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Appetite #2
The Competitive Edge
It's been six months since Alex became Sous Chef at Schulze's, and in that time Alex has been working strenuously to improve and expand his skills, working toward the goal of becoming Nik's equal. He is kept motivated by the occasional breakfast shared with Nik, flirting and talking and offering tender bites of his culinary creations.
But just as his hard work seems to be paying off, a new challenge is thrust upon him. Selected to be one of five challengers on a new cooking competition, Alex is quick to accept the offer, certain that winning will prove his abilities to Nik and everyone else.
Except that to win, he will have to beat not only a handful of strangers, but also Nik, thrusting them right back to the ruthless competition of their school days—and quite possibly ruining any hope of a future as lovers.
But just as his hard work seems to be paying off, a new challenge is thrust upon him. Selected to be one of five challengers on a new cooking competition, Alex is quick to accept the offer, certain that winning will prove his abilities to Nik and everyone else.
Except that to win, he will have to beat not only a handful of strangers, but also Nik, thrusting them right back to the ruthless competition of their school days—and quite possibly ruining any hope of a future as lovers.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2013
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 24, 2013
This second book in the series had all the excellent qualities of the first, but it was a whole lot more intense on top. I was chewing my fingernails by the second "recipe" (read: chapter) and didn't let go until the very end. Maybe it's just foodies like me who will follow the cooking and details about food so closely, but the second element of the suspense was purely emotional. I don’t think you need to even like food to enjoy this book. I think the high-level competition of the reality TV cooking show accompanied by the intensity of Alex's feelings for Nik and watching how they suffer and blossom at the same time will do you in. They certainly made me sweat! I can honestly say that "course 2" of the series was another huge success for me.
Alex has come a long way in the first book, and he builds on that in this sequel. While he's a little more established and well on his way to creating a place in the cooking world for himself, he still struggles. He is determined to gain Nik as his lover and boyfriend, and highly frustrated by the man's continuous cold shoulder. But the glimpses of real feeling he gets, even during the competition – which he is more determined than ever to win – are enough to keep him hoping they can somehow figure out a way to be together. If only Nik's emotional walls were less secure!
Nik continues to be somewhat of an enigma, but there are a few chinks in his armor now and, early in the book, I got a few more hints about the reasons for his hesitancy. He has clearly been wounded deeply, possibly several times, and is finding it extremely difficult to let anyone come close to him. He seemed to want Alex to come closer, but then keeps pushing him away throughout. The fact they're competing professionally certainly does nothing for the way they relate as men.
If you like stories full of professional and personal suspense on every level, if you enjoy romantic tension that builds and builds and builds, and if you're looking for a read that will make you as hungry as it will make you want to see these guys give in to their feelings, then you will probably like this novel. I definitely loved it and am curious to find out what the third volume will add to this delight for my senses.
NOTE: This book was provided by Less Than Three Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Alex has come a long way in the first book, and he builds on that in this sequel. While he's a little more established and well on his way to creating a place in the cooking world for himself, he still struggles. He is determined to gain Nik as his lover and boyfriend, and highly frustrated by the man's continuous cold shoulder. But the glimpses of real feeling he gets, even during the competition – which he is more determined than ever to win – are enough to keep him hoping they can somehow figure out a way to be together. If only Nik's emotional walls were less secure!
Nik continues to be somewhat of an enigma, but there are a few chinks in his armor now and, early in the book, I got a few more hints about the reasons for his hesitancy. He has clearly been wounded deeply, possibly several times, and is finding it extremely difficult to let anyone come close to him. He seemed to want Alex to come closer, but then keeps pushing him away throughout. The fact they're competing professionally certainly does nothing for the way they relate as men.
If you like stories full of professional and personal suspense on every level, if you enjoy romantic tension that builds and builds and builds, and if you're looking for a read that will make you as hungry as it will make you want to see these guys give in to their feelings, then you will probably like this novel. I definitely loved it and am curious to find out what the third volume will add to this delight for my senses.
NOTE: This book was provided by Less Than Three Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 20, 2013
I loved the challenges and the meals described in the book. it felt, indeed, like I was in the middle of a cooking show.
Moreover, Talya Andor is made for writing romance. The chemistry between the character is sizzling! If she didn't deliver even much in terms of "physical" romance in the first book, she more than made up for it with very hot kisses and chemistry in the second. I hope she'll give more in the third book. I have the feeling this writer enjoys teasing readers way too much. But, well, the pleasure is heightened the more you wait for it, so I don't mind at all.
5 stars read for sure. Thank you, Talya!
Moreover, Talya Andor is made for writing romance. The chemistry between the character is sizzling! If she didn't deliver even much in terms of "physical" romance in the first book, she more than made up for it with very hot kisses and chemistry in the second. I hope she'll give more in the third book. I have the feeling this writer enjoys teasing readers way too much. But, well, the pleasure is heightened the more you wait for it, so I don't mind at all.
5 stars read for sure. Thank you, Talya!
September 21, 2013
Have to think about it - I'm still in the world of fine dining, food competition and - cooking. Yes, also Nik and Alex, too cute, those two:)
After a good night's sleep, tomorrow I'll see what'll come to me.
After a good night's sleep, tomorrow I'll see what'll come to me.
October 5, 2013
I recommend reading this book while eating. There are so many delectable dishes and drinks all the time that you will drool all over your e-book, tablet, or paperback. Then again, I had to read while using an online dictionary because some of the culinary vocabulary went right over my head.
Those who are familiar with TV cooking shows will recognize the many intricacies here in making such a show. Five chefs, one winner, dozens of twists and curveballs. This reads very realistically about how the show is done, from mikes to interviews, from challenges to difficult opponents, and how the show takes over the lives of Alex and Nik, who are already skating on thin ice. With that I mean they are slowly getting to know each other, having met in the first book. According to Alex, they’re dating; Nik thinks differently.
Now, this is written in third person. However, we only get Alex’s point of view. This poses a huge problem. The story would have been better served giving Nik’s POV too. As is, Nik comes off as one those annoying people who have had a bad relationship experience in the past, a betrayal of trust, and now use that as an excuse to be snotty, distant, prissy princesses. This reads like Nik is playing mind games with Alex, who is in love with Nik. Because I couldn’t get into Nik’s head, he doesn’t come off as likeable. Alex, on the other hand, is strong, smart, and capable—Nik is his one fatal weakness. And when the darn cooking show pits them against each other as rivals, things go from bad to worse.
A quite a long read, this series is promising. The writing is captivating, and I was fully immersed into the story. Even the lack of sex in its entirety didn’t make this an unpleasant reading experience. Sure, I would have liked to have seen some kind of sexual culmination of Alex and Nik’s relationship, but since there’s a third book… The plot revolves around the cooking show and the main theme seems to be trust. As in, Nik shows none towards Alex, who offers all of his to Nik. Their relationship, tentative as it is, doesn’t feel very balanced. I hope Ms. Andor gives us more than limited third person stories in the future, as she is a good author, and I like her style. All the side characters, for example, are fully fleshed out individuals. Alex and Nik’s competitors are all distinct people: Roy, the arrogant dick; Catriona, the enthusiastic newbie; and Maoying, the talented but withdrawn third rival. In the end, however, the competition comes down to Alex and Nik, and their issue of trust.
I came into this series smack in the middle, reading this, book 2 of the Appetite series. As such, there were references to past events and the ending is HFN, so it’s recommended that readers start from the beginning and then continue with the last book in the trilogy. So, though this can be read as a standalone, that probably won’t offer you the best reading experience. I’ll follow my own advice because I was left intrigued by the hopeful outcome of this tale, and I wish only the best for our brand new couple.
The Appetite Trilogy in order:
A Cut Above the Rest
The Competitive Edge
Surfeit for the Senses
Those who are familiar with TV cooking shows will recognize the many intricacies here in making such a show. Five chefs, one winner, dozens of twists and curveballs. This reads very realistically about how the show is done, from mikes to interviews, from challenges to difficult opponents, and how the show takes over the lives of Alex and Nik, who are already skating on thin ice. With that I mean they are slowly getting to know each other, having met in the first book. According to Alex, they’re dating; Nik thinks differently.
Now, this is written in third person. However, we only get Alex’s point of view. This poses a huge problem. The story would have been better served giving Nik’s POV too. As is, Nik comes off as one those annoying people who have had a bad relationship experience in the past, a betrayal of trust, and now use that as an excuse to be snotty, distant, prissy princesses. This reads like Nik is playing mind games with Alex, who is in love with Nik. Because I couldn’t get into Nik’s head, he doesn’t come off as likeable. Alex, on the other hand, is strong, smart, and capable—Nik is his one fatal weakness. And when the darn cooking show pits them against each other as rivals, things go from bad to worse.
A quite a long read, this series is promising. The writing is captivating, and I was fully immersed into the story. Even the lack of sex in its entirety didn’t make this an unpleasant reading experience. Sure, I would have liked to have seen some kind of sexual culmination of Alex and Nik’s relationship, but since there’s a third book… The plot revolves around the cooking show and the main theme seems to be trust. As in, Nik shows none towards Alex, who offers all of his to Nik. Their relationship, tentative as it is, doesn’t feel very balanced. I hope Ms. Andor gives us more than limited third person stories in the future, as she is a good author, and I like her style. All the side characters, for example, are fully fleshed out individuals. Alex and Nik’s competitors are all distinct people: Roy, the arrogant dick; Catriona, the enthusiastic newbie; and Maoying, the talented but withdrawn third rival. In the end, however, the competition comes down to Alex and Nik, and their issue of trust.
I came into this series smack in the middle, reading this, book 2 of the Appetite series. As such, there were references to past events and the ending is HFN, so it’s recommended that readers start from the beginning and then continue with the last book in the trilogy. So, though this can be read as a standalone, that probably won’t offer you the best reading experience. I’ll follow my own advice because I was left intrigued by the hopeful outcome of this tale, and I wish only the best for our brand new couple.
The Appetite Trilogy in order:
A Cut Above the Rest
The Competitive Edge
Surfeit for the Senses
February 2, 2018
This second book in the series had all the excellent qualities of the first, but it was a whole lot more intense on top. I was chewing my fingernails by the second "recipe" (read: chapter) and didn't let go until the very end. Maybe it's just foodies like me who will follow the cooking and details about food so closely, but the second element of the suspense was purely emotional. I don’t think you need to even like food to enjoy this book. I think the high-level competition of the reality TV cooking show accompanied by the intensity of Alex's feelings for Nik and watching how they suffer and blossom at the same time will do you in. They certainly made me sweat! I can honestly say that "course 2" of the series was another huge success for me.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 31, 2013
4.5 stars rounded up for awesomeness!
I enjoyed this book for the food competition. If you are a fan of Top Chef or any food competition you may like this book too. Reading it felt like you were watching the show. But again, not a whole lot of romance between Nik and Alex :-( But they do get a bit farther than in the previous book.
I do not require sex scenes in the books I enjoyed and this one entertained me a lot.
I enjoyed this book for the food competition. If you are a fan of Top Chef or any food competition you may like this book too. Reading it felt like you were watching the show. But again, not a whole lot of romance between Nik and Alex :-( But they do get a bit farther than in the previous book.
I do not require sex scenes in the books I enjoyed and this one entertained me a lot.
March 15, 2018
5 stars for this amazing book! Love the slow-burning love of Alex and Nik, the friendly rivals :D
The competition was really exiting. It's hard to blame Roy for the rude accusation, because how frustrating to face the super strong alliance.
Wish can see Alex and Nik run their own restaurant in the following books~!
The competition was really exiting. It's hard to blame Roy for the rude accusation, because how frustrating to face the super strong alliance.
Wish can see Alex and Nik run their own restaurant in the following books~!
July 1, 2017
A nice continuation of the story, and I liked it a little better than the first one, but still . . . sometimes Alex is so dumb.
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August 7, 2025This is an excellent second installment that furthers the relationship between Nik and Alex, and it involves a whole lot of interesting ups and downs. I'm eagerly awaiting the third and final book in the series; this one left me primed and ready for the consummation of their relationship, and it gave me a deeper understanding of both of the characters and what makes them tick. If you're a fan of people getting together early in a series/book, this might not be for you, but I tend to enjoy the slow burn from time to time, and this delivers that with an excellent punch of sexual tension.
If you're a foodie, or just a fan of cooking shows/competitions, this is also totally up your alley. Even if you don't know a mise en place from a table setting, I think you'll find something to enjoy from the Appetite series--and it might just broaden your culinary horizons to boot.
If you're a foodie, or just a fan of cooking shows/competitions, this is also totally up your alley. Even if you don't know a mise en place from a table setting, I think you'll find something to enjoy from the Appetite series--and it might just broaden your culinary horizons to boot.
October 23, 2015
The Competitive Edge was quite a good read. I enjoyed the first book in the series, but I liked this one even better and I think one could enjoy it without having read A Cut Above the Rest. It definitely has more tension and more action than the first book, and revolves around Alex and Nik competing in a fictional cooking show that seems to be somewhat inspired by Hell's Kitchen.
Like the first book, there were a few moments I found frustrating, with Alex doing something rash that made me want to roll my eyes. That said, even though I'm not the biggest fan of Alex, the book's engaging, well-paced, and has delightful food descriptions. I'm looking forward to reading the final book in this trilogy.
Like the first book, there were a few moments I found frustrating, with Alex doing something rash that made me want to roll my eyes. That said, even though I'm not the biggest fan of Alex, the book's engaging, well-paced, and has delightful food descriptions. I'm looking forward to reading the final book in this trilogy.
December 28, 2013
Great book, I liked it even better than the first one in the series (A Cut Above the Rest). One thing is for sure, the author has an extensive knowledge about food and fine dining - at least that's how it seems like to me!
If you don't want any focus away from the romance, be warned: the passion for food and food preparation here is just as high as the passion for nice, cute, talented chefs, and there's a lot of time and story space spent on describing all of that!
If you don't want any focus away from the romance, be warned: the passion for food and food preparation here is just as high as the passion for nice, cute, talented chefs, and there's a lot of time and story space spent on describing all of that!
November 17, 2013
I love watching cooking shows and this book captures that atmosphere. The attraction between Alex and Nik, on top of the pressure from the competition and living in close proximity with all the competitors, made for a good read. I loved the moments where there was something more than rivalry between them, but those around them couldn't quite tell. It was an awesome moment when Nik was forthright and proclaimed that they were dating, Vega was taken aback, and Alex was over the moon. Alex is adorable with his sometimes fumbling with English words or sayings.
July 13, 2014
If someone told me that a book about a cooking show would be difficult to put down I'd have said "get out!" :)) It is, however, very exiting - from the competition, the sexual tension and the characters that popped in and stirred the waters. At times it felt like I was really watching it on TV, only that it was better, because I had the inside scoop on what the main contestants were actually going through behind the cameras.
June 5, 2013
I have been a fan of Ms Andor for some time, and I must say, this series is some of her best work. I would rec it to all my friends. I love the progression of Alex and Nik's relationship throughout the books. Nic projecting the ice king persona and Alex with his sometimes clumsy and over eager puppy personality just warms my heart.
September 27, 2013
Liked this a lot more than the first book. The progression of Alex and Nik's relationship was fun to watch. Alex as always was amusing and sweet. It kind of made me want to go and watch Top Chef just for reference....
May 30, 2013
review to come
June 24, 2013
Liked the first in the series better but still really cute ^^
August 8, 2013
Brilliant. I loved everything. I enjoyed the dialogues between main characters very much, this book is truly a piece of art. Can't wait to read the third book
September 10, 2013
4,5 stars
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews