Love by the Slice

Harbor Point #1

by Heather Young-Nichols

For Bianca, her grandfather’s pizza parlor comes with a lot of memories, as well as trouble from larger corporations who want the sauce recipe.

When Gio begins working at the restaurant, his and Bianca’s chemistry is instant, their romance forbidden and delicious. Bianca refuses to date him, she’s technically his boss, but she can’t deny the truth…she’s falling for him.

But Gio’s there for the sauce and he wasn’t supposed to catch feelings during his mission to discover the secret recipe. Now he has to choose between his obligations or his heart and Bianca must decide if she wants to chance trusting Gio again after he breaks her heart.

Mysterious, romantic, and full of twists and betrayal, Love by the Slice is a new adult contemporary romance featuring laughs, pizza, sweet kisses, and erotic nights. This college-age story is a heartbreaking and endearing tale about forbidden love and second chances.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

285 pages, ebook

Published December 5, 2017

About the author

Heather Young-Nichols is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romances. She writes swoony heroes and snarly heroines with a heap of romance.

When she's not writing, she's binging a show with her kids, watching baseball, or snuggling with her cuddly animals.

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Reviews

[Coco.V]

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Blurb:
For Bianca, her grandfather’s pizza parlor comes with a lot of memories, as well as trouble from larger corporations who want the sauce recipe.

When Gio begins working at the restaurant, his and Bianca’s chemistry is instant, their romance forbidden and delicious. Bianca refuses to date him, she’s technically his boss, but she can’t deny the truth…she’s falling for him.

But Gio’s there for the sauce and he wasn’t supposed to catch feelings during his mission to discover the secret recipe. Now he has to choose between his obligations or his heart and Bianca must decide if she wants to chance trusting Gio again after he breaks her heart.

Mysterious, romantic, and full of twists and betrayal, Love by the Slice is a new adult contemporary romance featuring laughs, pizza, sweet kisses, and erotic nights. This college-age story is a heartbreaking and endearing tale about forbidden love and second chances.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 star review of Love By The Slice (Harbor Point #1) by Heather Young-Nichols
AUDIO REVIEW:
Both the author Heather Young-Nichols and narrator Sophie Stone are new to me.
This is Bianca Russo and Gio Diamati’s story and was enjoyable. Bianca has returned home to help her grandfather in his restaurant. Unbeknownst to her Gio who is working in the kitchen has been sent to spy on them and obtain the recipe for the “secret” sauce.
The blurb sounded really good and the story itself was enjoyable with a bit of mystery and tension throughout to keep you interested, but I felt that the narrator’s voice was not for me and I found myself not invested in Gio or any of the male characters as the voice was too much of a distraction.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love or Treachery ? . . .

A handsome man, Gio Diamati, arrives in town and is hired by Bianca’s grandfather to work in the kitchen of their pizza shop. Bianca told Gio that her grandfather had pictures of her making pizza crust from the time she was four years old, so it’s obvious they have a good product and a thriving business. Gio and Bianca quickly become attracted to each other, and Gio is protective of her when one of the college-age guys gets a bit too “handsy” with her. After that first such incident, Gio walked her home that night after work and whenever he could after that.

But when Bianca discovers Gio’s real identity and his relationship with the Trinity Corporation and their unsavory business practices threatening harm to her grandfather’s business, she is furious. She had previously told Gio about the pushy corporation that had been trying to buy Gramps out for the last few years, insisting the recipe for his unique pizza sauce must be part of the deal. But the recipe had been a family secret for generations and her grandfather refused to sell. Can Gio make amends and win back her heart after what she sees as a terrible betrayal? Or will she never trust him again?

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a small town romance.

Bianca Romano works in her grandfather's restaurant. She helps her grandfather run the place. She loves her small town and could not live anywhere else.

Gio Diamati was hired in the restaurant to work in the kitchen. He is immediately attracted to Bianca and asks her out. She keeps turning him down until he gets her grandfather's permission to ask her out.

They have a hot and heavy relationship going until her new friend Gemma gives her some incriminating information about Gio. Bianca and her grandfather confront him and he gets fired. After dealing with the reason he was sent to work in the restaurant, he works to get Bianca back. They eventually reconcile and get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Calla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well move aside, book boyfriends! You have some serious competition with Gio. This book was everything I ever want from a romance, with wonderful main characters like Bianca (smart, beautiful, hard-working) and Gio (sexy but amazingly sweet); supporting characters you have to love (Gramps! Bailey!); and a setting that makes my mouth water (Hello, Pizza!). I loved witnessing Gio and Bianca get to their happily ever after, and I was sad when the story ended (and may need a 10 years later novella, Ms. Young-Nichols). Needless to say, I loved being in the world this book created, and I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Blondie_za · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy summer read

I gave this 3 stars, a 3.5 if I could, only because I need something to really blow my mind to give a 5!

I listened to this one via Audible, only my third audio book, so still getting the hang of listening rather than reading.

I quite enjoyed this one, it's an easy, summer type read, one which you could finish in a day if you had it. I liked the characters, even if you could tell what the disruption was going to be quite early on, it didn't take away from how it happened.

As with any series, I now want to find out what happens to the other characters!

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great love story

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. That being said, I only gave it 3 stars because the editing was terrible with run on sentences, words left out and so on. This started on the second page of the story. I was ready to just delete it from my Kindle, but stuck it out and was glad I did. I hope the author does a better job with the next book.

[Cherill Fannin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and romantic book!

I loved the Italian family in this book. The way they ran the pizza place and made the employees part of a family. I loved Bianca’s sense of humor and her relationship with her Grandpa and how she forgave Gio and let their love win.

[Leann McKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pizza Queen

Interesting read that got a bit wordy but was a roller coaster of a ride. A good series starter looking forward to the next one.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing like a good romance with a little business and intrigue thrown in. Bianca has moved to Harbor Point to help her grandfather with is restaurant. Known for their sauce, this is the place to eat. When Gio comes to work for them, the attraction between the two is combustible. But he is an employee, so is ethical to date him? And what happens if things don't work out? Gio is a hard worker, very loving, but when it comes to discussing family, he is mouth is closed. What secrets is he keeping? And when revealed, will his relationship with Bianca survive? This is an interesting plot with a lot of wonderful characters. I enjoyed their build up and was surprised when things went awry. Bianca is someone who knows what she wants, but has standards and sticks with them. I love her relationship with her parents, so open and easy. Her grandfather is the one we all wish we have! Gio is a little complex. I love how his story plays out and the way he handles the tough choices he has to make. This is a great listen, perfect for the beach, or in front of the fire.

Sophie Stone does a great job narrating. The book is new adult, and I found her voice to be a good fit for these characters. She easily transitions between male and female and gave each one it's own voice, easy to distinguish and fit the personality. I will be watching for more by her.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still so busy processing what I’ve read that I can’t find the right words to explain what the book has just put me through. I mean, I want to be able to tell other readers something more valuable than just “I liked it”. There is a lot of family drama that takes place in the pages of this book. A lot of it is the good kind of drama that the people who love and care about you create with all that care and concern. But there’s also a couple of really big emotional black holes that we fall into in the course of this story; the kind created by people who love themselves more than anyone else. Bianca gets pulled into the vortex that Gio’s caught in and the drama sends everything spinning. I loved watching this pair together when everything was going right. They both have a desire to care for one another that’s so sweet to see. But it hurt my heart to watch them when things aren’t all right in their worlds. The connection between them is so strong, you just want everything to work out so that the world is back in balance again. I can’t wait to read more about the residents of Harbor Point.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and my review is based on such.

I enjoyed “Love by the Slice” and Bianca and Gio’s story. With this being an advanced copy, the editing was rough and excessive and that took me out of the story a lot. I’ve read other works by Heather Young-Nichols, and have really enjoyed them, and the editing was not an issue. I’m sure the issues would have been addressed prior to release, but since my review is on the advanced copy, it does affect my rating.

I enjoyed the drama and conflict, although it was somewhat predictable. What was a nice surprise was the resolution of said conflict. It wasn’t instant forgiveness, instant everything-is-forgotten. Gio had to work for it. Had to prove himself, and not just to Bianca, but her family.

“Love by the Slice” has a great mixture of romance, family, tradition, betrayal, drama, pain, retribution and forgiveness. Let’s not forget some very sexy, steamy passion. The secondary characters added a lot to the storyline and I’d love to learn more about them in future books.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story! Clearly not what I expected. I thought it would be more takeover and evilness about the stealing the sacred sauce recipe. It’s not that. It’s is a light hearted read and It has everything in it. Love, fun, betrayal, and distrust all come into play through this story. I loved listening to it. The characters were believable and I was just as frustrated, disgusted or happy as they were.

Gio..Gio..Gio you messed up and I can really feel your sadness. Head bowed, shoulders hunched...defeated posture. Then when you teared up?!? Dang! Only a hard heart could ignore that!

I listened to this on audio. At first it felt like I was listening through a tunnel. After a bit. Either i got used to it or it changed. The narrator did a good job on the different voices. This is a first time author for me as well. I liked the story and it flowed nicely. The characters were well put together and who wouldn’t like her parents or Grandfather! They were wonderful secondary characters. I chuckled more than a few times.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting hot in the kitchen

Love by the Slice is the first book in the Harbor Point series. This book was originally released in 2017, and I am not sure if it has been updated, edited or changed in any way when I read it, as I did not read it when it was first released.
The story is about Bianca Russo and Gio Diamati and takes please in the small town of Harbor Point. She has come back home to help out at her grandfather's family restaurant. They are a successful independent restaurant and they have a secret that is very tasty. He is a billionaire who has tried to buy the restaurant to get his hands on the secret sauce recipe but it seems that Papa Russo does not want to sell. So instead Gio comes to town and gets hired to work at the restaurant...in order to get the recipe and get them to sell. The kitchen gets hotter when Bianca and Gio meet, and then the fun begins.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love by the Slice is the first story in the Harbor Point series. Author Heather Young-Nichols does a fantastic job with this amazing contemporary romance. Love by the Slice is the story of Bianca and Gio, and their story is absolutely phenomenal. Love by the Slice is exceptionally written, well-balanced, and beautifully executed by this fascinating author. The chemistry between Bianca and Gio is undeniably electrifying and these two amazing characters could no longer ignore it. I absolutely love that these two amazing characters have a happily ever after to their love story. Love by the Slice is definitely a charming and page-turning of a romance story. I definitely would recommend this entertaining and enjoyable book for anyone to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story. Bianca and Gio are very interesting characters, like Gramps, Bailey, Nick, Bianca's parents and Gio's family.
When Gio starts working at Bianca's grandfather's pizzeria, the chemistry between them is palpable, but Bianca wants to follow the rule of not dating co-workers. However, she can't deny for a long time the attraction they both feel for each other.
Throughout the story, we see how they really fall in love, but when the real reason Gio comes to Harbor Point comes up, things don't turn out well for them.
Will Gio be able to prove to Bianca that his for her are real? And will she be able to forgive him for all that she has discovered?
This is a well written story, full of twists.
I really loved it! And I'm anxious for the next book in this series.

[Jessica Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love By The Slice is the first book in the Harbor Point series. Gio comes to work for Bianca’s family pizzeria for the summer and sparks immediately fly between the two of them. Even though she tries to resist, she eventually agrees to go out with him and their relationship blooms. Unfortunately everything isn’t always what it seems and the truth comes out as to why Gio is really working in Harbor Point for the summer. This breaks Bianca as well as him, but nothing can fix it and Bianca attempts to move on. Gio is determined and does not stop until he can fix what his parent ultimately did and prove to Bianca that he is not that person she thinks he came to be. This story is full of love, angst and spice and wrapped up neatly with a beautiful HEA! I can’t wait for the next story!!

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and sexy romance! I could really feel the emotion and depth of feeling each character felt. Gio and Bianca had excellent chemistry. I really liked that the author took the story further than a quick ending after the big reveal; the story felt fuller because the author took the time to develop the story. The story may seem like a simple scenario, but the characters really bring it to life. The author also takes the story into an interesting direction. I listened to the audio version and the narrator did a good job. Her voice fit Bianca pretty good; her voice for Gio could've used a little work, but overall, I'd recommend it. Looking forward to the next book!

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love by the Slice (Harbor Point #1) was a good read by Heather Young-Nichols. Bianca has many great memories of her grandfather's pizza parlor. Many large corporations are trying to get the secret sauce recipe. Gio starts working at the restaurant and they have instant chemistry. Bianca refuses to date him because she's technically his boss, but she knows that she's falling for him. Gio doesn't want her to find out that he's there for the sauce but he can't deny he's catching feelings for him. He has to choose between his family and his feelings for Bianca. I enjoyed reading Gio and Bianca's story and can't wait to read more by the author.

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love by the Slice was a very cute read. Gio and Bianca are lovely and complex characters. Their love story is very sweet, emotional and moving. Biance is strong and smart and the enigmatic Gio is so swoonworthy in his protectiveness and sweetness toward Biance. The story is told from Bianca's POV, describing the progress of their romance to the big secret that is eventually being exposed leading to a great drama. The story ends in a HEA introducing the supporting characters, Bailey, Sal and Gemma, who will get their own stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love by the Slice is a romance with a secret that could tear Bianca and Gio apart. Their connection is immediate and strong. While I could anticipate some of where the story was going to go, there were still enough twists to it to pull me in and keep me wanting to read through to the end. I found myself getting attached to Bianca and Gio and wanted them to get their HEA. The story had a blend of humor, drama, suspense, heartache and betrayal, hope and forgiveness. The ARC copy could have used more editing, but I still enjoyed the story line.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "Love by the Slice" by Heather Young-Nichols. This is the first book I've read by this author, having recieved a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. I was so sucked into this sweet love story right from the beginning and can't wait to see how the series continues. The writing is great and the characters make you laugh, cry and cheer for them to find their way. If you are a fan of contemporary romance, this is one that you will want in your collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love By The Slice is book one and a great start to the Harbor Point series. Bianca is back home working at her grandfather's pizza parlor and Gio gets hired as a cook. From the start these two have an instant attraction to each other but when Bianca finds out Gio was sent to steal her grandfather's secret sauce things take an interesting turn. This is a small town romance with some spy intrigue, likable characters, and a great ending. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this new adult contemporary romance novel. I fell in love with Bianca Russo & Gio Diamati & can't get enough of them & want more. This novel is brimming with love, betrayal, sexy times, unexpected twists, passion, romance, humour, & a bit of mystery. I couldn't put it down till the end & it left me with a book hangover. A perfect blend of supporting character's that accentuate the tale. I'm so excited for the next book in this fabulous series which follows Sal who is Gio's cousin. I hope Gio's sister gets her own book also. I highly recommend reading this novel as you will not be disappointed. I volunteerily reviewed an advanced reading copy of this novel.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bianca’s Italian family owns a pizzeria on the beach front. The new recently hired cook is a gorgeous one. The whole thing starts off as an awkward crush between two bland adults. The characters weren’t really interesting and nothing stood out. The budding romance was kinda cute, and, of course, the whole thing revolved around the pizza place. I’m sure this can be an okay read for some, but it just wasn’t for me.

[Deb Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a fun, wholesome small town vibe to it. The sauce recipe heist made me smile. Bianca is endearing as she does her best to make her gramp's life easier by helping run his restaurant. The whole corporate theme was pretty difficult to believe, but that is the beauty of fiction, you don't need to believe - just appreciate. Gio is a great character, I loved his turnabout with his sister and cousin.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of tradition with food. Bianca returns home to help with her grandfather's restaurant. The sauce is a recipe that is a family secret. Gio is working there to get the secret recipe for his family. Will he follow through when he falls for Bianca?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this rollercoaster ride of a romance story. I loved Bianca and her sense of self and what she wanted for her life. Gio was so flawed in so many meaningful ways, but also so sexy and sweet. It was filled with family drama and emotional baggage that at times made it difficult to want an HEA for Gio. The bonus epilogue was a nice way to finish the story.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Young-Nichols has quickly become a favorite author so I always get excited for a new book. Love by the Slice was a great story and book 1 in the new Harbor Point Series. Bianca and Gio were a great couple and their chemistry was instant and intense. But Gio is keeping secrets that could destroy them all. Great read. Can't wait for the next book.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story with a relatable storyline. I loved the way the author built the tension between the characters. I loved the way the story played out. Each chapter made me feel more engaged and excited about their relationships.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.