Grateful appreciation to Tanja Longoria for providing a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own and reflect my genuine experience with the story.
Lemon Cake by Tanja Longoria Genres: Contemporary, Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Romance
Series: Naughty Desserts #1
Pages: 242
Published by Tanja Longoria on November 4, 2024
ASIN: B0DH5HJQQD
Format: ARC
Source: Tanja Longoria
Goodreads
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Buy on AmazonRider
Rider had one sole focus: football. The game demanded his attention, which was why he hadn’t allowed himself to date anyone since he went pro.
Then in walked Gemma. The moment Rider had laid eyes on her he’d known she was special—his kind of special. Suddenly, he had something else commanding his heart.
Gemma
Gemma knew far too well what it meant to be obsessed with the game. She’d played herself—until an accident had taken that away from her. Though Gemma loved to watch Rider, sitting on the sidelines as an amputee had a bittersweet feeling to it.
Will the two find comfort in each other? Or will their insecurities rip them apart?
Thoughts on the book:
Do you love Hallmark movies? I sure do, and I’m not ashamed to admit it! Whenever my brain gets too bogged down from sitcoms, reality shows, or the latest blockbuster, I love to unwind with a feel-good Hallmark romance. The simple plots (when there is one!) and guaranteed happily-ever-afters are like a breath of fresh air. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, you’re going to LOVE this book!
Lemon Cake delivers major Hallmark movie vibes—not because it’s set in a small town, but because it’s a straightforward boy-meets-girl-and-falls-in-love story. There’s no wild plot about catching criminals, renovating houses, or a struggling artist falling for a billionaire. There’s no emotional angst, either. It’s simple, sweet, and a great palate cleanser between heavier reads.
Rider is a dedicated football player, intensely focused as he gears up for the new season. Football is his world, and he’s never had to balance a relationship alongside his commitment to the game. He’s convinced that his single-minded focus wouldn’t allow him to keep a relationship alive during this time.
Then there’s Gemma, an amputee who used to play football in school and still loves the sport. Her playful personality shines throughout the book, but she’s also dealing with insecurities related to her prosthesis. A big part of her journey involves learning how to navigate her relationship with Rider, especially her concerns about how he might perceive her prosthesis and its challenges.
Gemma and Rider meet during pre-season, thanks to a cute moment facilitated by Gemma’s nephew. It’s not a grand meet-cute, but rather a realistic encounter you could easily see happening in everyday life. As their relationship progresses, it’s heartwarming to see—complete with texting, introductions to friends, and sweet moments that feel authentic. It’s not a whirlwind romance, but it’s also not a slow burn. Instead, their connection develops at a steady, natural pace, which I absolutely loved.
Reading Lemon Cake felt like watching a Hallmark movie—only with a lot more spice! The steamy scenes are well-written and blend seamlessly with the development of Gemma and Rider’s relationship. They never felt over-the-top or out of place. The only thing that didn’t quite sit right with me was the pacing toward the end of the book. The last third of the story felt a bit rushed, with time lapses that disrupted the flow and made the everyday moments feel repetitive at times.
I also found Rider’s character a bit one-dimensional. While I enjoyed his dedication to football, I wished there had been more depth to his character, maybe an additional layer of insecurity beyond just balancing a relationship with his game-focused mindset.
Overall, I’d recommend Lemon Cake to anyone looking for a sweet romance with a Hallmark feel. It’s exactly what it promises—low angst, sports romance with a bit of spice, and a satisfying standalone story (though I’m crossing my fingers for a series!). I’d love to see some of the side characters, like Gemma’s sister, get their own stories in the future!
Recommended Reading if you’re looking for:
- Hallmark Romance
- Sports Romance (Football)
- Disability Representation
- Low Angst Reading
- Standalone Romance
- Protective MMC
About Tanja Longoria
Tanja is a spicy romance author who loves to write about strong female characters, loving love interests, and the occasional vampires and werewolves.
Besides writing she is a mother and nursing student, with a hectic life and an ever-changing work schedule. Writing is her escape from reality in which she can let go of all the stress that comes with managing a family of three and balancing work and private life.
