What another great addition to this already brilliant series, and easily my favourite of them all. I was really excited to get back into this story and the lives of the sisters. This book is just as emotional and endearing as the previous ones, really drawing you in to the characters and their journey. The author knows how to write the best story to fit each character and I think it adds so much more to the story. The book had a brilliant flow about it, really engaging and easy to connect with. I found myself getting lost in the words as I was pulled along with what was happening. I enjoy each and every book this author produces and I can’t wait to discover what else she has to offer.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2022-06-20 15:07:122022-06-22 06:45:30Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Kerry Baker
All Krystina wants to do is travel the world and be a famous blogger but when her Loukas her childhood nemesis decides to go along with her, as she goes through, she has no breathing room as he is constantly with her all the time. When they discover challenges long the way the most unlikely person helps her through Loukas.
So, when Krystina takes on the challenge to find her grandfather will they uncover the secrets of the past and locate the lost family member or will they be dragged into problems they never envisioned.
This is the third book in the series and follows the third sister Krystina, although this can be read as a standalone story it would be good to have some of the crossover from the first two books as back story but is not necessary. As always, the story is well written and with the twists and turns in the story will keep you turning the pages to the end.
I loved the character of Krystina in the other stories, and I think Loukas is the right character to compliment Krystina although at first, she does not think so. The emotion and the turmoil in the story follow brilliantly and you feel the journey as if you are there with the character along the way. It is lovely how the relationship is a slow burn and that the reaction of finally realising that they are destined for each other is lovely to read.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2022-06-19 12:53:052022-06-20 07:23:14Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Angela Shirley
This time it’s the turn of the “baby” of the family to entertain us …. Krystina is a real little firecracker , bring it on…..
Krystina wants to travel the world , promote her blog and become insta famous and she goes just that but Loukas is right behind her every step and get the boy she loves to hate ….
Loukas steps up when the going gets tough and Krystina sees him in a different light and together they see beautiful places , delve into family history (her sisters started delving before her )and they made me cry , really hard at that 🫣
This family will forever be in my heart ❤️ Greece is now on my bucket list as well thanks to these amazing people ❣️😉
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi2022-06-17 13:40:012022-08-16 07:48:59Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Heidi Sturgess
Kally is a girl after my own heart and I just made her my best friend 😉📕❣️ I mean hello she has a coffee shop with a book nook and she makes the most delectable Greek treats so it’s like inevitable that she’s my new BFF 😂
Kally also listens to audiobooks while working and she reminds me so much of myself except I can’t bake like her and I don’t have an epic Greek family or a friend like Egypt 😉and again she likes the same music I like ! No wonder Max fell for her ❣️
So both Kally and Max have a past and there’s a lot of hurt and deceit in their lives and I feel for them and they’re really each other’s healing balms ….
Little Athena stole my heart and that of everyone else , she’s the sweetest little thing ❣️Emma wasn’t far behind 🐾❣️
Nothing beats a grandma but I think the Greek ones are the best right yiayia ❣️
I must just warn you …. The last 23% left me an emotional mess , I cried hard , well I actually howled , I curled into a little ball and just lay there to recover 🤦♀️🫣
I loved every moment of being part of this family and I just want to share them with everyone !!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi2022-06-17 12:04:342022-08-16 07:49:57Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Heidi Sturgess
The third book in this series was AMAZING! I could not put it down! I highly recommend reading them in order when you decide to read these books as the order flows and makes the stories have that much more of an impact! The way that this author writes makes it feel as though I am submerged in the story as much as the characters. This was such a quick read for me as I could not put the books down! I cannot wait to read more books by this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlie Del Gallohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarlie Del Gallo2022-06-17 04:44:442022-06-17 14:17:06Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Carlie Del Gallo
5 Star’s Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou
Love is Worth Fighting for is the third book in The Meraki Series. This is a wonderfully written Contemporary Romance that once you start reading its hard to put down. I recommend reading the first two books if you haven’t already but it can be read as a standalone. My emotions were all over the place and at times my heart was broken. This is a frenemy you don’t want to miss. This is Krystina’s story . She kinda has known what she wanted to do with her life and how go achieve it but her pesky frenemy being around is a bit frustrating. But when something unexpected happens she starts to see him in a different light. What will happen when she lets her feelings get involved? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author. This is another incredible read by this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2022-06-16 23:38:572022-06-17 14:15:12Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
This was a great 5 star read. My emotions were all over the place while I was reading. Krystina and Loukas were great. You get pulled in right from the beginning. I loved how Krystina and her family opened up their home to Loukas. She is a little annoyed having Loukas around so much but when things take an unexpected twist, Loukas is there for her. The more time they spend together the closer they become. Will things get more serious for them? Will Krystina ever get her dream?
