⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I simply needed to hold the men in my life to a much higher standard." I think the best way to describe this book is a Thursday evening read. It's very sweet and character driven leading to a very quick read!

Mara is the owner of a comic book shop, owner of an extremely adorable dog, and a marvel lover. Ford is an award winning director who has come home to help out with his father however has not only ended up in cooking classes but he met Mara. Their first interaction wasn't great, nor was the second for that matter. After a lengthy debate and clarification about his past, Mara agrees to go on a date with him. However along the way they face many hurdles- parental issues, an old flame back in town, and a movie that may or may not happen.

This book was a very easy read as it was predominantly character driven, and for the most part, the characters were extremely likeable. My only issue was with Mara right at the start compared to later on in the book. With the first meeting between the couple, Mara had a go at him for being in his way (I possibly would have cried if someone shouted at me for accidentally walking in their path) and the second time she held a heated discussion with him about marvel and told a child off in the store. However, when they went on their first date, it felt to me as if she had sort of reverted. I understand her qualms and issues regarding relationships, and in some ways it was sweet. It was just a change that I wasn't expecting from her, but is menial in the grand scheme I suppose. Ford was a very likeable character and his and Mara’s relationship was full of communication and understanding (which I love) and the way their two worlds merged was really fun to read about. The book is for the most part character driven and there was not too much drama.

My only issue is with the title (which I initially loved) as I realised it sounds slightly like a crockpot cooking book. On the plus side however there are recipes at the back which is such a win.

This book is a very quick and easy read with likeable characters that I can easily recommend. Thank you netgalley for the arc!