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A Change of Plans: Second Nature / Summer Desserts
Second Nature
Celebrity magazine reporter Lee Radcliffe is at the top of her game when she scores an exclusive interview with bestselling horror writer Hunter Brown. But the notoriously private author has one condition: the interview must be conducted over the course of a camping trip. Lee will do anything to get the story, but after some one-on-one time with her ruggedly handsome interviewee, she finds the only thing she wants an exclusive on... is his heart.
Summer Desserts
When Summer Lydon, dessert chef extraordinaire, is approached to revamp the kitchen at Blake Cocharan's Philadelphia hotel, she's hesitant at first, but the project and Blake himself are too tempting to deny. Accustomed to traveling the world, love-resistant Summer gets her first real taste of staying in one place—and all the pleasures to be savored when love is on the menu.
Celebrity magazine reporter Lee Radcliffe is at the top of her game when she scores an exclusive interview with bestselling horror writer Hunter Brown. But the notoriously private author has one condition: the interview must be conducted over the course of a camping trip. Lee will do anything to get the story, but after some one-on-one time with her ruggedly handsome interviewee, she finds the only thing she wants an exclusive on... is his heart.
Summer Desserts
When Summer Lydon, dessert chef extraordinaire, is approached to revamp the kitchen at Blake Cocharan's Philadelphia hotel, she's hesitant at first, but the project and Blake himself are too tempting to deny. Accustomed to traveling the world, love-resistant Summer gets her first real taste of staying in one place—and all the pleasures to be savored when love is on the menu.
472 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
14 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,221 books60.1k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 4, 2017
Second Nature - 2/5 - Hunter Brown is a reclusive horror novel author. Lee Radcliffe is a journalist who wants an interview with him in the worst way possible - so when she tracks him down at a conference and he finally agrees, it comes at a bit of a cost. And it certainly isn't easy to get information out of him.
This might have been a decent novel if the hero had been in the slightest bit charming. Frankly, I thought he was a bit of an ass. Even knowing that it would piss off Lee, he lies to her about being Hunter Brown and "makes a fool of her" in the heroine's words. She kind of gets hers back when he finds out she never told him he was a journalist...and he's a bit steamed at that. But then he sets the rules for the next game and he manipulates and makes a fool of her all over again. In order to get the interview, she has rough it with him for 2 weeks, camping in Sedona, AZ. And he's got it pretty well planned out that they will become lovers on the trip (and it pisses me off even more that he doesn't start opening up until she puts out). Then it turns out . The hero needed a bit of a put down...he needed to suffer or feel guilt or remorse at how he'd treated her but he never did and I hate it when that happens. And Lee...what are you thinking woman? Falling for someone who laughs at you (not with you) all the time. Who maneuvers you into having sex with him and lies to you. Why was it, as angry as she got, she never could stay mad at him? I would have had no problem with it. Oh and the whole asking someone to marry you after 3 weeks - totally unrealistic. Especially when you've only been in love with them for a few days.
Summer Desserts - 2/5 - The plot had some promise, but the failure IMHO was in the characters. Blake was wealthy, arrogant and demanding - but he wasn't all that bad really. The heroine is the one I hated. She grew up wealthy and demands the best of everything. She's vain and conceited. She knows she's the best dessert chef out there and doesn't show an ounce of modesty at any time. She's beyond arrogant and demanding when it comes to her profession. And am I supposed to find it charming and her more likable because she enjoys junk food? It doesn't exactly add any depth to her character... At one point she calls another chef a peasant. Really? After the hero has told her to come to his office she thinks, "No one summoned her immediately. People requested her, at her leisure." So evidently the world revolves around the heroine. And this goes for the romance too...she has to be in control of it. It's a lot of lust, but not very romantic. Maybe I could have enjoyed this a bit more if the heroine hadn't been so arrogant...or if both of the characters didn't seem so shallow.
