This book was so good! It immediately hooked me in. I really enjoyed Lucas and Chloe as main characters and their chemistry was out of this world. Small town romances are one of my favorites, and this one did not disappoint especially with the kooky, fun, and heartwarming townspeople. The pacing threw me off a little bit, but other than that it was a really solid read! If you're looking for a fun romcom, this is it!

I think the premise to this book was super cute. The cover was also adorable. The side characters were fun and relatable. However, I did not vibe with the main characters at all and the writing needs A LOT of editing.

3.25 stars for this found family, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, small town, spicy rom-com!

"Taco Bout Love" by Lily Kate is a cute, fun read with a good amount of spice and banter, but it's not a *great* book. While I did enjoy it, it lacks that certain "oomph" that could have made it an all-timer. The main characters, Chloe Brown and Lucas Donovan, couldn't be more different. Chloe is from big bad New York City, and Lucas has lived his entire life in the small town of Fantasie, where everyone knows everyone and everyone is in each other's business. On her way out of the city and looking to start her life over somewhere new, Chloe's car has just broken down in Fantasie, and Lucas is immediately attracted to her, even though she has taken his parking spot with her annoying, loud, gaudy truck. Forced to stay in town while her vehicle is repaired, Chloe slowly starts to take a liking to the town, its quirky residents, and especially to Lucas Donovan. What starts off as a slow-burning frenemies situation eventually turns into a full-blown powder keg romance between the grumpy Lucas and the sunshiny Chloe.

Chloe is a little bit of a dingbat. She's one of those FMCs that is continually hurting herself and constantly needs to be saved by the MMC (in more ways than one. I liked the dynamic between her and Lucas, but I think their relationship gets started way too quickly. A lot of readers will likely gravitate toward Lucas's general demeanor (a grumpy but protective and possessively growling MMC who won't let anyone near "his girl"), though I am "eh" about that kind of thing. The spice starts out really steamy, but it sort of peters out towards the middle to end of the book. In fact, all of the writing does. It opens strong but fades quickly (including a couple of plot holes). Speaking of spice, can I please just say... I absolutely hate it when romance authors refer to the female anatomy as "folds" or a "channel"? Technically, these terms *do* apply, but they are SO RIDICULOUSLY UNSEXY that it takes me right out of the story! Ugh! I also didn't love the third act. I think it takes far too long for Chloe to open her dessert taco truck, Taco Bout Love. The third-act kerfuffle feels like it comes out of nowhere if I'm honest. It seems like Fantasie is extraordinarily accepting of Chloe from the get-go as they treat her as one of their own from hour one...in real life, do you think it'd be the same type of situation? Probably not, but I guess that's why this is a work of fiction. I will say, I did love the other residents of Fantasie, and I cannot wait for more books about them and their interesting dynamics and relationships.

TW: domestic violence, infertility, miscarriage, kidnapping.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lily Kate, and LK Publishing for providing me with an ARC copy of this book! All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for my review.

ARC REVIEW FOR TACO BOUT LOVE

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 stars

Thank you to @netgalley, @lkpublishing and Lily Kate for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This story was super cute. Typical big city to small town romance with a slight enemies to lovers level tension. Had a hint of spice for sure and the build up was delicious 🥵and the small town characters were sweet and the perfect amount of nosy. BUT, while I loved the chemistry and everything…the SECOND this story turned from the enemies to lovers, the dialogue got mediocre.

𝕊𝕐ℕ𝕆ℙ𝕊𝕀𝕊:
Chloe Brown left her life in New York and bought a food truck. After driving it to Fantasie, Maine, she makes a stop to try and plan for her dessert taco truck, Taco Bout Love. But nothing happens in a small town secretly, and soon everyone knows she’s there, including grumpy lawyer Lucas Donovan who is equally irritated that his parking spot was stolen by a purple food truck, but also mad for the new girl in town. As their paths continued to cross, Lucas and Chloe not only try to navigate their new connection, but their pasts and futures as well.

𝕎ℍ𝔸𝕋 𝕀 𝕃𝕀𝕂𝔼𝔻:
• big city in small town
• grumpy/sunshine
• chemistry and tension

𝕎ℍ𝔸𝕋 𝕎𝔸𝕊ℕ’𝕋 𝕄𝕐 ℂ𝕌ℙ 𝕆𝔽 𝕋𝔼𝔸:
• I felt the story lost it’s luster once it crossed beyond enemies to lovers
• writing became a bit mediocre towards the end

𝕆𝕍𝔼ℝ𝔸𝕃𝕃 𝕋ℍ𝕆𝕌𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊:
Good but not great, BUT still a cute fun read. Lots of characters made the struggles with Chloe and Lucas more palatable. If you like small town romances I would definitely recommend this book, and I myself am interested enough to see what else comes out of Fantasie in the future!

Taco about Love is out this Valentine’s Day, 2/14/23!

I was very disappointed in the lack of tacos in this book. lol - I kid; I mean I did pick it out because, man, tacos are the best! But overall its a sweet romantic story that has a few good troupes and a few cringe ones - like love at first sight and I could have used less use of the word "baby" (that is a personal thing.)

So we have our main character Chloe who is running away after a breakup from a long term toxic relationship in a purple food truck that has seen better days. It breaks down in a small town that is filled with strapping eligible men that are all related.

Can the town charm her into staying once the food truck is up and running? Can the handsome helpful lawyer guy make her stay?

Read to find out!

Overall it was an easy fun read and I would read more by this author in the future - I did feel a few of the side storylines were left unfinished, but I am hoping to see more books take place in this town!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to review this book. Unfortunately, I ran out of time and will not be able to give a review. I look forward to other books released and hope that I will be able to devote more time to them.

I would like to thank Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Lily Kate for approving my request for an ARC of Taco Bout Love.

In theory, Taco Bout Love could've been my perfect match. It has troupes that I love, a cozy small town setting, and a couple I could get behind. But, sadly, this wasn't for me.

After Chloe leaves her life in New York behind, she is heartbroken but determined to have a fresh new start. She uses the last of her savings to buy a rundown food truck and heads out to start her new life. But when she decides to take a pit-stop in a small town called Fanastie, her truck breaks down and, inevitably, lands her in Lucas Donovan's reserved parking spot. The two meet and it's love at first sight. However, due to a past relationship, Chloe is convinced that she can't fall in love with Lucas. What if he ends up hurting her? What if she can't give him what he wants in a relationship? And what if their futures don't line up? But the longer she stays in Fantasie, the more she begins to fall head over heels for the town, the people, and the man she's falling for.

As I said, I don't hate this book. I enjoyed it and loved some of the scenes in it, but it just felt strange to me. The flow of the writing was a little off, and some of the dialogue was disjointed, like there were conversations that would come in and it would feel unnatural or a little unnecessary. Or the conversation just wouldn't quite line up. And sometimes, there were confessions that felt rushed. Lucas was weird for me in the beginning. He came off as a jerk with how jealous and possessive he was towards Chloe, especially since they were literally still strangers. Though, I did soften up to him as the story went on. Chloe was also somewhat frustrating. I understand trauma and such, but I don't enjoy when characters deny their feelings for someone when they clearly have feelings for someone. That's probably a me thing, though. Storywise, it was pretty predictable. Like, yes, it did catch me off guard a couple of times, but I knew what was going to happen for the majority of the book. And, I think it's fair to say that despite the plot having potential, it kind of fell flat for me. I thought there would be a lot more tacos, and I was disappointed. Besides these critics, I still had fun reading this. Lucas turned out to be a sweetheart. The cozy town aspect was a comforting vibe in the background, and I love some family scenes. Countryside feels are definitely my thing, and the people in Fanastie are an absolute delight. But it just wasn't for me.

This same review has been posted to goodreads and can be viewed through the first link on a shelf called "netgallery". A similar but shorter review will be posted to my Bookstagram handle on February 14th, the set release date for Taco Bout Love. Same with Amazon. Thanks again for the opportunity.

Chloe and Lucas are the perfect romcom couple!

Chloe is looking for a new start, and just as her truck arrives to a little town named Fantasie it breaks down. So this is her new start and it is everything she is looking for. Except for the big CEO whose' parking spot she had to use for her damaged truck.

Lucas is intrigued by the new comer and the more he sees from her the more he wants her for himself, but Chloe has mind set. Get her truck fixed, start her new taco's food truck and go back to the road!

I loved it, this book is hilarious, all the characters are amazing and you get to know them and just want to more from them!

This is a cute book about starting over and finding love when you least expect it.

Chloe is coming into town on fumes, literally. Her vehicle is past going and she is running low on funds. When her beast of a vehicle rolls into a parking spot marked reserved, she doesn't think it will matter as the parking lot is empty and she hopes to have it moved before Monday rolls around.

Lucas Donovan plays by the rules. He has to as he is the attorney in this small town and his family depends on him to hold it all together. When he spots the woman exit the vehicle that is in his spot, his heart does something it hasn't done before and he has to meet her and once he does, he is determined to make her his.

There are funny characters and small-town humor and heat between Chloe and Lucas. There is also some drama and a little danger that will keep you on your toes. Great family ties for Lucas and happy Chloe finally found her home.

I loved this book so much. Chloe had been in a bad place and was trying to turn her life around. The town of Fantasie acepted her almost instantly ans that was so beautiful, she really needed that support. I loved Lucas, he was a really good guy that loved her so much, and he didn't expect anything in return for that love and that is just amazing. He never pressured her and was there for her, no matter what, he was her biggest cheerleader and I love when men are like that because that's the way it's supposed to be. They were so perfect together, they really complemented each other, there isn't another word for it

As a taco I knew I had to snatch this one up! Lucas and Chloe are the owners of two dueling food trucks
which makes for quite the spicy romance. I loved the chemistry between the two and hate to lovers aspect as well! Through in some delicious food talk and what is not to love! Very much enjoyed this one! I know readers will as well!

4/5


My name is Lucas Donovan, and I’m a sucker for a great taco.

No, that’s not an innuendo, though I do like my women like I like my tacos: extra spicy. So when a brand new food truck rolls into our sleepy little town of Fantasie, Maine, I know I’m in trouble. I just don’t know how much trouble.

Things go downhill fast when I meet Chloe Brown, the sizzling hot and super sassy owner of Taco Bout Love who is as extra as guac. Then out of the blue, Chloe plops her huge purple eyesore of a truck in my designated parking spot. I’m sorely tempted to have her truck towed, and her right along with it.

Unfortunately, Chloe’s as fierce as a ghost pepper, and she’s not going down without a fight. Before I know it, the only thing I’m certain of is that this woman drives me crazy… in the best way possible. What’s more is that I’m beginning to think I just might miss her when she’s gone.

Suddenly, I can’t seem to keep my hands off Chloe Brown… or her tacos.

I loved all the characters in Taco Bout Love. It was so romantic and quite steamy, I was left feeling happy and warm on the inside after finishing. I will be reading the other books in the series.

Welcome to Fantasie: Where dreams come true.

Slow burn.
Small-town romance.
Dual POV.
Spicy (but not very).
Quirky characters.

TW- domestic abuse, infertility, pregnancy loss, kidnapping, gun violence

This was a super fun and cute read. I love the grumpy/sunshine trope. Especially when the guy has a big heart and Lucas Donovan probably has one of the biggest hearts of all. Good story and good spice without it being too much. I was hooked on this romantic, heartwarming story set in the small town of Fantasie. There is a lot of love between the characters and I loved each of their charming personalities. I hope future books are written about them and their stories!!

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

<i>Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the arc in return for my honest review.<i>

"Sharing a meal together is about the food, but it's also not. The food brings us together, but then it's about the time we have with each other. Enjoying each other's company."

🌮 Small Town Romance
🌮 Spicy Rom-Com
🌮 Found Family
🌮 He Falls First
🌮 Insta-Love
🌮 Main Characters in 30s
💥 Infertility

Chloe Brown is a culinary chef who decides to start over after a breakup with her partner by moving to a new town with her dessert taco truck. The only problem is said taco truck is on its last leg and she barely rolls it into Fantasie, Maine before it gives out completely and she has to park it in a someone's designated parking spot. Lucas Donovan's parking spot to be exact and he's not happy about it. Lucas takes one look at Chloe and is both enamored and irritated with her. Chloe says she is only staying in town for a little bit and will get out of his way but soon the people of Fantasie start accepting her as their own and it gets harder to leave.

This was a cute and spicy story about starting over in a new town and just instantly accepted by the townspeople. I enjoyed reading the banter between Chloe and Lucas and loved that Lucas didn't push Chloe into anything since she was just starting over and learning her own way again. The side characters were honestly my favorite and I can't wait to read more about them as the series continues. I do wish that Chloe would've put up more obstacles for Lucas to overcome only because I'm not a big fictional insta-love reader but this book was cute and I enjoyed it!

This book had so much potential but really just missed the mark for me.

While I love the small town setting (it gives serious Stars Hollow vibes and I’m here for that), the characters, and the idea of this girl opening a dessert taco food truck, it just kind of fell flat.

The dialogue didn’t feel authentic, there were times that a character would ask a question, they’d have a whole conversation about something else, and the question would be answered further down. Some of the conversations just didn’t flow or read like anything you would say naturally out loud to people. I also had issues with the mmc because he felt so creepy in the beginning of the book and doesn’t seem to respect Chloe’s boundaries very well.

Overall I think this book has potential, I mean a small town full of Italians just sounds like a family reunion to me and I love that, but I don’t think this writing style was for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me an arc of this book. This is my honest review.

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and most of all the author for providing me with this ARC
This was a cute twist on quirky-small-town-found-family with an enemies-to-lovers thing going on. The cast of characters was a blast to get to know, and a great introduction to the series.
This book was a light and quick read, albeit with some really heavy DV stuff going on in with side characters. I loved the concept of the taco truck, though there wasn’t nearly as much taco/chef stuff happening as i would have expected.
Can’t wait to read more from this author!

I really enjoyed Taco about Love - the chemistry between Lucas and Chloe was brilliant from the start. and I enjoyed the development of the story. I felt that the pacing of the story was a little strange - it was hard to remember at times that Chloe had only been in the town for a matter of weeks, however the perspective characters had distinct voices which I really liked. I'm excited to read more from this author!

It was such a blast to meet these characters. I can't wait for my next visit to Fantasie since I know it will be fun filled with twists and turns. The author tackled hard topics in a head-on way but it wasn't the main story focus.

Thank you so much to Net Galley for providing this wonderful eARC!

Small town romance, punny title, dessert tacos... what's not to love? I liked each of the main characters and the supporting ones as well (can tell there's potential for more books there!). I liked the spice, except for the use of the word "channel" but I can get past that. I was surprised by the late traumatic situation but was so happy to avoid a 3rd act breakup or miscommunication trope. Overall an enjoyable romcom that I'll share with others.

This was a really good and funny book that contains steamy scenes, self growth, wity comments and small town romance.

For me this was a really quick read and now I am hoping to come back to Fantasie to meet the main characters again in one way or another.

I really liked the main characters and some of the "side" characters we get to meet in this cute small town rom-com.
One of the "side" characters that I really liked was Mrs Donovan, mother of the male main character Lucas Donovan. I felt like Mrs Donovan was a very likeable person whom treats newcomers like family, says what she wants to say, wise and she also seems to have a big heart.

The language was not to hard to understand for those who doesn't have English as their mother tongue and the writing was really good. It made me feel how life in a small town could be like to live in with citizens that are curious, noisy but also helpful and kindly to newcomers.

If you are looking for a quick feel good with a little bit of spice in it then this could be the book you are looking for especially if you like books that takes place in small towns.