Recipe for Love

Cattle Valley #15

by Carol Lynne

Book fifteen in the Cattle Valley Series After years of living in fear, Jay De Luca has finally found a safe haven in Cattle Valley. Although he's beginning to open up around his friends, he's far from ready to get involved in another relationship. When handsome, Erico Morrelli tries to hire him away from a job he loves, Jay declines the restaurateur's offer, afraid of spending time with the town's playboy. Ashamed to tell his friends he's sick, Erico tries to run The Canoe on his own despite protests from his physician. When he collapses at work, Erico begins to re-evaluate his future. His attraction to the one man he knows he should stay away from haunts him. Can Erico invent a Recipe for Love or will he face his toughest challenge alone?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, LGBT, Gay, Fiction

134 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

erotic & gay romances

Reviews

[Elisa Rolle]

This is probably one of the stories I was waiting most of all, I have a soft spot for girly looking guys, above all when it’s clear that, behind the fragile look, there is a strength that few men can demonstrate.

Jay is the favourite of all the inhabitants of Cattle Valley: he is young and innocent looking, and everyone wants to protect him. But no one wants to be his lover, maybe since they are scared to hurt him, or maybe since Jay is not exactly butch looking, and you need to like the waif style to like him; in few words, Jay is too pretty to be real, and this kept good men at distance; then, if a man gets close to him, he is often of the idea that he can control a fragile man like Jay.

There is one man who would like Jay not only as a pretty object to show off, but he is the Don Juan of Cattle Valley; Erico, the owner of the fanciest restaurant in town, is also quite famous to be always the buddy friend of every man but never the lover. At first Erico sees in Jay only a strangely attractive man, someone who is not his usual type; and then Erico can’t “use” Jay like he usually does with men, the townspeople are there looking at them and at once threatening Erico if he will hurt Jay, and then warning Jay against Erico. With this basis, nothing can really happen between them, and at the beginning of the book, Erico has lost hope.

And it’s at this point that Jay displays his real self: a librarian outside the bedroom, he is a slut inside, and he is also very horny and he needs a man. And Erico is there, willing to be that man, and scared enough by all their friends that for sure he will not dare to really hurt Jay; but a little bit of pain during sex is something not only Jay is willing to accept, but above all that he needs.

I was expecting for the drama to be on Jay’s side, given his past, and instead he comes out pretty much like a young and steady man, who perfectly knows what he wants in life and that is more than able to take care of himself; who instead needs help is Erico. This is an unexpected and nice turn that gives balance inside the couple, so much that, I realized or remembered only at the end of the book that Jay is way much younger than Erico, and that this was indeed a May / December relationship.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0857150693/?...

[Tj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read overall. I've really enjoyed the Calley Valley series. I like that the author often puts relationships that can be outside the "norm". An older man with heart trouble with a 20 year old that is a bit "feminine" is not a couple most would approve. This couple works around their "reputations" in the community and their own troubled backgrounds to come together. My major concern with the story was that Jay had a sudden turnaround. It just seemed like the reasons for him deciding that they would try at a "real" relationship were not really clear. It was still enjoyable and a good read.

[Riayl · Rating 2 out of 5]

So...I liked Erico. Jay was so-so. Ethan I didn't like at all. I had long drawn out rants about this book, written in my mind, but now a few days have passed and I'm just not sure I care anymore. But I'll try.

Having only picked up a book or two previously in this series, I have no idea how the characters were portrayed in other books. But I wasn't really getting the vibe that Erico had ever been an asshole, just that he didn't do relationships, only hook-ups. Most everyone seemed to like him, so it seemed really crappy how they all treated him like he was an abusive jerk when it came to his interest in Jay. And what was with the judging him by the amount of people he had slept with? Not cool. Not cool at all. What the hell has that to do with what kind of person he is? Especially coming from Jay, who calls himself a slut. Where does he get off being okay that he likes to have a lot of sex but it isn't okay for Erico, who is much older than him, to have lots of sex. It wasn't like he was out there making promises and breaking hearts.

Which brings us to Ethan. Soooo...a guy you know doesn't do relationships, only hookups, says "hey, let's f*ck" and you turn that into twue wuv and wedding bells and white picket fences and then when, shockingly *sarcasm* all he wanted was to f*ck, you turn all hater on him and bad mouth him to other people, and basically act like he led you on AND raped you, when you were twisting things in your mind and not willing to take responsibility for your own actions. Now, I'm also supposed to feel sorry for Ethan because he thought Erico was interested in him but it turned out he only wanted to find out about Jay. What exactly did Erico do that led Ethan to think he was so interested in him? Did he take him out on dates? Did he bring him flowers and candy? Did he tell him he was in love with him? Maybe I missed the book where Erico was telling Ethan he wanted a future with him all the while using him for info on Jay?

I just felt so much frustration while reading this book. For all I could see, Erico was a nice guy that almost everyone who wasn't feeling sorry for themselves liked. Added to that he is having heart surgery and all anyone can do, even while he is lying in his hospital bed is warn him away from Jay and act like Jay is 8 years old and Erico is the creeper pedophile down the street.

