Charmed by the Cook's Kids is the 6th book in the Mountain Monroes series. There are presently 11 books in this series, so I have a few more to catch up on. The story begins with Grandpa Harlan leaving instructions in his will that his children, must fire all the grandchildren who are working in Monroe businesses. They are left the town of Second Chance, one that Harlan bought up and leased the businesses back to the residents for $1.00 per year. Each book is the story of another cousin, this one, Michelin chef, Cam. Cam was recently fired from the restaurant he had been working in since being fired from all the Monroe restaurants, and he is full of self-doubt. He heads to Second Chance to cater his cousin's wedding. When he wanders into the Bent Nickel, the only diner/restaurant in town, he is appalled. He immediately begins to criticize the kitchen, the menu and the cook. As he realizes that he is going to have to get along with owner and single mom Ivy Parker, he slowly begins to change his tune. As he settles in somewhat to Second Chance, he becomes "friends" with Ivy's children, which melts her heart. She doesn't trust men, especially chefs, but will she be able to let her guard down for Cam Monroe.

This is another wonderful story in the Mountain Monroe series. There are clean, sweet romance stories, where you know there will be a happily ever after. As the series progresses, more and more Monroes make Second Chance their home, and they start businesses and have plans to actually make the town a place where they are getting a new beginning, families and happiness. Although Cam and Ivy are the main characters in this story, it is the kids that steal the show for me. From the humorous scene about "booger waffles" to a young son telling Cam to stop scaring him mom, it demonstrates that children often know more than adults realize. Ivy has been through a lot in her past, including the treatment of her ex-husband and his family, so it is easy to see why she is afraid to trust Cam. Cam has a huge chip on his shoulder, that gradually falls off after spending time around Ivy, her boys and other locals. I always enjoy seeing some of the characters that have been around since the first book and several make an appearance in this story. I am glad I picked this story up, it reminded me how much I enjoyed the first books in this series and that I need to get back to Second Chance to find out what happens to it once all the Monroe cousins finally make up their mind. If you are looking for a clean romance, one with great characters and some serious issues as well, then pick up Charmed by the Cook[s Kids, or better yet, start with the first book in this series and read them all.

Ivy is a single mom who needs to work on the menu at her diner to keep is going. Times are changing in town and she needs to keep at pace or get out of there. Cam Monroe is a big name chef and he's less then thrilled with how Ivy's diner is running and while hes looking towards bigger and better things he'll have to help out Ivy. He never expected to like Ivy or her boys as much as he does.

This was a pretty enjoyable book if you are looking for a contemporary book to read this summer. I enjoyed getting to konw the characters and seeing how everything played out. Cam was a bit over the top when it came to him thinking way too highly of himself but there was also the hurt he was dealing with when it came to his previous job. He's a bit lost and Ivy is nothing he expected. I liked getting a deeper insight to Ivy's character and seeing why things the way they were and getting to know her character though her point of view. Overall this was a pretty good book I really did enjoy it.

A subtitle for this book might be "Battle of the Chefs!" Ivy runs the Bent Nickel diner in the small mountain town of Second Chance, serving as cook and manager while raising her two young boys. Cam Monroe, a professional chef, arrives on the scene, demanding to use the Bent Nickel kitchen in order to prepare dishes for a family wedding reception. Ivy and Cam repeatedly clash in their attitudes towards food prep and restaurant management. However, the sparks also fly as they become attracted to each other. In addition, Ivy and Cam each harbor a few secrets of their own, which add interest and suspense to the story.

The small town setting provides a backdrop for the quirky characters that people Second Chance. Throw in the wealthy Monroe family, new owners of the town who fall in love with the place and its inhabitants. Now add the adorable kids and some nasty in-laws, and you have cooked up a delectable, even if somewhat predictable, reading feast.

Although this is part of a series, readers will quickly come up to speed with the families, characters, and interwoven back stories. The book can be enjoyed as a stand alone, although it certainly serves as an appetizer to read the other books in the series.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

This is book 6 in the Mountain Monroe's series and can be read as a stand alone. There is a lot of references to couples in the previous books. This is the first I've read by Melinda Curtis. Ivy runs the diner in Second Chance and needs some help to keep her business open and provide for her children. Cam is a chef and decides to help her out. He didn't plan on her family taking over his life. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Oh, Ivy! Who would have ever guessed. I sure didn't. I won't say any more than that. No spoilers from me!

I have to say I could not finish this book. The main character was so horrible, I didn't get past the second chapter. Didn't anyone tell the author this guy was the worst nightmare come true.

Ivy Monroe and her two boys are three of the best characters. I too have been charmed by the cook's kids. Ivy is running her diner smoothly and effectively when Cam Monroe, a Michelin-star chef arrives in town, out of a job and in charge of his sister's wedding reception. The Monroes literally own the town and will be deciding whether or not to sell the town or stay and keep it thriving. It grabbed me from the first sentence and kept my interest to the very end. Definitely a winner.

Charmed by the cooks kids is a mediocre romance book. The plot was a makeover hallmark movie. But with third rate actors. There was not a lot of developing the characters, so you would care about them. This would not be a book I would recommend