Rocky Monroe has a secret. On the night of her 17th birthday, she gave her heart and her virginity to her brother's best friend Jayce Bello. When 22-year-old Jayce proposed that night, Rocky believe he did it out of guilt and duty, and her heart was broken. She has avoided him ever since. Jayce left Sugar Creek and built a life for himself in New York City. What Rocky doesn't know is that Jayce has been in love with her all these years. He recently decided to move back to Sugar Creek, and he's determined that he and Rocky will have a happily ever after. When Rocky travels to New York City to meet with a publisher for the Cupcake Lovers' new cookbook, a series of mishaps befall her, and she finds herself injured and penniless in the city. She asks Jayce for help, and he comes to her rescue. Rocky and Jayce's long history adds a layer of depth to their relationship, and it's a welcome balance to the novel's steamy sex scenes. Both Rocky and Jayce have personal issues to overcome if their relationship will last.

The characters' interactions with friends and family in their close-knit small town make the story richer. The whole gang from Sugar Creek appears in the novel, and, as always, the Monroes' grandma Daisy is in fine form in this sequel. Although THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE can be read as a standalone, the story is better as part of the series. Readers who have already read Fool for Love will appreciate the chance to see what's going on with Dev and Chloe, and Ciotta provides an irresistible tease of the next story that will focus on Rocky's brother Luke. Recipes submitted by readers are the perfect garnish for this sweet treat.

Book Summary