Lakota Simjak is nothing like he looks. A laid-back kind of fella that takes life as it comes, while enjoying the simple beauty of the day to days. However, the lonely nights and eternal mornings tells him it’s time for a change. He wants a wife.
Melody Willis’ trophy case displays thirty years of being in the music business and performances all over the world. Yet, she goes to bed alone. Tired of fighting in the rat race she takes a chance. Dressed down, she heads to the offices of the Perfect Match and sits in front of the screen. It didn’t take her long to find the one thing she wanted. Through the screen his heart called to her as well.
“Coraline, I’m going to marry him,” Melody said with a definitive nod of her head.
The rest they say, is for the history books. Pack your bags and climb aboard for the funniest ride into the remote wilderness of Maine for a hearty helping of Lobsters, Bisques, and Berries.
Olivia 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.
How can a book be both strange & boring?! I've read a few in this series, this one is by far the most bizarre & not in a fascinating kind of way. Melody was a walking contradiction. she was worried about looking like a whore by have oral with her own husband, at her big age, in this day & time. How can a 38 yr old woman feel embarrassed when she initiated it & before that act, she asked why he hadn't done it to her, so why the embarrassment? What symphony did to Lakota is assault, not sure if that was supposed to be funny because it wasn't AT ALL. There's not a black woman ALIVE & ABLE that's not going to drag her sister off her husband. No woman is going to stand there doing nothing. The assault itself was strange & that's saying something in a book full of oddities. It like Tyler perry wrote this. It's barely a storyline, just a series of events. I cannot believed this book is so highly reviewed. Also not only can I appreciate a descriptive sex scene, I prefer them BUT, using the phrase "suckled like a hungry child" while describing a sex act is the cringest & creepiest thing I've ever read. My God, find better wording or don't write it because the author seemed uncomfortable with sex scenes between the couple but threw in melody getting hot & bothered by her husband's friend eating corn on the cob while being TOOTHLESS. I mean was this author high when she wrote this? How could that ever be sexy? So melody was embarrassed by performing a normal everyday sex act on her hubby but not mortified that she got turned on by a man eating corn & decided to announce that to the table? How does that make any sense? All of this madness would make you think this was interesting but it was mostly boring & dull with a few repulsive episodes shoehorned in there for the sake of comedy? I'm asking because I have no idea. There are funny & cute books in this series but this isn't one of them.
I realize that a lot of it was tongue in cheek but I felt uncomfortable with the casual prejudice at times. The whole scene about her family naked in the woods and Lakota’s over the top reaction, made me uncomfortable. What to say of making both Elijah and Lorelei come across as crude hillbillies? It bothered me that a simple life was really described as boring at times. I also didn’t like the idea that to finally enjoy her new life she basically had to turn her back and view her old life with disdain. She was running and it was disguised as finding herself. They was no meeting in the middle and I found it frustrating. As Lakota’s brother mentioned what is wrong with having a bath tub? What is wrong with making the house bigger with more modern amenities ? They both have money so living a simple life and living a spartan life are two different things. There is nothing to do during the winter so why not switch it up and go spend a few weeks in Malibu or New York? I understand that there are paparazzi but again, she’s got enough money to buy privacy. We don’t see photos of Megastars in their bathrobes on the net everyday. I know it’s a romance novel but I would have really liked is to read about is how they were going to deal with raising children. At some point these kids will have to join the « english » world and learn to deal with their mother’s fame. As an aside, this whole thing about putting all her money in a trust for her children made no sense. What if she didn’t have children? And what if it didn’t work out with Lakota. Was she planning to going back to hustling ? This was unnecessary.
Another journey through words that has become a favorite! I loved how the characters and the story developed. I loved how this story made me laugh and I even teared up a little. I'm upset because I wanted the the story to go on and on. But the real question is how can I contact grandma for that edible!
I can’t put in words but Olivia paints such a beautiful and authentic picture of love, joy and acceptance. I’ve read each and every book at least twice and I always feel happy after I read about brave men and women who have their share of heartbreak yet step into the light of love.
I loved Melody and Lakota. Their love helped them both find the peace and contentment they longed to have. What a beautiful transformation journey they both took. There family and friends only made the story more rich...lots of laughter, fun, love and joy!..It was over too fast...great job Ms.Gaines another great love story!! ,
I love this author, but let me say this book had a little of everything. It’s the recipe of finding romance, being in love without the drama and not ignoring that simple is just as good or even better than over the top. I look forward to the next book or series to come.
I get a good story and laugh from every one of Ms. Gaines books. This was no different. I love that Lacoda was not some alpha male a$$hole, but a strong man who took the needs of his wife into account. As always, great quirky side characters and learning not to judge a book by its cover.
4.0⭐️ This book features Lakota, an Abenaki Native American, looking for a mail order bride, but none has suited him thus far. After his fourth and last try before he’d give up, he began talking to Melody, a famous pop singer. She wanted her lifestyle to change, and she was willing to try it out with Lakota. After six months of emailing and talking to each other, Melody told Lakota that she wanted to be his wife—so come and get her!! I loved Melody’s assertiveness, and I found Lakota to be many different things: Alpha when he needed to be, quiet when it was called for, fierce or gentle and everything in between.
Enjoyable and intriguing? Definitely. But what makes this book much more remarkable is that the story is informative and steeped in the tribal customs, tradition and the rich cultural exploration of these indigineous people. The book gave me a satisfying look into some fascinating aspects of Abenaki history, beliefs and way of life. Bits of humor rounded out the story nicely. This read was absolutely well worth my time.
I’m not even sure how to write a review on this one. It could have been a good, funny story but it was hard to look past the racism, absurd scenarios and sexual assault. One minute the story would actually be ok then something totally ridiculous would happen. I don’t want to give away spoilers but the sexual assault was not ok, even if it happened to a male character. Just because the roles were reversed does not make it ok. And the way everyone reacted, like it wasn’t that big a deal, since drugs by one party were involved, makes it even worse. The father is a judge for goodness sake. The sister and the H are lawyers. There is no way these people could,should, or would just blow it off if it had been the female it happened to. That whole scene ruined the entire book.
I liked it but there were a few scenes that were just off. Symphony's actions after taking the edible. Really? Although the book was very funny times, some of Lakota's dialogue was a little too urban for someone who otherwise spoke very little and didn't own a tv. That also had me questioning his age. He sometimes seems older and wise and other times younger. Lakota didn't like aggressive women but Melody was very aggressive when Lakota came to meet her parents. "Marry me now and take me to our home"- kind of aggressive. I would have liked to have read about them raising children. Elijah and Lorelei both came off as old and uncouth.
I chose this rating because this was such an unexpected story. I loved the way it went from serious to funny to unadulterated sexiness. Lakota was so laidback and down to earth. Those moments where he was shocked by Melodys' family's abrupt behavior was over the top. As for Melody. You know there was something hiding beneath that silliness, but who would have thought it would be anxiety. I haven't read the other books and can't wait if they're like Lobsters, bisque and berries. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
1… There was a lot going on here. The first 3rd of the book is hard to read. There’s a lack of contractions on words, an intentional use of higher language and a weird amount of ‘shall’ when the characters are speaking. It’s off-putting to the reader, especially since this isn’t a regency novel. Everything happens very quickly at the beginning of the story, as Lakota and Melody want to marry ASAP. Despite having been in communication for 6 months, they haven’t used FaceTime or seen each other virtually, which is weird because the technology is there. I get the mail order bride thing, but still it’s strange how little they seem to know each other. Melody’s family are not that bad, with the exception of the sister who by the end of the book was very disgusting to me.
The next 3rd of the book is the two living off grid in Lakota’s home and Melody getting used to things. The weird syntax stops here, but I feel like the author has some gross out humor issues because either things are nastily described or there���s an emphasis on nasty/rustic situations. Lakota’s friends are a couple both missing their teeth, and extreme hillbilly personalities. Again most of their time in the book isn’t funny, they’re just stupid, crass, and gross. The author knows a lot of country euphemisms and puts every single one of them on display throughout the novel. Some were enjoyable, most made me cringe.
My next issue is with Lakota’s family, who at first don’t know that Melody is famous. They promptly get Melody drugged up and try to push information out of her in a hot sauna session, but it’s never discussed why they would do this. The drug also makes her extremely interested in you know what, so we get a scene of her flopping around on the floor and doing lewd acts…all while Lakota’s brother and then the rest of the family look on(again no idea why you would want this in your novel). This is bad, but later Melody gives her insistent sister the same drug, and she assaults Lakota, which is taken badly by everyone, but in a few months all is forgiven. It’s frankly the worst scene in the book and I don’t know why we needed to see that, as it adds nothing at all to the plot.
And as for the plot, it’s basically non-existent. The whole book, the author seems to be trying to throw any weird scenario she can at the reader, hoping it’ll be funny. And oh my goodness, it’s really not. It’s very confusing, raunchy and the whole book was just lack luster. This book had an editor, so what happened here?
When Thumper and Bear Stud got together, the entire forest quakes. I just loved this couple. I enjoyed reading about how Melody and Lakota went from individuals with their own quirks to becoming a loving couple totally focused on making their marriage successful.
Lakota learned how to be less rigid and more flexible and how to roll with the flow. Melody learned all kinds of survival skills thanks to her husband. She even managed to control her anxiety as long as she had Lakota by her side. She can now sit on their front porch bare azz naked and drink coffee if she wants to. This is a big change from her previous life. She now feels safe, nurtured, and loved, and now she has friends to boot.
Olivia did it again with this book. I so loved the humor. It kept me laughing throughout. I thought I'd wet my pants when his in-laws came to visit. I won't even talk about Symphony. I don't know what I'd do in that situation. I saw how Jimmie had eyes for Symphony. Is there more to come about her? Olivia's way with words is just amazing. I could feel the emotions being written about. It is wonderful to read a light-hearted book and laugh. It's such a balm to the soul. That's what this book was to me, a balm to my soul, especially at this time.
You did a wonderful job as usual Olivia. I highly recommend this book.
This is a wonderful addition to the series of people being matched to marry. Melody has had her whole life mapped out by others. Yet when she suddenly has nothing but time & opportunity she opts to find a mate without involving her " team ". She is seeking someone to cherish her for her. Lakota is tired of being wanted/desired based on stereotypes of Native Americans. In Melody he finds a woman who might be a little unsure of herself but is willing to see past conventional ideas to the true man. It was a wonderful & enlightening journey with this couple. The plot is real after all people use dating apps hundreds if not thousands of times a day. So a actual company to match people doesn't shock me. I loved the way they each took time to learn the other. The sexual chemistry while real wasn't the most motivating thing in their story. It was the growing love & friendship of the characters. The humorous parts are hilarious & I could so see them happening. Thank you for this awesome read. Well worth the read.
I loved this book. The speaking to her soul from a picture and the natural slow burn of love. The natural growth of the people through insecurities, past haunts, anxiety, and family, cultural and career dynamics reeled me right in. I would have beat the ever loving crap out of the sister, who should have left the house to find the other guy immediately, I really could have done without her character all together, or at least had more conflict between them. There was NO excuse for her doing that. Her statement that he was the only unrelated male didn't even make sense. He was her sister's husband. Every single thing else about this story was perfect and I fall in love with the beauty of each state right along with the couples. Lakota and Melody strummed on my heartstrings.
I always have loved Ms. Gaines' stories, but there is just something about Lobsters, berries and bisques. The laughter is there in droves--I laughed out loud much! The growth of the story between them was beautifully apparent and meaningful. The inclusion of so many cultural aspects of Lakota's world was interesting and added so much to the story. Melody was the best, most down to earth famous heroine who was so real and accepting of her own weaknesses and determined to grow and be the woman she knew she needed to be. I may have to say that of all Ms. Gaines' heroines, I feel like Melody was to one I warmed to the most. This story is so worth your time. You will be left smiling, feeling warm all over and happy you gave this read your time.
This is a amazing story with interesting characters that are captivating with a relationship that is entertaining and full of humor and drama.The couple has a sizzling passion that burn the pages. This is one of my favorite series from this author's work and I can say that I enjoyed this story the author's writing is amazing However the heroine will so awesome with her behavior. Although there is so much humour that it's off the chart even though they only just recently met. it's will bring tears to your eyes, it's so emotional. The characters are captivating There were quite a few things that will make this a pleasurable reading experience with this book, and it's absolutely enjoyable to read after all.
Lobster, Bisque, and Berries: ( Modern Mail Order Brides shook 12) is a very good interracial romantic comedy that earned a rating of four stars. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Lokota's and Melody's experience with the mail order service and how they fell in love with each other. I found their story interesting and hilariously funny as they navigated through meeting each others families. This installment of Mail Order Brides is just as good as the others and I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading very good romantic comedies.
Hands down Olivia Gaines is that gurrrl!!! Unlike in times past I was at home to lol instead of a doctor's appointment where people thought I was certifiable for lol. I was captured at the onset...the story never ever lagged and there was so much humor...I am often left to wonder if the voices are real....lol...I feel like edibles may have been consumed during this writing...welp Uncle Willie was a trip but the dried apricots stole the show for me....that sister attacking the bruh in law.... Jesus take the wheel...Great Read....
OMG - in the past 3 years I've amassed quite a few favorite books. This book "Lobster, Bisque, and Berries" is on that list.
Lakota and Melody met through a matchmaking service, this service has been used throughout OGs MOB series. This match was PERFECT. This couple was solid as a rock, nothing made their resolve to love each other waver.
This book was funny informative and a nice change from the normal leads. It's OGs writing that's a winning formula.
A wonderful light hearted story, this story made me laugh out loud all the way through
This is such a lovely, witty story full of humour throughout, touching on serious subjects regarding the indigenous Native Americans, their tribes and the true meaning of Thanksgiving. This story shows how love can change a couple for the better and teach them how to compromise and appreciate what each of them can bring to the relationship. Beautiful story which was well written, with an hilarious storyline.
I want to say I've never laughed so hard while reading a book before but I have. I laughed reading another of her books, she has my humor and I try to get everything she writes. I had to stop while reading this book and contact everyone I knew who read like I do and tell them to get this book right away. I don't know how she comes up with the things she does but I see it as pure genius. I'm not wasting any time I'm off to buy the rest of the series.
Lakota was lonely and unhappy living a secluded life in Maine. He sought the help of a matchmaker to find a wife, but after three long years of disappointments he was ready to give up. However, God works on his own time.
Melody also sought the services of the matchmaker to find the perfect husband to build a peaceful and free life with. One look at Lakota and she knew immediately that he was her future.
There were lots of drama, excitement, and laughs (especially towards the end) throughout this book. It is a great read. I definitely recommend this book.
… and so glad it didn’t take a turn for the worst b/c it could have… but the author chose to keep this love story on point! I’m so glad b/c I am NOT a fan of books with reasonless drama! I was also happy to see the author dig a little deeper into the love scenes. Some of the books in the series have been dry when it comes to getting hot and heavy missing grand opportunities to get steamy. The lead male character in this book was intriguing and so sexy! This was a good one.
I have read books 1-12, & these books are hilarious. I loved how patient & willing Lakota was to teach Melody the basics like, styling her hair , cooking & many other things. The author’s sense of humor & writing style is so full of life & fun. I will say the 3 books featuring the Neary brothers are my favorites. Ms. Gaines does not disappoint in this installment. You will love Elijah & Lorelei. Thank you for the best laughs I have had in awhile.
This story was really good! I was so surprised! This story is full of good humor. The author made room for family ties and friendships. The romance of the couple felt natural and heartfelt. I like the pace in which Melody and Lakota grow in intimacy. The cultural traditions of both Black and Indigenous people was really appreciated. I felt I was traveling back and forth between two cultures naturally. I am glad the rural lifestyle was not denigrated for the urban. I really enjoyed this story.
Very funny, unique hero and heroine trying to find their way and build their marriage. I enjoyed the writing and I was eager to keep reading. Fair warning on the issue cultural insensitivity on the heroine’s part towards indigenous peoples near the end that almost made me stop. I felt like that particular part could have been change or omitted but it might be my personal opinion. I look forward to reading more by this author.