Title: Mixed (A Recipe For Love Series #3)
Author: Lane Martin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 5, 2018
Synopsis
Mixed is a full-length standalone novel in the Recipe for Love Series. What happens when you “mix” together sexy chef, Logan Wheeler, and bartender, Libby Barnes? I read one of those cute decorative signs at a truck stop gift shop on my way from Nashville to New York. It took everything in me not to laugh my ass off right next to the beef jerky and air fresheners. I was also tempted to buy both for two reasons. Number one, I’m pregnant, and number two, I’m pregnant. Every once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, Love gives you a Fairytale. What a crock. There are no such things as fairytales. Besides, what’s ordinary anyway? I’d be happy with a roof over my head, a steady paycheck, helping my sister mend her broken heart, and not screwing up as a parent. Anything after that would just be frosting. Yum, frosting. Damn cravings. OK, OK, maybe I should have re-read the first line. Every once in a while, Because my ordinary life became extraordinary, the second Logan Wheeler crashed my doctor’s appointment and held my hand when I heard my baby’s heartbeat for the first time. I wasn’t looking for a baby daddy. I guess that’s when you usually find things. Now I’m just hoping for Happily Ever After. I’m Libby Barnes, and I can tell you one thing for sure, I wasn’t looking for a man when I moved to New York. In fact, I was trying to get away from one, my “baby daddy.” God, I hated that term. I probably should have just told Edward we were over and that I was leaving. Oh yeah, I should have told him I was knocked up too. You know what they say about hindsight? Well, she’s a real bitch. My broken-hearted sister, Emily, needed me and I needed a fresh start. So I showed up unannounced on her doorstep with the universal cure-all, aka Ben and Jerry’s and my growing bundle of joy, hidden under my clothes. My only real plan was to be the good sister my twin deserved and to be a mom my kid could be proud of. I certainly didn’t need anyone to help me with either of those goals. The only thing I did need was a job. I sure as hell wasn't expecting to hear the words “you’re hired” when my sister suggested we eat out at one of the swankiest restaurants in the city. But then again, I wasn’t expecting to have to show the bartender how to make a Manhattan either. My entire body shouldn’t have tingled as I followed the gravelly voice of the man who said those two simple words and it shouldn’t have made my panties wet. I’d had to remind myself to close my mouth as he’d stood before me with a smirk, his sexy black chef's coat, and my personal kryptonite, tattoos on his arms. Logan Wheelers wasn’t part of my plan. But you know what they say about the best-laid plans. Who am I kidding? I’ve always been a fly by the seat of my pants type of girl. I’m Logan Wheeler. I had everything I needed in life. OK, maybe that’s not true. I needed a bartender for my restaurant. ASAP. I guess that’s why I wasn’t surprised when I was told I needed to get out to the bar to see what was going on. I wasn’t expecting what I found at all. She looked exactly like her twin, only better. Her rack was amazing but even better than that was the way she looked behind the bar. My bar. It was where she belonged. Behind it. On top of it. Underneath it. Hell, I didn’t care where. As long as I had her. I live my life by one motto, no regrets. I’d already had enough of those for one lifetime and the first time I saw her I knew not going for Libby would be the greatest regret of my life.
Excerpt
Libby “You’re hired,” I don’t know if it was the words or the voice that said them from behind me that got to me the most. I know he only vocalized two of them, but his timber was rich, relaxed, and manly, and fucking sexy as hell. A shiver ran down my spine before I turned to see if the face matched the voice. I wasn’t disappointed. His dark hair was short and styled like all he did was towel dry it. His ruggedly handsome square jaw was covered in scuff, along with his upper lip. I wanted to know what it would feel like on my skin. Let’s just say it was a good thing I was already pregnant because one look from this guy and I could have gotten knocked up again. I hadn’t even gotten to the best part yet. He was wearing a black short sleeve chef coat with his name embroidered over his heart. Logan. Did I mention that his arms were covered in ink? They were beautiful and intricate designs that made you want to get closer so that you could study them, run your finger along the edges. This man had many stories to tell, and I wanted to see and hear every one of them. “Oh shit,” Jackson mumbled before making himself look busy. Despite the bustling dining room, the bar wasn’t very crowded. Maybe it was because people knew they would never get a table. It could also have had to do with the barkeep. Jackson was a cutie; by he couldn’t mix a drink to save his life. I also knew Swayed was known for its wine list and staff of sommeliers. The wine cellar was probably bigger than the bar itself which was a damn shame. “Logan, they let you out of the kitchen?” My sister asked the sexy beast of a man approached us with an amused grin on his face. I guessed this was how we were getting a table; they obviously knew each other. My twin had been holding out on me. “Every once in a while, Emily,” he answered before placing a kiss on my sister's cheek. I envied that cheek. Logan turned his attention to the bartender. “Are we letting patron’s mix their own cocktails now?” “What? You implied she was hired, so technically she’s an employee.” I nearly choked on my drink when Logan turned his attention towards me. He was even better looking close up. His beautiful brown eyes shone with amusement as he tried not to laugh. He put out his hand and offered, “I’m Logan Wheeler.” What no kiss for me? “Libby Barnes.” I introduced myself as he took my hand. Interesting, he was a topper. I considered myself an expert handshake reader. His shake was about power, don’t get me wrong. It was subtle as shit, but I didn’t doubt he was in charge. It wasn’t aggressive or forceful, but with his hand facing downward and my palm upward it was clear he was thinking ten steps ahead. As I returned the shake, I rotated our wrists. You’re not the boss of me. The look he gave me in response told me everything I needed to know. Message received. Our hands remained joined for much longer than was necessary. “Sorry to break up the love fest, but can I get another “perfect” Manhattan?” The server used air quotes as she ordered the drink. Jackson looked at me with pleading eyes. I was a sucker, so I got off my chair and rounded the bar again. “Isn’t she great?” Emily asked as Logan watched me intently. “She is.” Once again that shiver ran down my spine. Christ Libby get ahold of yourself. “I thought your sister was in Nashville.” “She was,” I answered, “I mean I was.” Good job Lib, make yourself look like a complete idiot. “I’m here now.” I turned to the pass with the drink I’d just made to hide my blush.
About The Author
Writing never crossed my mind. I was a working wife and mother, but in June of 2012 that all changed when my sister bought me a little book by E.L. James for my birthday. I couldn’t get enough of the series, and that’s when I found out about Fanfiction. I decided to give it a whirl and rediscovered a part of me I had long since forgotten. With the encouragement of my Fanfiction readers and the support of my family, I decided to write something of my own. I guess you can say the rest is history. I currently live in Northern California with my husband of over twenty years and my high school age son, while my daughter attends college in Washington, DC. I love reading, spending time with my family, traveling, and trying out restaurants that are on Food Network. Thank you for joining me on this crazy ride.
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