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Recipe for Love #4
Too Hot To Touch
When it comes to competitive cooking, Max Lunden is no stranger to winning...though he's never been great at working with a team. A master chef-and major hunk-he's traveled the world, picking up new cooking techniques as well as beautiful women. But when the prodigal chef returns home to his family's Greenwich Village restaurant, he discovers one too many cooks in the kitchen-and she's every bit as passionate as he is...Juliet Cavanaugh used to have a crush on Max when she was just a teenager, hanging out at Lunden & Sons Tavern, hoping to catch a glimpse of the owner's oldest, and hottest, son. Now a chef herself-competing in the biggest culinary contest in the country-Juliet will be cooking side by side with the one man she's always admired...and desired. But despite their simmering attraction, Juliet is determined to keep her cool-no matter how hot it gets...
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2011
35 people are currently reading
2588 people want to read
About the author
Louisa Edwards
16 books794 followersLouisa Edwards was born in Austin, but grew up in Virginia, where she started reading romance around the age of eleven. She graduated with honors from Bryn Mawr College and landed her first job in publishing as an Editorial Assistant at Berkley and built her own list of authors, earning a promotion to Assistant Editor.
Then real life romance ensued: Louisa married a journalist and moved to a small town in Ohio where she critiqued restaurants for the local paper and began writing the Recipe for Love novels, a series of contemporary romances with a strong culinary theme. Her debut novel, CAN’T STAND THE HEAT, was released by St. Martin’s Press in September 2009 to rave reviews. The second novel in the series, ON THE STEAMY SIDE came out in March 2010, followed by JUST ONE TASTE in September 2010.
The series will continue with TOO HOT TO TOUCH (on sale August 2, 2011), SOME LIKE IT HOT (November 29, 2011), and HOT UNDER PRESSURE (April 2012), a trilogy about a team of talented chefs in a high-stakes culinary competition.
Louisa recently moved back to Austin with her husband. They and their two dogs are already completely in love with it!
Then real life romance ensued: Louisa married a journalist and moved to a small town in Ohio where she critiqued restaurants for the local paper and began writing the Recipe for Love novels, a series of contemporary romances with a strong culinary theme. Her debut novel, CAN’T STAND THE HEAT, was released by St. Martin’s Press in September 2009 to rave reviews. The second novel in the series, ON THE STEAMY SIDE came out in March 2010, followed by JUST ONE TASTE in September 2010.
The series will continue with TOO HOT TO TOUCH (on sale August 2, 2011), SOME LIKE IT HOT (November 29, 2011), and HOT UNDER PRESSURE (April 2012), a trilogy about a team of talented chefs in a high-stakes culinary competition.
Louisa recently moved back to Austin with her husband. They and their two dogs are already completely in love with it!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
October 2, 2011
Sucked me in from the prologue, then I stayed up until 1am to finish it!
May 5, 2017
Too Hot to Touch is the first book of Louisa Edwards' Rising Star Chef series, and I cannot tell you how long I have been waiting for this book. I heard about Edwards not long before her first book--Can't Stand the Heat--was published and bought it the day that it came out. Since that first story...I was in love. A freakishly devoted fan. I get disturbingly excited when a new book comes out, and that pattern continued when I found Too Hot to Handle on the shelves not even days after it came out. I couldn't wait to start it. And, let me tell you, the woman did not let me down with the start of this new series. It's possible that I could love it even more than the Recipe for Love series! (We'll have to wait and see after a couple books because, really, can you top the Market crew?)
I don't know what it is about Louisa Edwards, but she has the propensity to create such blindingly fascinating characters that it's almost appalling that so much talent is centered in one woman. Just look at the wonderful cast of this series: Max, the wanderer just looking for a place that feels like home. Jules, the woman who's afraid to let a man get too close, yet is inexplicably drawn to Max. Danny, the little brother that had to grow up too fast. Gus, the stubborn father who needs, in the words of Danny, a reality check. Nina, the mother of the group. Win, the friendly chef with a sunny, often exuberant, personality. Beck, the mystery chef we know practically nothing about. Kane, the adorable foodie rock star. Claire, the exotic, French, magazine editor-in-chief attempting (and failing) not to be attracted to a man half her age. Eva, the heiress running the show. How could you pass up a book with such a variety of characters and personalities?
I love the idea of the Rising Star Chef competition tying all the books of the series together, but what I love the most is the way Edwards intertwines so many romances into one book without making it seem overcrowded:
1. The main romance is between Max and Jules. Their romance begins when Max is called home from his travels to help his family's team through the RSC qualifiers. The way their romance progresses is interesting and, I think, flows well with the story. Despite the side romance, Max and Jules' relationship doesn't seem rushed. By the end of the book, you get the sense that they actually know each other. (Aside from some ridiculous self-sacrifice by Jules and obliviousness by, well, both of them.) And, while Jules was not always my favorite person throughout the book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her and Max.
2. The secondary romance is between Kane and Claire. Their romance begins when Kane joins the judging panel for the competition, along with Claire and Devon Sparks (from Recipe for Love). Their romance doesn't go very far in this book, which leads me to believe that they are going to be a recurring secondary romance throughout the series, much like Frankie and Jess in Recipe for Love. (And, oh boy, don't think I didn't notice the two very brief and extremely subtle allusions to my love Frankie in this book! And Jess during the second one.) Much like with Frankie and Jess, Kane and Claire's romance sometimes grabbed my attention more than Jules and Max's. I think part of it has to do with the frustration of not getting enough of them.
3. The third, and perhaps less noticeable, romance is between Danny and Eva. Their romance begins when Eva flirts with Danny at the first qualifying round of the RSC competition. I mention this as one of the romances because Edwards is seamlessly introducing the main couple of the next book of this series, Some Like It Hot. It's so subtle that some may not even realize it, but man, is it there. I look forward to reading more about them when Some Like It Hot comes out in November.
So, I guess what I've tried to get across with this review is that I loved this book, and Louisa Edwards has produced yet another wonderful novel. I can't wait for the continuation of the series; it doesn't seem like it can get here fast enough.
Favorite Quote:
"Are you talking about me?" Danny looked up from the pastry board, suspicion written clearly across his face.
"Just bemoaning your tragic heterosexuality," Win sighed, swinging his knives down on the prep station.
"Oh," Danny said, blinking. "Well. Sorry about that, but there's not much I can do about it."
Win waved that away. "No big. I'm not that into workplace romance, myself."
(Danny and Win, page 196)
I don't know what it is about Louisa Edwards, but she has the propensity to create such blindingly fascinating characters that it's almost appalling that so much talent is centered in one woman. Just look at the wonderful cast of this series: Max, the wanderer just looking for a place that feels like home. Jules, the woman who's afraid to let a man get too close, yet is inexplicably drawn to Max. Danny, the little brother that had to grow up too fast. Gus, the stubborn father who needs, in the words of Danny, a reality check. Nina, the mother of the group. Win, the friendly chef with a sunny, often exuberant, personality. Beck, the mystery chef we know practically nothing about. Kane, the adorable foodie rock star. Claire, the exotic, French, magazine editor-in-chief attempting (and failing) not to be attracted to a man half her age. Eva, the heiress running the show. How could you pass up a book with such a variety of characters and personalities?
I love the idea of the Rising Star Chef competition tying all the books of the series together, but what I love the most is the way Edwards intertwines so many romances into one book without making it seem overcrowded:
1. The main romance is between Max and Jules. Their romance begins when Max is called home from his travels to help his family's team through the RSC qualifiers. The way their romance progresses is interesting and, I think, flows well with the story. Despite the side romance, Max and Jules' relationship doesn't seem rushed. By the end of the book, you get the sense that they actually know each other. (Aside from some ridiculous self-sacrifice by Jules and obliviousness by, well, both of them.) And, while Jules was not always my favorite person throughout the book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her and Max.
2. The secondary romance is between Kane and Claire. Their romance begins when Kane joins the judging panel for the competition, along with Claire and Devon Sparks (from Recipe for Love). Their romance doesn't go very far in this book, which leads me to believe that they are going to be a recurring secondary romance throughout the series, much like Frankie and Jess in Recipe for Love. (And, oh boy, don't think I didn't notice the two very brief and extremely subtle allusions to my love Frankie in this book! And Jess during the second one.) Much like with Frankie and Jess, Kane and Claire's romance sometimes grabbed my attention more than Jules and Max's. I think part of it has to do with the frustration of not getting enough of them.
3. The third, and perhaps less noticeable, romance is between Danny and Eva. Their romance begins when Eva flirts with Danny at the first qualifying round of the RSC competition. I mention this as one of the romances because Edwards is seamlessly introducing the main couple of the next book of this series, Some Like It Hot. It's so subtle that some may not even realize it, but man, is it there. I look forward to reading more about them when Some Like It Hot comes out in November.
So, I guess what I've tried to get across with this review is that I loved this book, and Louisa Edwards has produced yet another wonderful novel. I can't wait for the continuation of the series; it doesn't seem like it can get here fast enough.
Favorite Quote:
"Are you talking about me?" Danny looked up from the pastry board, suspicion written clearly across his face.
"Just bemoaning your tragic heterosexuality," Win sighed, swinging his knives down on the prep station.
"Oh," Danny said, blinking. "Well. Sorry about that, but there's not much I can do about it."
Win waved that away. "No big. I'm not that into workplace romance, myself."
(Danny and Win, page 196)
May 17, 2012
This was just the right blend of chemistry, witty banter, and heart with a little bit of spice thrown in. As a bonus, there was no love triangle or drama on frustrating levels!
Jules is a chef for the Lunden's family restaurant, Lunden & Sons Tavern, a steakhouse that's been a fixture in New York for years. The Lunden's are like family to Jules, they took her in when she was seventeen with nowhere to go. Jules and Danny, their youngest son and her best friend, work together at the restaurant, Danny as a pastry chef and Jules as the lead chef. Max, the oldest son, left just as Jules moved in. There was a falling out between Max and his father, Gus, due to differences in opinion on what direction the restaurant should go. Since then, Max has been on the move, living wherever he could learn the latest and greatest cuisine all over the world. This is about to change when Max's mother calls and asks him to come home and help their restaurant win the Rising Star Chef competition. His mother doesn't explain why they need his help but he knows she wouldn't have asked unless it was really important.
Jules nursed a long-time, school-girl crush on Max before he left home but she's determined to keep things professional to win the competition. Plus, this is her kitchen, and she's the one in charge of leading them to victory. Jules wants no confusion when it comes to that. Max for his part, feels there's nothing wrong with seizing the opportunity if there's an attraction between them. He plans on leaving straight after the competition because of an apprenticeship that's just opened up, but feels they might as well have some fun while they can. At least this is how he feels initially. Soon he finds that he wants way more. Here's a sweet quote from Max:
"Counting the slowing beats of her heart lulled Max into a sleepy contentment. And the last thought he had before he closed his eyes was that he'd stay forever, if she asked him to."
*Sigh*
I loved how open and loving Max was with everyone in this story, not just Jules. He clearly learned so much about human nature and life from his travels abroad. Max was such a sweetheart to Jules, helping her to open up about the past, and work through some of her issues. Jules was an amazing character, as well. The concern and devotion she held for the Lunden's was touching. The secondary characters were quirky and fun, too. At first, I didn't care for the switch to Claire's perspective but I didn't mind it once the story got going. That, and Kane was HOT! It was a cute little side romance of opposites.
I recommend this book to anyone wanting a sweet, well-paced, drama-free romance. Now I plan to get Danny's romance in the next installment!
Jules is a chef for the Lunden's family restaurant, Lunden & Sons Tavern, a steakhouse that's been a fixture in New York for years. The Lunden's are like family to Jules, they took her in when she was seventeen with nowhere to go. Jules and Danny, their youngest son and her best friend, work together at the restaurant, Danny as a pastry chef and Jules as the lead chef. Max, the oldest son, left just as Jules moved in. There was a falling out between Max and his father, Gus, due to differences in opinion on what direction the restaurant should go. Since then, Max has been on the move, living wherever he could learn the latest and greatest cuisine all over the world. This is about to change when Max's mother calls and asks him to come home and help their restaurant win the Rising Star Chef competition. His mother doesn't explain why they need his help but he knows she wouldn't have asked unless it was really important.
Jules nursed a long-time, school-girl crush on Max before he left home but she's determined to keep things professional to win the competition. Plus, this is her kitchen, and she's the one in charge of leading them to victory. Jules wants no confusion when it comes to that. Max for his part, feels there's nothing wrong with seizing the opportunity if there's an attraction between them. He plans on leaving straight after the competition because of an apprenticeship that's just opened up, but feels they might as well have some fun while they can. At least this is how he feels initially. Soon he finds that he wants way more. Here's a sweet quote from Max:
"Counting the slowing beats of her heart lulled Max into a sleepy contentment. And the last thought he had before he closed his eyes was that he'd stay forever, if she asked him to."
*Sigh*
I loved how open and loving Max was with everyone in this story, not just Jules. He clearly learned so much about human nature and life from his travels abroad. Max was such a sweetheart to Jules, helping her to open up about the past, and work through some of her issues. Jules was an amazing character, as well. The concern and devotion she held for the Lunden's was touching. The secondary characters were quirky and fun, too. At first, I didn't care for the switch to Claire's perspective but I didn't mind it once the story got going. That, and Kane was HOT! It was a cute little side romance of opposites.
I recommend this book to anyone wanting a sweet, well-paced, drama-free romance. Now I plan to get Danny's romance in the next installment!
August 25, 2011
Originally posted at http://www.fictionvixen.com/2011/08/r...
“Great food is like great sex. The more you have, the more you want.” – Gael Greene
What do you get when you combine a savory, melt in your mouth steak with a sexy, spicy chef who loves to cook as much as make love? Answer: All the tastiness of Too Hot To Touch by Louisa Edwards. This is Ms. Edwards’ first book in the Rising Star Chef trilogy and I am licking my lips for the next installment!
I must admit the cover alone grabbed me. I mean a hot shirtless man cooking up something scrumptious in a pan. Then I read the blurb and I’m the first to say, I love New York! It’s my favorite city to visit and it has a magic and aura like no other. Ms. Edwards has captured the nostalgia as well as the current vibe of the city with a written a love letter to New York in this culinary series and I was more than ready to dig in with fork and knife in hand!
Six years ago, Juliet Cavanaugh and Max Lunden’s lives changed in the span of one night. Max, the oldest son of Gus Lunden is a progressive chef. Both Max and his brother Danny have grown up learning the family culinary secrets in the famous kitchen of Lunden’s Tavern. The restaurant is a Manhattan institution that is known for grilling the best steaks in the city and has served some of the most famous Broadway stars and politicians for decades. While Max respects the tradition of his father’s tavern, he also believes that a restaurant can only survive if it continues to evolve with the times. Gus believes otherwise and is strong-minded in keeping tradition. After a major blow-up with his dad, Max leaves New York to venture overseas to learn hands on skills from some of the best cultures abroad. The night of Max’s departure, seventeen year old Juliet “Jules” (Danny’s best friend) arrives at Lunden’s Tavern looking for Danny after being kicked out of her home by her mother. Instead of finding Danny, she finds his dad who offers her Max’s old room for the night. What starts as one night results in a permanent arrangement both in the family business and the hearts of both Gus and his wife, Nina. Six years have passed and the restaurant is failing. The family and staff believe that the answer to their problems is winning the Rising Star Chef Challenge competition and in order to win, they need Max to come home and be a part of the challenge. Max reluctantly agrees to return home and help the staff through the qualifying round before embarking on his own adventure studying in Italy with the best Italian chef in the world. When Max arrives home, he expects tension with the family, what he doesn’t expect is the immediate attraction he feels when he sets his eyes on grown up Jules who is now a master chef and a force to be reckoned with. Jules has had a crush on Max since high school so naturally she is vulnerable to his charm and flirtatious nature, but she knows she cannot allow her feelings to flourish, because Max never stays in one place for anything or anyone.
Ms. Edwards has what it takes to pen an engaging, sexy contemporary romance that leaves your taste buds begging for more. Combining the succulent and descriptive dishes the chef’s prepare with the sizzling personalities of each character results in a fun and enticing contemporary read. There are a lot of characters in the story, but Ms. Edwards incorporates each one into the overall setting so that you are not overwhelmed. Each character has individuality, humor and an engaging presence in the storyline that is intriguing and vital to the overall outcome of the competition as well as the series. Ms. Edwards also provides plenty of passionate encounters between Max and Jules. One scene in particular takes place in the main kitchen and let me say that something was burning, but it wasn’t the food! Finally, Ms. Edwards hits the issues that both Max and Jules need to face from their past. Relaying strong elements of forgiveness and acceptance in turn allows both characters to become free to love their family and each other. Too Hot To Touch provides a delicious dish to what I believe will be a savory series any food and romance lover will not want to pass up!
Favorite Quote:
“Dangerous, she thought again. Because maybe Max didn’t look at all the places where she was cracked and broken, and pick up a hammer to finish the job—but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to shatter her, all the same. But here, now, in this moment, with him panting and writhing under her mouth and this deep, glowing connection arcing back and forth between them like a current of electricity, Jules couldn’t make herself care. It was official. She was fucked.”
August 15, 2011
I really liked this book. I thought that the H&h were exactly just what they each needed and they really came through for each other in many way's. I really enjoyed the story line of the cooking competition too. Also thrown into the story was family issue's and family love. I loved reading how every character grew and dealt with their own problems. The sexual tension in the story was very high and the love scenes on the steamy side and just enough to make me happy :)
I have already marked to buy the next book in this series, Some Like It Hot. It continue's on with where it left off in the competition but giving the Hero's brother his shot at love. This book comes out 12/2011.
I have already marked to buy the next book in this series, Some Like It Hot. It continue's on with where it left off in the competition but giving the Hero's brother his shot at love. This book comes out 12/2011.
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September 30, 2011
Okay, so I spoke too soon. I was on a good book roll until this one…
I read this book, or tried to read this book for the following reasons:
1 – Love, love, love TOP Chef – about a cooking competition.
2 – Julie James is “currently reading” and really enjoy her.
3 – Author is new to me – so why not?
4 – One of my October monthly challenge books – Hot Cover.
So, the stars were aligned – NOT. Okay, maybe I’m missing something, but probably not – I’m no dunce.
This book started off good. Gave a bit of backstory. Characters seemed to be pretty straightforward, so all good. But, then it started. The dialogue went to shit fast. Had the main male saying stuff that given the type she defined earlier just didn���t jive. The romantic scenes could have been better written by a high schooler – lack of intimacy and just boring. I got half way through the book. I thought it a waste of my time, so put it down and won’t finish it. I highly doubt I’ll try this author again. If this is as polished as she can make it – her best effort, too bad. Much, much better out there.
The worst part? Very little cooking in it. Many kitchen scenes, but nothing meaty [pardon the pun]. Takes more to make a “theme” book than a kitchen and a cover. Too bad really. The concept was really good.
Who would like this book? I can’t think of a single good reason to give it a try…. Sorry.
Poorly developed backstory.
Poorly developed primary characters.
Non-sensical dialogue.
Good cover.... should have known, right?
Happy Reading 8>|
I read this book, or tried to read this book for the following reasons:
1 – Love, love, love TOP Chef – about a cooking competition.
2 – Julie James is “currently reading” and really enjoy her.
3 – Author is new to me – so why not?
4 – One of my October monthly challenge books – Hot Cover.
So, the stars were aligned – NOT. Okay, maybe I’m missing something, but probably not – I’m no dunce.
This book started off good. Gave a bit of backstory. Characters seemed to be pretty straightforward, so all good. But, then it started. The dialogue went to shit fast. Had the main male saying stuff that given the type she defined earlier just didn���t jive. The romantic scenes could have been better written by a high schooler – lack of intimacy and just boring. I got half way through the book. I thought it a waste of my time, so put it down and won’t finish it. I highly doubt I’ll try this author again. If this is as polished as she can make it – her best effort, too bad. Much, much better out there.
The worst part? Very little cooking in it. Many kitchen scenes, but nothing meaty [pardon the pun]. Takes more to make a “theme” book than a kitchen and a cover. Too bad really. The concept was really good.
Who would like this book? I can’t think of a single good reason to give it a try…. Sorry.
Poorly developed backstory.
Poorly developed primary characters.
Non-sensical dialogue.
Good cover.... should have known, right?
Happy Reading 8>|
December 18, 2011
This series revolves around the Rising Star Chef (RSC) competition and we get to follow one of the teams through that competition and read about their characters as well as others that are connected to the competition. I love cooking & baking and this is what attracted me to this author so for me her stories tick the boxes in that we have good writing, good romance stories, great looking H's, angst and of course lots of information including giving us the recipes and cooking instructions for that yummy food!
I had read Ms Edward's previous series (Recipe For Love) and had really enjoyed them and wanted to read more hence moving on to this series. They are loosely connected as we are re-acquainted with a few characters from the other series - Eva Jansen & Devon Sparks.
I did enjoy this book and was debating on what rating to give it as there are aspects of the story that I really loved and there are some that irritated me. As I have already said I loved reading about the food and the competition but felt that the romance story between Max & Jules suffered a little as too much time was spent with the introduction/building of various characters which obviously was for future stories. I did also get a little annoyed with Max in that I felt that despite leaving home and spending quite a few years out in the big wide world he still sometimes behaved in a childish manor that you would expect from a teenager. Because of these reasons I dropped from 5 to 4 stars.
I am looking forward to reading more about the romance between Kane & Claire who are both judges of the RSC competition (Devon Sparks is the other judge). The next book features Danny & Eva - I really liked Danny and am looking forward to learning more about him but I am a bit worried about Eva. We met Eva in the previous series and she came across as a spoilt rich bitch. I have read some of the reviews about this story and a majority are very negative because of her and their struggle to believe in her character and the romance between her & Danny.
I had read Ms Edward's previous series (Recipe For Love) and had really enjoyed them and wanted to read more hence moving on to this series. They are loosely connected as we are re-acquainted with a few characters from the other series - Eva Jansen & Devon Sparks.
I did enjoy this book and was debating on what rating to give it as there are aspects of the story that I really loved and there are some that irritated me. As I have already said I loved reading about the food and the competition but felt that the romance story between Max & Jules suffered a little as too much time was spent with the introduction/building of various characters which obviously was for future stories. I did also get a little annoyed with Max in that I felt that despite leaving home and spending quite a few years out in the big wide world he still sometimes behaved in a childish manor that you would expect from a teenager. Because of these reasons I dropped from 5 to 4 stars.
I am looking forward to reading more about the romance between Kane & Claire who are both judges of the RSC competition (Devon Sparks is the other judge). The next book features Danny & Eva - I really liked Danny and am looking forward to learning more about him but I am a bit worried about Eva. We met Eva in the previous series and she came across as a spoilt rich bitch. I have read some of the reviews about this story and a majority are very negative because of her and their struggle to believe in her character and the romance between her & Danny.
October 25, 2011
The cover is hot, hot, hot! Unfortunately, it's the only thing that is hot about Too Hot To Touch. Everything else was under-cooked in my opinion.
I don't think I'm going to continue with the series for many reason. For starters, the characters are immature. There were parts where I wonder if I'm reading a YA novel or a contemporary romance with the way the characters were behaving. It certainly doesn't help when the dialogues themselves were immature. Everything was just too much but the sizzling chemistry between the main characters. Or in this case, lack of chemistry.
Underneath all the cheesiness, there's a nice story lurking but it's too little too late.
Let this be the first and only book by the author I'm reading.
I don't think I'm going to continue with the series for many reason. For starters, the characters are immature. There were parts where I wonder if I'm reading a YA novel or a contemporary romance with the way the characters were behaving. It certainly doesn't help when the dialogues themselves were immature. Everything was just too much but the sizzling chemistry between the main characters. Or in this case, lack of chemistry.
Underneath all the cheesiness, there's a nice story lurking but it's too little too late.
Let this be the first and only book by the author I'm reading.
September 21, 2014
How do I describe this book?? Hhmm, well for me it was fluff. Kinda slow going. But once Max came back home and met Jules it picked up. The problem for me was that Max through a lot of the book seemed selfish and almost immature. Which annoyed me. Max had the whole calm zen thing going on. No alpha male here at all. Then there was the way that he would loose his cool and then calm himself but only after he said something crappy to Jules. She just took it like she understood which I guess she did, but come on, one more comment about taking his family and I would have smacked him. I guess the best things about Max was he seemed like he was playful and flirty . But that too seemed almost immature at times.
The family drama was there and in fact I loved them more than Max. Even Beck who by the way I have a small crush on and you have to love Win, that kid cracked me up. How sad is it that I enjoyed the side characters more the the hero. Whatever. It wasn't a bad book. Just he got on my nerves. lol He was just to laid back and calm and zen.... Wasn't working for me. The secondary side story was kinda lame. I just didn't see the point in it. Maybe it was a filler.
Ok so the good. I enjoyed Jules although her drama I was kinda hoping for more, but it was kinda light. Love Jule's attitude that she gave Max when he showed up. I like her playfulness and how eager she was to help the Lunden family.I enjoyed that her emotions for certain situations seemed true. The cooking was pretty cool. I enjoy cooking so hearing about the competition and the dishes that they were making was cool. Will I continue with this series? Yes because the next book is Max's little brother Danny's book. And that poor guy is just to overwhelmed and stressed. Then book three is about Beck who I am looking forward to the most. Lets face it I feel like I need to know more about Papa Gus and how he doing as well.
The family drama was there and in fact I loved them more than Max. Even Beck who by the way I have a small crush on and you have to love Win, that kid cracked me up. How sad is it that I enjoyed the side characters more the the hero. Whatever. It wasn't a bad book. Just he got on my nerves. lol He was just to laid back and calm and zen.... Wasn't working for me. The secondary side story was kinda lame. I just didn't see the point in it. Maybe it was a filler.
Ok so the good. I enjoyed Jules although her drama I was kinda hoping for more, but it was kinda light. Love Jule's attitude that she gave Max when he showed up. I like her playfulness and how eager she was to help the Lunden family.I enjoyed that her emotions for certain situations seemed true. The cooking was pretty cool. I enjoy cooking so hearing about the competition and the dishes that they were making was cool. Will I continue with this series? Yes because the next book is Max's little brother Danny's book. And that poor guy is just to overwhelmed and stressed. Then book three is about Beck who I am looking forward to the most. Lets face it I feel like I need to know more about Papa Gus and how he doing as well.
May 12, 2012
I do so love when I come across a steamy romance novel that is actually more than just hot sex scenes! Too Hot was one of those, with a well thought-out plot, engaging characters, plenty of tugs at the heart, and of course some serious chemistry! I think my ONLY complaints would be that I wanted Max and Jules to have more time ALONE and that I didn't want the story to end! I loved these characters, Jules with her saucy spunk and Max with his sexy cockiness that just made me melt. *sigh* The storyline was definitely captivating, I really enjoyed the whole cooking competition aspect mixed in with the personal history that they all had together. I definitely prefer the romances where the characters have a past that comes into play (Marriage Bargain and Tempting the Best Man were both GREAT examples of that), it just makes the emotions much more believable. With Max being Jules' long-time crush, it made his return that much more exciting. I could have used 2 or 3 more sexy scenes between them (Edwards did a phenomenal job working up the sexual tension and giving it her all with that one scene....whew!), but there was also a lot of other story going on to keep me interested. I even liked the subplot with the judges, there was definitely some steamy chemistry there, but I could have easily taken more Max instead!! He was just sizzzzzzlin'!!! =) Overall, great romance, great characters, lots of creative humor mixed in, and I flew through it!
September 29, 2011
Cover is definitely hot, I want a chef with biceps like that . Unfortunately I think I am bored with the Chef story line, they just aren't alpha enough for me.
November 5, 2011
3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed this book a lot overall. As a foodie, I enjoyed the kitchen talk and thought the food challenge was a fun side story.
I like that this author uses metaphors that match the personality of her characters because it's a pet peeve of mine when they don't. However, I wish that she wasn't so enamored with them. I would have enjoyed the story a lot more if she had used them maybe half as often as she did and maybe just showed us what was going on in the scene instead.
IE:
Nina Lunden might look like a cream puff, but she was filled with sterner stuff than vanilla flavored pastry cream, for sure.
Yeah, corny, right?
And...
Danny hunched over the board and sped up his knife cuts, turning a peeled apple into julienned strips so thin they looked like the translucent fringe on a Moulin Rouge dancer's costume.
And this gem...
Jules jerked away from him, her blood going the temperature and consistency of boiling tomato paste
Really!? Really, Miss Edwards? Come on, no one thinks like that. And every time I read these little gems, it took me right out of the story. :(
Also, I have to admit that for a romance, that aspect of the story was sorely lacking. The initial attraction was good, and the love scenes were good, but, we kind of jumped from the cute meet to to love scenes with very little interactions outside of the kitchen in between. It made the story feel rushed and made me question the validity of their feelings and their possibility of that elusive HEA.
What saved this book however, was the characters. They were fun and well fleshed-out, and a pleasure to read about. It made me want to get a job working in a kitchen someplace. I hope to see the supporting characters all get their own books in the future, too. Especially Beck. He was especially promising.
I like that this author uses metaphors that match the personality of her characters because it's a pet peeve of mine when they don't. However, I wish that she wasn't so enamored with them. I would have enjoyed the story a lot more if she had used them maybe half as often as she did and maybe just showed us what was going on in the scene instead.
IE:
Nina Lunden might look like a cream puff, but she was filled with sterner stuff than vanilla flavored pastry cream, for sure.
Yeah, corny, right?
And...
Danny hunched over the board and sped up his knife cuts, turning a peeled apple into julienned strips so thin they looked like the translucent fringe on a Moulin Rouge dancer's costume.
And this gem...
Jules jerked away from him, her blood going the temperature and consistency of boiling tomato paste
Really!? Really, Miss Edwards? Come on, no one thinks like that. And every time I read these little gems, it took me right out of the story. :(
Also, I have to admit that for a romance, that aspect of the story was sorely lacking. The initial attraction was good, and the love scenes were good, but, we kind of jumped from the cute meet to to love scenes with very little interactions outside of the kitchen in between. It made the story feel rushed and made me question the validity of their feelings and their possibility of that elusive HEA.
What saved this book however, was the characters. They were fun and well fleshed-out, and a pleasure to read about. It made me want to get a job working in a kitchen someplace. I hope to see the supporting characters all get their own books in the future, too. Especially Beck. He was especially promising.
August 23, 2011
Overall this is a light, enjoyable way to spend some time. Nothing deep but generally entertaining. Some people are going to love this book but while it was good, it's too much of the "same old, same old" to be memorable.
When I read the first book by Edwards, I was impressed with the writing and the multi-layered plot. Can't Stand the Heat would have been a great novel if it wasn't for the unlikable heroine, Miranda. Due to the excellent writing in that book, I read the second in the series and enjoyed it, giving it 4 stars. But with each new book I've seen a trend away from complexity of characters and plotting, and toward more predictable romance. The only complex topics in Too Hot to Touch were about food and cooking. I don't mind food-themed books, but I admit I'm not a foodie. This book was heavily centered on cooking techniques which detracted from the enjoyment for me. I'm more interested in character development and well-written secondary plot lines, which was the strength of Edwards's first two books, but was missing here.
Max was a good character, but Jules was so underdeveloped emotionally that she seemed more like a place-holder than a full blown character. The family dynamics for both Jules and Max weren't explored thoroughly enough and came across as implausible. The romance between Max and Jules was sweet, and I liked that it was the man this time trying to convince the girl they could make it work, so extra points for that. Detract points, however, for the overused "I love him but I'll force him to go for his own good" plot line.
When I read the first book by Edwards, I was impressed with the writing and the multi-layered plot. Can't Stand the Heat would have been a great novel if it wasn't for the unlikable heroine, Miranda. Due to the excellent writing in that book, I read the second in the series and enjoyed it, giving it 4 stars. But with each new book I've seen a trend away from complexity of characters and plotting, and toward more predictable romance. The only complex topics in Too Hot to Touch were about food and cooking. I don't mind food-themed books, but I admit I'm not a foodie. This book was heavily centered on cooking techniques which detracted from the enjoyment for me. I'm more interested in character development and well-written secondary plot lines, which was the strength of Edwards's first two books, but was missing here.
Max was a good character, but Jules was so underdeveloped emotionally that she seemed more like a place-holder than a full blown character. The family dynamics for both Jules and Max weren't explored thoroughly enough and came across as implausible. The romance between Max and Jules was sweet, and I liked that it was the man this time trying to convince the girl they could make it work, so extra points for that. Detract points, however, for the overused "I love him but I'll force him to go for his own good" plot line.
February 20, 2013
Maybe sometime in the near future when I some how force myself to re-read this (I never re-read books that I give one star to) i'll enjoy it. For this time around it was a complete diaster for me. I felt like everything was fake. I seriously couldnt connect with any of the characters. Now usually even when the plot and most of the characters suck I have the cute love story to fall back to, but with this book even that was not enough to make me give this book more than one star. The only think I enjoyed at all in this book (and leave it to me for this to happen) was the subplot with the story of the judge and the super hot rock star. Now THAT would have made for a more enjoyable story if you ask me and that story was probably about five out of the thirty three chapters IF that many. For me, this was one of those books with a great cover and description that pulled me in an had me expecting amazing but instead I got disappointing, unexpected and something along the lines of 'had so much potential'. sigh if only it wasn't so bad i would hve continued with this series but now I just can't convince myself to do it.
October 8, 2011
Gender: Contemporary
Hero: Max Lunden
Heroine: Juliete 'Jules' Cavanaugh
Rating: 4*
I had so much fun reading this, and let's face it, drooling too.
After I finished the book I started to look for some gourmet classes or something. Sadly there are non interesting enough in Bucharest *sigh*
PS: Whatever you think when you look at that cover, this is not erotica :D
Hero: Max Lunden
Heroine: Juliete 'Jules' Cavanaugh
Rating: 4*
I had so much fun reading this, and let's face it, drooling too.
After I finished the book I started to look for some gourmet classes or something. Sadly there are non interesting enough in Bucharest *sigh*
PS: Whatever you think when you look at that cover, this is not erotica :D
January 8, 2012
It just didnt work for me. It was too much like a cooking show and not enough character development. Not nearly enough focus on the H/h relationship. Again it just wasnt my cuppa.
September 3, 2011
I like this one. The Author is one I've read in the past but a direction she seemed to be taking in her books is one I'm not comfortable reading about so I hadn't planned to read any more by her. This one struck me though and although her main couple is m\f there is a secondary character who would rather date his own gender and at the point I'm at in the book (possible spoiler alert) he has been able to get some information on an upcoming challenge because the male assistant to the female organizer happens to feel the same way as Winslow about certain things. I'm kind of waiting to see how in depth the details of the two of them goes because I don't have a problem with them as people both Winslow and Drew sound like great people to be friends with I'm just not comfortable reading about them in the bedroom in detail. The book by this author I wasn't able to finish seemed to be focusing more on the main character's brother and his issues about coming out and meeting someone of like mind than it did the main characters and it just didn't engage me enough to keep reading. At this point I can see me not only finishing this one but reading the next one as well.
Having finished the book I decided I like Winslow he's the comic relief and is a kid at heart (still don't want to read about him in the bedroom though). In one scene after a tense situation (cooking competition) they're all finding way's to blow off steam one of the other Chef's Beck is described as being built like a tree, he doesn't talk much and at times just stands there looking rather stern, Winslow is making an attempt to climb him as if he actually is a tree. As for Max and Jules\Juliet the Hero and Heroine they help each other realize what it means to forgive, how to forgive, what's important, and what makes someone family and what home is. I loved their story, Jules is best friends with Max's brother Danny and has been since Elementary in the Prologue they're 17 but the book itself takes place six years later. Jules has had a crush on Max for a long time but she doesn't think he even knows she exists. We learn late in the book that he did notice her but didn't do anything because she was Danny's friend and younger than him. In the Prologue Jules leaves home(we found out the detailed reason why later) and goes to the Restaurant owned by Danny's family (the family lives over it) hoping he's there because she needs someone to talk to. Danny and his Mother are at his Grandmother's but his Dad is there and had Jules stay with them since its apparent she can't go home. To Jules knowledge there is no Guest Room but Gus comments that a room just came available. I don't recall it actually saying but it seemed to be implied that Max left the same night Jules showed up. I kept waiting for the two of them to come to this revelation but they didn't although he did realize she had slept in his room for about 6 months.
From the Prologue and the Blurb here on Goodreads Book II is Danny's story and hopefully its just as good as this one was.
If you're into cooking it has some recipes in the back, versions of the ones created in the book. At this point I'm glad I decided to give this Author another try.
Having finished the book I decided I like Winslow he's the comic relief and is a kid at heart (still don't want to read about him in the bedroom though). In one scene after a tense situation (cooking competition) they're all finding way's to blow off steam one of the other Chef's Beck is described as being built like a tree, he doesn't talk much and at times just stands there looking rather stern, Winslow is making an attempt to climb him as if he actually is a tree. As for Max and Jules\Juliet the Hero and Heroine they help each other realize what it means to forgive, how to forgive, what's important, and what makes someone family and what home is. I loved their story, Jules is best friends with Max's brother Danny and has been since Elementary in the Prologue they're 17 but the book itself takes place six years later. Jules has had a crush on Max for a long time but she doesn't think he even knows she exists. We learn late in the book that he did notice her but didn't do anything because she was Danny's friend and younger than him. In the Prologue Jules leaves home(we found out the detailed reason why later) and goes to the Restaurant owned by Danny's family (the family lives over it) hoping he's there because she needs someone to talk to. Danny and his Mother are at his Grandmother's but his Dad is there and had Jules stay with them since its apparent she can't go home. To Jules knowledge there is no Guest Room but Gus comments that a room just came available. I don't recall it actually saying but it seemed to be implied that Max left the same night Jules showed up. I kept waiting for the two of them to come to this revelation but they didn't although he did realize she had slept in his room for about 6 months.
From the Prologue and the Blurb here on Goodreads Book II is Danny's story and hopefully its just as good as this one was.
If you're into cooking it has some recipes in the back, versions of the ones created in the book. At this point I'm glad I decided to give this Author another try.
April 14, 2012
Interesting book with lots of food references (which is something I'm particularly into at the moment). Writing and plot weren't bad, but I had some major issues with the book. Namely I had problems with the hero and heroine (and them together). The heroine, Jules, has got self-esteem issues because her mother is a self-centered and critical woman who is always looking for a new man. She left home at 17 and was taken in by the Lunden family. The Lunden's run a restaurant that was once very successful, but is now losing customers. In an attempt to increase the number of patrons, the Lunden's want enter the Rising Star Chef competition.
To do this, they call in Max, their son who left home around the same time Jules started living with the Lunden's. Max left because he clashed with his father about the best way to run the restaurant (old vs. new ways of doing things) and left to learning all sorts of cooking techniques all over the world.
Jules is best friends with Danny (Max's brother, which is one reason the Lunden's first took her in) and had a crush on Max as a teenager. Now that he's back, the two are attracted to each other and starts the horizontal tango (though they appear to do it mostly standing up).
I couldn't sympathize with Jules. Everyone keeps saying how she's strong, but all I see is her falling apart or leaning on Max. She's fragile from her upbringing, I get that, but there's this disconnect between how other characters see her and how we as the reader sees her. In her relationship with Max, she doesn't go after what she wants at all and seems to vacillate between loving him and fearing him. For example, she's attracted to him, but fights off his advances because she's afraid he'll leave her (and it's the deer int he headlights kind of fear).
Max on the other hand, seems a little more fleshed out. He's got issues, but he's more sure of what he wants and goes after it... to a certain degree. His relationship with Jules creeped me out a little bit at the beginning, when he was pretty smarmy. He meets Jules, tells her she's hot despite the fact she is clearly uncomfortable, and pushes her for more even when she tells him to leave her alone (but that's somehow ok because she's interested in him as well. This shows 1) Jules can't make up her mind and 2) being pushy is ok as long as the girl seems into you, even when she says no).
My biggest issue (as if not believing in the hero, heroine, or their relationship aren't big issues already) is that there was no spark or connection. They meet, are attracted to each other, and are suddenly somewhat serious about each other (enough to get jealous, etc.). As well, I don't understand why they love each other. It seems very superficial.
The book is saved by interesting secondary characters and fun references to food. I like Ms. Edwards' writing and will be picking up something else by her before I decide whether she can write believable romance (or if she can just write).
To do this, they call in Max, their son who left home around the same time Jules started living with the Lunden's. Max left because he clashed with his father about the best way to run the restaurant (old vs. new ways of doing things) and left to learning all sorts of cooking techniques all over the world.
Jules is best friends with Danny (Max's brother, which is one reason the Lunden's first took her in) and had a crush on Max as a teenager. Now that he's back, the two are attracted to each other and starts the horizontal tango (though they appear to do it mostly standing up).
I couldn't sympathize with Jules. Everyone keeps saying how she's strong, but all I see is her falling apart or leaning on Max. She's fragile from her upbringing, I get that, but there's this disconnect between how other characters see her and how we as the reader sees her. In her relationship with Max, she doesn't go after what she wants at all and seems to vacillate between loving him and fearing him. For example, she's attracted to him, but fights off his advances because she's afraid he'll leave her (and it's the deer int he headlights kind of fear).
Max on the other hand, seems a little more fleshed out. He's got issues, but he's more sure of what he wants and goes after it... to a certain degree. His relationship with Jules creeped me out a little bit at the beginning, when he was pretty smarmy. He meets Jules, tells her she's hot despite the fact she is clearly uncomfortable, and pushes her for more even when she tells him to leave her alone (but that's somehow ok because she's interested in him as well. This shows 1) Jules can't make up her mind and 2) being pushy is ok as long as the girl seems into you, even when she says no).
My biggest issue (as if not believing in the hero, heroine, or their relationship aren't big issues already) is that there was no spark or connection. They meet, are attracted to each other, and are suddenly somewhat serious about each other (enough to get jealous, etc.). As well, I don't understand why they love each other. It seems very superficial.
The book is saved by interesting secondary characters and fun references to food. I like Ms. Edwards' writing and will be picking up something else by her before I decide whether she can write believable romance (or if she can just write).
August 1, 2011
Juliet “Jules” Cavanaugh is Danny Lunden’s good friend. Danny’s family own a restaurant. Jules has a crush on Danny’s brother, Max. Max can not be tied down to one place, so he packs up and travels all over the world. Years later, the Lunden family restaurant has been slowly losing business. They must find a way to make money and fast. Jules comes up with an idea to have the family enter a cooking competition. The competition has done wonders for past winners. There is just one catch. In order to ensure victory, they need Max. Max returns only to find Jules all grown up. Though, is there enough room for two cooks in the kitchen?
I am a fan of this author. So when I heard she was starting a new cooking novel series I could not wait. Too Hot to Touch is book one in the Hot series. Sadly there was something missing that I really like about Mrs. Edwards and her books and that was…cooking. I was disappointed as the whole theme of this book was that Max, his family and Jules were entering a cooking competition and it felt like there was not a lot of it going on. The story seemed like it was more focused towards Jules and Max hooking up. While, I must admit Jules and Max are good together, I would have liked to seen the witty banter between them last a little longer before they fell into bed. Dispute the lack of cooking, I still am a fan of Mrs. Edwards and will read the next book, Some Like It Hot as it features Danny. I can not wait to read his story. Too Hot to Touch is a nice tasty morsel to start off the Hot series!
I am a fan of this author. So when I heard she was starting a new cooking novel series I could not wait. Too Hot to Touch is book one in the Hot series. Sadly there was something missing that I really like about Mrs. Edwards and her books and that was…cooking. I was disappointed as the whole theme of this book was that Max, his family and Jules were entering a cooking competition and it felt like there was not a lot of it going on. The story seemed like it was more focused towards Jules and Max hooking up. While, I must admit Jules and Max are good together, I would have liked to seen the witty banter between them last a little longer before they fell into bed. Dispute the lack of cooking, I still am a fan of Mrs. Edwards and will read the next book, Some Like It Hot as it features Danny. I can not wait to read his story. Too Hot to Touch is a nice tasty morsel to start off the Hot series!
October 19, 2012
The first part of the book was barely three stars, but the second half was maybe 3 1/2, so overall I'll give it three.
This should have worked better for me than it did. I liked the story, but I couldn't connect with the characters. It was well over halfway through the book that they became more than one dimensional and projected any emotions. By the end, I did care what happened to them and wanted a happy ending, but it took almost that long to get there. This was my first book by this author and the first book in a series, maybe that had something to do with it. I am willing to try again because I am interested to see what happens with the other characters and to see if the author works better for me the second time around. I hope so because the covers sure are pretty!
This should have worked better for me than it did. I liked the story, but I couldn't connect with the characters. It was well over halfway through the book that they became more than one dimensional and projected any emotions. By the end, I did care what happened to them and wanted a happy ending, but it took almost that long to get there. This was my first book by this author and the first book in a series, maybe that had something to do with it. I am willing to try again because I am interested to see what happens with the other characters and to see if the author works better for me the second time around. I hope so because the covers sure are pretty!
May 16, 2012
I really enjoyed Too Hot To Touch. It was a little slow at first but picked up nicely. I loved the flirty playfulness between Max and Jules. They definitely had hot and steamy chemistry between them. The side story with Claire bugged me at first. I would really get into the story between Max and Jules, and then the story would just switch to Claire. By the end of the book I really didn’t mind Claire’s side story, I could even go for a short story about her and Kane. Overall, I really enjoy this book. Yummy food and yummy man, makes for a good combination!
February 21, 2013
When I started this, I wasn't sure I'd like it - Max was VERY cocky. I mean, cocky to the point that I was cringing every time he opened his mouth. But then I started liking him and his knack of spouting Zen sayings and stories :) I love that he got Jules to open up to him when she had a tendency to keep everything inside.
Since the next book picks up where this one leaves off I hope we get to see more of Kane and Claire :)
Since the next book picks up where this one leaves off I hope we get to see more of Kane and Claire :)
September 7, 2011
Ok, I bought this book strictly for the cover, don't laugh, you know you all would have too!! Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised. Not being a big fan of books about cooking, as I loath the activity myself, this was a wonderfully fun contemporary romance!! This is my first Louisa Edwards book and I will definitely be reading the others in this series!!
June 4, 2020
Mungkin saya terlalu royal memberikan bintang 5 utk novel contemporary romance ini, but I don't care. So much part of this book I awe and adore.
Max Lunden yg sedang berada di Jepang dipanggil pulang oleh ibunya utk mengikuti tim restoran ayahnya dlm kompetisi Rising Star Chef. Setelah 6 thn meninggalkan tempatnya dibesarkan, si anak hilang telah kembali dan menemukan Jules (aka Juliet) teman akrab Danny, adik Max, sudah dianggap spt anak sendiri oleh ayah dan ibunya juga. Tidak butuh lama Max dan Jules menemukan ketertarikan satu sama lain dan tidak melawan ketertarikan tsb.
Di tengah ketegangan mereka utk memenangkan RSC di babak penyisihan awal, Max kembali bertengkar dgn ayahnya. Max merasa bersalah sekaligus kesal krn semua orang menyembunyikan rahasia ttg penyakit ayahnya. Max jadi terombang-ambing antara mengejar impiannya belajar memasak di Italia atau menetap di kampung halamannya ini.
Banyak faktor yg saya suka dari novel ini. Pertama, tokoh utama disini, Max hanyalah anak muda berprofesi koki yg biasa-biasa saja. Bukan anak orang kaya apalagi miliarder. Max yg berkepribadian Sanguinis ini digambarkan sangat natural dan sesuai dgn karakternya, makanya saya suka. Max jauh dari kata hero sempurna dan sudah jelas juga bukan anti-hero. Max spt anak hilang yg mendapatkan kembali jati dirinya, dan tentu saja berkat Jules, wanita yg dicintainya.
Saya juga suka tokoh Jules yg agak tomboy. Masa lalunya ngenes tapi kepribadiannya gak dramatis. Jules berpikiran dewasa dan jelas tahu diri menempatkan dirinya dlm keluarga barunya, keluarga Lunden.
Saya juga sangat suka gaya penulisan author. Walau agak lamban di awal tapi tetap menarik jalan ceritanya. RSC yg mirip ajang kontes masterchef ini memang sangat seru, apalagi author detail dan sangat paham ttg segala seluk-beluk masakan. Dan terimakasih banyak-banyak atas terjemahannya yg ciamik, gak pelit footnote utk menjelaskan semua bahan makanan yg lumayan asing. Banyak tambah pengetahuan ttg masak-memasak dari novel ini (dan juga bikin lapeeerrr). Yg gak demen dgn detil-detil cara memasak, gak usah baca novel ini aja. Saya merekomendasikan novel ini yg "masokis" makanan dgn membayangkannya saja.
Max Lunden yg sedang berada di Jepang dipanggil pulang oleh ibunya utk mengikuti tim restoran ayahnya dlm kompetisi Rising Star Chef. Setelah 6 thn meninggalkan tempatnya dibesarkan, si anak hilang telah kembali dan menemukan Jules (aka Juliet) teman akrab Danny, adik Max, sudah dianggap spt anak sendiri oleh ayah dan ibunya juga. Tidak butuh lama Max dan Jules menemukan ketertarikan satu sama lain dan tidak melawan ketertarikan tsb.
Di tengah ketegangan mereka utk memenangkan RSC di babak penyisihan awal, Max kembali bertengkar dgn ayahnya. Max merasa bersalah sekaligus kesal krn semua orang menyembunyikan rahasia ttg penyakit ayahnya. Max jadi terombang-ambing antara mengejar impiannya belajar memasak di Italia atau menetap di kampung halamannya ini.
Banyak faktor yg saya suka dari novel ini. Pertama, tokoh utama disini, Max hanyalah anak muda berprofesi koki yg biasa-biasa saja. Bukan anak orang kaya apalagi miliarder. Max yg berkepribadian Sanguinis ini digambarkan sangat natural dan sesuai dgn karakternya, makanya saya suka. Max jauh dari kata hero sempurna dan sudah jelas juga bukan anti-hero. Max spt anak hilang yg mendapatkan kembali jati dirinya, dan tentu saja berkat Jules, wanita yg dicintainya.
Saya juga suka tokoh Jules yg agak tomboy. Masa lalunya ngenes tapi kepribadiannya gak dramatis. Jules berpikiran dewasa dan jelas tahu diri menempatkan dirinya dlm keluarga barunya, keluarga Lunden.
Saya juga sangat suka gaya penulisan author. Walau agak lamban di awal tapi tetap menarik jalan ceritanya. RSC yg mirip ajang kontes masterchef ini memang sangat seru, apalagi author detail dan sangat paham ttg segala seluk-beluk masakan. Dan terimakasih banyak-banyak atas terjemahannya yg ciamik, gak pelit footnote utk menjelaskan semua bahan makanan yg lumayan asing. Banyak tambah pengetahuan ttg masak-memasak dari novel ini (dan juga bikin lapeeerrr). Yg gak demen dgn detil-detil cara memasak, gak usah baca novel ini aja. Saya merekomendasikan novel ini yg "masokis" makanan dgn membayangkannya saja.
August 22, 2011
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Juliet, or Jules as she’s called, has used cooking and her kitchen family to help try to move beyond the painful past she has with her mom. She was taken in by the Lunden’s after an incident at home, which we don’t find out about right away, and she finds her calling in their family restaurant. With the Lunden's son, Max, travelling the world, Jules steps into his shoes not only in the restaurant but even a little bit at home, already having been best friends with his brother, Danny. She’s happy, she’s driven and when the business slows down to a crawl, she’ll do whatever she can to help turn things around, and that means leading her kitchen team in the Rising Star Chef competition.
After a rough fight with his dad years ago over moving the family restaurant in a new direction, Max leaves it all behind to travel the world and learn every new skill he can as a chef. He’s called back home to help the Lunden team in the competition because his dad can’t compete. He isn’t told the full truth as to why, but since he has a month to spare between his travels he heads home to lend a hand. The story follows the chefs preparing for the competition, Max dealing with family issues and his building relationship with Jules.
From the start, Jules fights wanting to be with Max. She knows that once the regional portion of competition is over, Max will be back on the road and out of everyone’s life. But she goes into their relationship thinking that her eyes are wide open, she knows that he’ll be gone soon, but figures that having him for a little bit and having nice memories to look back on will be better than having nothing. After a slow start, once they got together, Max’s humor started coming out. He made me chuckle throughout, as a very easy going, sarcastic, take it as it comes guy. Not much ruffles him, but slowly the thought of leaving doesn’t sound quite as good as it once did and he’s left trying to figure out exactly where he wants to be.
“I’m shocked and appalled that you would dare to suggest I might not be completely original and unique in every way. I’ll have you know that I’m a very special snowflake, Ms. Cavanaugh. There’s no one like me anywhere in the world. I know, because I checked.”
“I believe you,” she said feelingly, stopping in front of a door at the end of the narrow hall. “The universe has a sick sense of humor, sometimes, but two of you? That would just be cruel.”
In addition to figuring out his relationship with Jules, Max is also trying to repair things with Danny. When Max walked away, he left all the burdens of the family and the restaurant on his brother’s shoulders and I really loved the scenes between these two and wish there would have been more. They had a lot to work out, but Danny is such a likable guy that you couldn’t help but want Max to stay, not only for Jules sake but for Danny too.
The competition was a fun addition and one that will carry into the next book. I loved the scenes with the whole team, especially getting to know more about the members Beck and Winslow. They almost come across as a team of misfits outside the kitchen, but they work together as a perfect unit and it’ll be fun to see how far they go. There was another small side story between two of the competition’s judges that just didn’t work for me. There wasn’t enough time spent on the characters for me to care about what happened between them, but if their story continues into Danny’s book, maybe I’ll be more interested.
After a slow start, once the competition started up, along with Max and Jules relationship, the book picked up the pace and I enjoyed the banter between all the characters. We get a little hint as to who Danny’s HEA will be as his book will pick up where this one leads off. It's overall an enjoyable read, and I'll be picking up Danny's book when it comes out.
Juliet, or Jules as she’s called, has used cooking and her kitchen family to help try to move beyond the painful past she has with her mom. She was taken in by the Lunden’s after an incident at home, which we don’t find out about right away, and she finds her calling in their family restaurant. With the Lunden's son, Max, travelling the world, Jules steps into his shoes not only in the restaurant but even a little bit at home, already having been best friends with his brother, Danny. She’s happy, she’s driven and when the business slows down to a crawl, she’ll do whatever she can to help turn things around, and that means leading her kitchen team in the Rising Star Chef competition.
After a rough fight with his dad years ago over moving the family restaurant in a new direction, Max leaves it all behind to travel the world and learn every new skill he can as a chef. He’s called back home to help the Lunden team in the competition because his dad can’t compete. He isn’t told the full truth as to why, but since he has a month to spare between his travels he heads home to lend a hand. The story follows the chefs preparing for the competition, Max dealing with family issues and his building relationship with Jules.
From the start, Jules fights wanting to be with Max. She knows that once the regional portion of competition is over, Max will be back on the road and out of everyone’s life. But she goes into their relationship thinking that her eyes are wide open, she knows that he’ll be gone soon, but figures that having him for a little bit and having nice memories to look back on will be better than having nothing. After a slow start, once they got together, Max’s humor started coming out. He made me chuckle throughout, as a very easy going, sarcastic, take it as it comes guy. Not much ruffles him, but slowly the thought of leaving doesn’t sound quite as good as it once did and he’s left trying to figure out exactly where he wants to be.
“I’m shocked and appalled that you would dare to suggest I might not be completely original and unique in every way. I’ll have you know that I’m a very special snowflake, Ms. Cavanaugh. There’s no one like me anywhere in the world. I know, because I checked.”
“I believe you,” she said feelingly, stopping in front of a door at the end of the narrow hall. “The universe has a sick sense of humor, sometimes, but two of you? That would just be cruel.”
In addition to figuring out his relationship with Jules, Max is also trying to repair things with Danny. When Max walked away, he left all the burdens of the family and the restaurant on his brother’s shoulders and I really loved the scenes between these two and wish there would have been more. They had a lot to work out, but Danny is such a likable guy that you couldn’t help but want Max to stay, not only for Jules sake but for Danny too.
The competition was a fun addition and one that will carry into the next book. I loved the scenes with the whole team, especially getting to know more about the members Beck and Winslow. They almost come across as a team of misfits outside the kitchen, but they work together as a perfect unit and it’ll be fun to see how far they go. There was another small side story between two of the competition’s judges that just didn’t work for me. There wasn’t enough time spent on the characters for me to care about what happened between them, but if their story continues into Danny’s book, maybe I’ll be more interested.
After a slow start, once the competition started up, along with Max and Jules relationship, the book picked up the pace and I enjoyed the banter between all the characters. We get a little hint as to who Danny’s HEA will be as his book will pick up where this one leads off. It's overall an enjoyable read, and I'll be picking up Danny's book when it comes out.
August 13, 2011
Review reposted from my Smitten with Reading blog...
My Review:
I have been so excited to read this book. I read Louisa Edward's first cooking trilogy and absolutely fell in love with her writing. (You can see those reviews HERE.) This book definitely did not disappoint...so good and so much fun!!! Although I have to be honest, as much as I loved Jules & Max's story, my favorite part about this book was the side story line between Clair (editor of Delicieux magazine) & Kane (rock star foodie and fellow judge of the RSC.) If you haven't read Louisa Edwards before, she writes WONDERFUL side stories. I am hoping that this side story flows like Frankie & Jess' story in the last trilogy and flows throughout all three books!!
But back to the main characters of this book...Max & Jules. 6 years ago both of their lives changed the same night. Max's changed when he had a huge blow-up with his father and walked out to travel the world. Jules' when she showed up at Landon's Tavern looking for her best friend Danny (Max's brother) after she had been kicked out of her house by her irate, irrational mother and instead found a sympathetic shoulder and surrogate family via Gus, Max's father. Max left the family and Jules basically joined it. Now the family restaurant needs help and Max's mother has called him home to help out with the Rising Star Chef Challenge.
Max & Jules are both chefs that are going to have to work together on the competition, but there are lingering feelings for both of them. Jules has always been attracted to Max, but her loyalty falls to the family that took her in when she had nowhere else to turn. Max is shocked to find little Juliet all grown up and gorgeous, but he looks at her as the person who came in and took his place within the family...a family that still leaves him with irrational feelings of hurt and frustration.
The premise of this book is fabulous. The competition adds lots of stress and drama to the story...as well as the suspense of the sexual tension between Max & Jules. I loved that Max practices Zen, although it obviously goes against his natural state of being. It was a great aspect that really showed how his world travels have affected him as a person and have helped him to grow up in his absence. Jules is a strong, competent chef with a lot of her own personal history that makes this growing romance with Max difficult for her to accept.
Then there is the fabulous cast of additional characters:
*Danny- Max's brother & Jules' best friend;pastry chef (gotta love a guy who will make you dessert);hero for book two
*Winslow- gay chef from the restaurant; love this character...such an amazing wit; he has a quip for everything
*Beck- I am hoping that he's the hero of book #3, but I can't find that info anywhere right now. Love this guy; such a mystery.
*Clair- editor of Delicieux and head judge for the competition. This forty something foodie is a HUGE success in the food world. She's French. She's sophisticated. She's classy. And she has the serious hots for Kane even though she doesn't like to admit it.
*Kane- rock star foodie. Hottie brought into the competition to add some sex appeal, but he only has eyes for Clair and is NOT going to let her put him off regardless of their age difference (I am LOVING this story line.)
*Devon- 3rd judge for the competition. He was the hero from book #2 of Louisa's previous series, On the Steamy Side. I am enjoying seeing his character again.
*Eva- MC and the money behind the competition via Daddy. She's the heroine of book #2 (coming out in December) and I think that she's going to give Danny a run for his money. They are going to be a fabulous couple.
Already, I can see that this series is going to be another keeper on my shelves. A great start to this new foodie series...it makes me want to learn to cook...almost. ;o)
My Review:
I have been so excited to read this book. I read Louisa Edward's first cooking trilogy and absolutely fell in love with her writing. (You can see those reviews HERE.) This book definitely did not disappoint...so good and so much fun!!! Although I have to be honest, as much as I loved Jules & Max's story, my favorite part about this book was the side story line between Clair (editor of Delicieux magazine) & Kane (rock star foodie and fellow judge of the RSC.) If you haven't read Louisa Edwards before, she writes WONDERFUL side stories. I am hoping that this side story flows like Frankie & Jess' story in the last trilogy and flows throughout all three books!!
But back to the main characters of this book...Max & Jules. 6 years ago both of their lives changed the same night. Max's changed when he had a huge blow-up with his father and walked out to travel the world. Jules' when she showed up at Landon's Tavern looking for her best friend Danny (Max's brother) after she had been kicked out of her house by her irate, irrational mother and instead found a sympathetic shoulder and surrogate family via Gus, Max's father. Max left the family and Jules basically joined it. Now the family restaurant needs help and Max's mother has called him home to help out with the Rising Star Chef Challenge.
Max & Jules are both chefs that are going to have to work together on the competition, but there are lingering feelings for both of them. Jules has always been attracted to Max, but her loyalty falls to the family that took her in when she had nowhere else to turn. Max is shocked to find little Juliet all grown up and gorgeous, but he looks at her as the person who came in and took his place within the family...a family that still leaves him with irrational feelings of hurt and frustration.
The premise of this book is fabulous. The competition adds lots of stress and drama to the story...as well as the suspense of the sexual tension between Max & Jules. I loved that Max practices Zen, although it obviously goes against his natural state of being. It was a great aspect that really showed how his world travels have affected him as a person and have helped him to grow up in his absence. Jules is a strong, competent chef with a lot of her own personal history that makes this growing romance with Max difficult for her to accept.
Then there is the fabulous cast of additional characters:
*Danny- Max's brother & Jules' best friend;pastry chef (gotta love a guy who will make you dessert);hero for book two
*Winslow- gay chef from the restaurant; love this character...such an amazing wit; he has a quip for everything
*Beck- I am hoping that he's the hero of book #3, but I can't find that info anywhere right now. Love this guy; such a mystery.
*Clair- editor of Delicieux and head judge for the competition. This forty something foodie is a HUGE success in the food world. She's French. She's sophisticated. She's classy. And she has the serious hots for Kane even though she doesn't like to admit it.
*Kane- rock star foodie. Hottie brought into the competition to add some sex appeal, but he only has eyes for Clair and is NOT going to let her put him off regardless of their age difference (I am LOVING this story line.)
*Devon- 3rd judge for the competition. He was the hero from book #2 of Louisa's previous series, On the Steamy Side. I am enjoying seeing his character again.
*Eva- MC and the money behind the competition via Daddy. She's the heroine of book #2 (coming out in December) and I think that she's going to give Danny a run for his money. They are going to be a fabulous couple.
Already, I can see that this series is going to be another keeper on my shelves. A great start to this new foodie series...it makes me want to learn to cook...almost. ;o)
September 24, 2012
Como buena fanática de los concursos gastronómicos(si habré pasado horas mirando Top Chef y demás LOL) amé el ambiente de esta historia...!!
Confieso que no es lo que esperaba encontrar. Todo indicaba que era mas sexual la historia, pero al final termina siendo una compleja lucha entre unos personajes cargados emocionalmente por muchas cosas. La familia, el pasado, los sueños que se persiguen, las cosas que no se dicen, y las acciones que hacen que a veces los demás no nos entiendan y piensen de una manera completamente diferente a como somos.
Max es un cocinero de mundo, que después de años de enfrentarse a su padre, arma un bolso y se va a perseguir sus sueños, dejando a su familia, el restaurante y todo atrás.
Jules es una joven que un día descubre que la vida a veces puede ser mas cruel de lo que cree, y que muchas veces, la sangre no hace a los lazos. Con 17 años, cuando se ve sola en la calle, recurre a su amigo Danny, pero termina encontrándose con una familia que acaba de ser abandonada por su hijo, y que fácilmente la toma bajo su ala.
6 años después, en la lucha por entrar en el famosísimo concurso gastronómico Rising Star Chef, Max vuelve a casa para ayudar a su familia, y se encuentra con Jules ocupando su lugar.
Las cosas no son fáciles al principio, pero a veces no todo es como creemos. La química hace que ellos no puedan resistirse, y que afloren a la luz el pasado y los sentimientos mas profundos.
En medio de recetas, discusiones y concursos, ellos deberán replantearse sus sueños, y que tan dispuestos a correr riesgos a fin de ser felices están.
-No entiendo.
Max enfurruño una sonrisa.
-Yo tampoco, por un largo tiempo, años, de hecho. Pero todo el rato, estaba buscando un lugar que se sintiera como yo, donde encajaría, y sería suficiente. Donde pudiera detenerme por un rato y descansar, y no sentir la necesidad de seguir moviéndome para encontrar algo nuevo que encajara mejor, porque el encaje sería ya tan perfecto.
El se inclinó para presionar las últimas palabras en su mejilla.
-Estaba buscando un hogar. Y lo encontré.
(...)
Pero Max negó con su cabeza, su mejilla barbada raspando contra su mejilla.
-No. Porque este lugar, mi familia...nunca antes había encajado. Nueva York no es mi casa,y tampoco lo es Lunden, o el apartamento de mis padres. -hizo una pausa, y Jules sintió su garganta apretándose mientras el tragaba-. Eres tú Jules. Tu eres mi hogar.
Estoy deseando leer la historia de Danny y saber como van a seguir las cosas para la familia Landon en el Rising Star Chef. Lo bueno es que vamos a tener mas de Max y Jules en los otros libros! Upiii!!!
*Confieso que de todos esos platos que describía, no podría comer ninguno :S
Confieso que no es lo que esperaba encontrar. Todo indicaba que era mas sexual la historia, pero al final termina siendo una compleja lucha entre unos personajes cargados emocionalmente por muchas cosas. La familia, el pasado, los sueños que se persiguen, las cosas que no se dicen, y las acciones que hacen que a veces los demás no nos entiendan y piensen de una manera completamente diferente a como somos.
Max es un cocinero de mundo, que después de años de enfrentarse a su padre, arma un bolso y se va a perseguir sus sueños, dejando a su familia, el restaurante y todo atrás.
Jules es una joven que un día descubre que la vida a veces puede ser mas cruel de lo que cree, y que muchas veces, la sangre no hace a los lazos. Con 17 años, cuando se ve sola en la calle, recurre a su amigo Danny, pero termina encontrándose con una familia que acaba de ser abandonada por su hijo, y que fácilmente la toma bajo su ala.
6 años después, en la lucha por entrar en el famosísimo concurso gastronómico Rising Star Chef, Max vuelve a casa para ayudar a su familia, y se encuentra con Jules ocupando su lugar.
Las cosas no son fáciles al principio, pero a veces no todo es como creemos. La química hace que ellos no puedan resistirse, y que afloren a la luz el pasado y los sentimientos mas profundos.
En medio de recetas, discusiones y concursos, ellos deberán replantearse sus sueños, y que tan dispuestos a correr riesgos a fin de ser felices están.
-No entiendo.
Max enfurruño una sonrisa.
-Yo tampoco, por un largo tiempo, años, de hecho. Pero todo el rato, estaba buscando un lugar que se sintiera como yo, donde encajaría, y sería suficiente. Donde pudiera detenerme por un rato y descansar, y no sentir la necesidad de seguir moviéndome para encontrar algo nuevo que encajara mejor, porque el encaje sería ya tan perfecto.
El se inclinó para presionar las últimas palabras en su mejilla.
-Estaba buscando un hogar. Y lo encontré.
(...)
Pero Max negó con su cabeza, su mejilla barbada raspando contra su mejilla.
-No. Porque este lugar, mi familia...nunca antes había encajado. Nueva York no es mi casa,y tampoco lo es Lunden, o el apartamento de mis padres. -hizo una pausa, y Jules sintió su garganta apretándose mientras el tragaba-. Eres tú Jules. Tu eres mi hogar.
Estoy deseando leer la historia de Danny y saber como van a seguir las cosas para la familia Landon en el Rising Star Chef. Lo bueno es que vamos a tener mas de Max y Jules en los otros libros! Upiii!!!
*Confieso que de todos esos platos que describía, no podría comer ninguno :S
April 12, 2012
I really enjoyed Ms. Edwards' previous series, Recipe for Love, so I wanted to start this one since really you can't go wrong with food and love!
Jules, our heroine, was a very emotional but likable character. She has been through a lot in her life what with a revolving door of "dads" and her mom kicking her out at age 17. She ends up with her best friend Danny's family who take her in like one of their own. The only piece of the puzzle that's missing is Danny's older brother Max, who happens to leave home the same night Jules. That missing piece comes home 6 years later to help the family in the Rising Star Chef contest "only until the qualifying round" - only to fall in love with the girl he feels took his place. He was very forward & pushed his luck at times but at the same time sweetly vulnerable & hard on himself especially by thinking he wasn't wanted anywhere by anyone.
As dark as the story went every once in a while, it was actually pretty funny & a very enjoyable read. I liked watching the restaurant staff come together as a team in order to win the qualifying round of the competition.Max gave some of my favorite lines, he was so charming!
"I'm shocked and appalled that you would dare to suggest I might not be completely original and unique in every way. I'll have you know that I'm a very special snowflake, Ms. Cavanaugh. there's no one like me anywhere in the world. I know, because I checked."
Jules didn't really have much of a chance, once he decided he was serious about her...
Is there anything on earth more seductive than a man who believes in you? (after he held her hand through
Jules had a lot of healing to do, and her mother played a small part in that, but she grew a lot as a character - after a couple Zen lessons from Max of course. His stories were always a little corny but usually pretty relevant. My favorite from Jules:
"Forgiveness isn't about evening the score or granting pardon. It's a gift you give yourself - the gift of letting go and moving forward."
So true!
As for the subplot, I was disappointed. In Recipe for Love, all three books had the same couple all the way through, and I loved them even more than the main couple at times! Unfortunately this one fell short for me, especially because it was so one sided. I didn't feel the passion Claire supposedly felt & was honestly a bit bored & anxious to get back to the meat of the story. Hopefully things will make more sense in the second book.
Overall, a good start & I'm looking forward to this series getting even stronger.
Jules, our heroine, was a very emotional but likable character. She has been through a lot in her life what with a revolving door of "dads" and her mom kicking her out at age 17. She ends up with her best friend Danny's family who take her in like one of their own. The only piece of the puzzle that's missing is Danny's older brother Max, who happens to leave home the same night Jules. That missing piece comes home 6 years later to help the family in the Rising Star Chef contest "only until the qualifying round" - only to fall in love with the girl he feels took his place. He was very forward & pushed his luck at times but at the same time sweetly vulnerable & hard on himself especially by thinking he wasn't wanted anywhere by anyone.
As dark as the story went every once in a while, it was actually pretty funny & a very enjoyable read. I liked watching the restaurant staff come together as a team in order to win the qualifying round of the competition.Max gave some of my favorite lines, he was so charming!
"I'm shocked and appalled that you would dare to suggest I might not be completely original and unique in every way. I'll have you know that I'm a very special snowflake, Ms. Cavanaugh. there's no one like me anywhere in the world. I know, because I checked."
Jules didn't really have much of a chance, once he decided he was serious about her...
Is there anything on earth more seductive than a man who believes in you? (after he held her hand through
Jules had a lot of healing to do, and her mother played a small part in that, but she grew a lot as a character - after a couple Zen lessons from Max of course. His stories were always a little corny but usually pretty relevant. My favorite from Jules:
"Forgiveness isn't about evening the score or granting pardon. It's a gift you give yourself - the gift of letting go and moving forward."
So true!
As for the subplot, I was disappointed. In Recipe for Love, all three books had the same couple all the way through, and I loved them even more than the main couple at times! Unfortunately this one fell short for me, especially because it was so one sided. I didn't feel the passion Claire supposedly felt & was honestly a bit bored & anxious to get back to the meat of the story. Hopefully things will make more sense in the second book.
Overall, a good start & I'm looking forward to this series getting even stronger.
November 7, 2011
First of all, look at that yummy cover! I had to force myself to quit drooling at it long enough to actually read the story! Of course every time I turned the page I had to look and drool again. But you are wanting a review of the pages inside that gorgeous cover so wipe the drool from your chin and lets get started.
This is the first book in a new series by author Louisa Edwards. This series focus is on a competition called the Rising Star Chef and a family who runs their own restaurant that is need of attention due to lack of business. Juliet, or Jules, is a long time friend of the family who just happened to live with the Lunden family for awhile after she had a falling out with her Mother. She is also best friends with the youngest son, Danny Lunden. Even though she has found a best friend in Danny, her heart has always belonged to his older brother Max. Unfortunately, the night she moved in with the Lunden's, Max also left town due to a family disagreement and hasn't returned until now.
With the family and staff entered into the competition, they realize they need Max to help guide them with his worldwide knowledge and hopefully realize he is needed back home for good. His Father's health is failing and Danny has taken on too much responsibility with the restaurant. While they are going through the competition though, Jules and Max are trying to fight their sexy feelings toward each other. Unfortunately, Jules and Max are fighting a losing battle on that because the tension and sex appeal between the two were rising faster than a loaf of bread!
If I had to pick one thing that I didn't like about this book though, it would be the constant references to the recipes and such. I understand that the chef competition involves new recipes and stunning dishes, but at times it seemed to go a little overboard in the food knowledge. Of course, this downfall also wanted me to try some of the recipes that the author includes at the end of the book. I did have several drooling moments due to the recipes and dishes involved instead of the cover.
If you are a fan of this author then I am sure your are going to enjoy this new series. So go on and indulge in this new romance series and relax in knowing that you won't gain any calories while reading it!
This is the first book in a new series by author Louisa Edwards. This series focus is on a competition called the Rising Star Chef and a family who runs their own restaurant that is need of attention due to lack of business. Juliet, or Jules, is a long time friend of the family who just happened to live with the Lunden family for awhile after she had a falling out with her Mother. She is also best friends with the youngest son, Danny Lunden. Even though she has found a best friend in Danny, her heart has always belonged to his older brother Max. Unfortunately, the night she moved in with the Lunden's, Max also left town due to a family disagreement and hasn't returned until now.
With the family and staff entered into the competition, they realize they need Max to help guide them with his worldwide knowledge and hopefully realize he is needed back home for good. His Father's health is failing and Danny has taken on too much responsibility with the restaurant. While they are going through the competition though, Jules and Max are trying to fight their sexy feelings toward each other. Unfortunately, Jules and Max are fighting a losing battle on that because the tension and sex appeal between the two were rising faster than a loaf of bread!
If I had to pick one thing that I didn't like about this book though, it would be the constant references to the recipes and such. I understand that the chef competition involves new recipes and stunning dishes, but at times it seemed to go a little overboard in the food knowledge. Of course, this downfall also wanted me to try some of the recipes that the author includes at the end of the book. I did have several drooling moments due to the recipes and dishes involved instead of the cover.
If you are a fan of this author then I am sure your are going to enjoy this new series. So go on and indulge in this new romance series and relax in knowing that you won't gain any calories while reading it!
May 14, 2012
This was another Smut Monday Club find. I jumped the gun and read it the week prior and I’m so glad I did.
Unlike some of our other reads, I was more drawn to the romance than I was to the smut. In fact, this find wasn’t really smutty at all…just a really cute love story.
Having nowhere to go, 17-year-old Juliet moves in with her best friend Danny Lunden after his older brother leaves home to see the world.
Years later Danny’s family restaurant is competing in the Rising Star Chef competition in hopes to save it from closing. With Danny’s father out due to illness, the family has to face the son that hasn’t been home in six years and Juliet has to compete side-by-side with her childhood crush…Max Lunden.
Max is the typical “I’m the shit” type character; which often translates into “I’m a tool.” He had the best one liners and had no problem saying what was on his mind.
“The Way I see it, fate is definitely trying to get us naked. Preferably together.”
He wants Jules (Juliet) and isn’t afraid to say it. She decides to play it safe, seeing as he’s going to leave as soon as they get through the qualifiers. So to protect herself, she agrees to a fling. But in the heat of the competition, both decide they want more. But deciding they want more, and facing their issues are entirely different stories.
He has to face the family he’s left behind years ago; dealing with the issues that drove him out into the world. She has to acknowledge her childhood and the horrible things that literally forced her life and the Lunden’s to collide when she was younger.
“I meant the fact that you could smile your way through a shit storm and come out the other side smelling like roses.”
I really did enjoy this read. The details in the food preparation? Literally made my stomach growl. There’s even recipes at the end!
One thing I could have dealt without was the odd third point of view from RSC judges Kane and Claire. With so much of the story focusing on Max and Jules, it felt disjointed having a random chapter here and there about another set of characters. I understand it was to build depth, but it wasn’t imperative to the main story.
Unlike some of our other reads, I was more drawn to the romance than I was to the smut. In fact, this find wasn’t really smutty at all…just a really cute love story.
Having nowhere to go, 17-year-old Juliet moves in with her best friend Danny Lunden after his older brother leaves home to see the world.
Years later Danny’s family restaurant is competing in the Rising Star Chef competition in hopes to save it from closing. With Danny’s father out due to illness, the family has to face the son that hasn’t been home in six years and Juliet has to compete side-by-side with her childhood crush…Max Lunden.
Max is the typical “I’m the shit” type character; which often translates into “I’m a tool.” He had the best one liners and had no problem saying what was on his mind.
“The Way I see it, fate is definitely trying to get us naked. Preferably together.”
He wants Jules (Juliet) and isn’t afraid to say it. She decides to play it safe, seeing as he’s going to leave as soon as they get through the qualifiers. So to protect herself, she agrees to a fling. But in the heat of the competition, both decide they want more. But deciding they want more, and facing their issues are entirely different stories.
He has to face the family he’s left behind years ago; dealing with the issues that drove him out into the world. She has to acknowledge her childhood and the horrible things that literally forced her life and the Lunden’s to collide when she was younger.
“I meant the fact that you could smile your way through a shit storm and come out the other side smelling like roses.”
I really did enjoy this read. The details in the food preparation? Literally made my stomach growl. There’s even recipes at the end!
One thing I could have dealt without was the odd third point of view from RSC judges Kane and Claire. With so much of the story focusing on Max and Jules, it felt disjointed having a random chapter here and there about another set of characters. I understand it was to build depth, but it wasn’t imperative to the main story.
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