United States
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Digging Up Love (Taste of Love)
From debut author Chandra Blumberg comes a playful, heartfelt romance about chasing your dreams and finding love in the process.
Alisha Blake works her magic in the kitchen, creating delectable desserts for her grandfather's restaurant in rural Illinois. Though Alisha relishes the close relationship she has with her family, she can't help but dream about opening a cookie shop in Chicago. She may be a small-town baker, but Alisha has big ambitions.
Then a dinosaur bone turns up in her grandparents' backyard. When paleontologist Quentin Harris arrives to see the discovery for himself, he's hoping that the fossil will distract him from a recent painful breakup. Instead, he finds Alisha―and sparks fly. The big-city academic and the hometown baker seem destined for a happily ever after.
But Alisha is scared to fall in love. And Quentin's trying to make a name for himself in a competitive field, which gets even more complicated when the press shows up at the dig site. For love to prevail, the two may have to put old bones aside―and focus on the future.
Alisha Blake works her magic in the kitchen, creating delectable desserts for her grandfather's restaurant in rural Illinois. Though Alisha relishes the close relationship she has with her family, she can't help but dream about opening a cookie shop in Chicago. She may be a small-town baker, but Alisha has big ambitions.
Then a dinosaur bone turns up in her grandparents' backyard. When paleontologist Quentin Harris arrives to see the discovery for himself, he's hoping that the fossil will distract him from a recent painful breakup. Instead, he finds Alisha―and sparks fly. The big-city academic and the hometown baker seem destined for a happily ever after.
But Alisha is scared to fall in love. And Quentin's trying to make a name for himself in a competitive field, which gets even more complicated when the press shows up at the dig site. For love to prevail, the two may have to put old bones aside―and focus on the future.
Editorial Reviews
"Blumberg's charming debut combines true love, delicious cookies, and dinosaurs…fans will adore the well-drawn love story between these funny and lovable dinosaur lovers." ―Publishers Weekly
"Replete with instantly likable characters and relatable pop-culture references, Blumberg's debut is warm, engaging, and emotionally honest. Alisha and Quentin's gradual movement toward companionship hits all the right notes, and their interactions are both meaningful and fun." ―Kirkus Reviews
"The headline-making dinosaur dig offers a unique spin on the classic small-town contemporary romance, and readers will be craving treats after reading the descriptions of Alisha's baked goods. Blumberg's sweet romance offers a perfect recipe for a delectable read, combining diversity, smart characters, and a delicious love story." ―Booklist (starred review)
"A sweet romance with a ton of heart, Digging Up Love is a charming story about unearthing your deepest dreams and finding love along the way. I loved Alisha and Quentin's connection, and the baker/paleontologist pairing was so unique. A delightful debut!" ―Farah Heron, author of Accidentally Engaged
"Chandra Blumberg has penned such a lively, romantic debut! Digging Up Love spoke to me in so many ways with its characters with heart, a delicious slow burn romantic arc, and secondary characters that I want separate books for. I can't wait for Blumberg's next work!" ―Tif Marcelo, USA Today bestselling author of It Takes Heart
"A charming romance full of humor and heart, Digging Up Love is the perfect escape." ―Allison Ashley, author of Perfect Distraction and Would You Rather
"Replete with instantly likable characters and relatable pop-culture references, Blumberg's debut is warm, engaging, and emotionally honest. Alisha and Quentin's gradual movement toward companionship hits all the right notes, and their interactions are both meaningful and fun." ―Kirkus Reviews
"The headline-making dinosaur dig offers a unique spin on the classic small-town contemporary romance, and readers will be craving treats after reading the descriptions of Alisha's baked goods. Blumberg's sweet romance offers a perfect recipe for a delectable read, combining diversity, smart characters, and a delicious love story." ―Booklist (starred review)
"A sweet romance with a ton of heart, Digging Up Love is a charming story about unearthing your deepest dreams and finding love along the way. I loved Alisha and Quentin's connection, and the baker/paleontologist pairing was so unique. A delightful debut!" ―Farah Heron, author of Accidentally Engaged
"Chandra Blumberg has penned such a lively, romantic debut! Digging Up Love spoke to me in so many ways with its characters with heart, a delicious slow burn romantic arc, and secondary characters that I want separate books for. I can't wait for Blumberg's next work!" ―Tif Marcelo, USA Today bestselling author of It Takes Heart
"A charming romance full of humor and heart, Digging Up Love is the perfect escape." ―Allison Ashley, author of Perfect Distraction and Would You Rather
Readers Top Reviews
GeekyPhotogMomSingsA
The story is so good and resonant that I wonder how much is autobiographical. The characters are amazingly cute, nerdy and quirky. Although it was subtle enough to not throw anyone of another race, it was super refreshing and beautiful seeing people of color just being themselves with color as an aside. Just and added texture relevant to those of us whose feet got stepped on, here and there with cute references, fun the occasional sopapilla to childhood braids with plastic barrettes. Gender was wildly refreshing with no stereotypes whatsoever. The spunky Caucasian grandparents serving up the serious barbecue? All of it was great! It was so sexy without any trace of smut (although I don't mind heat a bit- maybe in a sequel?) Can't wait to read whatever else this author puts out.
The Book Junkie Read
Chandra gave a story of chasing your dreams and loves finds your pursuit. Here we meet Alisha makes magic a bag or two of flour and an oven. She wants more than her small tow offers. Then in comes Quentin. He on his own dream chase. That chase just happens to be right in Alisha's backyard. Add two dreamers, a dinosaur bone, baked goods, and the press. Come see what you get.
Morgan M.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because of that amazing cover- it's SO perfect and cute! This book was very sweet and unique; I loved the paleontology angle. Quentin and Alisha were easy to root for and I liked the alternating chapters. What I didn't love was the angst. So much of the book was about miscommunication and I felt like they were both a little too defensive and dramatic. Lots of assumptions on every characters' part. There also wasn't nearly as much kissing/sexy stuff as I expected for a rom com but it was very sweet. Moving slow and that's ok! Overall it was an enjoyable, unique, and lovely book.
Bookish Babe
This was such a cute book and a quick read. I loved most of the characters which is very rare for me, the conflict was believable unlike a lot of romance novels where it seems unnecessary and forced to cause some division. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Linda Educate
Digging up Love had romance from the beginning. Two people in love at first site. This is a must read.
