Book Review: Tart by Katie Mettner

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My name is Bishop Halla, and I believe in love at first sight. The problem is, the woman I'm in love with doesn't. Amber Larson, the face of The Fluffy Cupcake, is the sweetest tart in the bakery case and I want nothing more than to take a bite. The problem is I can see through the smile she uses to hide her excruciating pain and halting limp. She needs help, fast, and I'm just the man for the job. What's my plan? It's simple. I'll propose. For her, it's a marriage of convenience. For me, it's the real deal. I have thirty days to teach this beautifully broken woman that her past doesn't have to dictate her future. I'll start by showing my little tart that the right man will fill her nights with pleasure rather than pain. Her tight, lithe body, and plump, kissable lips assure me it will be the most titillating lesson I've ever taught. Is it possible? I don't know but I have to try because, if I fail, it will spell disaster for The Fluffy Cupcake, the entire town of Lake Pendle, and most of all, my heart. ~~~~ Author Katie Mettner is an amputee who writes characters who are inclusive. This book is definitely no exception. From Amber Larson, who has a leg injury from a childhood accident, an accident which also causes her to have great anxiety during thunder storms, to Bishop Halla who struggled his whole adult life with one mistake he made as a teenager. A mistake he kept a secret out of embarrassment. A mistake he should have realized as a blessing. Everything we do in life takes us down a path that leads us to where we are today. The good and the bad experiences can result in blessings. I give high praise for Katie Mettner for this story of Amber and her shortcomings. This was a beautifully written story with some very wise words. And the love story was strong, built on a strong foundation that developed into a passionate love. I have a chronic illness so the words she penned resonated with me: "I'm really tired," I said, "tired of talking. Tired of being in pain. Tired of thinking. Just tired." No truer words could have been spoken for sufferers of physical and mental illnesses. And the romance between Amber and Bishop is so heartwarming. And the following explanation of love touched my heart: "... we are all tired in some way or another. Some of us carry heavier burdens than others, but the bigger picture is this. When you find the right person to carry yours, it's not hard to carry their's in return.".... "Love is carrying each other's burdens, even if sometimes it's not an even split of weight." The physical barriers did not fail to emit a fair amount of steam between Amber and Bishop. Real love. And the epilogue triggered a few tears... happy tears. I can't praise this book enough! This book is part of a series (#2) but they can definitely be read as standalones. This was book #5 of my Movie Musical prompts from Grease and The Sound of Music. The prompt was Grease is the Word (from Grease) with the prompt a book with a one word title.