I have to say this is my favorite so far in the series. I had a few ugly cry moments. All of the characters added a great element to the story. The author does a great job with her writing, you are done before you know it. If you’re looking for a great read and series, 1-click and get started on this one.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Austinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Austin2022-06-16 21:41:032022-06-17 14:10:20Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Michelle Austin
I never tire of this wonderful author or the books that they create! I love the characters that they create and how the story blossoms and truly comes to life! Honestly this author never does disappoint, and I am always captivated, and I fall in love with the characters every single time!
Krystina and Loukas were two very different, yet very much the same characters. I loved them as separate people and I loved them as a whole! They both brought interesting aspects to the table, and I fell in love with their relationship they had blooming between them. Outside their relationship, the story was really heart felt which I loved! I was very emotionally in deep with this book! Loved it!
Amazing writing as always from a wonderful author! I loved this book especially for all it was. Highly recommend this book, it’s a must read for sure! And for sure recommend this author as well!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorrene Huismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorrene Huisman2022-06-16 18:42:412022-06-17 10:59:50Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Lorrene Huisman
I was looking forward to reading this novel having enjoyed the previous books in the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one as well. As usual I was fully immersed in the novel, thanks to the wonderfully written storyline and likeable and realistic characters. This is Krystina and frenemy from childhood, Loukas’s story, and I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it. The descriptive narrative brought the settings vividly to life and I felt engaged with the characters, making this a real page turner of a novel, and one which I could not put down. Krystina wants to travel to beautiful locations, promote her blog, and hopefully achieve Insta fame, but unfortunately with Loukas in tow she feels like she can’t breathe. However, when unforeseen circumstances occur, resulting in Krystina having to face challenging situations, it’s Loukas that helps her get through it. The mystery element of the plot had me intrigued, as Krystina‘s grandfather is missing, but her grandmother believes he will return one day. Krystina becomes determined to find him and bring him home to her grandmother, but her quest will test everything she knows. This was a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story, which kept me happily turning the pages. Will Krystina learn that ‘love is worth fighting for’, I definitely recommend that you pick up this book to find out!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2022-06-16 17:33:092022-06-17 10:57:21Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Jennifer Gordon
I enjoyed reading this cute romance story. This is the third book in this series which is just as enjoyable as the previous two. I highly suggest reading the previous two books to help your enhancement of this series and this author’s writing skills. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the characters. They are strong, engaging, supportive characters that bring the story to life. They had me coming back for more. This is a fast paced story that was hard to put down. A story about Krystina and her quest that will test everything in her. Will she learn that it is okay to fight for what you want? I enjoyed her growth as well as the plot throughout the story. This is a great story that you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2022-06-16 14:54:102022-06-17 10:50:21Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Oh, book 3 of the series and this one just blew me away. You again get all the feels in this story. Set during the beginning of 2020 and the beginning of the pandemic, I found this story to feel so real. The location is New York. Some of the characters are essential workers. It hits home. Some storylines come to a close and some bloom like a cherry blossom in the spring. You are smiling as you mourn. Krystina and Loukas have chemistry that has been evident since they were children, but they never realized it. My favorite story is when Melina tells her why she has Loukas’ mom’s name as her middle name. Both moms wanted them to marry when they got older. I can relate to the stories about getting teased for the color of your panties, etc. This has been such an enjoyable series to read so far. It’s like reading about your own family (even if you aren’t Greek). The flow of the story from different POV’s is so smoothly transitioned that it just works so well. The main couples are always so feisty and even with the flaws that every couple has, they work through it and still find a way to work together. This has been a new author for me and I’m enjoying her romances because they might have a sweet factor, yet they are also real about what can be wrong in relationships. I would absolutely give it more than a 5 rating if I could.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-06-16 13:09:022022-06-17 07:43:12Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Shelly Kittell
