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The Bento Box
Koji Okada's plan to convince Dr. Trista Hathaway to purchase his latest app included a long weekend and high end romancing.
The surprise is on him when he shows up at her doorstep and Trista turns the table to ensure he gets a large serving of his own meal.
Love on the go becomes synonymous with this pair as they snack their way through love in the Bento Box.
The surprise is on him when he shows up at her doorstep and Trista turns the table to ensure he gets a large serving of his own meal.
Love on the go becomes synonymous with this pair as they snack their way through love in the Bento Box.
87 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2019
467 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Gaines
136 books350 followersOlivia is a USA Today Best Selling, Emma Award and multiple award-winning author who loves a good laugh coupled with some steam, mixed in with a man and woman finding their way past the words of "I love you." An author of contemporary romances, she writes heartwarming stories of blossoming relationships filled with heart and humor. The Technicians, The Blakemore Files, and the Modern Mail Order Brides, are one clicks for thousands of readers.
When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love.
Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean.
Subscribe to her email list at http://eepurl.com/OulYf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivia.gaine...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviagaines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviawrites/
When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love.
Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean.
Subscribe to her email list at http://eepurl.com/OulYf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivia.gaine...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviagaines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviawrites/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
March 24, 2024
2.0⭐️ This is a damn good story; it’s a damn good, hilarious story, and it is a damn good, sexy-as-hell, romantic story. I absolutely enjoyed Koji Okada, who owns his own company and develops cutting edge technology. He’s arrogant, confident and charming. Dr. Trista Hathaway, a County Coroner in Macon, Georgia, is an extremely intelligent, attractive, no-nonsense, honest black woman—a strong black woman. I love the black woman/japanese man match-up.
The novella explores the ways in which these two intelligent, confident people go toe to toe with each other. They have an easy going camaraderie. Koji wants Trista to persuade her father to try his new app at the family’s mortuary. He believes it will revolutionize the funeral industry service. Trista emphatically rejects Koji’s request. He’s determined to change her mind. Who will win? What an intriguing premise this is, yeah?
If that is so, why such a low rating? Plainly speaking, this short novella is only 60 pages (not the 78 pages indicated), yet it was riddled with proofreading and editing issues. Specifically, there are missing words, dropped words, or wrong, inexplicable or just plain nonsensical words and phrases. Consider this excerpt from the book: “In less than ten minutes, she was dressed, her teeth were brushed, and her hair tamed with her overnight bag.” Further, incorrect and missing punctuation often resulted in run-on sentences. Moreover, there are several inconsistencies that are very easy to spot. These types of problems are egregious given the length of the piece. In fact, these problems were not simply annoyances, but rather they hindered the full enjoyment of the book.
All in all, the pervasiveness of the mistakes and errors in this book turned what should have been an easy read into a proofreading exercise. Accordingly, these excessive errors have resulted in a diminution of stars to 2.
The novella explores the ways in which these two intelligent, confident people go toe to toe with each other. They have an easy going camaraderie. Koji wants Trista to persuade her father to try his new app at the family’s mortuary. He believes it will revolutionize the funeral industry service. Trista emphatically rejects Koji’s request. He’s determined to change her mind. Who will win? What an intriguing premise this is, yeah?
If that is so, why such a low rating? Plainly speaking, this short novella is only 60 pages (not the 78 pages indicated), yet it was riddled with proofreading and editing issues. Specifically, there are missing words, dropped words, or wrong, inexplicable or just plain nonsensical words and phrases. Consider this excerpt from the book: “In less than ten minutes, she was dressed, her teeth were brushed, and her hair tamed with her overnight bag.” Further, incorrect and missing punctuation often resulted in run-on sentences. Moreover, there are several inconsistencies that are very easy to spot. These types of problems are egregious given the length of the piece. In fact, these problems were not simply annoyances, but rather they hindered the full enjoyment of the book.
All in all, the pervasiveness of the mistakes and errors in this book turned what should have been an easy read into a proofreading exercise. Accordingly, these excessive errors have resulted in a diminution of stars to 2.
October 11, 2019
The Bento Box is a a quick fun read about to people who seem to be just existing instead of living their best lives. When Trista and Koji meet it is strictly business which is not working for either of them, but when they decide to add a little pleasure to the mix things definitely take a turn for the better for both of them. Trista and Koji are both in a rut, but they take a chance on a little fun that may just turn into a lifetime of love. As usual for Mrs. Gaines's stories, the character are quirky and you're guaranteed a lot laughter along with some expressive love scenes that makes for an enjoyable read and The Bento Box did not disappoint.
March 28, 2020
Sweet!
This read was good and to short for me. I liked the story line and the two characters. It also has other short stories.
This read was good and to short for me. I liked the story line and the two characters. It also has other short stories.
December 8, 2021
He wanted her to try out his app, she was like no way. What he didn't expect was to fall for her, because she agreed to have a good time out. However, things changed. They had great sex, and they became addicted to each other in a sensual sexy way. The question is do they stay together or do they move on from each other. Since he had to leave in the middle or towards the end of their getaway. All she could think about was it could not work out he lived in one part and she lived in another. But is there a plan here, do they make it. I do know but you got to read the book in order to find out.
December 11, 2021
4 Stars / 4 Steam Fans
Video review available in Week 48: Nov 28 – Dec 4, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Video review available in Week 48: Nov 28 – Dec 4, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
August 1, 2022
Koji and Trista
Koji is ready for a battle. He never imagined the ease of getting Trista with the program he had in mind for the weekend. Neither of the two were expecting more to come from the complete surrender to passions and pleasure.
Quick on board.
Koji is ready for a battle. He never imagined the ease of getting Trista with the program he had in mind for the weekend. Neither of the two were expecting more to come from the complete surrender to passions and pleasure.
Quick on board.
November 8, 2020
I liked the character's personalities, but the prose kept me from really connecting with them.
Read
November 7, 2021Cringey
It just seems kinda racist/full of stereotypes. I'm uncomfortable with the chapter headings and just some of the Asian stereotypes throughout the story. I don't know is an Asian person would feel this way or not. Some of the black stereotypes irk me too.
This might just be a problem with diversity. So used to reading about white people and their things that when I'm no,t its just weird.
It was ok, a bit more order reading would have been nice, I almost thought it was a bad translation.
I prefer my afternoon snacks quite a bit spicier.
It just seems kinda racist/full of stereotypes. I'm uncomfortable with the chapter headings and just some of the Asian stereotypes throughout the story. I don't know is an Asian person would feel this way or not. Some of the black stereotypes irk me too.
This might just be a problem with diversity. So used to reading about white people and their things that when I'm no,t its just weird.
It was ok, a bit more order reading would have been nice, I almost thought it was a bad translation.
I prefer my afternoon snacks quite a bit spicier.
October 24, 2019
🥰🥰🥰
Mz. Gaines,,, you never fail to bring a smile and a belly full of laughter to my soul.
I absolutely await your next works!!!
Mz. Gaines,,, you never fail to bring a smile and a belly full of laughter to my soul.
I absolutely await your next works!!!
June 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! From start to finish, it kept a smile on my face! Just wish it could’ve been longer. I wanted more!
March 28, 2025
Magically Delicious
Well, “who’s zoomin’ who?” (great question Ms. Franklin 🤭⁉️🤷🏾♀️) cause nubian women as a general consensus are a different dating/courting experience 🤭🤣😂🤦🏾♀️🫣‼️…we are animated by design. We’ve rarely if ever been accused of being docile⁉️ Nevertheless, “Lunchtime Chronicles: The Bento Box” was my inaugural read for Author Olivia Gaines as well as my first interracial romance. (hmmm, that’s might be an accurate statement 🧐?) However, considering Ms. Gains’ expansive catalog, I expected a cohesive plot, character development with minimal to no grammatical & syntax errors. But, once again I’m projecting my parochial school education expectations 🤷🏾♀️‼️ Meanwhile, the interaction between Trista & Kijo was disjointed & disingenuous. …which made “The Bento Box” an awkwardly peculiar read🥴. IE: How did he know where Dr. Hathaway lives? He’d approached her a month prior in NY and she said NO! …either Koji is stupid, desperate & or exhibits stalker tendencies! Clearly, Kijo got more than he bargained for showing up at someone home, (a black woman’s home uninvited 🤦🏾♀️😂🤣). …thereafter, the events between Trista & Koji were more humorous & fantasy interaction. But characteristic of a professional older woman. Unfortunately, I didn’t/couldn’t relate to these characters, the (his) objective nor their rapid romance. …over the weekend? Really⁉️Oh, okay…I guess🥴‼️ That was a magically 🍜delicious international ✈️mile high meal…that travels well 🙄🤭.