This might have been a decent novel if the hero had been in the slightest bit charming. Frankly, I thought he was a bit of an ass. Even knowing that it would piss off Lee, he lies to her about being Hunter Brown and "makes a fool of her" in the heroine's words. She kind of gets hers back when he finds out she never told him he was a journalist...and he's a bit steamed at that. But then he sets the rules for the next game and he manipulates and makes a fool of her all over again. In order to get the interview, she has rough it with him for 2 weeks, camping in Sedona, AZ. And he's got it pretty well planned out that they will become lovers on the trip (and it pisses me off even more that he doesn't start opening up until she puts out). Then it turns out . The hero needed a bit of a put down...he needed to suffer or feel guilt or remorse at how he'd treated her but he never did and I hate it when that happens. And Lee...what are you thinking woman? Falling for someone who laughs at you (not with you) all the time. Who maneuvers you into having sex with him and lies to you. Why was it, as angry as she got, she never could stay mad at him? I would have had no problem with it. Oh and the whole asking someone to marry you after 3 weeks - totally unrealistic. Especially when you've only been in love with them for a few days.
Summer Desserts - 2/5 - The plot had some promise, but the failure IMHO was in the characters. Blake was wealthy, arrogant and demanding - but he wasn't all that bad really. The heroine is the one I hated. She grew up wealthy and demands the best of everything. She's vain and conceited. She knows she's the best dessert chef out there and doesn't show an ounce of modesty at any time. She's beyond arrogant and demanding when it comes to her profession. And am I supposed to find it charming and her more likable because she enjoys junk food? It doesn't exactly add any depth to her character... At one point she calls another chef a peasant. Really? After the hero has told her to come to his office she thinks, "No one summoned her immediately. People requested her, at her leisure." So evidently the world revolves around the heroine. And this goes for the romance too...she has to be in control of it. It's a lot of lust, but not very romantic. Maybe I could have enjoyed this a bit more if the heroine hadn't been so arrogant...or if both of the characters didn't seem so shallow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2014
A Change of Plans is two novella length novels in one. Second Nature was the stronger of the two character-wise, while Summer Desserts would make for a fun little summer read.
Second Nature
Rating: 4 Stars
Top Celebrity magazine reporter Lee Radcliffe is determined to score an interview with the highly sought after, highly private bestselling horror writer Hunter Brown. When she gets a tip that Hunter will be speaking at a writer’s conference, she mistakes him for an employee of the hotel. Lee’s mistake payoffs and Hunter offers her the exclusive she has been seeking. Although there’s a catch: to get her exclusive Lee must conduct her interview during a two week camping trip. There’s only one problem: the attraction between the two is hotter than the weather.
I liked Second Nature. The plot was intriguing and both of the characters were strong characters. I found Hunter and his air of mystery exceedingly intriguing. I was drawn to him and wanted to know more about him and why he acted the way he did.
The sexual tension was strong in this book but wasn’t overly done. My only problem with this novel was it wasn’t long enough. Leading up to the BBM was so detailed then after the BBM, I felt as though there was a rush to get everything done and dusted.
Overall, I loved Second Nature. Definitely one to read over during a weekend or a stormy night.
Summer Desserts
Rating: 3 Stars
Summer Lydon is a highly sought after chef who Blake Cocharan wants to revamp his hotel’s kitchen. While Summer’s a bit hesitant, Blake refuses to take no for an answer. Although his offering’s not the only thing that’s tempting. Summer realizes she wants Blake just as bad as he wants her. However, she’s not sure she believes in loves and Blake not going to let her go.
Summer Desserts was a quick little read. The characters were charming, the plot fluid, and the chemistry was running high although there was sense of been-there-done-that to the concept.
Overall, it was a good little read full of fluff that would make for a cute little beach read.
A Change of Plans was a cute little collection. While both Second Nature and Summer Desserts were originally released in the late ‘80’s neither feel outdated and other than the character’s smoking like a chimneys and the lack of mobiles being used you couldn’t really tell that these were from the ‘80’s.