Mia and Nicholas, a story of love that started in their teens. Lost and alone, he came to her aid and reunited her with her family,,,only to disappear into life. Many years later, he appears back in her life as her boss the publication she works for. Alas, she doesn’t realize it’s him. The humor, romance and drama begins now. There is so much chemistry between these two (if they would just realize it). They both have baggage to work through. With the aid of Grandma and their families, they can get through this? We also get more insight into Grandma’s romance with her missing husband. Nicholas is investigating his disappearance and we are a little closer but nothing set in stone yet. This is book 2 of the series and I love it. It ties in nicely with book 1. The characters are totally relatable. Just your crazy family trying to love everyone and get along. We all want a family like Mia’s. I do have to say their love story just brings out all the emotions. You ride the emotion roller coaster. It is the sweetest story. Highly recommended for all romance readers. Definitely would give more than a 5 if I could.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-06-16 12:30:152022-06-17 07:37:29Love By Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Shelly Kittell
The story of Kally and Max is one that just kind of warms your heart. It’s full of humor, romance, sweetness and drama. Kally would love to just have a true love romance with a guy that is truly single and the love is real. Right now, that’s only in print romances. Kally learns that not everything is as it seems. She has some emotional/relationship baggage to deal with. She learns through all this and learning about her mom and grandmother’s marriage that sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith. The characters are so loveable in this story, even George, the grumpy dad. They kind of remind me of the family in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I half expected George to offer Windex for minor ailments. Grandma is adorable and probably my favorite. Such sweetness that I felt cavities forming (I loved it in this story, it fit). The plot was perfect. I loved seeing Kally trying to figure out where her grandfather is. I hope we’ll see more of that in the other two books in the series. A fun, quick read that can make your weekend enjoyable. I would give it more than a 5 if I could.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-06-16 12:17:052022-06-17 07:36:21Love’s What You Bake of It (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Shelly Kittell
Love is Worth Fighting For is the third book in The Meraki series by Effie Kammenou. It is a contemporary romance with a ‘frenemies-to-lovers’ element, finding love unexpectedly, a bit of a quest, challenges/unforeseen difficulties, faith, history, connection, banter, family dynamics, drama, angst, and endearing characters. This is Krystina’s story, whom we met in the previous books as she is Kally (Book #1) and Mia’s (Book #2) sister. She had an idea of what she wanted to achieve in her life, but fate seems to have had other ideas. Havin her annoying childhood frenemy around only adds to her frustration. But she begins to see him in another light when unexpected challenges arise and he steps up- helping her through it all. Soon feelings get involved…. and you’ll have to read the story if you want to find out what happens with Krystina and Loukas. The story could be read as a standalone, but as there are recurring characters as well as a bridging subplot that makes this book/series even more intriguing I highly recommend reading the previous two books before starting on this one. Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2022-06-16 09:43:262022-06-17 07:03:03Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book #3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Angela Hayes
This is the 3rd book in the Merkai series. This author has an amazing talent with the stories and they are so emotionally moving the reader can’t help but get swept away in the story and the lives of the characters.
In this story we join Krystina and Loukas. At first they are frenemies and have been that way since childhood. Krystina wants to travel and see new places and make her blog successful and Loukas is along for the ride. When something happens that neither of them are prepared for Krystina finds herself facing challenges and circumstances she never dreamed possible. Will she be facing them alone? Add to this the search she carries on for her missing grandfather. Her grandmother is certain he will return. More determined than ever to find him she is going to face challenges that she never saw coming and maybe find a deeper connection with the person who has been by her side all this time.
This story is a real emotional rollercoaster. It is such a moving story that I have been in tears following Krystina’s journey and fight.The authors writing is so beautiful that the reader feels every emotion as the characters do. Krystina is a determined character which I love but she also has a vulnerable side which is just as endearing and makes her feel human. The connection with Loukas is magical as well. Even though they start out as frenemies and he drives her wild you can feel the attraction bubbling under the surface. This story is about learning that love could be right in front of you all alone and that no matter what you go through love will always be there to help you fight.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2022-06-16 07:38:162022-06-17 06:59:26Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Kerry Carr
Love is Worth Fighting for is a contemporary romance and the third instalment of The Meraki Series. This one will bring out all the feels and tissues will be needed.
This heart-breaking beautiful tale is about Krystina the youngest sister of the Andarakas family and Loukas story. It is entertaining and heart-warming with interesting characters and some beautiful settings. I love Effie’s characters they are real and raw and the ones that really make this frenemy to lovers’ story pop.
It is now Krystina’s turn to try to uncover just what happened to her grandfather and it will take everything she has to get through it but she does learn one vital thing along the way.
I highly recommend Love is Worth Fighting for; for lovers of romance stories.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2022-06-16 06:57:242022-06-16 07:17:33Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Jenni Bishop
All Krystina wants is to travel to beautiful locations, promote her blog, and achieve Insta fame. But with Loukas, her pesky frenemy from childhood, in toe, she hardly has time to breathe. If only he would leave her alone! But when the unforeseen strikes, forcing her to face challenging situations she never thought possible, it’s Loukas that helps her through it all.
And then there’s the search her sisters began to find out what happened to her missing grandfather¾the man her grandmother has pinned all her faith on, believing he will one day return to her. Krystina is determined to find and bring him home, even through the most challenging of times. This quest will test everything she has come to know. But she may learn that through it all, when everything else crumbles around you, love is worth fighting for.
Effie Kammenou believes that it is never too late to chase your dreams, follow your heart, or change your career. She is proof of that. At one time, long ago, she’d hoped that by her age, she would have had an Oscar in her hand after a successful career as an actor. But instead, she worked in the optical field for forty years while raising her two daughters.
In 2015, three years after her mother died from pancreatic cancer, she published her debut novel, Evanthia’s Gift, the first book in a women’s fiction, multigenerational love story, and family saga, inspired by her mother and her Greek heritage. Kammenou continues to pick her father’s brain for stories of his family’s life in Lesvos, Greece, and their journey to America. Her interview with him was published in the nationally circulated magazine Reminisce.
Evanthia’s Gift: Book One in The Gift Saga was a 2016 finalist in the Readers Favorite Book Awards. Book two, Waiting for Aegina, was awarded finalist status in the 2019 International Book Awards. Chasing Petalouthes, the last book in the trilogy, also placed in the Readers Favorite Book Awards for the 2018 contest.
Kammenou’s latest project is The Meraki Series. Both Love is What You Bake of it and Love by Design are available now. Book three: Love is Worth Fighting for is set for its release on June 24, 2022, and is available for preorder. This series is a contemporary romance focused on three sisters and their quest for love and professional success despite their sometimes stifling and meddling family. But it wouldn’t be a Kammenou novel without delving into the past or references to mouth-watering foods. A mystery shadowed by a historical event in Greek history is slowly uncovered over the course of the three books.
As a bonus, each book contains traditional Greek recipes, many of which were passed down from her Athenian mother.
