Kitchen Matches by Marianne Arkins, a 76-page Romance (The Matched Series #1) | Book Review | @GoddessFish @MarianneArkins #Novella #Romance #OppositesAttract
A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.
Book Details
Kitchen Matches by Marianne Arkins Series: The Matched Series Book #1
Published by Samhain Publishing on November 14, 2023
Genres: Fiction, Romance
Format: eBook
Pages: 73
Source: Goddess Fish PromotionsA feisty auto mechanic and a hunky chef cook up chaos!
Cori Weathers is a wizard with a torque wrench, but the moment she lays eyes on her cooking teacher, Micah DePalma, her lessons turn into a klutzy symphony of flying poultry and burning aprons. It makes no sense. He couldn t be less her type: tall, skinny, and born with a silver spoon in his mouth. So why is her heart sputtering like a badly tuned engine?
Despite family pressure to date only women of his own social class, something about the cooking-challenged spitfire lights all Micah's burners. Cori is a complex dish inside a deceptively simple coating, one he's willing to risk tackle football and jealous ex-boyfriends to sample.
His every attempt to crack her stubborn heart strikes sparks. Will they ignite the flame of love or explode into just another kitchen disaster?"
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Excerpt from Kitchen Matches
“I’m fairly new in town and don’t know any good car repairmen.” Micah shrugged.
“I do,” Cori said.
“Oh? Do you get a kickback for referring me?”
“See…I knew you didn’t like me.” She smirked. “And, no I don’t get a kickback, exactly.”
“What’s ‘exactly’ mean?”
“I mean that it’s me.” She stuffed her cold hands into her jacket pockets and rocked back on her heels.
“It’s you, what?”
“I’m a reputable car repairman.”
He stared at her again, and that little habit of his was really making her uncomfortable. That look cut through her tough outer skin, right to her soft and easily embarrassed center. His gaze scooted up to her face, down to her toes and back again. The look was as soft as a caress and she fisted her hands, annoyed at her body’s reaction to it.
“You’re no man,” he announced.
“What? Are you some kind of Neanderthal? You think because of my chromosomes I can’t fix a minivan?”
“I didn’t say that.” The corner of his mouth turned up in a smile, the first real one ever aimed in her direction. “You called yourself a repairman, and I only said that you aren’t a man. That’s a fact. Despite your dress and demeanor, you are very much a woman.”
A thrill of attraction shivered up her spine and left her unable to speak coherently. She fell back on a simple, “Oh.”
His mouth widened into a full-fledged grin and he reached out to straighten the collar on her jacket, fingers brushing the skin of her throat as he did.
Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.
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Purchase Links for Kitchen Matches
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Arkins, Marianne (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 76 Pages - 11/14/2023 (Publication Date) - Marianne Arkins (Publisher)
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My Thoughts on Kitchen Matches
“Kitchen Matches” by Marianne Arkins, the first book in The Matched Series, is a delightful romantic comedy that brings together an unlikely pair—feisty auto mechanic Cori Weathers and hunky chef Micah DePalma. The story unfolds as Cori, skilled with a torque wrench, finds herself in a cooking class with Micah, leading to a comedic symphony of mishaps involving flying poultry and burning aprons.
Despite initial differences and societal expectations, Micah is drawn to Cori’s unique charm and complexity. The narrative weaves in family pressure, tackle football, and jealous ex-boyfriends, adding layers of humor and tension to the budding romance. The author skillfully presents Cori as a complex dish hidden beneath a deceptively simple exterior, making Micah eager to unravel the layers.
The book’s premise is undeniably cute, offering a quick and enjoyable read. Arkins succeeds in creating fun and endearing characters, and the romance between Cori and Micah is sweet and entertaining. The sparks that fly in their attempts to navigate the challenges of love add a delightful touch to the story. Overall, “Kitchen Matches” is a charming romance with a humorous twist, making it a perfect choice for readers looking for a light-hearted and engaging escape.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Click here to read my review of Marianne’s One Love for Liv.
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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!
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About Marianne Arkins
Marianne Arkins is originally from California but currently living in the lovely state of Utah with her daughter, two dogs, two cats and one adorable foster hamster.
She can’t imagine a world without romance or not having stories rattling around in her brain. There are nights when she dreams a complete story and watches it acted out in her head. Those are the times she wakes up and grabs for a notepad to jot down the important parts – without turning on the light – and hopes it’s coherent in the morning.
She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America and heavily involved and indebted to her group of writing friends.
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Easy Amazon Info Link
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Arkins, Marianne (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 76 Pages - 11/14/2023 (Publication Date) - Marianne Arkins (Publisher)
If the above link does not take you to your country, please let me know, and I’ll get a link for you.
Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
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Giveaway!
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $10 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for Kitchen Matches
Full Tour Schedule:
January 8: Hope. Dreams. Life… Love
January 8: Cassidy’s Bookshelves
January 8: Gina Rae Mitchell
January 15: Beverley A Baird
January 15: Novels Alive
January 15: Maggie Blackbird
January 22: Literary Gold
January 22: The Avid Reader
January 22: Iron Canuck Reviews & More
January 29: Sandra’s Book Club
January 29: Boys’ Mom Reads!
January 29: Fabulous and Brunette
This book can also be purchased HERE.
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Goddess Fish Virtual Book Tour Host
Do you have a favorite winter memory?
What’s your favorite line or quote from a book?
Do you have a favorite character from this book?
would you rather have a snowball fight or go ice skating?
Sounds good.
I enjoyed the excerpt.
Do you have a favorite type of dessert?
I love the cover, looks sweet
Do you have a favorite space to do your writing?
As a former pastry chef, it’s good to see a chef featuring as a major character in a romance novel.
Micah was a lot of fun to write… and my characters sure do like eating what he cooks! LOL. Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review “Kitchen Matches” today! I appreciate it. Also, FYI, the first sequel, featuring Cori’s brother, Zach, will be out soon. 🙂
Thanks for stopping to visit today. I’ll be watching for the sequel!
Thank you for reviewing today!