Well, “who’s zoomin’ who?” (great question Ms. Franklin 🤭⁉️🤷🏾♀️) cause nubian women as a general consensus are a different dating/courting experience 🤭🤣😂🤦🏾♀️🫣‼️…we are animated by design. We’ve rarely if ever been accused of being docile⁉️ Nevertheless, “Lunchtime Chronicles: The Bento Box” was my inaugural read for Author Olivia Gaines as well as my first interracial romance. (hmmm, that’s might be an accurate statement 🧐?) However, considering Ms. Gains’ expansive catalog, I expected a cohesive plot, character development with minimal to no grammatical & syntax errors. But, once again I’m projecting my parochial school education expectations 🤷🏾♀️‼️ Meanwhile, the interaction between Trista & Kijo was disjointed & disingenuous. …which made “The Bento Box” an awkwardly peculiar read🥴. IE: How did he know where Dr. Hathaway lives? He’d approached her a month prior in NY and she said NO! …either Koji is stupid, desperate & or exhibits stalker tendencies! Clearly, Kijo got more than he bargained for showing up at someone home, (a black woman’s home uninvited 🤦🏾♀️😂🤣). …thereafter, the events between Trista & Koji were more humorous & fantasy interaction. But characteristic of a professional older woman. Unfortunately, I didn’t/couldn’t relate to these characters, the (his) objective nor their rapid romance. …over the weekend? Really⁉️Oh, okay…I guess🥴‼️ That was a magically 🍜delicious international ✈️mile high meal…that travels well 🙄🤭.
December 30, 2021
4.5 Stars.
The story resonated with me. Koji and Trista are two very successful and educated people who are overworked with little free time to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Koji planned to manipulate Krista into using his newly developed app, but she was too smart. She saw through his plan and flipped the script. In the end, they both got what they wanted: a fulfilling career and a life worth living.
It’s a bit short (about 60 pages of actual story) with a few editing mistakes but the story was too good to knock off more stars.
The story resonated with me. Koji and Trista are two very successful and educated people who are overworked with little free time to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Koji planned to manipulate Krista into using his newly developed app, but she was too smart. She saw through his plan and flipped the script. In the end, they both got what they wanted: a fulfilling career and a life worth living.
It’s a bit short (about 60 pages of actual story) with a few editing mistakes but the story was too good to knock off more stars.
January 26, 2022
I kept seeing recs for the Lunchtime Chronicles so I wanted to give them a try. There are numerous stories and they all have different authors, so I'll keep trying but they aren't off to a good start. The only thing I liked about this book was how Trista turned the tables on Koji when he first showed up at her house. She wasn't stupid and knew exactly what he was after. Then the sex scene afterwards was nice. Afterwards, it just went downhill. There was nothing special about it. I'll keep trying but, I'm not impressed so far.
July 20, 2022
What can I say!
I was so look wrong and I apologize profusely! I always thought any book under 250 pages wouldn't give me enough! I love More and a complete story. Bento Box was not that! I got all the info I needed and I got all the feels for both Koji and Trista to make a complete snack until I find something equivalent to the Deluca Family Savage Bloodlines to read! I can't find anything to move me like them....but these little snacks will keep me reading! Loved the whole short story! The travel, the descriptions of the places and the sex scenes were fire hot!
I was so look wrong and I apologize profusely! I always thought any book under 250 pages wouldn't give me enough! I love More and a complete story. Bento Box was not that! I got all the info I needed and I got all the feels for both Koji and Trista to make a complete snack until I find something equivalent to the Deluca Family Savage Bloodlines to read! I can't find anything to move me like them....but these little snacks will keep me reading! Loved the whole short story! The travel, the descriptions of the places and the sex scenes were fire hot!
May 12, 2023
This was alright. The spelling errors were annoying and threw me off. Also seemed to jump from one scene to another which confused me and I found it disjointed. The actual storyline... meh. They got together fairly fast which made this unrealistic despite how realistic they talked to each other (if that makes sense). They kept each other grounded in what to expect but then 2 days in and it's thrown out the window- they don't even know each other like that 😒. I don't plan on reading all of the lunchtime series but only those that sound interesting and so far not off to a good start.