Although I would have liked to have had the connected novels in the same book rather than having them in separate ones
Review originally posted on Simply Angela
Second Nature
Rating: 4 Stars
Top Celebrity magazine reporter Lee Radcliffe is determined to score an interview with the highly sought after, highly private bestselling horror writer Hunter Brown. When she gets a tip that Hunter will be speaking at a writer’s conference, she mistakes him for an employee of the hotel. Lee’s mistake payoffs and Hunter offers her the exclusive she has been seeking. Although there’s a catch: to get her exclusive Lee must conduct her interview during a two week camping trip. There’s only one problem: the attraction between the two is hotter than the weather.
I liked Second Nature. The plot was intriguing and both of the characters were strong characters. I found Hunter and his air of mystery exceedingly intriguing. I was drawn to him and wanted to know more about him and why he acted the way he did.
The sexual tension was strong in this book but wasn’t overly done. My only problem with this novel was it wasn’t long enough. Leading up to the BBM was so detailed then after the BBM, I felt as though there was a rush to get everything done and dusted.
Overall, I loved Second Nature. Definitely one to read over during a weekend or a stormy night.
Summer Desserts
Rating: 3 Stars
Summer Lydon is a highly sought after chef who Blake Cocharan wants to revamp his hotel’s kitchen. While Summer’s a bit hesitant, Blake refuses to take no for an answer. Although his offering’s not the only thing that’s tempting. Summer realizes she wants Blake just as bad as he wants her. However, she’s not sure she believes in loves and Blake not going to let her go.
Summer Desserts was a quick little read. The characters were charming, the plot fluid, and the chemistry was running high although there was sense of been-there-done-that to the concept.
Overall, it was a good little read full of fluff that would make for a cute little beach read.
A Change of Plans was a cute little collection. While both Second Nature and Summer Desserts were originally released in the late ‘80’s neither feel outdated and other than the character’s smoking like a chimneys and the lack of mobiles being used you couldn’t really tell that these were from the ‘80’s.
Although I would have liked to have had the connected novels in the same book rather than having them in separate ones
Review originally posted on Simply Angela
June 22, 2015
This is a re-release of two NR short Silhouette romances from 1985 - potential readers should know this going in, as it may have a drastic effect on one's enjoyment of the stories. (This will depend on personal taste, especially - for example, I am very happy to enjoy the old-style "head hopping" now so frowned upon in romance, but the social aspects of these books often leave me cold - so, proceed with caution and your own proclivities in mind.)
First story, "Second Nature": Some things I learned from this book - First, never mention specific eye shadow colours in your stories; the 20 years between initial publication and re-release will not be kind. Second, tortured misogyny or a tenuous grasp on the concept of "consent" is not romantic, no matter how many times the dude is described as "intense", and when women-hating "heroes" are also fathers to young girls it just makes me want to weep. Third, when written in a forced manner, "intensity" can come off as just plain "creepiness". The characters are very attractive, but not very enjoyable, and while I usually like stories about writers that couldn't quite save this one for me. There's plenty of chemistry in this one, but it sadly comes off smarmy and badly dated most of the time. 2/5, possibly 2.5, because it was more interesting than the second story.
Second story, "Summer Desserts": The emphasis on "breeding" and conspicuous consumption in this one put me off, pretty much right away. I really don't care about the trials and tribulations of tedious rich people. They have beauty and money, so I don't care if they also find "twu wuv", as well. And it made me a bit ill, having the heroine jet all over the world so decadent billionaires can fill their greedy gullets with million dollar cakes. Yuck. This is the stuff revolutions are made of. Aside from this, nothing much happens. 2/5
I'm a fan of NR, but I don't think I will be reading any more of her re-releases. These old short romances are simply not worth new-book prices, and they often end up being about as classy as an episode of Dallas. I'll be watching for the "First Time in Paperback" sticker from now on.