Effie Kammenou is a first-generation Greek-American who lives on Long Island. When she’s not writing or posting recipes on her food blog, aptly named Cheffie’s Kitchen, you can find her entertaining family and friends, or traveling for ‘research.’
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater Arts from Hofstra University.
For updates on promotions, events, and new releases, follow Effie on Social media.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Love-is-Worth-Fighting-for.jpg1200777itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-06-16 00:01:522022-06-28 11:01:25Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series) by Effie Kammenou
WOW this book was so great! I was waiting with great anticipation to start the second book in this series, and I was not disappointed! The way that the author writes these series have me reading through my breaks at work and not wanting to put it down. I love a good wholesome romance novels and it’s even better when it’s a series! If you are looking for a great series to read that you cannot wait to put down, then this is the book for you! I cannot wait until the third book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlie Del Gallohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarlie Del Gallo2022-06-15 17:52:062022-06-16 06:48:44LOVE BY DESIGN (THE MERAKI SERIES BOOK 2) BY EFFIE KAMMENOU – REVIEW BY CARLIE DEL GALLO
Cover Designer – Deborah Bradseth of Tugboat Design
The third installment of The Meraki Series:
All Krystina wants is to travel to beautiful locations, promote her blog, and achieve Insta fame. But with Loukas, her pesky frenemy from childhood, in toe, she hardly has time to breathe. If only he would leave her alone! But when the unforeseen strikes, forcing her to face challenging situations she never thought possible, it’s Loukas that helps her through it all.
And then there’s the search her sisters began to find out what happened to her missing grandfather¾the man her grandmother has pinned all her faith on, believing he will one day return to her. Krystina is determined to find and bring him home, even through the most challenging of times. This quest will test everything she has come to know. But she may learn that through it all, when everything else crumbles around you, love is worth fighting for.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/37D6D08B-0E67-4C92-A2CA-5688D67BD201.jpg750750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-06-08 00:01:452022-06-24 17:38:07🥊 ~ 웃❤유 ~ 🥊 PREORDER 🥊 ~ 웃❤유 ~ 🥊 Love is Worth Fighting For (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alexandria Richardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlexandria Richard2022-06-04 22:00:392022-08-16 07:45:34Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Alexandria Richard
All Krystina wants is to travel to beautiful locations, promote her blog, and achieve Insta fame. But with Loukas, her pesky frenemy from childhood, in toe, she hardly has time to breathe. If only he would leave her alone! But when the unforeseen strikes, forcing her to face challenging situations she never thought possible, it’s Loukas that helps her through it all.
And then there’s the search her sisters began to find out what happened to her missing grandfather¾the man her grandmother has pinned all her faith on, believing he will one day return to her. Krystina is determined to find and bring him home, even through the most challenging of times. This quest will test everything she has come to know. But she may learn that through it all, when everything else crumbles around you, love is worth fighting for.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Love-is-Worth-Fighting-for.jpg1200777itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-05-25 00:05:162022-06-24 17:38:40🥊 ~ 웃❤유 ~ 🥊 COMING SOON 🥊 ~ 웃❤유 ~ 🥊 Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou
Love by Design (The Meraki Series #2) by Effie Kammenou
This is the second book in The Meraki Series. It’s also the second book I’ve ready by Kammenou. Love by Design is amazing just like Love is What You Bake of It.
Mia is living in the city instead of with her family. She doesn’t want to be stuck in a small town. When she meets Nicholas her life is flipped upside down. The quote I chose for Mia is: “Precious time. That’s not for me. How did couples meet before all this online stuff? What happened to the old-fashioned way of meeting by chance, or at work, or through a friend?”
Nicholas runs his business with his sister. When he meets Mia things change. He isn’t sure what to make of her. Things aren’t clear until they spend time alone. The quote I chose for Nicholas is:“Well, I’ll leave you to your thoughts.”
