🙌🏽 Forced Proximity
👨🏻🍳 HE BAKES!
🥰 Cinnamon Roll Hero
🤐 Secret Identity
📱 Dating App Shenanigans
🛸 Sci-Fi Movies
🧁 Friendly Bet (involving desserts)
Heaven creates a fake profile on a dating app to catch her cheating boyfriend. What she wasn't expecting was to match with Shane. There's an instant click between them, but it comes crashing down on Heaven when she finds out that Shane will be her boss for a while, the boss who has the nickname of Mr. Asshole by everyone in the office with how grumpy, demanding, and serious he is.
How is this a debut novel?! It is incredibly well-written. The plot had me on the edge of my seat to find out how everything would unravel for Heaven. Truly, I was in awe at all the twists this story had. You'd think you have it all figured out only to be thrown a curveball. Yet it all fit like a complete jigsaw puzzle.
Nevaeh: Every time we text like this, it feels like reading a book and thinking, “Damn, this chapter is so good.” You say that dessert is a whim. I guess you are my whim, and I’m indulging.
Shane: I’m your dessert. Got it. #HotFromTheOven
I wasn't expecting Shane's character arc, but I was sold on it! You have this grumpy and stressed man in the office, but he's such a sweetheart and sunshine at heart. AND HE LOVES TO BAKE! I loved Shane's maturity and how he knew point blank what he wanted.
You don't need to do anything. You're impressive as it is."
The slow burn was so deliciously gooooooooood and had me so giddy! The banter and too many use of hashtags were so entertaining! But what really made me fall in love with this story and Shane was his empathy towards Heaven's OCD. He never judged her, never made fun of her; on the contrary, he always made sure she was comfortable when he was going to help her clean by using the correct cloths, products, etc. His understanding about her cleaning habits without batting an eyelash was endearing and heart-warming.
"First, I'd never ask you to control yourself over anything. You are who you are, Heaven. And besides, I could never hate anything about you. Not one single thing."
Overall, Desserts for Stressed People is a brilliant debut romance novel you need to add to your TBR. You'll kick yourself for not reading it, trust me. It's THAT good. You'll laugh, pout, grin, hold your heart, crave desserts, root for Shane, and so much more.
FOLLOW ME
Instagram ❃ Lusting After Dark Romance Book Club ❃ Blog ❃ Twitter ❃ Bloglovin ❃ Goodreads ❃ Pinterest ❃ WordPress ❃ Feedly
"Do you ever not think about work?"
"Yes. I often think about you."
IF YOU LIKE:
🌞 Grumpy x Sunshine
🗂 Boss x Employee
😍 He Falls First
❤️🔥 Slow Burn
🙌🏽 Forced Proximity
👨🏻🍳 HE BAKES!
🥰 Cinnamon Roll Hero
🤐 Secret Identity
📱 Dating App Shenanigans
🛸 Sci-Fi Movies
🧁 Friendly Bet (involving desserts)
Heaven creates a fake profile on a dating app to catch her cheating boyfriend. What she wasn't expecting was to match with Shane. There's an instant click between them, but it comes crashing down on Heaven when she finds out that Shane will be her boss for a while, the boss who has the nickname of Mr. Asshole by everyone in the office with how grumpy, demanding, and serious he is.
How is this a debut novel?! It is incredibly well-written. The plot had me on the edge of my seat to find out how everything would unravel for Heaven. Truly, I was in awe at all the twists this story had. You'd think you have it all figured out only to be thrown a curveball. Yet it all fit like a complete jigsaw puzzle.
Nevaeh: Every time we text like this, it feels like reading a book and thinking, “Damn, this chapter is so good.” You say that dessert is a whim. I guess you are my whim, and I’m indulging.
Shane: I’m your dessert. Got it. #HotFromTheOven
I wasn't expecting Shane's character arc, but I was sold on it! You have this grumpy and stressed man in the office, but he's such a sweetheart and sunshine at heart. AND HE LOVES TO BAKE! I loved Shane's maturity and how he knew point blank what he wanted.
You don't need to do anything. You're impressive as it is."
The slow burn was so deliciously gooooooooood and had me so giddy! The banter and too many use of hashtags were so entertaining! But what really made me fall in love with this story and Shane was his empathy towards Heaven's OCD. He never judged her, never made fun of her; on the contrary, he always made sure she was comfortable when he was going to help her clean by using the correct cloths, products, etc. His understanding about her cleaning habits without batting an eyelash was endearing and heart-warming.
"First, I'd never ask you to control yourself over anything. You are who you are, Heaven. And besides, I could never hate anything about you. Not one single thing."
Overall, Desserts for Stressed People is a brilliant debut romance novel you need to add to your TBR. You'll kick yourself for not reading it, trust me. It's THAT good. You'll laugh, pout, grin, hold your heart, crave desserts, root for Shane, and so much more.
FOLLOW ME
Instagram ❃ Lusting After Dark Romance Book Club ❃ Blog ❃ Twitter ❃ Bloglovin ❃ Goodreads ❃ Pinterest ❃ WordPress ❃ Feedly
October 4, 2024
I completely binged this book today and it was so so sweettt <3 shane, grumpy boss with a soft spot for desserts and sci-fi movies, he won me over with his cuteness 💌 this book kinda reminds me of business proposal, for the kdrama girlies - you will love this. also i am literally such an empath and so incredibly naive bc tell me why i felt bad for the bf when he was literally cheating on her 🫠 im so toxic. 4 stars ✰
April 1, 2023
Fresh and unique
Pretty stellar for a debut, that's for sure. With Tis the Season for Revenge, The Hating Game, and You've Got Mail vibes, this lighthearted romance is such an interesting mix of tropes. Our sweetheart of a heroine gets herself in quite the sticky situation, and she's most certainly not always in the right. I'm don't think many established authors could pull off a storyline as chaotic and messy as this one, and that's a compliment. Our heroine weaves herself a tangled web, and it was so much fun watching it all play out. I love it when books surprise me, and I was constantly kept on my toes. It was sweet one minute, swoony the next, and deliciously soapy the rest of the time. I'm sure the complicated situation will rub some readers the wrong way, but I sincerely enjoyed this, and I'm excited to see what's next from the author.
The story follows Heaven, a woman who has just discovered that her live-in boyfriend is cheating on her. When one of Heaven's friends reveals her boyfriend's profile on a hookup app, she's understandably upset. Not so much that the relationship is over - it's been feeling off for awhile - but that he would cheat on her, and so brazenly. As much as Heaven would love to break up with him immediately, it's her name on the apartment's lease, and she can't afford to pay his half of the rent. Deciding to stick it out for a couple of months until the lease ends, Heaven makes the ill-advised decision to catfish her boyfriend on that dating app, hoping to play the long game and catch him in the act. When she kinda/sorta accidentally strikes up a conversation with one of her matches, Heaven develops a text-based friendship. And when Heaven discovers that her new online friend is the grumpy boss she'll be working with for the next few months... well, things get a whole lot more complicated.
I'll say right now that you have to be comfortable with some level of emotional cheating in this messy situation, or the book won't work for you at all. While Heaven knows her boyfriend is cheating and she's already mourned the loss of their relationship (he's also no prize), he has no idea she feels that way. So talking to a guy on a dating app and developing feelings for her boss is not 100% okay, if you know what I mean. Not sure why I was cool with that, but I was 90% of the time. There's no physical cheating on her end, as the romance is a slow burn that goes from strangers to online friends to grumpy boss to more. I loved the unpredictability. I also loved getting to know Shane better, and it was fun to see the very different sides to his personality - grumpy boss vs. sweets-obsessed cinnamon roll. We only get Heaven's perspective, so I liked unraveling Shane a little bit at a time. Heaven also makes a great character, and I'm still kind of surprised that I liked her, lol. She's not quite as innocent in everything as she might like to believe, but she's such a nice combination of sweetheart and spitfire that I couldn't stay mad at her. This just felt so fresh and slightly unhinged, while still giving sweet, swoony vibes. So a fantastic job from this debut author, and an entirely engaging read.
Pretty stellar for a debut, that's for sure. With Tis the Season for Revenge, The Hating Game, and You've Got Mail vibes, this lighthearted romance is such an interesting mix of tropes. Our sweetheart of a heroine gets herself in quite the sticky situation, and she's most certainly not always in the right. I'm don't think many established authors could pull off a storyline as chaotic and messy as this one, and that's a compliment. Our heroine weaves herself a tangled web, and it was so much fun watching it all play out. I love it when books surprise me, and I was constantly kept on my toes. It was sweet one minute, swoony the next, and deliciously soapy the rest of the time. I'm sure the complicated situation will rub some readers the wrong way, but I sincerely enjoyed this, and I'm excited to see what's next from the author.
The story follows Heaven, a woman who has just discovered that her live-in boyfriend is cheating on her. When one of Heaven's friends reveals her boyfriend's profile on a hookup app, she's understandably upset. Not so much that the relationship is over - it's been feeling off for awhile - but that he would cheat on her, and so brazenly. As much as Heaven would love to break up with him immediately, it's her name on the apartment's lease, and she can't afford to pay his half of the rent. Deciding to stick it out for a couple of months until the lease ends, Heaven makes the ill-advised decision to catfish her boyfriend on that dating app, hoping to play the long game and catch him in the act. When she kinda/sorta accidentally strikes up a conversation with one of her matches, Heaven develops a text-based friendship. And when Heaven discovers that her new online friend is the grumpy boss she'll be working with for the next few months... well, things get a whole lot more complicated.
I'll say right now that you have to be comfortable with some level of emotional cheating in this messy situation, or the book won't work for you at all. While Heaven knows her boyfriend is cheating and she's already mourned the loss of their relationship (he's also no prize), he has no idea she feels that way. So talking to a guy on a dating app and developing feelings for her boss is not 100% okay, if you know what I mean. Not sure why I was cool with that, but I was 90% of the time. There's no physical cheating on her end, as the romance is a slow burn that goes from strangers to online friends to grumpy boss to more. I loved the unpredictability. I also loved getting to know Shane better, and it was fun to see the very different sides to his personality - grumpy boss vs. sweets-obsessed cinnamon roll. We only get Heaven's perspective, so I liked unraveling Shane a little bit at a time. Heaven also makes a great character, and I'm still kind of surprised that I liked her, lol. She's not quite as innocent in everything as she might like to believe, but she's such a nice combination of sweetheart and spitfire that I couldn't stay mad at her. This just felt so fresh and slightly unhinged, while still giving sweet, swoony vibes. So a fantastic job from this debut author, and an entirely engaging read.
March 15, 2023
DESSERTS FOR STRESSED PEOPLE is a slow-burn romantic comedy that hooked me from the beginning. I stayed up way too late finishing this because I couldn’t put it down 🙌
What I loved —
🧁 grumpy / sunshine
🧁 forced proximity
🧁 workplace romance
🧁 secret identity
🧁 great banter
🧁 lots of desserts
This story was so fun! And great news — there’s going to be another standalone in the Love & Other Recipes series!
Make sure to add this one to your TBR 💙
What I loved —
🧁 grumpy / sunshine
🧁 forced proximity
🧁 workplace romance
🧁 secret identity
🧁 great banter
🧁 lots of desserts
This story was so fun! And great news — there’s going to be another standalone in the Love & Other Recipes series!
Make sure to add this one to your TBR 💙
September 20, 2023
Le agradezco a este libro por crearme la necesidad de enamorarme de mi jefe grumpy que cocina postres, ama el contacto físico y ve películas a distancia conmigo. Shane está chiquito y su corazón merece ser protegido con una caja de cristal irrompible, QUE BONITO hombre.
July 23, 2023
це найкраща солодка історія 3>
складно зрозуміти, чому Шейн так відреагував на вчинок Хевен в кінці, якщо так довго намагався завоювати її((
але в цілому для мене тут все було ідеально
(бажання відкрити власну пекарню, при цьому абсолютно не вміючи готувати ↑ up-up)
складно зрозуміти, чому Шейн так відреагував на вчинок Хевен в кінці, якщо так довго намагався завоювати її((
але в цілому для мене тут все було ідеально
(бажання відкрити власну пекарню, при цьому абсолютно не вміючи готувати ↑ up-up)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2023
DELICIOUS, ROMANTIC PERFECTION - READ THIS BOOK!!!
Okay, I could talk about how much I loved this book for weeks. Months. Decades, actually. This is THE book. You know the type - the one you read in one sitting, cry that it's over, frantically flick through the pages in the hopes that there's more, desperately look up the author's back catalogue, stalk her socials, and then suffer an agonising book hangover for weeks over.
Yeah.
IT'S THAT KIND OF BOOK.
Heaven is neurotic, capable, clever, strong willed and witty. Shane is competitive, sexy, intelligent, sexy, bossy, sexy, absolutely freaking adorable when he wants to be, sexy, and he BAKES. (And he's sexy, did I mention that he's sexy?)
There are so many twists and turns in this book. Hot boss, tangled webs, a crazy plot that is so hilariously, perfectly twisted that there are always layers going on in every scene. And even though all that, it's such an easy book to read. It's honestly masterful. I was hungry (ha ha) for more.
This book ALSO made me ruin my favourite shirt because I snorted my coffee on it from laughing so hard. And I also am pretty sure I can't fit into half my clothes now because all the delicious treats just made me crave them desperately. I've told my fiance it's the author's fault. It's fine, I'm leaving him anyway so I can run away with SHANE!
The writing is beautiful, the characters are gorgeous (honestly, if I wasn't already in love with Shane, I'd be running away with Heaven's best friend, Emma), and the payoff at the end is heart melting. Do yourself a favour and read it.
NOW!!!
Okay, I could talk about how much I loved this book for weeks. Months. Decades, actually. This is THE book. You know the type - the one you read in one sitting, cry that it's over, frantically flick through the pages in the hopes that there's more, desperately look up the author's back catalogue, stalk her socials, and then suffer an agonising book hangover for weeks over.
Yeah.
IT'S THAT KIND OF BOOK.
Heaven is neurotic, capable, clever, strong willed and witty. Shane is competitive, sexy, intelligent, sexy, bossy, sexy, absolutely freaking adorable when he wants to be, sexy, and he BAKES. (And he's sexy, did I mention that he's sexy?)
There are so many twists and turns in this book. Hot boss, tangled webs, a crazy plot that is so hilariously, perfectly twisted that there are always layers going on in every scene. And even though all that, it's such an easy book to read. It's honestly masterful. I was hungry (ha ha) for more.
This book ALSO made me ruin my favourite shirt because I snorted my coffee on it from laughing so hard. And I also am pretty sure I can't fit into half my clothes now because all the delicious treats just made me crave them desperately. I've told my fiance it's the author's fault. It's fine, I'm leaving him anyway so I can run away with SHANE!
The writing is beautiful, the characters are gorgeous (honestly, if I wasn't already in love with Shane, I'd be running away with Heaven's best friend, Emma), and the payoff at the end is heart melting. Do yourself a favour and read it.
NOW!!!
May 8, 2023
I really wanted to love this romance but there were just too many things that kept me from doing just that.
The book summary totally grabbed me with the idea that Heaven finds out her boyfriend of 5 years is cheating on her and has a profile up on a dating site. Wanting to catch him in the act, she creates a profile that catches the attention of a guy she ends up liking who ALSO ends up being her new boss.
OK, I could wrap my head around all of that but the execution just rubbed me the wrong in parts or just didn't work in others.
Considering Shane is known around the office as Mr. Asshole, I didn't buy how he got all star-eyed with Heaven after she stood up to him. It just didn't seem to fit his initial M-O but he was actually really likeable.
Heaven on the other hand was all over the place. She was totally OK with catfishing Shane and yet also acted ridiculous in front of her colleagues at work.
And then there was the moment of truth and twist that I could kind of see coming but yet was also a bit odd? I don't know.
Overall I think this author has promise but I just had issues with several components of the story.
The book summary totally grabbed me with the idea that Heaven finds out her boyfriend of 5 years is cheating on her and has a profile up on a dating site. Wanting to catch him in the act, she creates a profile that catches the attention of a guy she ends up liking who ALSO ends up being her new boss.
OK, I could wrap my head around all of that but the execution just rubbed me the wrong in parts or just didn't work in others.
Considering Shane is known around the office as Mr. Asshole, I didn't buy how he got all star-eyed with Heaven after she stood up to him. It just didn't seem to fit his initial M-O but he was actually really likeable.
Heaven on the other hand was all over the place. She was totally OK with catfishing Shane and yet also acted ridiculous in front of her colleagues at work.
And then there was the moment of truth and twist that I could kind of see coming but yet was also a bit odd? I don't know.
Overall I think this author has promise but I just had issues with several components of the story.
July 14, 2024
This book's plot is based on a cheating boyfriend who regularly asks his girlfriend for blowjobs, double catfishing and ultimately she ends up with an abusive boss.
I needed to read something low investment and I kept reading because I felt it was so interesting how this would all come together. Was I ever going to root for anyone?
The answer, my dears, was no.
I needed to read something low investment and I kept reading because I felt it was so interesting how this would all come together. Was I ever going to root for anyone?
The answer, my dears, was no.
February 1, 2023
Where to even start with Desserts for Stressed People? First of all, FIVE BIG, GLISTENING, DELICIOUS, SUGARY STARS. Yes, it’s that good. It’s good like that double chocolate fudge cookie you’re thinking of scoffing while you settle in for this review. Go get it. I’ll wait.
Okay, I’ll just start straight away with the set up. I love the originality of this whole thing. Heaven is no virginal shrinking violet. She’s got her own life, her own career, she’s in a long-term relationship then BOOM! She finds out the fvcker is cheating. Did I mention she’s no shrinking violet? She does the very thing we ALL wish we could do in a situation like that and goes for revenge. She makes a fake profile on the dating app he uses to cheat so she can catfish him and catch him in the act. I had immediate respect for this woman and could not wait to see what was coming next.
But then we have the complication. The HOT, sweet, blue-suit wearing, gorgeous complication that she meets on the app. I don’t want to give too much of the plot away here, but for sensitive readers, just know, Heaven is not a cheater. This, of course, makes it that much harder to sort through the cheating boyfriend drama and the new crush, because she is financially tied to the old boyfriend and the situation looks impossible.
I know what you’re thinking. Just stop texting the hot new guy. So what if he’s hot and sweet and funny and caring and all that? Yep. Easy. EXCEPT HE’S HER NEW BOSS!!! Forced proximity is one of my favourite tropes and no doubt about that. This book takes the whole thing to new heights and I could not love it more.
This romance is SIZZLING hot. Yes, it’s a long buildup and the sexual tension between the main characters is absolutely crackling, but more than that? This relationship is also so sweet! You can feel the longing, feel the connection between these two people. You know that feeling when you just know that other person is the one? No, neither do I, but these two characters do and it made me feel all the vulnerability, all the excitement, all the passion… Everything. But then… Well, it’s worth the wait.
This book has incredible spice! Incredibly delicious spice, and can I just say, the image of that man’s abs is permanently burned into my brain. That couch scene? It is SO HOT. Excuse me while I get a glass of water.
Where was I? Abs… No. Ahem.
With all of the above, I would already give this book five stars, but there are a few extras that take it to the next level. First of all, Lorini is a great writer. She really is. Her style is flawless, engaging, but more than that, she’s hilarious. I mean, really genuinely funny, but then she handles crushing scenes like a master, and can weave seamlessly between the two. Then there’s the desserts that pepper the whole thing, that add such a gorgeous, relatable touch. And I mean, seriously, who doesn’t love a man who can cook? There’s something so sexy about that…
Abs…
Sorry. The very first thing that attracted me to this book is the cover. It is absolutely beautiful. The book itself is laced with gorgeous little illustrations of all kinds of sweets and the reading experience is chef’s kiss all the way through.
I realise I’m gushing here, but there’s a reason for that. This book is wonderful, beginning to end. The only terrible thing about it is that it ended and now I am desperate to get my hands on Letizia Lorini’s next book. This author is an instant buy for me from now on. Thank you to the author for writing this and reminding me how sweet and delicious romance can be.
Okay, I’ll just start straight away with the set up. I love the originality of this whole thing. Heaven is no virginal shrinking violet. She’s got her own life, her own career, she’s in a long-term relationship then BOOM! She finds out the fvcker is cheating. Did I mention she’s no shrinking violet? She does the very thing we ALL wish we could do in a situation like that and goes for revenge. She makes a fake profile on the dating app he uses to cheat so she can catfish him and catch him in the act. I had immediate respect for this woman and could not wait to see what was coming next.
But then we have the complication. The HOT, sweet, blue-suit wearing, gorgeous complication that she meets on the app. I don’t want to give too much of the plot away here, but for sensitive readers, just know, Heaven is not a cheater. This, of course, makes it that much harder to sort through the cheating boyfriend drama and the new crush, because she is financially tied to the old boyfriend and the situation looks impossible.
I know what you’re thinking. Just stop texting the hot new guy. So what if he’s hot and sweet and funny and caring and all that? Yep. Easy. EXCEPT HE’S HER NEW BOSS!!! Forced proximity is one of my favourite tropes and no doubt about that. This book takes the whole thing to new heights and I could not love it more.
This romance is SIZZLING hot. Yes, it’s a long buildup and the sexual tension between the main characters is absolutely crackling, but more than that? This relationship is also so sweet! You can feel the longing, feel the connection between these two people. You know that feeling when you just know that other person is the one? No, neither do I, but these two characters do and it made me feel all the vulnerability, all the excitement, all the passion… Everything. But then… Well, it’s worth the wait.
This book has incredible spice! Incredibly delicious spice, and can I just say, the image of that man’s abs is permanently burned into my brain. That couch scene? It is SO HOT. Excuse me while I get a glass of water.
Where was I? Abs… No. Ahem.
With all of the above, I would already give this book five stars, but there are a few extras that take it to the next level. First of all, Lorini is a great writer. She really is. Her style is flawless, engaging, but more than that, she’s hilarious. I mean, really genuinely funny, but then she handles crushing scenes like a master, and can weave seamlessly between the two. Then there’s the desserts that pepper the whole thing, that add such a gorgeous, relatable touch. And I mean, seriously, who doesn’t love a man who can cook? There’s something so sexy about that…
Abs…
Sorry. The very first thing that attracted me to this book is the cover. It is absolutely beautiful. The book itself is laced with gorgeous little illustrations of all kinds of sweets and the reading experience is chef’s kiss all the way through.
I realise I’m gushing here, but there’s a reason for that. This book is wonderful, beginning to end. The only terrible thing about it is that it ended and now I am desperate to get my hands on Letizia Lorini’s next book. This author is an instant buy for me from now on. Thank you to the author for writing this and reminding me how sweet and delicious romance can be.
February 23, 2023
Desserts for Stressed People is a funny, sweet book that I literally finished in one day!
If you’re looking for a heartwarming, and smooth read, this is the book for you! 📖
If you’re looking for a heartwarming, and smooth read, this is the book for you! 📖
July 6, 2023
It was good but personally I had to take off a star for the author hyping up the reveal that Shane was actually in love with Heaven for five years before she knew, all for the reveal to be a complete let down. We had hints of this and when Shane admitted it, it was just this overarching bold faced claim he had “been in love with her” for five years. No background. They didn’t even SPEAK?? He didn’t even attempt to talk to her once in five years??? I legitimately don’t understand how as I reader I am even supposed to believe that. There wasn’t even a chapter explaining it as some love at first sight sort of thing. It was just so off handed like, oh he saw her at a party and he’s mean to everyone for the past five years because he loved her, but he didn’t try talk to her once over the course of 5 years? That was not giving romantic. That literally doesn’t even make a lick of sense and it annoyed me the entire ending of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2023
I'm a sucker for a good rom com novel, but this one blew me away. The author took tropes that we've all read before and turned it into a novel that once I started, I could not put down.
Other books have tried to do the tricking a cheating boyfriend trope before, and none have done it as well as Letizia. I'm so sad this is a standalone, because I want so much more of Shane and Heaven. Their banter is incredible, and their love story is never what I expect, from start to finish. This was only my second 5 star read in 2023, and I can now say I've added another author to my "I'll Read Anything She Writes" list.
Other books have tried to do the tricking a cheating boyfriend trope before, and none have done it as well as Letizia. I'm so sad this is a standalone, because I want so much more of Shane and Heaven. Their banter is incredible, and their love story is never what I expect, from start to finish. This was only my second 5 star read in 2023, and I can now say I've added another author to my "I'll Read Anything She Writes" list.
April 6, 2023
oh he’s so me lo amo JAJAJAJJA the way que they bonded over movies like back to the future, lord of the rings and the matrix????? this was 4 me <3 lo único es que al final she fucked up y se arreglaron rápido pero ni modo
also la amiga de ella? THAT’s mother y así es que se hace patria
also la amiga de ella? THAT’s mother y así es que se hace patria
July 12, 2023
"Really, when Mr. Asshole says you should eat dessert, you eat damn dessert."
4.5 stars! This was such an unexpected treat! I can't even remember how I stumbled across this book, but i'm so glad I did because I had so much fun reading it. It was easy to fall into. The writing is brilliant. It's light-hearted, but there's substance to the story and the characters. The banter and chemistry between Heaven and Shane is top tier. It gives delicious slow-burn tension, grumpy x sunshine, cinnamon-roll MMC, forced proximity goodness. I think I enjoyed this so much because it was exactly what I wanted at the time between some pretty girthy, angsty fantasy romance reads. Whatever the reason, i'm excited to read more from this author.
(Side note: There is a continuity issue with Heaven's clothing during one particular scene. One minute she has on polar bear pjs, the next it's pandas, then all of a sudden she's magically wearing a dress. Anyway, it took me out of what was a key moment between the characters and made my eye twitch.)
4.5 stars! This was such an unexpected treat! I can't even remember how I stumbled across this book, but i'm so glad I did because I had so much fun reading it. It was easy to fall into. The writing is brilliant. It's light-hearted, but there's substance to the story and the characters. The banter and chemistry between Heaven and Shane is top tier. It gives delicious slow-burn tension, grumpy x sunshine, cinnamon-roll MMC, forced proximity goodness. I think I enjoyed this so much because it was exactly what I wanted at the time between some pretty girthy, angsty fantasy romance reads. Whatever the reason, i'm excited to read more from this author.
(Side note: There is a continuity issue with Heaven's clothing during one particular scene. One minute she has on polar bear pjs, the next it's pandas, then all of a sudden she's magically wearing a dress. Anyway, it took me out of what was a key moment between the characters and made my eye twitch.)
March 30, 2023
THIS WAS.... WOW!
I was blessed to have this as my very 1st ARC read and it did NOT DISSAPOINT! And my 1st 5 star romance rating of the year!
This gave me grumpy sunshine vibes!
This book has alot of twists that I didn't see coming AT ALL! and it sucked me right in, I read this in one sitting it was too good!
All the little details had me in awe and at moments had to contain myself with how well equal parts were written.
There's lies, deceit, revenge, love and lust and the perfect amount of spice!
Would recommend to anyone wanting to read a cheesy/lovey dovey romcom!
I was blessed to have this as my very 1st ARC read and it did NOT DISSAPOINT! And my 1st 5 star romance rating of the year!
This gave me grumpy sunshine vibes!
This book has alot of twists that I didn't see coming AT ALL! and it sucked me right in, I read this in one sitting it was too good!
All the little details had me in awe and at moments had to contain myself with how well equal parts were written.
There's lies, deceit, revenge, love and lust and the perfect amount of spice!
Would recommend to anyone wanting to read a cheesy/lovey dovey romcom!
February 4, 2023
*I received an ARC of this book in exchance for an honest review*.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
I have to say that up until two days ago I was...for lack of better words, in a reading slump. Nothing was really wowing me. But I picked this up and simply COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.
I will try to keep this as spoiler free as possible.
From the get-go, Heaven is someone relatable and beautifully flawed. She finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her but instead of breaking down in a weeping broken-hearted mess on the floor (which I myself have done-it's me, hi, I'm the problem it's me), she plans her revenge. And what a great way to do it. Of course, in the process who wouldn't be able to stop themselves from oogling the eye-candy on the dating app? I mean...just because you're on a diet doesn't mean you can't scan the dessert table. But of course, we know that somethings are just too tempting to resist.
I particularly loved how Lorini looked at how breakups affect people beyond heart-ache. Especially the ending of long-term relationships. There is financial instability, tedious problems like packing if someone were to move out. It's something that is often glossed over in romance, but it is a very real part of the equation. Sometimes it's easier to stay in the bad relationship than to do all the work to leave it.
We follow Heaven as she tries to keep her personal life out of her work, but when she gets transferred into a new department, fate intervenes and she ends up working for the sexy, albeit asshole-at-first-glance boss who she had been chatting to on the dating app while trying to catfish her boyfriend.
CUE THE DRAMA
I love a good grumpy/sunshine trope and this has that in spades with Heaven seeing both sides of her hot boss. The grumpy, stressed asshole who can barely answer an email politely, to the sweet and sensitive, sci-fi loving man who she texts with at night. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. This is a slooooooow-burn. But all of that is rewarded so hang in there. In the meantime, feel the delicious squirm of constant sexual tension and drama.
This was an absolutely stunning debut novel from Lorini and she is immediately being added to my insta-buy list. Also, can we talk about how stunning the cover is?? OMG!!! I need this in paperback ASAP.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
I have to say that up until two days ago I was...for lack of better words, in a reading slump. Nothing was really wowing me. But I picked this up and simply COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.
I will try to keep this as spoiler free as possible.
From the get-go, Heaven is someone relatable and beautifully flawed. She finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her but instead of breaking down in a weeping broken-hearted mess on the floor (which I myself have done-it's me, hi, I'm the problem it's me), she plans her revenge. And what a great way to do it. Of course, in the process who wouldn't be able to stop themselves from oogling the eye-candy on the dating app? I mean...just because you're on a diet doesn't mean you can't scan the dessert table. But of course, we know that somethings are just too tempting to resist.
I particularly loved how Lorini looked at how breakups affect people beyond heart-ache. Especially the ending of long-term relationships. There is financial instability, tedious problems like packing if someone were to move out. It's something that is often glossed over in romance, but it is a very real part of the equation. Sometimes it's easier to stay in the bad relationship than to do all the work to leave it.
We follow Heaven as she tries to keep her personal life out of her work, but when she gets transferred into a new department, fate intervenes and she ends up working for the sexy, albeit asshole-at-first-glance boss who she had been chatting to on the dating app while trying to catfish her boyfriend.
CUE THE DRAMA
I love a good grumpy/sunshine trope and this has that in spades with Heaven seeing both sides of her hot boss. The grumpy, stressed asshole who can barely answer an email politely, to the sweet and sensitive, sci-fi loving man who she texts with at night. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. This is a slooooooow-burn. But all of that is rewarded so hang in there. In the meantime, feel the delicious squirm of constant sexual tension and drama.
This was an absolutely stunning debut novel from Lorini and she is immediately being added to my insta-buy list. Also, can we talk about how stunning the cover is?? OMG!!! I need this in paperback ASAP.
June 29, 2023
One of my new favourite rom-com books!!
Read if you like:
- Office romance
- Forced proximity
- He falls first
This was so damn cute! The plot is refreshing for a romcom - a genre that tends to have very similar plot lines. The whole “accidental catfish” became such a fun plot device.
Both the main characters were so cute, and they were honestly perfect for each other. They were different, but it just worked so well!
And Shane is honestly a new favourite book bf! He’s the perfect combination of an alpha hero and a cinnamon role!
Cannot recommend it enough! Though beware it might cause sleepless nights because it’s so hard to put down🫶
Read if you like:
- Office romance
- Forced proximity
- He falls first
This was so damn cute! The plot is refreshing for a romcom - a genre that tends to have very similar plot lines. The whole “accidental catfish” became such a fun plot device.
Both the main characters were so cute, and they were honestly perfect for each other. They were different, but it just worked so well!
And Shane is honestly a new favourite book bf! He’s the perfect combination of an alpha hero and a cinnamon role!
Cannot recommend it enough! Though beware it might cause sleepless nights because it’s so hard to put down🫶
May 7, 2024
i’ve decided i want to marry a baker 😝😝
March 27, 2023
I enjoyed this very much. Heaven (yes, she knows she has a ridiculous name) finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her but cannot afford to kick him out of the apartment they share for a little while. She decides to get drunk and match him on the dating app her friend found him on to prove to herself that it's really happening. When she's there, she ends up matching with someone awesome. She doesn't have any intention of dating anyone from this app but he's fun to talk to. And whoops, also her new boss after she gets assigned to a project on his floor of their firm.
I liked that Heaven lost all interest in her boyfriend the minute she found out about the cheating and started making moves. There was zero likelihood of her staying with this guy so she was only up against the clock during the book. She got closer to Shane but did not cross any lines until after they broke up. Alex was baffling because he wasn't nice to her and also lost without her?
I liked Shane very much. He was complicated and had a complete soft spot for Heaven. I liked seeing him go from unapproachable to whistling at work. I get why his feelings were hurt at the end but it hurt me to see him go back to the angry-indifferent guy. I liked her big grand gesture.
Thank you to Letizia Lorini for a copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
I liked that Heaven lost all interest in her boyfriend the minute she found out about the cheating and started making moves. There was zero likelihood of her staying with this guy so she was only up against the clock during the book. She got closer to Shane but did not cross any lines until after they broke up. Alex was baffling because he wasn't nice to her and also lost without her?
I liked Shane very much. He was complicated and had a complete soft spot for Heaven. I liked seeing him go from unapproachable to whistling at work. I get why his feelings were hurt at the end but it hurt me to see him go back to the angry-indifferent guy. I liked her big grand gesture.
Thank you to Letizia Lorini for a copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
January 23, 2024
I think it was a cute rom-com book. Just what I needed in these dark gloomy days and I have read it in a day. BUT. Miscommunication trope gives me the ick in any book I’m giving it 3.5 stars rounded down.
March 29, 2024
I don't know why this book is so special. Like all the troops used here were nothing unique… but still I must say the author took all the used items and wrote it in such a manner that showed everyone she's the queen.
This book is the combination of everything you'll like and everything you can ever want if your a rom-com fan. It's the cutest romance ever.
This book is the combination of everything you'll like and everything you can ever want if your a rom-com fan. It's the cutest romance ever.
February 16, 2023
ARC Review 📚
3.5 / 5
Tropes: slow burn with a spicy scene, grumpy sunshine, workplace romance, miscommunication, third act break up, cheating
I read this in two days - it was a super easy and fun romance book. Exactly the kind I love to read when I find myself in a slump.
I think the author did a wonderful job of writing Heavens character in a way that showed her flaws while still making her likeable and relatable. Shane is also *chef kiss*.
I am not a fan of cheating, although I did not mind the unfaithful ex storyline. To me personally, while Heaven and Shane did not physically cheat, their relationship crossed the boundary of emotional cheating.
Despite that I really enjoyed their relationship dynamic. They brought out the best parts of each other, accepted the worst, and loved each other in the sweetest way.
This definitely a book to give a read and I’m looking forward to the next in the series!
3.5 / 5
Tropes: slow burn with a spicy scene, grumpy sunshine, workplace romance, miscommunication, third act break up, cheating
I read this in two days - it was a super easy and fun romance book. Exactly the kind I love to read when I find myself in a slump.
I think the author did a wonderful job of writing Heavens character in a way that showed her flaws while still making her likeable and relatable. Shane is also *chef kiss*.
I am not a fan of cheating, although I did not mind the unfaithful ex storyline. To me personally, while Heaven and Shane did not physically cheat, their relationship crossed the boundary of emotional cheating.
Despite that I really enjoyed their relationship dynamic. They brought out the best parts of each other, accepted the worst, and loved each other in the sweetest way.
This definitely a book to give a read and I’m looking forward to the next in the series!
January 14, 2024
4.2 🌟 This was messy in a fun way!!
March 28, 2023
I read this book almost entirely in one sitting. It's a little messier than the romances I usually read, especially because the (soon-to-be) ex is in the story for so long, but it's messy in a way I quite enjoyed. It felt like watching a romcom movie, and I really think this would work so well as a movie! At first I thought I would dislike how the cheating (ex-)boyfriend was in the story for so long, but it really worked with the plot. I also thought I'd dislike the catfishing plotline because this is something I struggle with in books, but they do genuinely get to know each other in real life as well, which took away some of my issues with that. Like I said, this book was messy, but I never felt that it got too messy.
The writing felt really solid and kept me engaged, and the book was funny at times too. What I especially liked, is how the relationship reminded me of the quote "my crazy matches your crazy" (which is from Deadpool, I think), which is something I LOVE seeing in romances. The type of thing where the characters are both clearly not perfect, but they are perfect for each other.
One thing I do want to mention is that I was disappointed by the way the book talks about food/body image. The MC talks about desserts as if she has to earn them, and the love interest even says she doesn't need to lose weight, so it doesn't matter. Speaking about food as if it holds moral value or commenting on people's weight easily invokes fatphobia (for instance, saying the MC deserves dessert because she is thin implies that a fat person wouldn't deserve dessert and that there's something wrong with their body), and it can be triggering to people with eating disorders. Considering the desserts are even in the title, I really expected a more positive approach to food.
The writing felt really solid and kept me engaged, and the book was funny at times too. What I especially liked, is how the relationship reminded me of the quote "my crazy matches your crazy" (which is from Deadpool, I think), which is something I LOVE seeing in romances. The type of thing where the characters are both clearly not perfect, but they are perfect for each other.
One thing I do want to mention is that I was disappointed by the way the book talks about food/body image. The MC talks about desserts as if she has to earn them, and the love interest even says she doesn't need to lose weight, so it doesn't matter. Speaking about food as if it holds moral value or commenting on people's weight easily invokes fatphobia (for instance, saying the MC deserves dessert because she is thin implies that a fat person wouldn't deserve dessert and that there's something wrong with their body), and it can be triggering to people with eating disorders. Considering the desserts are even in the title, I really expected a more positive approach to food.
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