First story, "Second Nature": Some things I learned from this book - First, never mention specific eye shadow colours in your stories; the 20 years between initial publication and re-release will not be kind. Second, tortured misogyny or a tenuous grasp on the concept of "consent" is not romantic, no matter how many times the dude is described as "intense", and when women-hating "heroes" are also fathers to young girls it just makes me want to weep. Third, when written in a forced manner, "intensity" can come off as just plain "creepiness". The characters are very attractive, but not very enjoyable, and while I usually like stories about writers that couldn't quite save this one for me. There's plenty of chemistry in this one, but it sadly comes off smarmy and badly dated most of the time. 2/5, possibly 2.5, because it was more interesting than the second story.
Second story, "Summer Desserts": The emphasis on "breeding" and conspicuous consumption in this one put me off, pretty much right away. I really don't care about the trials and tribulations of tedious rich people. They have beauty and money, so I don't care if they also find "twu wuv", as well. And it made me a bit ill, having the heroine jet all over the world so decadent billionaires can fill their greedy gullets with million dollar cakes. Yuck. This is the stuff revolutions are made of. Aside from this, nothing much happens. 2/5
I'm a fan of NR, but I don't think I will be reading any more of her re-releases. These old short romances are simply not worth new-book prices, and they often end up being about as classy as an episode of Dallas. I'll be watching for the "First Time in Paperback" sticker from now on.
October 30, 2016
The tags in my bookshelves belong to Second Nature
Second Nature: 4 stars
The rating above is only for this first story. I really, really liked it. The relationship between the hero and heroine was funny, sweet, and sexy. The chemistry is present from the moment they meet each other and in spite of the short length of the story, Nora Roberts managed to convince me they've fallen in love. Apart from the hero/heroine's relationship, there's also a father-daughter relationship that was sweet and added richness to the story as a whole.
Fantastic reading!
Summer Desserts: DNF
I couldn't sympathize with neither heroine nor hero and after reading a great story before this one, I didn't want to waste my time getting upset or bored.
Second Nature: 4 stars
The rating above is only for this first story. I really, really liked it. The relationship between the hero and heroine was funny, sweet, and sexy. The chemistry is present from the moment they meet each other and in spite of the short length of the story, Nora Roberts managed to convince me they've fallen in love. Apart from the hero/heroine's relationship, there's also a father-daughter relationship that was sweet and added richness to the story as a whole.
Fantastic reading!
Summer Desserts: DNF
I couldn't sympathize with neither heroine nor hero and after reading a great story before this one, I didn't want to waste my time getting upset or bored.
October 18, 2014
This is actually a reprint of two of Nora Roberts' older stories, and it is obvious. Of the two, I liked "Second Nature" better - the characters were more interesting and, to me, more realistic. "Summer Desserts" did not hold my attention the way a Nora Roberts book usually does. Also, the style is not up to par with her later stories, and I found the point of view changes a bit abrupt and distracting at times. It is still an enjoyable read, just not what I've gotten used to from this author.
October 23, 2014
I would have LOVED these if I had read them back in the 80's when they were originally published. That's when I thought smoking was cool and falling in love with a rich guy meant happily ever after. Now that I'm no longer a teenager I found the obscenely rich characters obnoxious and I wonder why no one seems to write romance novels set in real life. Do we really need total escapism? Is romance incompatible with the middle class? God, I hope not.
Want to read
October 8, 2014I needed something to read so I found a book at giant
August 19, 2014
Only read the second book in this paperback. It was ok but had trouble relating to 2 perfectionists. Some angst made it ok but fell flat. Love JD Robb. Not so crazy about Nora.
July 25, 2016
The characters in these two stories were a little harder to love. I just didn't click with them as much as I have clicked with some of Nora Roberts others.
May 14, 2015
Nice, sweet romances.
Read
August 27, 2015As always, Nora Roberts never fails to impress. That's why I love her books!
April 9, 2016
Good easy reads with predictable story lines.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews