REVIEW: Do Me a Favor by Cathy Yardley

Do Me a Favor by Cathy Yardley: Moving from California to the more relaxed Pacific Northwest was supposed to be a fresh start of cookbook ghostwriter Willa, a way for her to get her creative juices flowing again after the passing of her husband. Hoping for a new start Willa never actually expected to fall so in love with her new life or the chaotically gorgeous handyman next-door. Not only is Hudson the complete opposite to everything that Willa has ever known but he seems to be thriving in the midst of all the farmhouse chaos. Even though Willa desperately wants to keep her distance from Hudson there is just something about his smoothing voice and calming personality that keeps pulling her back… the question is can Hudson finally put himself first after all these years?

Do Me A Favor was such a cute read and I love every moment of following these two characters finding a second chance at love. I will say that I don’t normally read many books with mature characters but I have to say that I enjoyed the change of pace and getting to see things through the perspective of a 40 year old trying to navigate their way through love and life. As with all of Yardley’s books the characters are easy to love and relatable but most of all with her easy flowing writing style it is super easy to get lost in the book not wanting to come out of her book world.

I absolutely loved this couple, they were both such givers so it was nice getting to their dynamic evolve and getting to see how they helped each other grow. I think Willa was an incredible leading lady, not only was she a sweetheart but she was so easy to relate to. I completely understood her desire to want to prove herself and the reluctance that she felt in wanting to ask for help. My heart really went out to her as she tried to rebuild her life all over again while still dealing with her grief and the loss of her husband. If nothing else I love the fact that Willa highlighted how resilient women can be. I really enjoyed getting to follow her as she turned her side hustle into her dream job and getting a glimpse into what goes on in the world of a cookbook creator.

Now for our hero, well I really liked Hudson as well and for the most part I just want to give him a hug and tell him that he really has been a great dad to his two girls. I absolutely loved the way that Hudson treated Willa and all the love and tenderness that he showed her, this really only highlighted just how caring and compassionate his character truly was. Though he two had a few flaws that he needed to overcome, I will say that I enjoyed getting to see him learn to put himself first after all this time of putting his family first.

The chemistry between Hudson and Willa was slow burn perfection, even though their entire love story spans just about a month, the build up was slow and sweet. These two danced around their attraction for a good majority of the book but this only added to the appeal of their relationship. Even though they took a bit of time together I loved the fact that they used this time to get to know each other and really form a connection. One of the things I really liked about their relationship was how they could relate to each other and provide that support that they had both been lacking for a long time. I really liked the fact that they championed each other in every aspect of their relationship.

The supporting characters in this book were really cute as well, I loved getting to know the Clark family and seeing the way they welcomed Willa into their mad house full of love and laughter. Though I have to say I think the cutest character in this entire book has to be Noodle the escape artist dog.

All in all I really enjoyed reading Do Me A Favor, this beautifully written romance just proves that it is never to late to find love, and most of the time you are likely to find it at the most unexpected times. A definite must read from me!

Book Info:

Publication: July 23, 2024 | Montlake |

Willa Lieu-Endicott moved from California to the Pacific Northwest to start over. Since her husband’s death, she’s been struggling to get back her old career as a cookbook ghostwriter. Unfortunately, her latest project—ghostwriting for a viral cooking sensation known more for his washboard abs than his meals—has her stuck.

Until she meets her new neighbor.

Hudson Daws, the handyman next door, lives on a farm with his parents and two adult children. He’s the opposite of everything she’s ever known. His happily chaotic life includes biker barbecues, an escape artist dog, and adorably menacing goats. He’s also got a sinfully sexy smile and a rumbling bass voice that makes her shiver. He inspires her.

From their first meeting, the two fall into an escalating cycle of favors, paybacks…and attraction, even though Willa’s trying to keep her distance.

They both have their own pasts to deal with. Now, they just have to figure out if they have a future.