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tessisreading2's review
MM historical, set in a department store in 1908 London. The department store and all of its departments are lovingly-drawn, in sometimes overwhelming detail, as are the outfits of every single female character who makes an appearance. Every time she makes an appearance, might I add. The romance, in contrast, is absolutely insta-love: Henri, the head chef of the store’s in-house tea rooms (clearly based on Escoffier) falls for Nico, a new waiter, on sight. I don’t object to detailed descriptions of Edwardian women’s clothing but I don’t know why two gay men who don’t work in fashion would notice them in such detail and so consistently.
There are far too many side characters introduced also, both fictional and nonfictional. Do we need several pages of actress Gabrielle Ray rampaging around a party and annoying everyone, complete with quoting entire paragraphs of song lyrics? No. We don't. Particularly not in a romance novel in which Gabrielle is unlikely to play a significant role.
The whole book in many ways feels like a love letter to the fictional store (or Selfridge’s fanfiction?) more than it does a romance between the leads. The characterization of both leads wasn't very well-developed, at least at 35%, and while I'm sorry to abandon this, it just didn't have what I'm looking for in a romance.
There are far too many side characters introduced also, both fictional and nonfictional. Do we need several pages of actress Gabrielle Ray rampaging around a party and annoying everyone, complete with quoting entire paragraphs of song lyrics? No. We don't. Particularly not in a romance novel in which Gabrielle is unlikely to play a significant role.
The whole book in many ways feels like a love letter to the fictional store (or Selfridge’s fanfiction?) more than it does a romance between the leads. The characterization of both leads wasn't very well-developed, at least at 35%, and while I'm sorry to abandon this, it just didn't have what I'm looking for in a romance.
naranjadia's review
4.0
I liked how this worked within the social constraints of the era, rather than carving out a historically impossible ending. It’s still an HEA, but more realistic.
Nico and Henri are different in temperament and approach to life, but they also share many things in common. It is insta-love between them, but their relationship develops at a slower pace, drawn out really well by the author.
My chief criticism is that the details, clearly well researched down to the names of hats and heels, sometimes slowed things down and made me conscious I was reading “significant historical context.” They were great details, just took me out of the narrative a bit. Maybe 1/3 less would have been perfect.
Nico and Henri are different in temperament and approach to life, but they also share many things in common. It is insta-love between them, but their relationship develops at a slower pace, drawn out really well by the author.
My chief criticism is that the details, clearly well researched down to the names of hats and heels, sometimes slowed things down and made me conscious I was reading “significant historical context.” They were great details, just took me out of the narrative a bit. Maybe 1/3 less would have been perfect.
inmyhumbleopinion's review
5.0
This book immerses you in early 1900’s England. There, set among the excitement of a new century we find the newly opened Hartridge & Casas department store. A store where you can find the wonders of the world and have a bite to eat at the Royal Tea Room. It is in the kitchens of the Royal Tea Room that you will find Henri and Nico the subjects of this tale. Despite the advancements made in this new century their love is still illegal and must be hidden in the shadows. What will Henri and Nico give up to be together? I loved visiting in Henri and Nicos world and their fight for love.
fairestofthestars's review
3.0
Catering to Love is a love story set in the early 20th century, with the backdrop of the Summer Olympics and the historic Franco-British Exhibition. It is set in the Hartridge & Casas department store where Henri is the head chef at the Royal Tea Room. He is work focused and determined to one day open his own restaurant. His focus is more than a little bit shaken when he meets one of the new waiters, Nico. They start off a bit shakily, but their attraction is undeniable. But when a meddling lord who can't take no is threatening to expose their relationship, Henri must decide if he cares more about love or his reputation.
