review: The Merchanct of Venice Beach + GIVEAWAY

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Release date: August 1st 2013 
Publisher: eKensington

Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Add this to your GoodReads shelf!!

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

The Rollicking Bun--Home of the Epic Scone--is the center of Suzanna Wolf's life. Part tea shop, part bookstore, part home, it's everything she's ever wanted right on the Venice Beach boardwalk, including partnership with her two best friends from high school, Eric and Fernando. But with thirty-three just around the corner, suddenly Suzanna wants something more--something strictly her own. Salsa lessons, especially with a gorgeous instructor, seem like a good start--a harmless secret, and just maybe the start of a fling. But before she knows it, Suzanna is learning steps she never imagined--and dancing her way into confusion.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Currently a Field Producer on HGTV’s House Hunters, Celia Bonaduce's TV credits cover a lot of ground - everything from field-producing ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to writing for many of Nickelodeon’s animated series, including Hey, Arnold and Chalkzone. An avid reader, entering the world of books has always been always a lifelong ambition.

www.celiabonaduce.com | twitter.com/celiabonaduce

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My Thoughts -

I think The Merchant of Venice Beach was a cute, sassy story.  It was easy to read, follow and flowed well.  I enjoyed all of the characters, especially Fernando, very much.  I also liked the relationship between this group of friends.  I thought their individual dynamics worked well with each other.  The idea of the three living over the tea shop/bookstore was unique and made the story a bit more interesting. 

I would have liked more smex scenes in the story and a little bit more put into the feelings of E. & S.  I thoroughly enjoyed the salsa lessons mountain laurel sandwiches and medieval gingerbread - I may have to make it.  Great story!!