“Romance novels are birthday cake and life is often peanut butter and jelly. I think everyone should have lots of delicious romance novels lying around for those times when the peanut butter of life gets stuck to the roof of your mouth.”
– Janet Evanovitch
Life had too much peanut butter in it. I needed a birthday cake of a romance novel and, thankfully, Scotch on the Rocks was on the menu.
Why a birthday cake of a romance novel?
Well… because like birthday cake, you aren’t expecting nutrition from your romance novel. You don’t expect your latest romance or slice of birthday cake to make you a better person. And you don’t actually want much of a surprise. “Surprise – your birthday cake has nuts!” Is not something anyone wants to hear.
The comfort of predictability, reliable sweetness, a touch of decadence, and a great big pile of happy… that’s what makes both a good birthday cake and romance novel.
Scotch on the Rocks was a true birthday cake of a romance novel.
The woman is beautiful, but in a girl next door way: Yellow cake.
The man is gorgeous: Chocolate frosting.
And rich: Chocolate ganache frosting.
The banter between the two is witty: Two layers!
The steamy scenes are steamy without being raunchy: Extra big slice!
He, on occasion, wears a kilt: Frosting roses!
There is a super sassy parrot: Sparkler candle!
But then, of course, there is the terrible, everything has to fall apart so they can get back together section.
I hate that part.
It’s like when your husband pretends to steal all your frosting and then gives it back right at the last second. You’re pretty sure that since he hates frosting, he’s going to give it back but it’s always a relief when it’s back on your own plate. Just in case this is the time he changes his mind.
Sure, it adds some drama to the experience but I don’t actually want drama. I just want to eat my frosting and be happy. It was a relief that, while reading this birthday cake, frosting was merely scooped off my plate with a flourish before I received a wink and it was plopped right back on top!
Would I recommend it? Well… do you like cake?
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I discovered this book because I’m a proud member of Rosie’s Book Review Team!
Behind the Willows 
this post rocks. I’m going to order this book.
Thank you ‘Graydays’, I do hope you enjoy it. I had great fun writing it and the characters are still living inside my head.
I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
That’s my absolute favorite kind of comment on a book review! 🙂
A great read – I really enjoyed it!
Thank you June. Brodie is one of my favourite heroes.
Me too! 🙂
I LOVE cake! This is on my TBR list so really looking forward to it after your tasty review, thanks Jessie.
Thank you for putting Jessie in touch with me, Rosie. Its a fabulous review.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. But I bet it would be even better with a slice of actual cake on the side! 😉
Chocolate ganache romance AND a kilt. It just doesn’t get any better! If I hadn’t already read –and loved!–this, your review would send me straight to Amazon.
Barb, you are so kind. I learned yesterday that the book had been given a shout out in the Daily Record last Saturday and am desperately trying to get a copy of the newspaper.
Hard to beat chocolate and kilts! 😉
Hi Jessie, excuse my delay in coming over to your blog. I’ve been out today seeing THE LADY IN THE VAN. In it, Allan Bennett talks to his writing alter ego. The two (non writer) friends I went with, said that it helped them to understand why I suddenly go quite and stare in to space. LOL. Thanks you for this wonderful, totally different review. You took time and effort to write it and I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay on Cormorant Island.
It was just the kind of book a needed after a few rotten days on top of our November weather finally showing up. Thank you!
Reblogged this on Lizzie Lamb and commented:
Thanks to Jessie for posting this review of Scotch on the Rocks on her fabulous blog. I’m so glad she liked it ❤
Reblogged this on New Romantics Press.
My husband used to roll his eyes at me. “Why do you read that crap? You’re too smart a woman to read romance novels!” To which I replied, “For the very same reason you’re too smart to watch stupid cartoons. It’s mind-candy. It’s not supposed to be edifying.” To which he replied, “Oh,” and that was the end of that. 🙂
In case it wasn’t clear – he’s been a cartoon junkie, when he had the time.
My husband loves crime and police procedural TV shows. He leaves the room when Downton Abbey/Outlander/Poldark et al come on. Peaceful co-habitation is what I’m aiming for. LOL.
Peaceful cohabitation is a beautiful thing. 😀
Perfect answer! 🙂
LOL Thanks! 😀
Oh this is such a fantastic review Jessie – brilliant analogy and I’m hoping your husband doesn’t try and steal your frosting too often!! I already have this book waiting for me and am really looking forward to getting to it. Thanks 🙂
Thanks for commenting and sharing Georgia. This review has been getting lots of positive comments because its so different. Thanks to the fabulous Rosie Amber for putting us in touch.
I’m sure you’ll love it! 🙂