That's (Not Exactly) Amore by Tracey Bateman

Of all the books in this delightful series, this one is my absolute favorite! I've identified with Laine Sullivan from page one of the first story, and she is my doppelganger, if such a thing actually exists (if you don't know what that means--Google it:-)

I mean, I loved Tabby Brockman in "Catch A Rising Star", but I had a hard time identifying with a slightly glamorous soap star, yet found her faith refreshing. And Dancy Ames was a joy in "You Had Me At Goodbye". Truly, she was. But as a roommate, I would have been SO intimidated by her.

Laine is more like me...we'd have mochas and cheesecake at Nick's coffee shop, for sure for sure! "That's (Not Exactly) Amore" paints her in a richer and deeper tapestry. And I so totally get her;-)

Laine is a former accountant, now working toward her degree in interior design...reluctantly. Her final project is secured when she shakes on the re-design and remodel of the trio's favorite hangout, Nick Pantalone's coffee shop.

Laine's confidence is shaky at best, but it utterly collapses when she discovers that Nick is leaving and his dreamy yet intimidating nephew Joe will be in charge during the remodel.

How in the world can Laine run plans and ideas past her oh-so-secret crush, knowing she has just enough design talent to fill a thimble? Thank heavens for handsome officer Mark, who rescues Laine one night and takes a romantic interest in her.

Are those sparks of jealousy in Joe's eyes, or is he merely expressing angry doubt at her skill with his uncle's shop? Laine just can't believe someone so dreamy could take an interest in her...but, then again, Officer Mark ain't nuthin' to sneeze at!

Laine stays torn in so many pieces...over her career, her love life, her mother (who seems to go from mourning to mooning overnight!), her new roommate...everything just won't seem to fit properly into her ample life.

And I didn't even mention her distress over her ample figure (I feel ya on that, sistah friend!). Can she ever make up her mind? Will her hobby turn into her life's ambition, or will designing squeeze that out? Is her mom's new beau too good to be true or the real deal?

And is everyone's suspicions about Joe and the mob true? Oh, say it ain't so, Joey!

You're guaranteed a fun and enjoyable reading experience with "That's (Not Exactly) Amore"! In fact, I highly recommend the entire series! I'm giving this one five out of five bookmarks, with a stuffed sandwich as a charm!

Happy Reading!

Deena