Highly recommended for Contemporary Romance lovers.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2021-05-10 18:11:072021-05-11 07:08:19Love by Design (The Meraki Series #2) by Effie Kammenou-Review by Amanda Kimble
Mia Andarakis is one of four children in a typical greek household, however, she doesn’t live the typical single woman’s greek life, she lives in an apartment in the city with her best friend, she has a job with a magazine as a graphic designer amongst other things and a family who loves her, even if they can be stifling and overly opinionated at times, but she is convinced that she was born in the wrong era as her tastes in fashion and music are not current by any means, but she is happy. Today however, she is going to the first meeting of the Community of Creatives in Publishing (CCP), but when she sees the man on the podium, Nicholas Aristedis, the CEO of Aris Publishing, all rational thought and movement are scrubbed from her mind, he is stunning and his voice is like nothing she has ever heard before and she has definitely never reacted in such a way before, so she doesn’t quite know how to handle it. The CCP also have an awards ceremony yearly and this year Mia is proud to have been on the committee organising it, but when she comes face to face with Nicholas, he glares at her and she is dumbstruck as to why, so when she is congratulated on her role in the event and is asked for her resume to be sent to the head of the CCP, she is more than elated, however, when she hears that the company is being restructured and she is called to HR the next week, she starts to overthink and convinces herself that she is being let go of, so when she is told that she is in fact being moved to a different magazine thanks to a recommendation and is to work directly under Nicholas as his Associate Art Director.
Mia throws herself into research about the demographic of this new magazine, so she is prepared for her first day and the staff meeting she will be in, when she finds out more about the magazine and what it will be all about, Mia has an idea already coming together in her head and goes straight to work on a pitch and three hours later emails it to Nicholas and is immediately called into his office to discuss how the meeting should have been three hours ago! She is unnerved and intimidated by the man, but when they discuss everything, he is nothing like what he seemed at the meetings and they end up having a difference of opinion and bringing out the worst in each other, to the point that Mia debates whether she can work with a man who hates her and cannot stand being around her. When she gets back from lunch, she is called into the other CEO’s office and to her astonishment and delight, she is presented with an apology for Nicholas’s behavior and the knowledge that her pitch has not only been discussed and has been accepted, but will be used as the layout for the inaugural issue! She celebrates over dinner with friends and when she gets home is exhausted but brimming with ideas, so she sets up her laptop and works until she falls asleep, however, the next morning doesn’t go to plan and she ends up being a little late to the office and is immediately called into Nicholas’s office, who proceeds to apologise to her, but things are said and they have another disagreement where he says things are not going to work between them on a professional level, hearing this, Mia forwards him what she was working on the night before and packs up her desk to go stay with her sister.
After a long talk with her sister and a good night’s sleep, Mia head to her sisters cafe to help out and work out all the feelings by baking, but when Nicholas turns up after she didn’t turn up for work and searching for her, she agrees to hear him out and after the air is cleared, they return to the office to work on the magazine and she is told that they will be going to Athens in a couple of weeks to work on the next issue. Will Mia and Nicholas be able to work through their differences and together create something beautiful, or will their temperaments get between them and send things off the rails? This is another sweet romance with a carousel of mystery, heartbreak and love rotating throughout where past mysteries collide with current events in a way that would never be expected.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2021-05-10 06:41:222021-05-10 11:54:30Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Kally Andarakis is a greek woman with a plan, she has her dog, her best friend, her cafe and her family and doesn’t need anything else, but it hasn’t always been that way, eight years before, she took a risk on a man who was the complete opposite of what her family wanted for her, mysterious, long haired and tattooed who drove a motorcycle, but when tragedy struck and he died, she discovered something which would shatter her trust in men and it broke her heart completely.
Today is her sister’s name day and Kally has a family meal and celebrates it at her childhood home in Port Jefferson, so she quickly stops in at home to change and take her dog for a quick walk before she heads over there. As usual there is plenty of food, drinks and love, her family is a close one, albeit a bit stifling at times and with some old fashioned greek ideals to boot, but she wouldn’t change them for the world. In her day to day life, when not attending family events, Kally has a routine she has perfected, in the morning she gives her dog a quick walk, then heads to work to begin baking pastries, scones and cakes for her customers, so headphones in and music on, she dances round her kitchen until the rest of her team show up to start their day, then she greets her regulars and chats with the other customers as she prepares their orders, however, today is not like any other when she finds a license plate outside her shop and so she picks it up and resolves to call the police about it when she gets a chance. When an officer shows up to collect the license plate, the cafe is busy and so she grabs it and turns to see which of the local officers had arrived, however, this one she has never seen before and he doesn’t quite fit the description of one, he is gorgeous and she is tongue tied, however, her ever present and man-crazy best friend thankfully takes the lead and makes the small talk. While he is talking Kally notices that although he complements the establishment, she is taken aback a little at the fact that he didn’t introduce himself, but her friend says his name is Max, according to his name badge, but she doesn’t need a man and he is definitely not the one for her, despite what her coworkers think.
The next day, life carries on as normal, however, Kally cannot get Max out of her head, so she bakes to take her mind off him and when her team come in it helps even more, however, when he comes back in to give her an update on the license plate, his interest in her baked goods, followed by an insult to her scones, she doesn’t know how to take his mercurial mood swings. After the cafe closes, her favourite book club arrives and talk diverts to a more steady topic as they discuss the months book and eat the sweet treats accompanying it, however, when a friend of the family tries to set her up with her nephew, Kally is less than impressed, but agrees to meet him if they run into each other at church. Meanwhile Max cannot get Kally out of his mind either and decides to come up with a way to see her again, even if it isn’t in his\best interest, he can’t afford to be distracted from the new life he is creating since moving back home and away from the disaster of his past. After church, he meets up with his daughter, his sister in law and her son and takes them to Kally’s cafe, Kally is happy to see Max and when he introduces the two kids with him, she is happy as well, they are lovely and the little girl worms her way into her heart, but when a beautiful woman joins them at the table nothing else quite goes to plan and she backs away thinking that it was too good to be true after all. When the group is ready to leave, Max stays behind to talk to Kally, he loves how she was with his daughter and feels like things are going well. However, when he bumps into her the next day, he cannot understand why Kally has suddenly lost the warmth she had when she looks at him and talks to him, although when he discusses it with a coworker later on, he realises the reason and is determined to clear up the misunderstanding.
Will Kally listen to Max, let him clear the air and take a chance on him, or will she hold back her heart behind the walls she has erected over time? This is a romance where the past affects the present in more ways than one as experiences are discussed, truths are revealed and hearts are thrown around on a rollercoaster ride, but can a family mystery from the past help two hearts to find each other? Only reading to the end can tell you.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2021-05-10 04:56:332021-05-10 11:23:46Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Love is What You Bake of It (The Meraki Series #1) by Effie Kammenou
This is the first book I’ve read by Kammenou. It won’t be my last as this book is amazing. Love is What You Bake of It got me hooked from the first chapter.
Kally is trying to get out of the funk she’s put herself in. The past relationship she was in didn’t end very well. When she calls the cops to come pick up a license plate her life changes. The main cop catches her attention. The quote I chose for Kally is: “He’s married. All men suck! Seriously. I saw her at the café. She’s gorgeous, of course. What would possess any man to stray when he has such a perfect family?”
Max is finally back in his hometown after his life went to hell. His daughter had the most trauma out of all this. When he met Kally things changed. He didn’t know if he could put himself out there. The quote I chose for Max is: “No, of course not. Men are never on the lookout for beautiful, successful and interesting women like yourself. I’m surprised you’re not already married with a couple of kids. I watched you at the party. You were a natural with those children and Athena hasn’t stopped talking about you.”
Highly recommended for Contemporary Romance lovers.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2021-05-09 21:13:392021-05-09 22:22:15Love is What You Bake of It (The Meraki Series #1) by Effie Kammenou-Review by Amanda Kimble
He’s the boss. She’s infatuated. Mia Andarakis and Nicholas Aristedis are more than drawn to one another. However, in many respects in this love/hate story Mia and Nicholas have everything working against them. Not only due to the fact that Mia’s job as Nicholas’s assistant is a new one, one that cannot be upset by revealing the very strong feelings she has for him, the fact that they come from two different worlds bears serious consideration.
Love By Design is a wonderful read, and follows Love Is What You Bake of it. These are delightful stories rich with warm characters and who find love despite difficult obstacles. The trope in this book does not come without merit and I loved finding out what baggage Mia and Nicholas were holding onto and what it took for them to be able to work things out. The setting in this book is added a special touch, especially due to the fact that the characters are Greek, also the family owns a café and the fact that delectable recipes are included made the book even better.
I love that Mia had such a strong crush from the start and I truly enjoyed watching Nicholas come around. This story was sensitive, warm and definitely made me smile. Watching the pair navigate their professional and personal lives all while trying to learn how to deal with their feelings was a joy to read. I am already eager for the third book in this series.
Many thanks to Effie Kammenou for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Taylorhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Taylor2021-05-04 21:58:412021-05-05 08:31:38Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Robin Taylor
Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou. I loved this story. This author isn’t new to me and I’ve really enjoyed her stories but I think this one is my favorite so far. The entire story had me hooked. The characters drew me in immediately and I kept having to remind myself I was really a book not living it out. Each and every single detail is addressed and each emotion needed is written to make you feel it all. This book definitely had me laughing out loud. Kally and Max just draw you in and you won’t want to leave them. I’m definitely looking forward to more from this incredible author. This book is well written and paced nicely, with characters you won’t soon forget. Five stars all the way and highly recommended!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Kearney2020-05-07 19:10:522020-05-07 23:46:10Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Katie Kearney
Love is what you bake of it is a lovely heart warming book about accepting the things you can not change and trusting the people around you.
Kally is a great character who has been battered in the past by love and is happy now creating her master pieces in her cafe until a unexpected thing happens and can she embrace love or drive him away with her trust issues. Will past events dictate future loves you will have to read to find out.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as a great summer read, the story flowed brilliant and I felt I could really relate to the main characters. I enjoyed the story of secrets being revealed and the humour, with also the interaction of the secondary characters makes this a great book.
This is the first story by this author and I can’t wait to read the second in this instalment, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a great story and happy romance.
Reviewed by Angela Shirley
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2020-05-07 13:30:222020-05-07 15:14:49Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Angela Shirley
Love Is What You Make of It by Effie Kammenou is the first book in the Meraki Series, and truly was a good read. I have never read anything by this author and I can say now that I fell in love with her writing style, her characters, and can not read more of her work. Max and Kally are two strong characters that I adored and loved getting lost in the world created for them and by them. Watching Max and Kally develop was fun, and I adored her grandparents. I truly felt I was apart of the world of Max and Kally which as a reader is so important for me.
I give this book five stars and can not wait to read more in the series and more work by the author. I loved how she was able to draw me in, and keep me reading from page one and until the words, the end. Truly a fun read that has shown me another author I can read more of. WELL DONE!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidi Eich Woodringhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi Eich Woodring2020-05-07 09:45:512020-05-07 11:22:47Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Heidi Woodring
Kally Andarakis believes she isn’t love able. This comes from the few relationships she’s had. Instead, she pours her love into her cafe and the pastries she makes. The pastries and coffees the Kally creates sound delicious!
In walks in the hunky Max Vardaxiz policeman. Is Max a complication Kally doesn’t want in her life or is he the answer she’s been looking for?
This is a wonderful story of love and the misconceptions we come across in life.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2020-05-07 09:37:052020-05-07 09:42:32Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Betsy Melano
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