This is a very cute story about the two main characters falling in love and figuring themselves out. I really liked how this book went about the story, given that it's set in a time when they had to hide their relationships. I really liked that they were still surrounded by supportive people who understand them and care about them. This all to say, I really enjoyed the side characters. The romance is (for the most part) a more quiet one, as Henri and Nico spend a lot of time in public, meaning there's not much affection they can show. I liked the historical elements of this, the events that were taking place at the time really made the story feel more anchored to the time period. There's not much here that happens, in terms of plot so going into this don't expect much action and happenings, this is more of a slice-of-life story.
In terms of the main characters, while I really liked them, this is where I felt the book was slightly lacking. Truthfully, I did really like what I saw of them, but I definitely wish there was more. More about them individually, about their personalities and their wishes and motivations and all of that. They were likable and I enjoyed reading about them, but it did feel a little bit like this was an episode, a chapter of a bigger story. It felt like there should have been more introduction to them perhaps? Or more information about them sprinkled in throughout the story. There was some establishing of the characters, of course, they were fleshed out for the purposes of the romance, but I just wish we saw more of them.
That mentioned, the romance was sweet and I enjoyed it but I felt like their conflicts felt repetitive after a while. Of course, I understand the issue in question could not get solved immediately, which is why it kept resurfacing. I am absolutely fine with that, but their conversations felt the same. I have no issue with rehashing the same problem, but I would like to see some variety in how it plays out. It all boiled down to Henri being unsure about their relationship, Nico saying Henri is afraid, Henri not wanting to admit it and instead saying something hurtful and Nico walking out (several times).
Long story short, my wish for more character backgrounds and the repetitiveness of their arguments are what brought my rating down, even though I enjoyed reading the book. I like the ending, I will always be happy with queer characters getting a happy ending over whatever other option. I think it was done well, even though it seemed a tad bit unrealistic. But hey, I'm not complaining. I would recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, sweet, historical queer romance with a happy ending! :)
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
This is a very cute story about the two main characters falling in love and figuring themselves out. I really liked how this book went about the story, given that it's set in a time when they had to hide their relationships. I really liked that they were still surrounded by supportive people who understand them and care about them. This all to say, I really enjoyed the side characters. The romance is (for the most part) a more quiet one, as Henri and Nico spend a lot of time in public, meaning there's not much affection they can show. I liked the historical elements of this, the events that were taking place at the time really made the story feel more anchored to the time period. There's not much here that happens, in terms of plot so going into this don't expect much action and happenings, this is more of a slice-of-life story.
In terms of the main characters, while I really liked them, this is where I felt the book was slightly lacking. Truthfully, I did really like what I saw of them, but I definitely wish there was more. More about them individually, about their personalities and their wishes and motivations and all of that. They were likable and I enjoyed reading about them, but it did feel a little bit like this was an episode, a chapter of a bigger story. It felt like there should have been more introduction to them perhaps? Or more information about them sprinkled in throughout the story. There was some establishing of the characters, of course, they were fleshed out for the purposes of the romance, but I just wish we saw more of them.
That mentioned, the romance was sweet and I enjoyed it but I felt like their conflicts felt repetitive after a while. Of course, I understand the issue in question could not get solved immediately, which is why it kept resurfacing. I am absolutely fine with that, but their conversations felt the same. I have no issue with rehashing the same problem, but I would like to see some variety in how it plays out. It all boiled down to Henri being unsure about their relationship, Nico saying Henri is afraid, Henri not wanting to admit it and instead saying something hurtful and Nico walking out (several times).
Long story short, my wish for more character backgrounds and the repetitiveness of their arguments are what brought my rating down, even though I enjoyed reading the book. I like the ending, I will always be happy with queer characters getting a happy ending over whatever other option. I think it was done well, even though it seemed a tad bit unrealistic. But hey, I'm not complaining. I would recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, sweet, historical queer romance with a happy ending! :)
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
stitchnlich's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. Despite the pacing being off in several places - I had to go back and reread pages because I couldn't figure out when the characters had gotten together (less than ideal in a romance novel) - the story was really charming and I had a lot of fun reading.
I received an ARC of this book but my opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book but my opinions are my own.
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