Honestly, I don't know what Erico saw in Jay, there just wasn't much to him. This whole thing has been odd for me because generally I would be much more likely to empathize/sympathize with Jay or Ethan but here I just felt like everyone was vilifying Erico for no reason. There was some serious judgment and intent to shame because he had had lots of lovers.

Ugh, I'm getting peeved just thinking about it, so I'm going to stop before I'm even grumpier. *stomps off*

[Betryal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best of Carol's books to date in my opinion. Sure I mean I've liked all the rest but this one just did it for me and I'm not just saying this because Jay is one hot mofo (going by the cover) I drooled for awhile before I could even get started on reading it LOL

My fav parts in the books is when Jay tells Francois:

“Fuck you, asshole. Shouldn’t you be more concerned with your new boss than my cock?”

This left me in stitches. This coming from gorgeous, silent Jay? Priceless!

Then there's the part where Jay dedicated 'Can I have this dance' knowing this tune I sorta lost my cool and it tear jerked me some.

In all I decree this story is amazing! A. Must. Read!

[Rossy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing i love about Carol's stories is that we don't dwell on the hardships the heroes or heroines have experienced in the past. While it's in no way ignored and even addressed at times, she concentrates on showing the characters willingness to move forward. I like that the books are light and not full with angst, though i do wish they were a bit longer. I keep feeling like there should be more to read about the characters, which really has more to do with my preference for longer novels.

[Karen K · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5-4 stars**
Before I read this there was no way I'd have ever said I liked Erico, but by the middle of the book, I can honestly say he was bearable and then even turned to likeable. I loved Jay from the first appearance he ever made and I really wouldn't have pictured him with the cocky restaurant owner, but in the end they seemed like a pretty sweet couple.

[Lena Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Recipe for Love' by Carol Lynne was intense, sensual, and poignant. It's Jay's story. A recluse, even in Cattle Valley. Jay's had enough. He decided to pursue a relationship which was tenuous at best, with Erico, the town's player. I felt a great deal empathy for Jay as his story was told. I knew it would be sad, but it was much sadder than I imagined. I gained a new respect for this young, brave person as she struggled to hold her own and be herself against all odds.

I also gained a new respect for Erico, who up to now, I didn't care for. He grew in leaps and bounds after falling in love with Jay. I would never have imagined the two of them as a couple, but wow! Almost nothing was simple for them, but the story is a testament to the old adage that there's someone for everyone. It was a very satisfying story which I'm sure Cattle Valley fans and anyone else who chooses to read it will love.

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really nice book in this wonderful series. It was great to finally find out what makes the enigmatic Erico tick - and to see the very shy Jay unthaw a little.

Seeing these two figure out their relationship was doubly interesting because at first glance my reaction was - no way! But Carol manages to describe their developing feelings in a very warm and utterly believable way. I really liked this volume and hope this series will continue for a long time to come!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay is such a sweet young man who has been through more then he should, but finally everything is looking up for him in Cattle Valley. This was such a sweet read. Poor Erico and his previous
relationships seem to be playing a huge part in what everyone sees instead of how he is changing, and the love between these 2 is wonderful

[Chappy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just so-so for me...

Erico, the town slut, has finally fallen for someone. Too bad pretty-boy Jay doesn't want anything serious. Then Erico's health problems get worse and Jay has to step up to the plate.

[Gabis Laberladen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darum geht's:

Jay ist vor seinem gewalttätigen Ex nach Cattle Valley geflüchtet. Der Koch und Restaurantbesitzer Erico würde Jay schon gefallen, doch Erico hat einen Ruf als notorischer Playboy, der mit dem halben Ort schon im Bett war. Jay zögert, doch Erico bleibt hartnäckig, denn ihre Anziehung ist gegenseitig.

Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier

[Joanne Minna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay, the young insecure man trying to find a home in Cattle Valley, and the resident play-boy, that changes lovers more than some people change socks, Erico, the owner of The Canoe, spark. But with Jay's tragic past and Erico's trying to change his ways (influenced by his failing health and his love for the waifish Jay), they have some huge hurdles to jump over.

[Pamela Su · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rolling my way through this series in three days.

Quite a fun read. Not my favorite of this series, but an enjoyable one nonetheless. Wish there were more cooking featured in this book. For a book about two chefs, it was surprising lacking in food.

[andrea moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cattle Valley

I love a good redemption story arc and this one was a belter with Jay coming into his own light and Enrico showing it just takes meeting that special someone to change your ways

[Sarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

So, while I was determined to read this next book of the series, I’ll be honest and say I wasn’t really looking forward to it; neither main character really grabbed my attention in a good way and I wasn’t really seeing them together mentally before I‘d started the book. Anyone familiar with the series should already be aware that Erico is a pretty big playboy and it doesn’t set a good impression when other characters are bringing their significant others into his restaurant prepared to basically fend him off if necessary. Jay is a fairly new resident to Cattle Valley and is routinely described as ‘delicate’ or ‘feminine’; while I have no problem with that type of character, I don’t really care for them too much either so you can kind of see my reluctance to pick this one up.

Surprisingly, I liked this one more than I was initially prepared to. Neither character ended up the way I’d expected; Erico basically abandons his playboy ways when he sets his sights on Jay while Jay was the one to only want a ‘benefits’ kind of relationship. I also hadn’t expected Jay’s personality to kind of do a complete change when in the bedroom; shy and ‘delicate’ he certainly was not. There was an expected bit of flack given to Erico by other residents of the town when they find out that he and Jay are sleeping together but with Erico’s previous reputation and Jay’s past abuse, I think I would’ve found it less believable if no one had said anything at all.

The story overall was, as I said before, better than I’d expected though by no means my favorite in the series. The ending was decent and I liked how Jay stepped up to the plate when needed as well as how the characters were just so different than I’d pictured after having seen them previously. Anyone that enjoys May/December pairings, twinks or characters that are more than they originally appear might like this book.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll get nailed by a few of my reader friends for not reading in order, but meh. It was worth it!

By page nine of this book, I knew. Jay is something special; that perfect blend of vulnerable and stubborn that draws me completely into a character's orbit. He had a back story I knew I had to go back in the Cattle Valley series to read about. Erico's attraction to him had my sympathy. Watching him try to resist his growing need was almost as painful to me as it was for him! I felt their pain, and that says a lot about how well the characters are drawn.

I'd recommend this story to anyone who likes pretty boys, sensitive men and well developed characters. Oh. And a healthy helping of hot sex. Though I started in the middle of the series, I'll definitely go back and read the rest of this series.

[Eyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've waited a long, long time for Jay's story, and I did enjoy it. I love how Lynne shows us a side of Jay that I never would have imagined.

At one point, Jay's friend Ethan looks at him and says, "You really are two people trapped inside one body, aren't you?" Jay responds, "No, I'm one person who people only have understand." I absolutely love those lines! I also enjoyed the way that the author did not make Jay out to be a victim throughout the entire story. Instead, she showed his actual strength and gave him a voice.

All in all, it was a good installment in the series.

[H.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A painfully shy young man and a playboy. While you would expect the roles these characters play to give you a certain idea of how the story plays out, you would be wrong. Though Jay is young, he's dealt with a lot and knows what he want. Erico never thought he could fall in love, wouldn't allow himself to, so watching the journey these two take together is a wonderful ride. Erico'shealth problems adds depth to the story and brings out the truth about how they feel, fears, and what they want. I truly enjoyed this story and loved the main characters. Recommended for a real love story.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay is my favorite character but I really felt bad for Erico in this one. He has his own issues but the townspeople don't see that, they just see the playboy that they keep warning Jay off of. Erico has true and honest feelings for Jay but how does he convince him and the townspeople of that...

There were several bumps in the road to get over but I really thought these two made a good couple and brought out the best in each other. The scene at the ball at the end of the book was one of my favorites so far!

[Jenny Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this one!

Both guys, Erico and Jay were both so different than I thought they'd be.
Once Erico set his sights on Jay, his player days were over. All he wanted was Jay, and who could blame him? At first Jay seemed like this quiet and shy man who needed taken care of but he turned that around and ended up being the one to take care of Erico. And lemme tell ya... That jay turned into quite the dirty mouth that I didn't expect! I loved it though, I was glad they found each other.
Perfect addition to an already amazing series!
On to the next!

[Dylan St. Jaymes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'mma keep this short and sweet: This book is that awkward moment where I could not find one single, solitary fuck to give about either of the MC's and was instead more interested in a side character.

This is probably what I get for reading out of order LOL.

Whatever. I didn't like Enrico. I didn't care much for Jay and I really only give a damn about Ethan.

*goes to look for Ethan's book*

[Shelby P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a different vibe than the others to me. Could it be because it had a sound plot? I didn't think I'd like Erico and his manwhoring ways but he was a sympathetic character. I was surprised by Jay as well.

Although Jay has suffered abuse in the past, I'm glad he wasn't abused in this story. I also liked how he stood up to Erico. My expectations were surpassed with this story!

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars - I did enjoy this book and it was soooo sweet in places - but I feel it missed the mark a bit - it hat the potential to be so much mor - but too much was glossed over or not fully explored - still well woth the read and the steamy scenes are smokin lol.

[Miralinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 звезды за Джея, люблю андрогинов. Эрико совершенно не впечатлил, 2 раза был секс и оба раза сердечный приступ(( Джей утверждает, что любит жесткий секс, но я его не увидела совсем, только жалость, что Джею достался такой партнер

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recipe for Love is an enjoyable story. I have not read any of the other books in the Cattle Valley series, but I will have to now.

[Bubbles Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a long time to warm up to Erico. Might have happened sooner but the way he treated Ethan really made it hard to like him. By the end he was ok and I don’t hate him as much.

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story, Jay was great, I really liked him, and I think Enrico is good for him.
It also showed that reputations or impressions people have of you can follow you for quite a while.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Erico and Jay. Something about Jay, I am glad we saw another view of Erico. Moving on to the next...

[Shierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 . Great story and beautiful couple. Too short! I want more of this couple