In O'Sharra's The Five Senses of Love: Taste, Hiatus Cordette, owner of the struggling Sweet Hiatus bakery, faces a formidable challenge: a new coffee franchise stealing her customers. Desperate to survive, she enters a business partnership with SanTino Green, a powerful but complicated figure from South Memphis. Their collaboration, born of necessity, ignites unexpected feelings, blurring the lines between business and pleasure. As Hiatus fights to save her bakery, she navigates a complex relationship with SanTino, battling both business rivals and the lingering resentment of SanTino's ex. This sweet and spicy romance promises a captivating journey filled with delicious tension and unexpected twists. Prepare for a story that will leave you wanting more.
Review THE FIVE SENSES OF LOVE
Oh my goodness, "The Five Senses of Love: Taste" was such a whirlwind! I absolutely devoured this short story – it's the kind of book you pick up intending to read a chapter or two, and then suddenly realize it's 3 AM and you've finished the whole thing. The pace is incredible; O'Sharra doesn't waste a single word, keeping the plot moving at a breakneck speed. One minute Hiatus is battling a corporate coffee giant, the next she's knee-deep in a business partnership with the charismatic (and slightly dangerous) SanTino.
The romance between Hiatus and SanTino is the heart of the story, and it's beautifully done. Their connection felt genuine and their journey, while rapid-fire, was still satisfying. I loved watching their relationship develop, even amidst the chaos of burning bakeries and questionable business dealings. The chemistry crackled off the pages, and their sweet ending felt perfectly earned. It's the kind of happily-ever-after that leaves you smiling, even though the road to get there was paved with a few bumps (okay, maybe more than a few!).
However, I do understand some of the mixed reviews. The pacing, while a strength for some, might feel rushed to others. The plot certainly packs a punch; there's a lot happening in a relatively short space. Some readers felt the transitions between events were abrupt, and I can see that point. The almost immediate resolution to some significant conflicts – the arson, the police investigation, the landlord's arrest – felt a little compressed. Similarly, the choice to name the second child Tino felt a bit… convenient? Perhaps a little more detail in certain areas would have allowed the reader to fully absorb the weight of these events. The abruptness of these plot points definitely impacted the overall believability for some readers.
Despite these criticisms, "Taste" is undeniably entertaining. It's a fun, escapist read with a compelling central romance and enough drama to keep you hooked. O'Sharra clearly has a knack for creating vibrant characters and setting a scene. Hiatus and SanTino are both flawed but relatable, and their struggles felt authentic, even if the speed of their resolution felt a tad unrealistic.
Overall, I would recommend "Taste" to anyone looking for a quick, spicy romance with a dash of suspense. It’s a delicious treat, a quick bite that leaves you wanting more from this series. Just be prepared for a fast-paced ride. While I wish some plot points had been more thoroughly developed, the overall experience was enjoyable and engaging, leaving me eagerly awaiting the next installment in the "Five Senses of Love" series. It definitely satisfies that sweet tooth craving for a quick, engaging romance.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.21 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 91
- Publication date: 2024
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