In the Almond Breeze

by Jo Bainbridge

Izzy White, a spirited Australian backpacker, unexpectedly encounters Sebastian Ruiz, a Michelin-star chef, during a vibrant festival in Mallorca, Spain. With identities concealed behind masks, they share a passionate kiss that lingers in their thoughts, long after the night ends.

Destiny interweaves its intricate threads as Izzy becomes a part of Sebastian's restaurant staff. As their true identities gradually unravel, conflicts arise, and sparks fly. Izzy seizes the present moment and yearns to explore all that the island has to offer, including her growing affection for Sebastian. Their connection deepens, yet Sebastian's guarded heart and unwavering dedication to culinary excellence makes him resistant to the idea of a new romance.

As the summer progresses, their relationship blossoms amidst the backdrop of breathtaking beaches, soulful hilltowns and charming cobbled streets. Will this holiday romance simmer away or are things just starting to get spicy?

This evocative tale shows that love can bridge emotional divides and that following one's heart can lead to unexpected and delicious things.

Genres: Romance

461 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2024

Reviews

[Carla Black]

I won this ebook in a Goodreads Giveaway. This romance novel was different than any other one I have read before. Most romance novels are lacking or use so many cliche' scenarios that your rolling your eyes through the whole book. This book was neither lacking, nor did I roll my eyes even once. I loved the very different story plot and unique characters. The story was unique to itself, and Izzy and Sebastián are very different characters in their own right. A lot of unique sub characters as well. This book was thoroughly entertaining and held my attention, I couldn't wait to see what happened next. It was very well written and you could tell through the writing that the author loved bringing this book together. Which is very rare these days to see love of writing in a book. Even if you don't like romance novels you should give this one a try. I highly recommend it. Kudos to the author.

[Angelita Ramirez]

what a romance!

I won this ebook from Goodreads.

I absolutely loved this read. It was hard for me to put it down. The chemistry between Izzy and Sebastian felt so natural and at times very relatable to real life emotions.

I recommend this book!

[Robin Knapp]

“In the Almond Breeze” by Jo Bainbridge is a novel that captures the spirit of a dreamy summer romance with its vivid descriptions of Mallorca’s landscapes and lively festivals. The chemistry between Izzy and Sebastian is intense from their first mysterious encounter, making the story engaging right from the start. Izzy's adventurous spirit contrasts beautifully with Sebastian's disciplined nature, creating a dynamic that kept me invested in their relationship.

I particularly enjoyed how the novel explored the balance between following one's passion and opening up to love. Sebastian's struggle to let go of his past and embrace a new relationship felt authentic and added depth to his character. The tension between his dedication to his culinary craft and his growing affection for Izzy made their journey real and relatable. The backdrop of Mallorca and its descriptions added a visual layer to the story, making me feel like I was right there with the characters, experiencing their romance in such a charming setting.

This book is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys a blend of romance, travel, and the exploration of complex emotions. The story is not just about a summer fling; it’s about the courage to follow one’s heart and the possibility of unexpected, beautiful outcomes.

[Shan]

Special thanks to Jo for gifting me this book to read in exchange for an honest review! Cheers!

This is a nice little romance to throw into your vacay bag of books. This author has an incredible ability to paint a picture. There is no way you could read this and not feel like you are right there in Mallorca, Spain.
Another book that holds to my "A book always teaches me something"... I learned so much about Spanish cuisine and wines and culture. So rich.
The romance was my least favorite thing. The dialog was quite laughable but I kept reading.
Just an easy read with some education thrown in for good measure.

[Amy Koller]

“In The Almond Breeze” by Jo Bainbridge is a romantic novel set in Mallorca, where Australian backpacker Izzy White and Michelin-star chef Sebastian Ruiz meet during a vibrant festival. Their initial masked encounter leads to a deeper connection as Izzy joins Sebastian's restaurant staff. The novel explores the contrasts between Izzy's adventurous spirit and Sebastian's guarded nature, set against the stunning backdrop of Mallorca. As their relationship blossoms, they must navigate emotional barriers, with the story highlighting the power of love to bridge divides. This evocative tale is a perfect summer read, blending romance, passion, and the beauty of living in the moment.

[S. Jeyran Main]

"In The Almond Breeze" is a charming romance set in Mallorca, where Australian backpacker Izzy White meets Michelin-star chef Sebastian Ruiz. Their masked encounter at a festival leads to an unexpected connection, deepening as Izzy joins Sebastian’s restaurant staff. Amidst the island’s stunning scenery, their relationship blossoms, but Sebastian’s guarded heart and dedication to his craft create tension. Jo Bainbridge captures the magic of a summer romance and the complexities of love, making this a delightful, evocative read.

[Debdutch]

“In the Almond Breeze” by Jo Bainbridge

A captivating summer read set in the picturesque setting of Mallorca. The novel follows the journey of Australian backpacker Izzy White and Michelin-star chef Sebastian Ruiz. The relationship evolves from a masked encounter to a deep connection. The contrast between Izzy's free spirit and Sebastian's guarded demeanor adds depth. The book contains themes of love, passion, and the joy of life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[A Cannady]

“In the Almond Breeze” by Jo Bainbridge is the perfect beach read. If you're looking for a fun romance with a strong plot, this book is for you. Izzy and Sebastian are relatable individuals, and their relationship is packed with chemistry. But in true "opposites attract" fashion, they fight their connection. As Izzy's love for adventure clashes with Sebastian's need for structure and consistency, we see the two learning how to compromise and become better versions of themselves while they can't help falling in love.

[Michele Klawitter]

"In The Almond Breeze" by Jo Bainbridge is a story of love and self-discovery set against the backdrop of Mallorca, Spain. The story follows Izzy White, an adventurous backpacker, and Sebastian Ruiz, a guarded Michelin-star chef, as they navigate the complexities of a romance sparked by a chance encounter. The descriptions of the island’s beauty and the tension between the characters make for an engaging read.

[J. Rose Black]

cute and demure

A classic masquerade like start to a challenging relationship set in an exotic locale. Both Izzy and Sebastian are afraid to love again after past hurts, losses and betrayals. Yet they find lasting love and a new start in Mallorca.
And a HEA.

[Chelseasrfd]

I love how different Izzy and Sebastian are. This summer fling turns into sooo much more than that! I enjoyed the characters and their growth in letting down their guard. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and want more!

[Missy]

A fun light hearted read.

[G]

Captivating

Loved this! Like Jo’s first book the characters are well developed, likable and interesting. This was an excellent read. I couldn’t put it down. Great descriptions of the scenery I was transported to this beautiful place while reading.