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Arrington Family #1
Cooking Up Love
What happens when a suave, handsome chef meets a cute, sassy food critic?
When Shelbi Arrington accepts a position as a food critic in the hopes of burying her medical career and foregoing her residency, the last thing she’s searching for is love. However, that’s just what the doctor ordered especially when she lays eyes on the handsome chef, Justin Richardson. While sorting out her secret conflict of continuing her medical career, she falls for his mouth-watering charm, leaving her hungry for anything he has to offer.
Justin is leery of doctors because a doctor’s negligence caused his mother’s death when he was twelve. He has put his focus and energy into his restaurant, which had been a dream he and his mother shared. Justin is immediately smitten by the cute, sassy food critic that has him cooking up different ways to please her appetite. But when things start to heat up, Shelbi learns of a shocking revelation that could extinguish the flame of their relationship. Will Justin be able to forget his pain and commit to the woman who has stolen his heart?
Cooking Up Love is the first book in the Arrington Family Series.
This a contemporary series romance novel. 50,200 words.
When Shelbi Arrington accepts a position as a food critic in the hopes of burying her medical career and foregoing her residency, the last thing she’s searching for is love. However, that’s just what the doctor ordered especially when she lays eyes on the handsome chef, Justin Richardson. While sorting out her secret conflict of continuing her medical career, she falls for his mouth-watering charm, leaving her hungry for anything he has to offer.
Justin is leery of doctors because a doctor’s negligence caused his mother’s death when he was twelve. He has put his focus and energy into his restaurant, which had been a dream he and his mother shared. Justin is immediately smitten by the cute, sassy food critic that has him cooking up different ways to please her appetite. But when things start to heat up, Shelbi learns of a shocking revelation that could extinguish the flame of their relationship. Will Justin be able to forget his pain and commit to the woman who has stolen his heart?
Cooking Up Love is the first book in the Arrington Family Series.
This a contemporary series romance novel. 50,200 words.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
113 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Candace Shaw
31 books277 followersCandace Shaw writes romance novels because she believes that happily-ever-after isn’t found only in fairy tales. When she’s not writing or researching information for a book, you can find Candace in her gardens, shopping, reading or learning how to cook a new dish.
She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her loving husband and is currently working on her next fun, flirty and sexy romance.
You can contact Candace on her website at www.CandaceShaw.net, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCandac... or tweet her at https://twitter.com/Candace_Shaw.
She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her loving husband and is currently working on her next fun, flirty and sexy romance.
You can contact Candace on her website at www.CandaceShaw.net, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCandac... or tweet her at https://twitter.com/Candace_Shaw.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 9, 2013
I've now read everything that Candace Shaw has out and I am really loving her work! About this book in particular, I like all the same things that have been discussed by other reviewers but I wanted to say something different. I enjoy thinking of how writers come up with their stories and getting into their head a little bit. Apart from the wonderful sweet romances in Cooking Up Love, The Game of Seduction and Simply Amazing, another, very interesting subplot is at work, one that is woven through all three stories. It is the story of this fascinating family, the Arringtons and the influence of the very intimidating patriarch of that family. Each of the Arringtons, sons and daughters alike are high achievers, ambitious and accomplished, who despite being aware of the deep love their father has for them, still seem to have struggles with defining for themselves who they want to be and how they want to live their lives. It's interesting to see how they balanced their own personal dreams for their future with those of their father, and their strong ties to family.
With an exacting father (I had one of those myself, so I totally relate) who demands and gives much, Shelbi in this book, and Bria in The Game of Seduction each travel their own path to realizing what they want and the men in their lives are each a big part of helping them get there. Sometimes series of books seem belabored, like the author is squeezing blood from a stone and you wish they would just stop already, but I can see why this family is perfect for a series of books.
I am already curious about the other siblings who don't yet have their own story but whose characters Candace Shaw has already done a great job of defining. The way different kids react to the same upbringing is a great theme to explore and to explore that in the context of their relationships and how and who they love is really clever. Sean Arrington especially has me curious. If you're from a large family like I am, you will recognize the baby of the family who by virtue of having been born when your parents were exhausted from disciplining everyone else, gets away with all kinds of stuff no one else would.
Like the scene (this is from The Game of Seduction, so I'm cheating a little bit here) when the patriarch asks Sean during a staff meeting at their family medical practice:
"Son, what were you typing on your iPad earlier before I kicked everyone out?" To which Sean replies, "All the names, the ones I remember, of the models I dated this year." Okay, so generally speaking only one person per family would get away with that kind of thing, and it's usually the youngest. So I loved that about Candace's work - the integration of good family dynamics info that will make all the follow-ups to this series all the more interesting. Can't wait to meet the woman who takes Sean down!
And because this is really supposed to be a review of Cooking Up Love, I will say this. I love it when writers sweat the small stuff. Candace provided details about running a restaurant, being a food critic. It wasn't just window-dressing to get to the sex and relationship stuff. And I loved that Shelbi (and Bria as well) had more drama in their lives than relationship drama. They had career concerns and family concerns and were whole people apart from the men they chose.
I recommend this book, and all Candace's other books as well, and challenge folks to read them not just as stories of one woman-one man romances, but as threads that will weave a more complete picture of the love story of a family. Here are the links. Buy them!:The Game of Seduction, Simply Amazing, Candace Shaw
With an exacting father (I had one of those myself, so I totally relate) who demands and gives much, Shelbi in this book, and Bria in The Game of Seduction each travel their own path to realizing what they want and the men in their lives are each a big part of helping them get there. Sometimes series of books seem belabored, like the author is squeezing blood from a stone and you wish they would just stop already, but I can see why this family is perfect for a series of books.
I am already curious about the other siblings who don't yet have their own story but whose characters Candace Shaw has already done a great job of defining. The way different kids react to the same upbringing is a great theme to explore and to explore that in the context of their relationships and how and who they love is really clever. Sean Arrington especially has me curious. If you're from a large family like I am, you will recognize the baby of the family who by virtue of having been born when your parents were exhausted from disciplining everyone else, gets away with all kinds of stuff no one else would.
Like the scene (this is from The Game of Seduction, so I'm cheating a little bit here) when the patriarch asks Sean during a staff meeting at their family medical practice:
"Son, what were you typing on your iPad earlier before I kicked everyone out?" To which Sean replies, "All the names, the ones I remember, of the models I dated this year." Okay, so generally speaking only one person per family would get away with that kind of thing, and it's usually the youngest. So I loved that about Candace's work - the integration of good family dynamics info that will make all the follow-ups to this series all the more interesting. Can't wait to meet the woman who takes Sean down!
And because this is really supposed to be a review of Cooking Up Love, I will say this. I love it when writers sweat the small stuff. Candace provided details about running a restaurant, being a food critic. It wasn't just window-dressing to get to the sex and relationship stuff. And I loved that Shelbi (and Bria as well) had more drama in their lives than relationship drama. They had career concerns and family concerns and were whole people apart from the men they chose.
I recommend this book, and all Candace's other books as well, and challenge folks to read them not just as stories of one woman-one man romances, but as threads that will weave a more complete picture of the love story of a family. Here are the links. Buy them!:The Game of Seduction, Simply Amazing, Candace Shaw
June 18, 2012
Candace Shaw seems to have the making of a great series on her hand. This is the first book in the Arrington Family series! Cooking Up Love is about the youngest child in the family, Shelbi. Shelbi is a food critic that meets the sexy Chef Justin Richardson. There is only one problem for this couple. Shelbi's family is full of doctors, Shelbi just finished Medical school and Justin does not like doctors because of something from his past. Can these two get passed there differences and cook up some love? Or will this tear them apart? I can not wait for the next book in the series which will be, Bria's and Rasheed's story. Congrats Candace Shaw. This is going to be a very enjoyable series.
June 14, 2012
I am just going to come out and say it....this book really surprised me! Judging the cover and title, I thought I was in for a cute little story involving a food critic and a chef. I knew food would play an element in the story but at the same time wondered how the whole Shelbi is a doctor/Justin hates doctors thing was going to play out. Needless to say, my expectations were surpassed! I was not expecting the deep emotion I felt for these characters by the end of the book...especially Justin!
I will be honest, at first Justin's whole thing against doctors annoyed me. I don't know why, but I wasn't as sympathetic to his ideas as I wanted to be. I understood that as a child he was devastated by his mother's death and blamed the doctor. But I felt that as a grown man, he should have gotten over it already. I think that's the good thing about this author, after a while, it became so much a part of Justin and his character that I started to get it. The more I read, the more I liked him, and the more I could understand how he felt. I think it's because the characters are so relatable; even the secondary characters are likeable people that we all know.
I love how the unexpected drama unfolds closer to the end of the book, and how both Shelbi and Justin learn about each others pasts. It was juicy and pacy and by the time I hit about 75% I couldn't stop reading until I found out what happened.
Oh, and did I mention the chemistry. It's ironic that this is a Foodie Romance because Shelbi and Justin's chemistry was freaking hot! I don't mean that to be corny but it's just the truth. The love scenes are toe-curling and well written--just the way I like to see them done in romance.
All in all this book was delectable; full of charisma and charm. There were laugh out loud moments as well as more tender, emotional moments. The good thing is, the comedy blended very well with the emotional side to make the book cohesive. A wonderful read!
I will be honest, at first Justin's whole thing against doctors annoyed me. I don't know why, but I wasn't as sympathetic to his ideas as I wanted to be. I understood that as a child he was devastated by his mother's death and blamed the doctor. But I felt that as a grown man, he should have gotten over it already. I think that's the good thing about this author, after a while, it became so much a part of Justin and his character that I started to get it. The more I read, the more I liked him, and the more I could understand how he felt. I think it's because the characters are so relatable; even the secondary characters are likeable people that we all know.
I love how the unexpected drama unfolds closer to the end of the book, and how both Shelbi and Justin learn about each others pasts. It was juicy and pacy and by the time I hit about 75% I couldn't stop reading until I found out what happened.
Oh, and did I mention the chemistry. It's ironic that this is a Foodie Romance because Shelbi and Justin's chemistry was freaking hot! I don't mean that to be corny but it's just the truth. The love scenes are toe-curling and well written--just the way I like to see them done in romance.
All in all this book was delectable; full of charisma and charm. There were laugh out loud moments as well as more tender, emotional moments. The good thing is, the comedy blended very well with the emotional side to make the book cohesive. A wonderful read!
December 31, 2017
I tried really hard to read this. I put this down, read a different book, came back and still I can't get past the dialog. I want to read this book. So many people love this book. I am always looking for a good book that has two African American main characters and the book isn't about drugs, the 'game', hood live or other stereotypical issues that mainstream America thinks African Americans all deal with. This seems like the perfect book. Boy meets girl, boy got a drama, girl got drama, both miscommunicate but then realize they love each other after solving their own drama with the help of a family or friend....but i can't get past the dialog. I think that was the exact sentence where I stopped reading. This was 37% in. I may try to go back and revisit this book but today isn't that day.
June 20, 2012
Going in I thought this was going to be a sweet romance. It was sweet, but a whole lot of spicy as well. I loved Justin and Shelbi from the very beginning. The way they met was just pure genius. They had wonderful chemistry, and their interactions were really what love stories are made of. I didn't expect it, but their love scenes were really erotic. They were making love, and you could really feel the sensual-ness between them. What a great start to this series, and I can't wait to read more about the Arrington family.
April 8, 2020
I couldn't stop smiling while reading every page of this book...truly love it...this book was fun, fantastic and sexy...(often giggling and blushing..).our main characters: Shelbi and Justin was created with such extensive details and depth...I love their work ethic and family values and respect they both had to their families)....highly recommended...(this is the first book I read by this author and I planned to read all her books, thereafter)
June 15, 2013
I thought it was a bit cheesy but still held your attention
March 23, 2021
All is well in Memphis, TN with Dr. Shelbi Frances Arrington and Executive Chef Justin Richardson.
Read 3/13/2021.
Read 3/13/2021.
March 5, 2021
I loved this romance novel. Straight to the point. Food Critic Shelbi...Arrington meets Healthy Chef Justin Richardson on a trolley in Memphis. He paid her way when she ran out of cash. Shelbi...didn't know he was the executive chef an owner of a popular Lillian's Restaurant. Justin didn't know Shelbi..just finished medical school an was the daughter of the infamous Arrington Doctors. This book just spilled out realistically an sweet. Five stars. Can't wait to read the next series.
April 11, 2016
Excellent resd. Shelbi has a medical degree but hasn't started her residency due to an incident that happ2during her internship. Justin is a master chef/restaurant owner. He detests doctors because his mother died when he was twelve; he feels the doctor didn't do enough to save his mother.
These two are determined and successful and compliment each other. They are opionated so even their arguments sre interesting. The sparks flying between them are hot and watching their relationship develop is funny at times. I love them together even knowing that they have obstacles to overcome that could keep them apart. Great start to the Arrington series.
These two are determined and successful and compliment each other. They are opionated so even their arguments sre interesting. The sparks flying between them are hot and watching their relationship develop is funny at times. I love them together even knowing that they have obstacles to overcome that could keep them apart. Great start to the Arrington series.
May 25, 2020
What a wonderful story!!
This is the 1st book written wonderful author. Cooking Up Love did just that for me. I enjoyed the journey of the two main characters. The story was believable and heart warming and I enjoyed every word. The way the author described the sexual scenes was tastefully done and rather steamy hot. Great loving story. I can't wait to read any book by this author. 5 🌟+
This is the 1st book written wonderful author. Cooking Up Love did just that for me. I enjoyed the journey of the two main characters. The story was believable and heart warming and I enjoyed every word. The way the author described the sexual scenes was tastefully done and rather steamy hot. Great loving story. I can't wait to read any book by this author. 5 🌟+
June 22, 2012
I just finished this book I liked it I thought Justin was very sexy I liked he and Shelbi's chemistry it was smoking . The only thing I did not like was the reason he did not trust doctor s it just felt a little silly. I think this was a pretty good start to a new series.I look forward to reading the other works by Candace Shaw.
August 26, 2012
A SWEET and SPICY page-turner...the PASSION betwen Justin and Shelbi SIZZLES throughout this SUPRISINGLY delightful treat...and I'm DEFINITELY looking forward to getting to know the rest of the Arrington's and their circle of family and friends...KUDOS, Mrs. Shaw...and HOPE I don't have to wait too long for the sequel ;-)
June 28, 2016
Great love story!
This book was truly a love story! Justin and Shelbi were destined to be together before she was born. I'm so glad everything fell into place for them. I'm also glad I purchased the other books in this series! I'm pretty sure I be purchasing more Candace Shaw books!
This book was truly a love story! Justin and Shelbi were destined to be together before she was born. I'm so glad everything fell into place for them. I'm also glad I purchased the other books in this series! I'm pretty sure I be purchasing more Candace Shaw books!
May 30, 2017
Just found a new fav writer
#CandanceShaw weaves beautiful stories with good characters. I am not usually reader of romance although Brenda Jackson is my go to .when I am. Candace Shaw for the same reason.... safer sex. Relatable situations. Will read more of the Arrington Family series.
#CandanceShaw weaves beautiful stories with good characters. I am not usually reader of romance although Brenda Jackson is my go to .when I am. Candace Shaw for the same reason.... safer sex. Relatable situations. Will read more of the Arrington Family series.
November 4, 2019
I absolutely love Cooking Up Love book one in the Arrington Family series. It is an upbeat fun, and sassy read about Shelbi Arrington and Justin Richardson. Their story and chemistry have an electrifying effect that keeps you turning the page for more. Cooking Up Love is an incredible read that is an amazing start to the Arrington family series.
October 16, 2014
I really enjoyed reading "Cooking Up Love" although the story was a little predictable there were some twist that kept me interested along with the authors ability to tell a great story. I'm looking forward to reading part two!
October 27, 2016
Great characters, great story, great storyteller
Candace Shaw cooked up a great story with this novel. I'm in love with the Harrington's and cannot wait to read the next story. Shelbi and Justin are fabulous.
Candace Shaw cooked up a great story with this novel. I'm in love with the Harrington's and cannot wait to read the next story. Shelbi and Justin are fabulous.
April 16, 2018
Love it!
Wow! Justin has a cute history with Shelbi before she was even born. I love it. Glad he got over his anguish with her father. I am very happy that Shelbi finally made her decision. Enjoyed the ending.
Wow! Justin has a cute history with Shelbi before she was even born. I love it. Glad he got over his anguish with her father. I am very happy that Shelbi finally made her decision. Enjoyed the ending.
February 14, 2013
Awesome book. I didn't know about the Arrington's series, but very glad I found them. The characters are hot together. Can't wait to read book 2.
May 4, 2016
Loved Shelbi Arrington and Justin Richardson's chemistry. An engaging and heartwarming storyline. A good beginning to the Arrington series. A must purchase.
February 14, 2014
Sweet, flirty,romantic. I thoroughly enjoyed Justin and Shelbi's story. They are a fun, sexy couple who cared for each other deeply. My first read by Candace and won't be my last.
May 22, 2014
Really enjoyed this story. It was flirty and romantic. Looking forward to more of the Arrington Family.
December 6, 2014
So romantic... I read this book in one day...it's just that good. Very romantic and erotic. I cannot wait to read the next book in the Arrington Family Series.
June 7, 2014
LOVING THIS BOOK! A CHEF A DR. TURNED FOOD CRITIC ... TASTY FOOD AND HOTTTT PASSIONATE LOVING .. COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN .. ON TO THE NEXT ARRINGTON!
September 4, 2014
Wonderfully written story. The characters had my full attention.
September 11, 2014
sweet story, love happy endings
September 24, 2014
Hot!!!!!
I love this story; it sexy, hot, a very good read. I read this book in one evening it was that good.
I love this story; it sexy, hot, a very good read. I read this book in one evening it was that good.
January 9, 2016
Just ok for me.
December 31, 2015
Well written book, can't wait for book two.
Excellent writing, engaging characters. I do think the next sibling will be Brian and rasheed. Friends with benefits. Hot, caliente
Excellent writing, engaging characters. I do think the next sibling will be Brian and rasheed. Friends with benefits. Hot, caliente
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews