Once again, as someone who works in EMS I should know better than to try reading an EMT romance. A Taste of Home was...fine. I found Layla compelling, but Shane felt very flat to me. It made it hard to invest in their romance. If you like estranged friends to lovers/childhood friends to lovers romances this might be right up your alley.

Prepare to be whisked away on a delectable journey of love, second chances, and the tantalizing flavors of home in this heartwarming novel! After leaving behind a cheating fiance in Paris, Layla Williams returns to coastal Massachusetts to revive her family bistro and transform it into a haven of gastronomic delights. But as she faces challenges that threaten her legacy, an unexpected ray of hope enters her life in the form of Shane Kavanaugh, EMT and ex-Wall Streeter. Layla's character is beautifully crafted, a strong and independent woman on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention that is both relatable and inspiring, as she navigates the complexities of love, family, and chasing her dreams. Shane Kavanaugh is a swoon-worthy hero. The chemistry between Layla and Shane crackles with intensity and I was rooting for them all the way. A Taste of Home is a delightful blend of romance, food, and heartfelt storytelling -- and I can't wait for the rest of the series!

This is a good book. The two main characters are Layla and Shane. Layla is a chef of her family’s restaurant. Shane is an EMT. They have known each other all their lives. There is an attraction. They each have issues to overcome but they do together and fall in love.

A Taste of Home is a very good romance. Well written plot with believable characters. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review

This was a sweet second chance story. Layla returned to the small town of New Suffolk after her relationship and job in Paris fell apart. She took over her grandparents' restaurant and turned it into the upscale French restaurant she'd always dreamed of. As the story opens, she discovers that her dream is in financial trouble, and she has no idea what to do. Then she gets an offer of help from Shane, her schoolgirl summer crush.

Shane left his successful Wall Street job and returned to his hometown to pursue his dream of becoming a paramedic. He's surprised to run into Layla, the girl he had a crush on when he was younger and who broke his teenage heart.

I liked Shane. He has a big heart that wants to help people. His time on Wall Street was spent assisting businesses to turn around when they were in trouble. When he began to bun out on that job, he realized it was time to follow his original dream. Instead of starting over to become a doctor, he focused on becoming a paramedic in his hometown. The downside was that his wife wasn't interested in that lifestyle. Shane realized she'd never loved him, just what he could give her, so they divorced and went their separate ways. However, it left Shane with a mistrust of women, especially rich ones.

I had a hard time warming up to Layla initially, but that changed as the book continued. She came home and turned her grandparents' popular restaurant into a fancy French restaurant, then wondered why it wasn't doing as well as she wanted. She seemed more focused on trying to prove something to her ex-fiancé than paying attention to what her customers were interested in. Her experiences with Antoine made her reluctant to trust any man.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Shane and Layla develop. Both remember their teenage feelings and are surprised to discover they've carried over to the present. Neither is happy about it and try to resist, with their recent romantic disasters coloring their thoughts. They find themselves working together on the emergency services gala, and things begin to change. I liked Shane's desire to help Layla when he found out about her troubles with the restaurant. Layla has a little difficulty accepting Shane's advice but realizes its validity.

This begins the slow burn of their developing relationship. The time they initially spend together gives them a chance to become friends and see that first impressions aren't always accurate. Underneath that friendship was a simmering attraction that continued to grow, and I enjoyed watching that friendship become more. They have some terrific scenes together, from painting to bowling to steamier activities. However, both still have their insecurities, and when Layla's past comes calling, she and Shane must face their pasts. Both get a little outside help to see the truth of their feelings and get the courage to do something about them. I loved the emotional ending, and the epilogue was terrific.

I enjoyed the restaurant setting and seeing some of the behind-the-scenes activities. I could feel Layla's early frustration as she fought to keep her dream alive, especially as some of the changes took on lives of their own. I liked her epiphany at the end and the difference it made to her plans.

This is a Romance, and this is the first book in the Sisterhood of Chocolate and Wine series. I could not get into this book at all. I tried several times, and I have found myself just not wanting to put this book up. The characters did not connect to me, and the storyline just did not make me want to keep reading. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Special Edition) or author (Anna James) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

For a Harlequin book this was not good in my opinion. I didn’t like the characters and the story was boring

After working as head chef in a Paris eatery, Layla returns to her hometown. Running the family restaurant she bought from her grandfather, she's having trouble adapting to small-town tastes. She seeks help from financial expert Shane, who just happens to be her high school crush. Can the two make a success of her business—and their budding romance?

This started a little slow for me, but I'm glad I stuck with it. The pace picks up when Layla and Shane start working together. Layla is a little clueless and self-absorbed in the beginning when it comes to her restaurant. But she proves willing to do whatever it takes to turn things around. Shane is smart, caring, and generous with his time. Layla is kind, helpful, and a good leader. Their chemistry is strong, making this a fun and heartwarming romance.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Thank you Harlequin Romance and Netgalley for sending me this read. I really didn't know what to expect since I've never read from Anna James before. But I knew that since this book is by Harlequin Romance it had to good and it was! The cute, sexy but real love story of Layla and Shane. What I really enjoyed about this book was how practical it was. Two childhood acquaintances becoming reaquainted and fell in love. The passion and the love between Layla and Shane will make it impossible to put this book down! A page turner. Can't wait to read the rest of this series.

Quick Summary: A love found romance

My Review: A Taste of Home by Anna James was a beautiful love story. It brought together two people who shared a secret crush for one another when they were younger.

About the Characters:

Shane Kavanaugh - > At one point in his life, Shane had been a wizard on Wall Street. He was successful and experienced. There came a time, however, when he wanted to follow his dream...and that's what he did. While pursuing his dream, he crossed paths with a woman from his past. It was not just any woman, it was his secret crush - the girl who not only got away, but the girl who also broke his heart.

Layla Williams - > Layla, a Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, became a transplant in a place she had visited since her youth. She had a dream of turning her new business into a success. She loved what she did, introducing French cuisine to the masses. Unfortunately, her dreams and plans hit an unexpected snag, and the only one who might be able to help her out is someone from her past.

About the Story: What happens when the past meets the present and brings two people with a history back together again?

My Final Say: This romance novel was sweet and fairly uncomplicated. It presented a love story between a man and a woman who learned to appreciate and trust one another. It was slow and steady. Readers who love stories with happy endings will really like this one.

Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 💞

Thanks to the author, to Harlequin, and to NetGalley for providing access to this Harlequin Special Edition in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own and have been voluntarily rendered.