Take It Off the Menu (Mile High Matched #3) by Christina Hovland

A Review by Wendy

 4 Taking the Moments Stars
* * * *

 Spoiler Free

This series has been a fun ride for me. I have enjoyed getting to know Christina Hovland style and humor. I know I am really into a book when I am reading and what is on the page makes me start talking out loud and even to a co-worker about the crazy thing that just happened...As if it was a real-life experience. When I started this story and reached a couple of early turning points, I did just that!

Marlee Medford was prepared for her soon to be life. She was to marry her long-time fiance' and then start the next chapter. She had been doing all of the wedding prep, mainly alone which did put stress on her but she was sure once the vows had been said and they were married, all the fire and passion they once had would come back.

After all, Marlee and her husband to be worked together at her father's company, her family adored him and in her social status, trust fund baby and all...everything should fall into place.

Except it didn't...

Marlee is told by her fiance' two days before the wedding, he isn't feeling it...and hasn't for a while...The man who told her He Always Loved Her More...Didn't. And surprise, surprise...when it was all said and done, Marlee realized she had stopped loving him too. It just was a very selfish way of doing what he did...

Now Marlee's world as she knows it has been turned upside down. The good news is her posse is in town and have her back. She makes a call to them and they immediately swing into gear bringing their secret weapon, Eli Howard.

Eli has been the protector and support system for this crew since forever. He is the big brother of one of Marlee's besties and through the years has always been there to be the shoulder to lean on or bail them out. Eli never knows until he gets the call. This time, he was there because he was catering the wedding that didn't happen.

Eli was a self-made man who was on his way to French culinary school when suddenly he was needed to help with his sister and family. Instead, he studied at a lessor school and worked to hone his skills. He now is at the point where he is known for winning awards and talked about as one of the top bachelors on the Hot Denver Scene.

Eli had experienced all the responsibility of others in helping raise his sister and her friends. He never wanted to be that responsible for another person's happiness or pain...it was too hard, too painful. He made a promise to himself, he would enjoy and make sure every partner knew the score...no relationships.

Now he is here in Marlee's house, watching her try to be strong and hold it together while the troops are packing up her stuff. She looks so lost. She was this rich kid whose parent thought it would be good for her to go to public school and that was how she became tight with his sister. Eli always thought she was something...big heart, sweet as all get out and a little bit cray-cray...

Well, now the Sh!t has Hit the Fan because the idiot ex has come to "talk " with Marlee and what comes out of his mouth is absolutely ridiculous and makes Eli want to slam him up against the wall. Restrained and the ex is escorted out, the crew decides it is going to Vegas and before Eli can say anything, he is on the private plane with them...

Yes, Marlee is that loaded and the trip takes on a life of its own...with her feeling all the hidden feelings she has had over the years for Eli and Eli trying to be good but things getting out of control...Dares are made, challenges too and before you know it, the Vegas Cliche Captures another couple, Marlee and Eli.

This is the beginning of this tale and with the humor and ways of a Hovland story, we experience a gamut of things. Some, as I said earlier, were so perfectly funny or just so annoying, it felt like it happened to me and I was talking to myself. That was a good thing. Other times, it did get a bit messy but worked itself out. When Eli and Marlee's relationship was working...it was terrific, lots of chemistry and you wanted them together.

All of the secondary players had their purpose, causing humor or anger...I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and look to see what Ms. Hovland has coming next.
 
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

 

About Christina Hovland

Christina Hovland lives her own version of a fairy tale—an artisan chocolatier by day and romance writer by night. Born in Colorado, Christina received a degree in journalism from Colorado State University. Before opening her chocolate company, Christina’s career spanned from the television newsroom to managing an award-winning public relations firm. She’s a recovering overachiever and perfectionist with a love of cupcakes and dinner she doesn’t have to cook herself. A 2017 Golden Heart® finalist, she lives in Colorado with her first-boyfriend-turned-husband, four children, and the sweetest dog around.