• Reviews
    • 5+++++++ Stars
    • 5 stars
    • 4-5 stars
      • 4 stars
      • 4.25 Stars
      • 4.5 stars
      • 4.75 Stars
    • 3-4 stars
    • audiobook
      • Audiobooks Under 3 stars
      • Audiobook 3 stars
      • Audiobook 3.5 stars
      • Audiobook 3.75 Stars
      • Audiobook 4 stars
      • Audiobook 4.25 Stars
      • Audiobook 4.5 Stars
      • Audiobook 4.75 Stars
      • Audiobook 5 stars
      • Audiobook 5+++ Stars
  • Series Orders
    • The Complete Guide To Kristen Ashley
  • What to Read after Fifty
  • About~Privacy
    • Advertising
    • Contact ~ Review Requests
    • Terms and Conditions. Privacy Policy.
    • Archive
  • Wicked Book Weekend

Ana's Attic Book Blog

Romance Book and Audiobook Reviews and Deals

  • Ana's Attic Book Blog
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • 5+++++++ Stars
    • 5 stars
    • 4-5 stars
      • 4 stars
      • 4.25 Stars
      • 4.5 stars
      • 4.75 Stars
    • 3-4 stars
    • Audiobooks
      • Audiobook 5+++ Stars
      • Audiobook 5 stars
      • Audiobook 4.75 Stars
      • Audiobook 4.5 Stars
      • Audiobook 4.25 Stars
      • Audiobook 4 stars
      • Audiobook 3.75 Stars
      • Audiobook 3.5 stars
      • Audiobook 3 stars
      • Audiobooks Under 3 stars
  • New-Sale-Free-Preorder
  • Favorite Lists
    • 2021 Top Picks
    • 2020 Top Picks
    • 2019 Top Picks
    • 2018 Top Picks
    • 2017 Top Picks
    • 2016 Top Picks
    • 2015 Top Picks
    • 2014 Top Picks
    • 2013 Top Picks
    • 2012 Top Picks
    • Top Picks and Favorite Lists
    • Recaps and Best Sellers
  • Book Extras – Exclusives
  • Upcoming Book Releases

Book Review – Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton

07/12/2016

Cream of the Crop Review

Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton

The Hudson Valley Series #2. Romantic Comedy. Can stand alone but I recommend you read Nuts first for the best experience.

I have loved Alice Clayton’s book since she released the Redhead Series a few years ago. She knows how to mix a smart, fun, totally relatable heroine with a sexy guy for just the right mix of humor, heat and heart. Alice is also outspoken about being a curvy woman, so when she made Cream of the Crop have a size 18 heroine, I thought that was awesome.

Side note: I was on a little Brittany Gibbons panel with Alice as well as Jasinda Wilder discussing curvy women in the bedroom a few years ago. Check it out here <–YouTube.

We were first introduced to Natalie and Oscar in Nuts. While Cream of the Crop does stand alone, I would advise reading Nuts first to get a feel for the town and it’s inhabitants first. Because Bailey Falls is almost like another character in the book, it’s so integral to the series. As a huge fan of It’s A Wonderful Life, I always think of this town like Bedford Falls, and I was thrilled when Alice finally brought that up.

I freaking LOVED Natalie. It is such a pleasure reading about a woman who isn’t a virgin!!! Natalie reminded me of a size 18 version of Samantha from Sex in the City. She was so full of sex appeal and confidence, she knew just how to work it so she can have any guy tied around her finger.

Size-eighteen women were supposed to be timid. Size-eighteen women were supposed to be shy. Size eighteen women were supposed to be grateful for any male attention, and to feel especially honored if a good-looking main paid attention to them.
Fuck all that noise. I took the best looking guy home with me whenever and however I pleased.

I spoke with an old friend (a guy) about women and weight recently. He told me that it didn’t matter what size a woman was, it was how confident they are in their skin. He told me confidence was the sexiest thing in a woman. That was a great point Alice made in Cream of the Crop.

creamofthecrop

Natalie was a total New Yorker. She loved everything about it. She rocked her curves. She wore sky-high designer shoes. She owned her sexuality. She was a top advertising account executive, and she loved cheese. She strutted around her city like she owned it and made no apologies. Any other dreams she may have were kept locked up in a secret cupboard.

cream of the crop quote

Every Saturday, she strutted around the farmer’s market. But when she got the the Bailey Falls Creamery booth to pick up some cheese, Oscar, the gorgeous tattooed dairy farmer threw her off her game like nobody ever did. She couldn’t look at him, let alone talk to him. So week after week, she pined away, while all they exchanged was this:

“Brie?”
“Oh, yes.”

Natalie’s best friend, Roxie, lived up in Bailey Falls with her own hot farmer, on the farm right next to Oscar’s. So when Natalie gets an opportunity to do an ad campaign for Bailey Falls, she jumps on it. And she finally hops on a train to spend the weekend in the country, petticoat and all.

Seeing this city girl in the country is funny as hell. But even funnier is what happens when she comes face to face with Oscar the first time. I was snort-laughing and woke up Mr. Ana! But what happened a few minutes later with Oscar and Natalie in the barn made me want to wake up Mr. Ana for other reasons 😉

Oscar is a man of very few words. He is the opposite of everything Natalie. As sexy as he was, I had a bit of a hard time with the amount of effort he put into the relationship. Even his compliments weren’t all that glowing!

“I love watching your great big ass.”
“Hold up,” I said, placing one hand on his chest and slowing his roll. “Are you saying great big ass? Or great comma big ass?
He looked at me quizzically. “Great comma big ass?”
This was going to be harder than I thought. “Okay, I’m confused. So you’re not saying I have a great big…ass, you’re saying that I have a great…big ass. Meaning–”
“Your ass is big. And it’s great.” He dipped down to bring his face to within inches of mine. “How is that confusing?”

It took some time to get to know Oscar, but I loved when he opened up to Natalie, and calling her ‘Pinup’ was awesome. I never fully fell head over heels with him, but I loved Natalie enough to make up for it.

Cream of the Crop quote

Oscar reminded me of Mr. Ana a little. Really not a big talker, really manly, and obsessed with big butt 🙂 No complaints.

Likes:

  • I loved Natalie! A plus-sized confident woman in a regular story marketed to everyone was awesome.
  • I loved that she was sexually experienced, a rare find in books.
  • I fell even more in love with the town in upstate NY, and loved the It’s a Wonderful Life mention.
  • Visiting with Roxie, Leo and Polly from Nuts, as well as Chad and Logan.
  • Natalie’s family reminded me of mine.
  • Despite her outward confidence and strength, there was a very vulnerable center we got to see.
  • Oscar is a big, sexy, manly farmer of few words, but he is big enough to manhandle Natalie!

Dislikes:

  • Oscar was just a bit too laid back. I like the alpha male who takes his woman no matter what, and he didn’t grab her. In fact, she forgave him for some behavior that was really uncalled for.
  • Missy. I thought she would be the big conflict in the story, but I almost felt like she wasn’t used enough.
  • I never fully felt the full connection between them. I mean there was lots of sex, but there wasn’t quite enough of the falling in love.

The Down & Dirty:

Natalie was totally another favorite character created by Alice Clayton. I just love her real, flawed heroines. Natalie was a plus-sized dynamo who totally owned her curves and her sexuality. She was the total New Yorker who never left the island, so seeing her in her designer shoes on a farm is hysterical. I read the entire book with a full-on smile on my face, and I totally rooted for her to get scooped up by the big, brooding, sexy dairy farmer. As sexy as Oscar was, I wish he were a little more aggressive in pursuing Natalie, but that is hardly a complaint. Cream of the Crop will be a book that stays in my mind. It was truly unique and completely lovable, and filled with all of my favorite things, humor, heat and heart. Worth every penny.

Rating: 4.5 stars, 4 Heat

STARS_4.5FLAMES_4

Purchase

Purchase Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton

Kindle Paperback Audible BN.com iBooks

Series Order

REVIEW_cream_SQUARE

Related posts:

  • Make a Wish by Helena Hunting | Audiobook ReviewMake a Wish by Helena Hunting | Audiobook Review
  • Whispers of You by Catherine Cowles | Audiobook ReviewWhispers of You by Catherine Cowles | Audiobook Review
  • The Rom-Com Agenda by Jayne DenkerThe Rom-Com Agenda by Jayne Denker
  • The Back Nine by Rachel BlaufeldThe Back Nine by Rachel Blaufeld
  • The RSVP by Lauren Blakely | Audiobook ReviewThe RSVP by Lauren Blakely | Audiobook Review
«
»

4-5 Heat H's, 4-5 stars, 4.5 stars, Alice Clayton, Book Reviews, Books - 4+ Stars, Reviews 0

Follow Me Here!

Join our Facebook Group

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stalk Me – I Like It

Stay in touch!

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to stay up to date on my blog!

Welcome! Over 18 please

Ana's Attic

Ana’s Attic Book and Audiobook Blog was established in 2012.

Search this site:

search by category

.
Disclosure: Ana's Attic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Many of the books reviewed on Ana's Attic were provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. We never accept payment in any form for reviews or recommendations. Also an affiliate of Target.com For our full, in-depth Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies, CLICK HERE. By using this website you are consenting to our Policies as set forth here.
DMCA.com Protection Status

reading:

listening:

reading next:

Next Review:

Visit These pages:

Visit These pages:
Holiday Romances
hanukkah-Romance-Novels

Founding Member

Passionflix

#officialfifty

#officialfifty

New single out now!

Affiliate:

Ana's Attic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Privacy Policy

For our full, in-depth Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies, CLICK HERE. By using this website you are consenting to our Policies as set forth here.

The only time I collect e-mails is when you sign up for the newsletter or if you register This information is NEVER shared, and is only used to deliver your email to you.

Ana’s Attic does not share personal information with third parties nor do we store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.

You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings.

We are not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without our permission.

This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on May 24, 2018. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly here: ana@anasattic.com

Please note:

This blog is meant for adults 18+ only. All opinions are my own and custom images are copyright protected. I never accept payment for reviews. All books reviewed are either purchased by me or provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Prices reflected are valid at the time of post only. You are responsible for checking the correct price before completing the purchase.

For our full, in-depth Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies, CLICK HERE. By using this website you are consenting to our Policies as set forth here.

Contest Winners: Contest Winners have 48 hours from my e-mail to get back to me or another winner is chosen. Flash Giveaway winners on Facebook are responsible for checking back to see if they are a winner. Mailed prizes are US only unless otherwise stated. I only pick rafflecopter winners once per month, all at once.

Instagram

anasatticblog

📖Romance Book |🎧Audiobook Reviews since 2012
📚New Releases
💰Sale|Freebie Lists
📆Starting On Monday Blog
🏖Wicked Book Weekend
#bookstagram #bookblog

Ana's Attic Book Blog
Did you miss any January romance book and audioboo Did you miss any January romance book and audiobook releases? I have them all in one spot. I also reviewed 7 books in January and had 1 DNF. You can see it all on my recap and the next few slides. 

https://anasattic.com/january-2023-reviews-and-releases-recap/ (or top post on anasattic.com) 
—
—
#recap #januaryreads #bookreviews #januarybooks #audiobookreviews #audible #bookreviewer #bookstagram #audiblebooks
Today’s new releases are always the top post at Today’s new releases are always the top post at anasattic.com! #romancebooks #bookreleases #bookstagram
It's the last day of the month, which means the en It's the last day of the month, which means the end of a TON of amazing sales! You can see all of today's releases, plus all the latest sales right here--> https://anasattic.com/new-sale-free-january-2023/ or just see the top post at anasattic.com or check the link in my bio. But grab them now before they're gone!
—
—
#booksales #freebooks #99centbooks #discountbooks #romancebooks #romancereads #romancenovels #kindle #kindlebooks #bookstagram #newbooks #booklover #bookhoarder
“It didn’t matter if it had been ten days to t “It didn’t matter if it had been ten days to ten years. A love like that ruined you for all others.”
NOW LIVE!
If you haven’t read Catherine Cowles yet, you can start a new series that releases today! But warning: Don’t start unless you have time, because I promise, you won’t want to put it down! 
Whispers of You:
📱Kindle: https://amzn.to/3wBsExa
🎧Audible: https://amzn.to/3XM62WN
📚Special Edition Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3JofmM0
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/whispers-of-you/ (or you can see it on my home page)
“It didn’t matter if it had been ten days to t “It didn’t matter if it had been ten days to ten years. A love like that ruined you for all others.”
One of my most anticipated reads for 2023 comes out Tuesday, and I was so right to be excited about it! Whispers of You by @catherinecowlesauthor lived up to all my expectations and I can’t wait to continue the series. 

📱Kindle: https://amzn.to/3wBsExa
🎧Audible: https://amzn.to/3XM62WN
📚Special Edition Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3JofmM0
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/whispers-of-you/ (or you can see it on my home page, (link in bio) 
—
—
#audiobookreview #romancenovels #catherinecowles #audibleromance #audiobookstagram #bookreview #audiblebooks #recommendedreading #romanticsuspense #favoriteauthor #andiarndt #zacharywebber #newbookrelease #newbookseries
Another 2022 Top Favorite Book! @authortarasivec h Another 2022 Top Favorite Book!
@authortarasivec has been a top favorite author for 11 years. Her books have been on all 11 Best of lists, and Stop Ghosting Me was another fall favorite I will be rereading. 
📖: https://amzn.to/3HhHAFv
My review: https://anasattic.com/stop-ghosting-me/
See all of my 2022 Favorites: https://anasattic.com/top-books-audiobooks-of-2022/
—
—
#bestbooksof2022 #bestof22 #tarasivec #bookreview #romcom #romancenovels #bookish #booklover #favoritebooks #bookstagram #recommendedbooks #books
I liked the Rom-Com Agenda enough to read the whol I liked the Rom-Com Agenda enough to read the whole thing. I liked the characters, but the hero spent the entire book trying to get his ex back instead of seeing what was right in front of him way sooner. She deserved better. 
💻See my review: https://anasattic.com/the-rom-com-agenda/
📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3D9wDEI
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3WsiGss
—
#Bookreview #audiobookreview  #bookblog #bookblogger #netgalley #arcreview 
#audiobookstagram #bookstagram #netgalley #arcreview
- @catherinecowlesauthor has been a favorite of mi - @catherinecowlesauthor has been a favorite of mine for the last few years. In 2022, the entire Tattered and Torn series released, and I loved every single one of them. I listened to them all on audio, and they each deserve a place on my Best of 2022 list, especially Fractured Sky, which I gave a rare 5+++ stars to.

They also have the most beautiful covers!

—>See the whole Tattered and Torn Series here: https://anasattic.com/catherine-cowles-tattered-and-torn-series-order/
—> See my Best of 2022 List: https://anasattic.com/top-books-audiobooks-of-2022/
—
—
#Bookseries #favoritebooks #Catherinecowles #Favoriteauthor #bookcoverlove #romanticsuspense #audiblebooks #audiobooklover #spicybooks #bookstagram #spicybookstagram #bookish #bestof2022 #bestbooksof2022
My 11th annual Best of the year list includes some My 11th annual Best of the year list includes some old favorites and some new authors. Do you agree with any of these choices? What were some of your favorites? See the whole list at anasattic.com (link in bio) 
—
—
#bestof2022 #bestbooksof2022 #favoritebooksof2022 #audiobooks #bookstagram #audiobookstagram #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #favoritebooks @authortarasivec @catherinecowlesauthor @jessicaanyablau @colleenhoover @alihazelwood @carabastone @jtgeissingerauthor @kennedyryan1 @jfrostauthor @kristenashleybooks
The first two audiobooks in this unrelated series The first two audiobooks in this unrelated series were on my Best of 2021 List, and Seatmate by @carabastone has continued the streak for my Best of 2022 list. The full cast narration and the production of this “audioplay” is what made Seatmate a 5-star read for me. I really felt like I was eavesdropping on a real conversation. This was a quick and fun listening experience, and though it’s nothing epic, it stood out to me in 22.

🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3PzGOXY (included in #audibleplus )
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/seatmate-by-cara-bastone/

#Bestof2022 #favoriteaudiobook #audiobookreview #carabastone #audiblebooks #audibleoriginal #madeforaudio #5stars #audibleromance #audible #zacharywebber #audiobooks
I enjoyed The Back Nine by Rachel Blaufeld. It’s I enjoyed The Back Nine by Rachel Blaufeld. It’s rare to find books about older couples and I so appreciate when an author writes a sexy one. I had a couple of issues with it, and I really struggled with the heroine’s name, James. Every time I read her name (and the female MC for the next book is Billy) my brain had to catch up for a second that it was a girl. 

To see the rest of my review, Its right on the homepage of my site, or go to https://anasattic.com/the-back-nine/
Grab it from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QK35mU

#bookreview #bookstagram #matureromance #bookreviewer #romancenovel #romancereader #bookblog #booklover
Top Pick of 2022: @kristenashleybooks has been on Top Pick of 2022: @kristenashleybooks has been on all 11 lists (since 2012), and for good reason!
Taking the Leap by Kristen Ashley is my favorite book she has written in a while. It very much focuses on Alex and Rix and it didn’t feel like I had to remember a ton of other characters. I felt their chemistry and how perfect they are for each other. 
I love how Kristen handled a disabled hero. This is one you don’t want to miss! Have you read it yet?

💻My review: https://anasattic.com/taking-the-leap/
📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3H4sL7r
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3uSHX54
See my Complete Guide to Kristen Ashley: https://anasattic.com/the-complete-guide-to-kristen-ashley/
See all the best of 22 Books: (See the top banner on my site or bio)
—
—
#bestof22 #bestbooksof2022 #Favoritebooks #bookreview #kristenashley #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #romancereads #bookreviewer #favoriteauthor #riverrain #disabled #amputee #amreadingromance #bookblogger #romancebooks  #booklover #reading
Did you know I have an upcoming releases page with Did you know I have an upcoming releases page with preorders that I update several times per week?
Just hit upcoming releases in the menu at anasattic .com (link in bio). I also have the current releases, sales, freebies and next week’s releases on the top post of my blog. 
—
#romancebooks #2023books #bookreleases #romancenovels #upcomingbooks
Pen Pal by JT Geissinger was one of my most fun su Pen Pal by JT Geissinger was one of my most fun surprises of the year. It was completely not what I expected and I loved every word. That’s why it’s on my Best of 2022 list. 

📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3R8DsLe
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3XAXt0f
I had to do a totally different type of review for this so I wouldn’t give anything away.
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/pen-pal-jt-geissinger/

See all my Best of 2022 choices: https://anasattic.com/top-books-audiobooks-of-2022/ (link in bio) 
—
—
#bestof2022 #bestbooksof2022 #favoritebooksof2022 #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklover @jtgeissingerauthor #jtgeissinger #bookrecommendations #spicyreads #spicybooks #sexybooks
After loving over fifty books by Lauren Blakely, I After loving over fifty books by Lauren Blakely, I realized something after reviewing The RSVP: I don’t like when a heroine actively pursues and seduces a man—I like the men to do the chasing. 
See my review on my blog (link in bio) or below. 
https://anasattic.com/the-rsvp-lauren-blakely/

📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3Xzskua
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3XdQWsO

#audiobookreview #kindleunlimited #bookreview #bookstagrammer
#audiobookstagram #audible #favoriteauthor #audibleromance #agegapromance #bookstagram #audible #spicybook
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright

All images and text on this blog are credited to Ana’s Attic, unless otherwise stated. Book covers are from Amazon.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material (including translations) without express and written permission from Ana’s Attic’s author is strictly prohibited.

Excerpts (no longer than a short paragraph) and links to this blog are permitted, providing that full credit is given to Ana’s Attic with clear and specific direction to the original content.

For our full, in-depth Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies, CLICK HERE. By using this website you are consenting to our Policies as set forth here.

Facebook Page

Wicked Book Weekend

Ana's Attic Book Blog © 2023

Web Design and Development by emr design studio