August 21, 2024
Oh Koji
He just assumed that he was going to sweep her off her feet. Boy did she fool him. She whipped him. Had him so twisted, he didn't know which language to speak. He was overwhelmed with her, she was everything in his life that he didn't know he wanted. Until she gave him some. He enjoyed it so much, he couldn't get enough. He took her around the world and then came back for her. Koji, a Japanese man, with a British accent... super sexy. Loved it. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
He just assumed that he was going to sweep her off her feet. Boy did she fool him. She whipped him. Had him so twisted, he didn't know which language to speak. He was overwhelmed with her, she was everything in his life that he didn't know he wanted. Until she gave him some. He enjoyed it so much, he couldn't get enough. He took her around the world and then came back for her. Koji, a Japanese man, with a British accent... super sexy. Loved it. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
December 24, 2021
Gaines’s humor is not my cup of tea
Generally, the story was fine, but she throws in so many “humorous” metaphors that for me, just aren’t funny. They’re kind of nasty and make me cringe. “Her underwear was like sticky rice” and “Just don’t come in my ear or pee in my mouth” other colorful phrases. I know many people find this funny (obviously, given the high ratings for this book), but the humor just isn’t my cup of tea and couldn’t even finish this short.
Generally, the story was fine, but she throws in so many “humorous” metaphors that for me, just aren’t funny. They’re kind of nasty and make me cringe. “Her underwear was like sticky rice” and “Just don’t come in my ear or pee in my mouth” other colorful phrases. I know many people find this funny (obviously, given the high ratings for this book), but the humor just isn’t my cup of tea and couldn’t even finish this short.
May 21, 2022
DNF. UGH.
I couldn't make myself finish this. I really couldn't. Life's too short to read terrible books, so it's been abandoned. Why? It's a hot, fetishy, cringey mess. The premise sounds like it would be interesting. But absolutely nothing happens in the part I read justifies how embarrassing the writing is. Hopefully, the other stories in this series are better, because this author is not it.
I couldn't make myself finish this. I really couldn't. Life's too short to read terrible books, so it's been abandoned. Why? It's a hot, fetishy, cringey mess. The premise sounds like it would be interesting. But absolutely nothing happens in the part I read justifies how embarrassing the writing is. Hopefully, the other stories in this series are better, because this author is not it.
June 7, 2020
Simply hilarious
Short & hilarious. I'm not a fan of Insta-love but the way this story was written made it make sense. All the characters had a great sense of humor & you could feel the easiness between everyone. If the series remains well written I could run through it in a day with pleasure
Short & hilarious. I'm not a fan of Insta-love but the way this story was written made it make sense. All the characters had a great sense of humor & you could feel the easiness between everyone. If the series remains well written I could run through it in a day with pleasure
December 4, 2020
Good Read
This was a very entertaining and hilarious story. I just love Trista. She was not about to play with Koji. He thought he was gonna wine and dine her then get her to agree with using his app...... Sikeee. She showed him different. She told him no to the app but yes to them spending the weekend with each other and letting go. Who would have known they would fall in love with each other.💜💜
This was a very entertaining and hilarious story. I just love Trista. She was not about to play with Koji. He thought he was gonna wine and dine her then get her to agree with using his app...... Sikeee. She showed him different. She told him no to the app but yes to them spending the weekend with each other and letting go. Who would have known they would fall in love with each other.💜💜
December 11, 2020
Great
I am working my way through The '"Chronicles ", and boy, I am loving it!!
This one here is hilarious, beautiful, confident, accomplished, intelligent woman, oh ,and full of sassiness ...and my goodness, her boldness took Mojo by surprise...
These two are just a match made in heaven.
Great read!
I am working my way through The '"Chronicles ", and boy, I am loving it!!
This one here is hilarious, beautiful, confident, accomplished, intelligent woman, oh ,and full of sassiness ...and my goodness, her boldness took Mojo by surprise...
These two are just a match made in heaven.
Great read!
February 7, 2021
I Really Liked This Story
Koji and Trista...she's a coroner and he's an app developer. He wanted to sell her on his product, that really wasn't a good idea for her profession (her families business which was a mortuary). He went to her home where they embarked on a really great time together.
Read this one, it was good
Koji and Trista...she's a coroner and he's an app developer. He wanted to sell her on his product, that really wasn't a good idea for her profession (her families business which was a mortuary). He went to her home where they embarked on a really great time together.
Read this one, it was good
September 17, 2021
Yo
I took too long to review this. I thought that the hero was a bit too arrogant in the beginning, so the heroine was a surprise for him. I thought that the heroine was awesome, all things considered. As someone who reads a good bit of Olivia Gaines, this one was definitely up my alley. I’d recommend it to other Olivia Gaines fans.
I took too long to review this. I thought that the hero was a bit too arrogant in the beginning, so the heroine was a surprise for him. I thought that the heroine was awesome, all things considered. As someone who reads a good bit of Olivia Gaines, this one was definitely up my alley. I’d recommend it to other Olivia Gaines fans.
October 19, 2021
This is what I’m talking about!!!
Thank you Olivia Gaines! I’d just finished a different series from this author, and although the story and characters were nice, it was missing what I found here…HEAT!!!… STEAM!!!!…. YYEESSS!!! Loved the characters and their story. Good story telling! Nice!!!
Thank you Olivia Gaines! I’d just finished a different series from this author, and although the story and characters were nice, it was missing what I found here…HEAT!!!… STEAM!!!!…. YYEESSS!!! Loved the characters and their story. Good story telling! Nice!!!
December 21, 2021
I'm FINALLY going out to LUNCH!
Just starting this series and its off to a fantastic start. Haven't read much of Ms. Gaines work but that's going to change. I so loved this Lunchtime Chronicle. Trista was a hoot and Koji aka Kojison was not expecting her at all. Best part the HEA. Yeah, I believe I will enjoy these Chronicles.
Just starting this series and its off to a fantastic start. Haven't read much of Ms. Gaines work but that's going to change. I so loved this Lunchtime Chronicle. Trista was a hoot and Koji aka Kojison was not expecting her at all. Best part the HEA. Yeah, I believe I will enjoy these Chronicles.
October 14, 2023
Bent On Not Love ❤️
They didn’t suit each other, yet for a three day weekend they were drawn together to have fun! She was Macon’s coroner and he was bent on selling her software to enhance her family’s funeral business. Somewhere along the way they found themselves and true love!🦋
They didn’t suit each other, yet for a three day weekend they were drawn together to have fun! She was Macon’s coroner and he was bent on selling her software to enhance her family’s funeral business. Somewhere along the way they found themselves and true love!🦋
November 18, 2024
not for me
This story wasn’t my cup of tea. The writing wasn’t bad but the language was a bit too contemporary for me. I am never a fan of insta love or books that are more focused on physical acts rather than the plot or emotions. It may not be my preference but others might appreciate all the steamy scenes. I am glad that they got their happy ending.
This story wasn’t my cup of tea. The writing wasn’t bad but the language was a bit too contemporary for me. I am never a fan of insta love or books that are more focused on physical acts rather than the plot or emotions. It may not be my preference but others might appreciate all the steamy scenes. I am glad that they got their happy ending.
April 4, 2020
💭
Koji and Trista were cute! Koji thought he was going to wine and dine his way into getting what he wanted. Trista knew what was going on and shocked him by suggesting they just enjoy each other and proceeded to rock his world. This was an end quick read.
Koji and Trista were cute! Koji thought he was going to wine and dine his way into getting what he wanted. Trista knew what was going on and shocked him by suggesting they just enjoy each other and proceeded to rock his world. This was an end quick read.
October 17, 2020
Koji & Dr. Hathaway’s meeting over dinner about a death app isn’t a story I thought I wanted to read until I read Bento Box. Now if your looking for a long drawn out story the LunchTyme Chronicles are not the books for u. This book was a really good short read and I enjoyed how it played out.
October 19, 2020
Arrigato
Cute little story, Thank you for that. They are such a cute story and having more Asian male characters is a positive. I initially thought having a Coroner/Mortician as the lead character would be a turn off, but it was done well.
Cute little story, Thank you for that. They are such a cute story and having more Asian male characters is a positive. I initially thought having a Coroner/Mortician as the lead character would be a turn off, but it was done well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews