Feel the Heat

Hot in the Kitchen #1

by Kate Meader

A beat-cute for the ages . . .

What Lili DeLuca meant to do: investigate the mysterious light in her family restaurant’s kitchen. What she actually did: Brained a famous chef with a frying pan.

Between her family’s failing restaurant, her soggy-bottomed love life, and her dreams put on hold as she manages, well, everything, the last thing Lili needs is an arrogant celebrity with a concussion. But when sexy TV chef Jack Kilroy challenges her father to a cook-off for his show, she spies an opportunity to save the family business and indulge in some no-strings fun with the hottest man she’s ever seen in a chef’s jacket. Pity the reputed playboy has decided to turn over a new leaf …

Jack's celebrity has left him feeling used and used up. While Lili's throaty moans when she tastes his creations turn him on, he's even more aroused by how this beautiful, funny woman is unimpressed by his fame. He knows they could be amazing together, if she could only see past his rabid fan base.

Now as he's about to start a new prime time TV cooking show, can Jack convince Lili to realize her own ambitions … and turn up the heat in his kitchen?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Food, Erotica, Ebooks

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 2013

About the author

Kate writes sexy contemporary, sports, and LGBTQ+ romance with strong guys and amazing women and men who match their heroes quip for quip. She's known for blending heat, humor, and heart into irresistibly romantic stories.

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The Rookie Rebels features a team of heroes who are about to learn that all's fair in love and hockey.
1. GOOD GUY (Levi and Jordan)
2. INSTACRUSH (Theo and Elle)
3. MAN DOWN (Gunnar and Sadie)
4. FOREPLAYER (Cal and Mia)
5. DEAR ROOMIE (Reid and Kennedy)
6. REBEL YULE (Erik and Casey)
7. JOCK WANTED (Fitz and Tara)
8. SUPERSTAR (Bast and Pepper)
9. WILD RIDE (Dex and Ashley)
10. HOCKEY WIFE (Banks and Georgia)

The Hot in Chicago Rookies series heads back to Engine 6 for more steamy firefighter romances.
0. COMING IN HOT (Tyler and Evie)
1. UP IN SMOKE (Roman and Abby)
2. DOWN IN FLAMES (Jude and Hudson)
3. HOT TO THE TOUCH (Sam and Cassandra)

The Laws of Attraction series about sexy divorce lawyers:
1. DOWN WITH LOVE (Max and Charlie)
2. ILLEGALLY YOURS (Lucas and Trinity)
3. THEN CAME YOU (Grant and Aubrey)

The Chicago Rebels series about sexy hockey players:
0.5 IN SKATES TROUBLE (Ford and Addison) - FREE!
1. IRRESISTIBLE YOU (Remy and Harper)
2. SO OVER YOU (Vadim and Isobel)
3. UNDONE BY YOU (Dante and Cade)
4. HOOKED ON YOU (Bren and Violet)
5. WRAPPED UP IN YOU (More Dante and Cade)

The Hot in Chicago series about sexy firefighters:
0.5 REKINDLE THE FLAME (Beck and Darcy)
1. FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Luke and Kinsey)
1.5 MELTING POINT (Gage and Brady)
2. PLAYING WITH FIRE (Eli and Alex)
3. SPARKING THE FIRE (Wyatt and Molly)
3.5 FOREVER IN FIRE (More Eli and Alex)
3.6 COMING IN HOT, Men in Uniform anthology (Tyler and Evie)

The Hot in the Kitchen series about sexy chefs:
1. FEEL THE HEAT (Jack and Lili)
2. ALL FIRED UP (Shane and Cara)
3. HOT AND BOTHERED (Tad and Jules)

... however each book can also be read as a standalone novel or novella.

For excerpts, news, and giveaways, visit: http://katemeader.com

Reviews

[Kathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inhalt: „Love Recipes - Verführung à la carte“ ist der erste Teil der „Kitchen Love“-Reihe der Autorin Kate Meader und erscheint am 6.04.2020 bei Piper.
In letzter Zeit hatte es Lili DeLuca nicht so einfach. Nachdem ihre Mutter an Krebs erkrankt ist, hat sie ihren Posten der Geschäftsleitung des italienischen Familienrestaurants übernommen. Ihr eigenes Privatleben ist komplett in den Hintergrund getreten. Sie beschließt das zu ändern, als ihre erfolgreiche Schwester beschließt, dass der berühmte Koch Jack Kilroy für sein neues Fernsehformat im Duell gegen ihren Vater antreten soll. Sie beschließt, dass sie ihn verführen will. Jak hingegen ist seit einigen Monaten enthaltsam und nach der Suche nach einer Frau, die auch mal hinter seine Fassade des Profikochs schauen möchte.


Meinung: Das farbgewaltige Cover ist mir sofort ins Auge gesprungen. Das (ich vermute mal) Currypulver hebt sich stark von dem hellrosa Hintergrund ab. Die gelbe und weiße Schrift in der Mitte des Covers passt farblich perfekt und hebt sich doch vom Pulver ab. Das deutsche Cover gefällt mir deutlich besser als das Originalcover, da man dort vor einem weißen Hintergrund nur das Gesicht einer Frau und einen halbnackten Kerl sehen kann. Ins Deutsche wurde diese Geschichte von Lene Kubis übersetzt. Der Schreibstil ist flüssig und gut zu lesen. Wie der Titel schon vermuten lässt, spielt das Essen hier eine sehr große Rolle. Es ist wirklich toll umgesetzt worden. Nicht nur, dass viel gekocht und gegessen wird, sondern auch, dass in normalen Gesprächen und Situation viele Vergleiche mit Essen oder Zutaten angestellt werden. Die Geschichte enthält viel Humor und Schlagabtausche, die mir auch gut gefallen haben. Bei den Charakteren bin ich eher zwiegespalten. Beide sind eigentlich sehr starke Typen und ich fand sie beide anfangs auch toll. Leider gab es gegen Ende einige Sachen, die mich am Verhalten der beiden und der Lösung gestört haben. Bei beiden fehlte mir irgendwie die persönliche Weiterentwicklung. Der Familienzusammenhalt der Familie DeLuca ist toll. Gerade Lili ist sehr familienfreundlich und versucht irgendwie alle zusammenzuhalten. Jack hingegen hat ein schwieriges Familienverhältnis. Er ist ein grandioser und erfolgreicher Koch und hat nicht nur seine eigenen Sternerestaurants sondern auch eigene Fernsehsendungen. Er weiß um sein gutes Aussehen und seine Talente in und außerhalb der Küche. Er ist im Gegensatz zu Lili sehr selbstbewusst. Diese hat damit zu kämpfen, dass sie in der Schulzeit, wegen ihres Übergewichts, gemobbt worden ist. Heute ist sie eine Frau mit perfekten Kurven, die aber immer noch mit der Vergangenheit zu kämpfen hat. Das Restaurant steht kurz vor dem Ruin und ihr dickköpfiger Vater will an seiner Geschäftsführung nichts ändern. Ehrlich gesagt fand ich ihn extrem unsympathisch und bin bis zum Ende nicht mit ihm warmgeworden. Die Nebencharaktere waren ansonsten sehr interessant.


Fazit: Wer auf eine humorvollere und heiße Geschichte steht ist hier genau richtig. Leider fehlte mir ein bisschen der Tiefgang und die Weiterentwicklung. Auf die nächsten beiden Geschichten freue ich mich aber sehr. „Süßes Verlangen“ erscheint am 2. Juni bei Piper und ist die Geschichte von Lilis Schwester. Am 3. August erscheint die Geschichte von Lilis Cousin und Jacks Schwester.

[Sam I AMNreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book's characters felt so fickle I couldn't get a sense of their personality other than understanding their interests and relationships. They ping pinged back and forth so often I would catch myself wondering what I missed on the prior pages that set them up for an estrangement or separation.

It was weird. I'm not convinced I don't like the author yet, and will try again but this book was weird. I didn't feel the chemistry at all...

[Lyndy Ann ♫ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feel the Heat certainly made me hot under the collar with all the sexual chemistry, flirting and dirty talk between Jack and Lili made Feel the Heat a great read for me.

Jack Kilroy was a refreshing change he is a bossy alpha but what made Jack different for me was the fact he did not want a quick f*ck or a one night stand with Lili he wants to date her first get to know her before they sleep together. Jack is tired of being used by women for his celebrity Chef status and Lili is the first woman in a long time that is not impressed by his fame and this makes Jack want her even more.

Lili DeLuca has a low opinion of herself she was bullied throughout her childhood for being overweight she lost some of the weight and she is now comfortable in her own body but after a kiss with Jack goes viral she is hated on the net and tagged “the fat cow” she does not know if she is strong enough or good enough for Jack to give their relationship a chance to develop.

Jack and Lili are hot together lust at first sight for both of them when reading I could feel the sexual chemistry and all the dirty talk and flirting WOW I loved it, I love Jack for his straight talking and I felt sorry for Lili at times the way her father treats her.

I loved all the characters and I can’t wait to read the next 2 books in the “Hot in the Kitchen” series and get to know the rest of the DeLuca family better and hopefully get more Jack and Lili. :-)

Kate Meader has become a new favourite author of mine this is her third book I have read which I have loved, she writes strong sexy characters and dual POV and I love her writing style.

[Chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Steffi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Sterne

Als ich vor einer Weile über die Love Recipes Reihe gestolpert bin, war ich sofort Feuer und Flamme. Die Kombination aus Liebesgeschichte, guter Küche und einem heißen Küchenchef klang einfach toll. Umso mehr habe ich mich gefreut, als der Verlag mir schon vor der Veröffentlichung die Möglichkeit gegeben hat das Buch zu lesen. Deswegen nochmal ein großes Dankeschön an dieser Stelle!

Was passiert in diesem Buch?

Für Italiener gibt es nichts Wichtigeres als die Familie. Genau deswegen steht diese für Lili DeLuca auch an erster Stelle, für ihre Familie würde sie alles machen. Zumindest bis sie Jack Kilroy kennenlernt. Der berühmt-berüchtigte Fernsehkoch soll im Zuge einer neuen TV-Show gegen Lilis Vater antreten und sich der italienischen Küche stellen. Doch nicht nur ihr stellt sich Jack, sondern auch Lili. Denn schon nach dem ersten Aufeinandertreffen der beiden knistert es gewaltig. Und ein bisschen Spaß mit Jack kann ja auch nicht schaden, oder? Aber ist er dafür überhaupt zu haben?

Konnten mich die Protagonisten überzeugen?

Leider hatte ich sowohl mit Lili als auch mit Jack meine Probleme.

Am schlimmsten dabei war Lili selber. Anfangs kam sie mir noch wie eine wirklich tolle Protagonistin vor. Sie war sehr selbstlos und loyal ihrer Familie gegenüber, dazu war sie keine typische Model-Protagonistin, sondern hatte Kurven wie eine richtige Frau. Und das war so erfrischend! Leider endet es an dieser Stelle auch schon mit den positiven Dingen. Denn es hat sich schnell herausgestellt, dass Lili auch eine absolute Zicke sein konnte (nervig), dazu absolut unsicher war und die ganze Zeit Selbstzweifel wegen ihrer Figur hatte. Der zweite Punkt wäre an sich nicht schlimm gewesen, denn wer hat keine Selbstzweifel, aber sie hat das immer und immer wieder als Vorwand genommen um Jack von sich zu stoßen und wurde dazu immer wehleidiger, sorry das war einfach nur mega nervig. Am schlimmsten fand ich allerdings, dass Lili Jack ständig und ohne Grund niedergemacht hat, nur weil er etwas anderes als schnellen Spaß mit ihr wollte. Sind die Rollen nicht sonst immer anders herum? Argh, das war schlicht anstrengend und hat mir so viel Spaß an der Geschichte genommen.

Jack war da ein wenig besser, denn er ist mir glücklicherweise nicht ganz so auf die Nerven gegangen. Natürlich ist er der Prototyp des heißen, arroganten Arschloch-Protagonisten, aber hey, das ist ja nun nichts Neues, da kann man nicht wirklich viel falsch machen. Auch, wenn es eben nicht unbedingt etwas erfrischend neues ist. Was ich da schon wesentlich besser fand war, dass Jack in Sachen Beziehung zumindest ganz anders war als das Schema, was man kennt. Denn ... haltet euch fest ... er wollte eine feste und ernsthafte Beziehung. Ja, ich war genauso erstaunt und positiv überrascht. Was das allerdings etwas abgemildert hat war, dass Jack an manchen Stellen eindeutig das Rückgrat gefehlt hat, was mir besonders an einem gestandenen Protagonisten, nicht so sonderlich gefallen hat.

Eins der ganzen großen Pluspunkte des Buches war die Chemie der Protagonisten. Kate Meader weiß ganz eindeutig, wie man eine prickelnde Story schreibt. Denn auch wenn ich sowohl Jack als auch Lili nicht wirklich mochte, kann ich nicht abstreiten, dass dieses gewisse Extra zwischen ihnen existiert hat.

Gab es etwas, was mir nicht gefallen hat?

Ja zwei Punkte muss ich leider noch ansprechen.

Zum einen waren es die Nebencharaktere. Denn die waren leider auch nicht das Gelbe vom Ei. Sie waren alle miteinander, wobei hier besonders Lilis Familie heraussticht, sehr anstrengend und gingen mir ordentlich auf den Keks. Lediglich Tad fiel da komplett aus dem Rahmen, denn ihn mag ich richtig gerne und auf sein Buch freue ich mich auch schon.

Und dann noch zum zweiten Punkt, das ewige Hin und Her zwischen Lili und Jack. Ich mag ein bisschen Achterbahnfahrt in einem Roman ja ganz gerne, aber hier war ziemlich schnell die Grenze erreicht. Es war schlicht zu viel des Guten.

Gab es etwas, was ich noch erwähnen muss?

Nach meiner Kritik muss ich aber auch noch einen Punkt ansprechen, der mir sehr gut gefallen hat, nämlich der Schreibstil. Dieser war super angenehm und ließ sich leicht und flüssig lesen. Dass es dazu noch Kapitel aus beiden Sichten zu lesen gab, war definitiv auch ein Pluspunkt.

Wie ist meine abschließende Meinung zum Buch?

Ich weiß, ich hatte einige Kritikpunkte an dem Buch, dennoch war die Story an sich nicht schlecht. Besonders der Essens-Aspekt war ein wirkliches Highlight, ich glaube, ich habe alleine vom Lesen 10 Kilo zugenommen. Alles in allem war Love Recipes - Verführung à la Carte eine nette Geschichte zwischendurch. Es war kein Meisterwerk und konnte mich nicht ins Letzte überzeugen, aber es hat trotz allem Spaß gebracht und mir einige Kochideen gegeben.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably more like 3.5, but I'm going to round up to four for a couple of reasons. 1) Chicago, 2) it's a well done former fat girl book, 3) it contains complicated family dynamics that I don't hate which is rare, and 4) I kept picturing Jack Davenport as the hero, which is always a win as far as I'm concerned. I blame watching Smash.

But really, this is very enjoyable. A little purple-kitcheny?-prosey at times, but I loved the dynamics and the characters and that it used the city, so I'm going to go ahead and call this a win.

[Kate Meader]

*** 4 1/2 stars from Romantic Times Book Reviews ***

Here's what they said . . .

Meader’s Hot in the Kitchen series will have readers drooling over the hero and heroine — and the dishes served. The first installment features a hot chef, a luscious restaurant manager and a cook-off that heats up everything and everybody.

A word from Kate . . .
This book kicks off the Hot in the Kitchen series about the DeLucas, an Italian-American family of restaurateurs and the sizzling hot chefs who love them. In this installment we have Jack, a cocky British celebrity chef wooing Lili, the curvy daughter of his cooking show competition. There are also shenanigans involving meddling big-haired cousins, steamy kisses that go video viral, and a part of the heroine's anatomy with its own Twitter account . . .

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Jack! The poor guy, he didn't know what hit him when he met his Lili. Their coming together was such an enjoyable read. The ups and downs, crazy family hyjinks, sassy siblings and super sexy food make for a great read. I want more NOW! I hate to wish away my summer but I'm really wishing it was August cause Cara's book preview has me heading to Amazon next to see if its available for pre-order.

[Kristen Mazzola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick, awesome romance...great underlining story lines with the secondary characters (Something that I totally a sucker for, just look at my own book, lol) I have to say that I really enjoyed the heat coming from this book's kitchen! Well told and very interesting!

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2014/02/review-...

Favorite Quote: “Oh, please don’t raise your standards for me, Kilroy. Just like I won’t be lowering my standards to a fame-hungry megawhore like you.”

Lili DeLuca, daughter to a temperamental Italian chef, wants to attend the MFA but her family comes first. When tragedy strikes close to home, Lili finds herself putting her dreams on hold and managing their small restaurant. Lili sees a change to change things when famous celebrity chef Jack Kilroy challenges her father to a televised cook off.

Jack Kilroy has learned the hard way that being a celebrity is nothing but constant headaches. Meeting Lili puts a spring back in his step when he realizes this beautiful woman isn’t even remotely impressed with his fame and fortune. But Lili sees him as the enemy and proving her wrong will be the hardest job Jack has ever undertook.

Making Lili his though proves to be difficult when his rabid fans plaster inaccurate and unflattering pictures and gossip about Lili all over the internet. Can Jack convince Lili to follow her dreams with him by her side? Or will she decide the heat is just too much to handle.

Feel The Heat is the first in Kate Meader’s Hot In The Kitchen series. A comedic foodie romance with an enemies to lovers trope that sparks more heat than a flaming flambe in the battle for love. Meader brings the public’s love of reality cooking shows to print with a hero when the personality of Gordon Ramsay matches wits with a heroine whose full body figure and love of food appeals to the temperamental celebrity. Multiple storylines are defined by humorous content, witty repartee, and naughty hijinks.

“I can’t believe I’m finally getting to touch it,” she whispered in mock awe. “Jack Kilroy’s illustrious member.”
“My what?”
“It’s just that you’ve been so stingy. Not letting me play with it, telling me I had to wait. I assumed it must be gold-plated or bejeweled-”

Lili was a contradiction. She excels in naughty talk and sexy clothing but has a low self esteem when it comes to her body. Bullied as a child for not conforming to what society deems attractive, she has learned to settle for less throughout her life. Jack’s intense attention leaves her confused. A gorgeous sensuous man who has dated some of the world’s most beautiful woman…she can’t seem to grasp why he wants her. Her family doesn’t help with their lack of support concerning her photography and dreams of graduate school.

I really liked Jack. A testy, flamboyant, emotional drama queen, he lives like he cooks-with flair. Lili’s animosity towards him in the beginning confuses him. He knows his larger than life persona on the internet and TV isn’t the most flattering but it’s not him. He’s worked very hard for what he has achieved and as he has gotten older, the limelight doesn’t shine as bright anymore. He has his own dreams and wants to find someone special to share them with. And that someone special to him is Lili.

The secondary characters are a rambunctious bunch whose own wants and needs cause some heat of their own. Lots of giggling and eye rolling is involved when these characters come into play. Lili’s sister Cara, who is also producing Jack’s show, has her own reasons for getting Jack into their parent’s restaurant and learns a lesson about minding one’s own business. Lili’s dad is a stereotypical Italian dad whose own imagined failings make him resent having to rely on Lili so much. Jack has his own problems with a younger sister who won’t stay put and an adorably cute manwhore of a sou chef who wants his own career out from under Jack’s shadow. Several potential story lines are set up in here, waiting for a book of their own.

One aspect I found interesting and appealing is the fact that Jack is the one who refuses to settle for a commitment free affair. He’s the romantic in this book. Lili comes on to him strong after some heavy duty flirting, hinting for some vigorous bed sport and he gently but firmly shoots her down. She, of course, believes it’s due to her looks and flounces away angry and hurt.

“I didn’t stop you because I’m not attracted to you or to teach you a lesson [...] A lot of women who meet me are only interested in screwing me because I’m on TV. After a while, casual sex becomes really old.”

Jack refuses to be “used and then discarded.

The romance blends well with the storyline. Jack is trying so hard to win the hand of the daughter of the man he’s trying to beat in a cook off. There is drama that can only seem to be found in restaurants and a few side plots that pop up and place our lovers on opposite sides of the stove. T

Though I enjoyed the story over all, the constant push and pull from heroine become repetitive and dragged the story down at times. It seemed Jack spends lot of his time chasing after Lili and explaining himself. They get together, they separate, they get back together, they separate again.

The ending wraps everything up nicely and our couple is finally able to let go of their past issues in order to embrace a future together. Feel The Heat is a quick enjoyable romantic contemporary that heats up nicely.

Rating: B-

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
www.readyourwrites.blogspot.com

I’m not quite sure what to say about this book. I know that statement sounds bad, but I don’t mean it in a bad way. FEEL THE HEAT by Kate Meader is beyond what I expected. As a first time published author, Kate has given the reader everything. There’s humor, mouth watering food, HOT sex and society issues all put together. I went from spewing my drink one minute, to needing ice water because the scenes were so hot the next, and then being hungry with all the food talk the next minute.

Jack Kilroy is the talk of the cooking world. He’s a British/Irish chef who cooks French cuisine. He’s in Chicago to open a new restaurant and film an episode of his cooking show, Jack of All Trades. Jack is sexy and arrogant, but self-assured. He also has a super soft spot for those he cares about. With Jack what you see is NOT what you truly get.

Liliana DeLuca is a heroine like I’ve never read before. What I love about her is that she isn’t this size two to six girl with blonde/brown hair that’s fall to her shoulders wavy and soft as silk. She has curves and probably buys the low end size Laine Bryant clothes and her hair is like that of a lion, very untamable. Lili is a former “chubby girl” who was bullied all through school. But she’s worked really hard to be comfortable in her own skin. Lili is all about her family and she has a tendency to put others before herself. She’s a talented photographer who has given up her dream of going to graduate school to be the manager of her family’s Italian restaurant. That, in and of itself isn’t a bad thing. However, what is bad is the the fact that Lili’s father, Tony, puts down her talent in what seems to be every chance he gets. Lili is mouthy and generally isn’t one to take crap off of anyone, except for her father. Aww...Obviously, I have some serious fan girl love for Lili.

When I first picked up FEEL THE HEAT, the opening scene had me laughing. My first thought was Jill Shalvis. Then further along I got to the romantic heat and it was “Woa”, I wasn’t expecting those words. You then get into the issue of what society thinks is beautiful and the way people react to someone who isn’t your traditional model size thin.

I loved this book, because Jack Kilroy could have anyone he wants, but the minute he lays eyes on the curvy Lili DeLuca, in her Wonder Woman costume, he’s a goner. It doesn’t even matter that she hits him over the head with a frying pan. Jack has to convince Lili to go on a date with him before he will sleep with her. These are two characters who have so many layers that it’s fun watching them peel them away. These two face issues almost immediately, and from the start, Lili knows that without a doubt, Jack is her biggest supporter.

The secondary characters are surprisingly not people I hated. Cara is Lili’s sister and Jack’s producer. There’s something about her that I just can’t put my finger on. She also just so happens to be the heroine in the next book, ALL FIRED UP. Tad is Lili’s cousin and bartender at the family’s restaurant. He’s someone I really want to know. He’s protective, but flirts with everyone. He has his eyes on Jules, Jack’s younger sister. They actually get their story told in book three, HOT IN THE KITCHEN. But I REALLY want the story of Laurent, who is Jack’s best friend and co-owner of Jack’s New York restaurant. Laurent is this suave, French chef who appears to be a ladies man. But when he’s had too much to drink, he’s funnier than usual. I’m talking he will curl up on the sidewalk like a baby.

FEEL THE HEAT is a love affair that should not be missed. Now if only I could actually have someone make me all of the dishes Jack made......

Source: NetGalley

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming back from a costume party, Lili catch a stranger in the family restaurant in the middle of the night. What is the trespasser doing in the kitchen signing so badly ? But wait a minute... Is that Jack Kilroy, sexy Brit and star of a cooking show ?

Attacked with a pan by a woman dressed as a superhero was certainly not how Jack envisioned his evening. It's all his producer's fault, who forgot to tell her sister about the concept of the new show (a cooking contest between Jack and an other chef, so it means Lili's father in that case) and about his presence.

Lili is not impress by Jack, nor by his fame. The man is too cocky for her taste but she have no trouble retorting back. After years of being bullied about her weight, Lili learned to finally accept and love her curves. But she still lack some sort of confidence when it comes to dealing with her family and she doesn't want to take risks. Jack will change that for her. Making her realize what she's missing and taking her defence against some people, like her disapproving father. Lili will also learn that what you see and hear on TV is not always the truth.

I'm a fan of Kate Meader. I think her writing style is absolutely amazing ! But I have a confession to make : Feel The Heat was the first book I read from her and at the times, it didn't made me a fan. In fact, I only read the following books three years later, after devouring her Hot In Chicago series. I wanted to reread this one to understand why I didn't enjoy it more. Now I remember. I probably thought there was too much bickering between Lili and Jack and the reason I didn't want to read the next book have surely to do with the fact that Lili's sister appeared like a bitch and she was the heroine in the second novel. I still think it could have less quarrel, and I think the idea with the TV world and the contest could have been more substantive but I'm surprised by how touching I found the hero. I felt for him when we realize that being famous is not so fun for him anymore and that he wants Lili to see the real him, not Jack Kilroy the star. And I found it annoying that the heroine got angry when Jack was defending her. But like in every Kate Meader's story, this one was full of delicious banters. You can feel the heat indeed :p I'm changing the rating for a 4 instead of the 3 I previously gave.

[Daniela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Der Start war gut. Vor allem das Kennenlernen hat mir sooo gefallen, aber dann ging‘s ohne Pause nur noch bergab. Lili war so unsympathisch und ihr Verhalten hat einfach soo genervt. Jack fand ich okay. Hatten aber null Chemie die Zwei. Der Großteil vom Buch spielt innerhalb von 3 Tagen?! Und Lili tut dann so, als hätten sie diese unglaubliche Verbindung und ich weiß nicht wie sie darauf kommt. Und das Ende.... warum?!? Warum müssen solche Bücher jetzt IMMER GENAU SO ende?!?

[Lenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first romance novel, and loved it.

[Pandora Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plus 3,5, j'ai eu un peu peur que ce soit très très cul au début, et en fait pas du tout. J'ai bien aimé Lili, lui est très très très très bien, et purée ça donne faim !

[Jennifer Zorko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok ladies! Put on your aprons and get ready to for a great book. Feel the Heat by Kate Meader is one of the funniest books I have read so far. Let me tell you a little about it.

Liliana DeLuca is a photographer who manages her families Italian Restaurant, takes care of everyone in her family and is generally over looked by everyone. One night she is on her way home from a costume party (dressed as Wonder Woman no less) and she sees the lights on and hears noises coming from the kitchen of her families restaurant. That is when she takes matters into her own hands and smack world renowned chief Jack Kilroy over the head with a frying pan. Her older sister has booked Jack cooking show "Jack of all Trades" to tape there, she also wants Lili to hook up with Jack for a one night stand to help her get over being dumped by her fathers business partner.

Jack Kilroy is on his way to even bigger and better things. He is opening a new restaurant in Chicago, owns other around the world, is writing cook books, has a new cooking show in the works and wants people cooking his recipes on his cookware. He is driven, confident and totally taken by the beautiful woman that Lili is. Jack is done with a quick roll in the hay. He is tired of people only wanting him for his money, his looks and what they think that he can do for their careers. He wants more, and he wants more with Lili.

I really connected with Lili. Growing up as a pudgy kid, I can relate to the teasing and name calling that Lili went though. As an adult, still not a size 10, she is comfortable with who she is, but at times, the taunts of the school yard bullies still haunt her. Lili has a hard time believing that someone as handsome, wonderful and funny as the famous Jack Kilroy could possible be interested in someone like her. What I love the most about Jack is that he NEVER once looked at Lili as anything less that what she is. In his eyes, she is a strong, capable, sensitive, beautiful woman, and he will do anything that he can to protect her and convince her that they are meant to be together, while trying to help her fulfill her dreams of becoming a photographer. I really loved them together as a couple. They just seamed to be two halves of a whole.

Along for the ride is Lili's large, close knit, loud, nosy, meddling Italian family, (I can say this because I married into one!) and Jack's sister Jules. I loved the dynamic with these characters and their families. They will have you crying they are so funny! I loved everything about this book and look forward to the next installment of this wonderful new series. RUN to your computer and download a copy to your eReader! You will be sharing this story with all of your friends it is that good!

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

There seriously needs to be more books with hot chefs as protagonists. Jack seriously you crack me up, rising in popularity, good looking, arrogant, charming the current it item in food world. And boy can he cook! I was not expecting much from this book but I was so pleased I stumbled on to this one.

One serious plus for me in this book is that it caters to the foodie side of me and that's rare. Kate Meader knows her food stuff. Italian family restaurant, British Chef what a combo.

Seriously though I like the heroine, she's artsy, not your "typical" good looking standard of skinny she's had her issues with the weight but she's still full of life. Her family is old school, her interests not so. Jack is so very popular with the ladies, everyone wants a piece of him. But he was literally struck by Lili and he was a goner. I liked that they didnt dive into anything right away, their relationship was build on these two interesting characters you get to know.

But really I enjoyed Jack and Lili they butted heads, created for some hot chemistry and spark. Jack was such a huge supporter for Lili and Lili slowly became one that could see past the Jack that people see.

Full of life, reliability, wit and humor, this was one read I definitely liked a lot. I liked the secondary characters as well, Laurent, Jules and Tad. At first Cara irked me but thankfully she pulled through, her book looks very interesting as well. I cant wait to read the next books in the series. Overall a good debut novel by Kate Meade, if you like Italian families, food and chefs check this one out.

[Talltree]

DNF for now.
Don't have it in me to read about another manho H and his "exploits":( Maybe later.

[Janinas.Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

Das Buch hat mich leider sehr enttäuscht. Es ist voll von gewollter und nicht gekonnter Sexiness. Teilweise musste ich über die 'heißen' Szenen schmunzeln, vor allem wenn Jack die weibliche Protagonistin Lili mit seinem Essen verglichen hat. Insgesamt gab es einfach zu viel Kitsch für meinen Geschmack und die Seiten haben sich unendlich gezogen. Das Hin und Her zwischen den Beiden hat mich ziemlich schnell gelangweilt und meiner Meinung nach wurde versucht noch etwas mehr Drama an die Geschichte zu bringen, als ihr gut getan hat.
Zwei Sterne gibt es für die Idee des Buchs, welches ich an sich sehr mochte und für den flüssigen und teilweise toll ausgeschmückten Schreibstil. Leider überwiegen für mich jedoch die negativen Punkte, die es mir schwer gemacht haben das Buch zu genießen.

[Kusanagi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bien aimé. Mais un peu long à se mettre en place. Par contre ça donne faim... et ça donne envie d'acheter les livres de Jamie Oliver (en particulier celui sur la cuisine italienne ) XD

[Svenja · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enttäuschung

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Premise
Lili DeLuca has been treading water for a while. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer, and she chose to give up her dreams of graduate school and stayed in Chicago to help her parents with the family restaurant and her mother’s treatments. Her mother is in remission, but Lili isn’t moving forward….until she runs into Jack Kilroy, a famous sexy British chef her sister brought in to challenge her father to a cook-off for his TV show, Jack of All Trades. Jack’s first impression of Lili is curves for miles and a fiery temper to match. Sparks fly instantly and the two are drawn to each other while the show is taping. But suddenly their attraction is thrust into the public eye with a viral video, and Lili’s weight and their relationship has a spotlight on it that Lili’s not ready for.

The Good
I saw this author mentioned on twitter/facebook (the joys of social media) and I always like reading about a curvy heroine (which is not for everyone). Lili and Jack have chemistry for days, and Ms. Meader definitely knows how to write their sexual tension in an entertaining fashion. I liked the twist of Jack wanting a real connection instead of a one night stand, and I enjoyed the foodie elements of the story. Ms. Meader really builds a relatable little world for the DeLucas, and I’d happily read more about the family. The characters were quirky and multi-dimensional, and not all instantly likeable, which is preferable to me. It feels more true-to-life than those cardboard cutout families that populate most contemporaries - either completely hateful, or so wonderful you cannot believe they exist. This family I can so see existing in the real world (and with my last name - they seemed awfully familiar lol).

Lili, as a full bodied character literally and figuratively, has a lot of foibles that make her relatable - both good and bad. She is aware of her tendency to stay safe, instead of taking chances and Jack’s balls to the wall attitude really shakes her out of her comfort zone in a way that I enjoyed.

The Just Ok
While I enjoyed Lili’s curviness, and general acceptance of that, I wish there had been a little less of a focus on her weight, less of her allowing it to dictate who she should be attracted to. It brought out an unattractive side of her when she would easily put down Jack’s attraction and feelings for her, as if he didn’t matter. I enjoyed that it was addressed, ultimately by Lili, and I understand the motivation, but it made me like Jack alot more than Lili through alot of the book.
The ending of the book also felt a bit flat compared to the rest of the story - the build was there, the climax of the story made me look and wonder if that was it. I know that there are more books planned so I think that’s why it had that slightly unfinished feel to the ending.

The Bottom Line
Flawed yet fun, I would give it a qualified recommendation - if you're in the mood for reading about a curvy girl finding acceptance and love, this is for you.

[Ina Vainohullu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wenn du dich auf ein Buch so richtig freust und dann schon nach wenigen Seiten merkst, dass es eigentlich genau das ist, was du nicht wolltest, dann ist der Zug eigentlich schon abgefahren.

So erging es mir leider mit LOVE RECIPES. Ich hatte mich auf eine tollte Geschichte gefreut, denn der Klappentext klingt ja eigentlich nach einer Geschichte, aus der man eine schöne Liebesgeschichte mit kulinarischen Einflüssen zaubern kann.

Kate Meader hat allerdings die Variante Instalove und Softporno gewählt. Anders kann ichs gar nicht formulieren. Und für mich wars das Thema dann auch wirklich schnell gegessen und das Lesen war eher Quälerei als Lesegenuss.

In diesem Reihenauftakt geht es um Lili, die das italienische Restaurant ihrer Familie führt, obwohl sie eigentlich andere Lebenspläne hätte. Sie hat ein absolutes Problem mit ihrer kurvigen Figur und auch mit Jack, einem britischen Starkoch, der mitten in der Nacht in ihrer Küche steht und den sie im ersten Moment für einen Einbrecher hält.

Schon nach dem ersten Blick sprühen quasi die Funken zwischen den beiden und man denkt direkt daran, was der Andere wohl unter den Klamotten so zu bieten hat. Uah, nee, danke. Da war ich schon zum ersten Mal so richtig satt, vor allem nachdem Jack Lili erst einmal nur auf ihren für ihn wohlgeformten dicken Hintern reduziert.

Leider wurde die Geschichte im Verlauf auch nicht besser, was zum Großteil auch einfach den superunsympathischen und oberflächlichen Charakteren geschuldet ist. Lilis Vater konnte bei mir nur Minuspunkte sammeln, weil er viel von seiner Tochter erwartet, aber einfach überhaupt nichts wertschätzt. Ihrer Schwester Cara, die zufällig die Produzentin des Koch-Duells ist und Jack irgendwie mehr oder weniger managed, wird dafür permanent Zucker in den Hintern geblasen, obwohl sie durch und durch unsympathisch ist. Dann gibt es noch diverse italienische Verwandte, eine krebskranke Mutter, die gerade genesen ist und gefühlt tausend andere Figuren, womit das Buch eigentlich einen Stammbaum oder am Ende zumindest eine Auflistung benötigt hätte, damit man den Durchblick behält.

Die Geschichte plätscherte so vor sich hin und drehte sich, für mein Empfinden, zu viel im Kreis. Es geht die meiste Zeit um Lilis mangelndes Selbstbewusstsein und Jacks Angst davor, aufgrund seines Ruhms nur ausgenutzt zu werden.
Dazwischen gabs dann immer wieder Gedanken an Sex und Gefühle, die auch mich einfach nicht authentisch wirkten.

Wer eine Schwäche für flache Erotik hat und kein Problem mit blassen Figuren hat, der hat an diesem Roman vielleicht ein bisschen Freude. Für mich war dieses Buch leider ein einziger Flop und die Folgebände sind direkt von der Wunschliste geflogen.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read contemporary romance much these days. When I heard this one had a chef hero and a food-loving heroine who wasn't thin, I knew I had to give it a try. I'm really glad I did, too!

I liked Lili and Jack, the main characters, a lot! Lili was a curvy woman who loved food, and had to deal with some insecurities. As a kid, she'd been bullied for being overweight. As an adult, she was more confident in her body, but still had some wounds. I loved Lili, though. Not only was she trying to be confident in herself, Lili was strong. She looked out for her family, even though her father was unreasonably hard on her. Even at the expense of her dreams of becoming a photographer. However, Lili stood up for herself when it really mattered, and it kept her from becoming a pushover.

Jack was...wow. Chef heroes are awesome! I loved how protective of his family and friends Jack was, but I also appreciated that the author ensured Jack had to learn when to take a step back. He loved cooking, and was dealing with a lot of fame as he was appearing on TV. I thought it was interesting how Jack really didn't like the fame, but instead just wanted to work in his restaurants' kitchens. I thought he and Lili had a great relationship, when they communicated. Jack was always pushing Lili to go for her dreams, and Lili(after getting to know Jack)really cared about him as a person and wanted the best for him.

I really liked the plot of this book. I mean, contemporaries about food? Count me in! Most of it took place in Lili's family's Italian restaurant. There was obviously food, some great familial elements, and conversations about fame and people becoming their own person. The book took me a while to get through, but it wasn't for lack of trying on the author's part. I really, really appreciated that when there were misunderstandings, she didn't allow them for too long. I mean, I did think there was a bit too much back-and-forth concerning the romance being okay, then them arguing again, but...overall, I liked it.

With all that said, I definitely recommend this book for contemporary romance fans. There was food(again, FOOD), a nice helping of steaminess, and a healthy, real relationship I can believe would exist in real life. Lili and Jack were normal people, just trying to do the best for their families, while going about their own lives. And there were a bunch of DeLuca relatives, and romance readers all know what that means! More books in the series!

[Neyra ♦ · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the second book I had to DNF in just two weeks, and I hardly DNF so I'm definitely disappointed that I had to throw in the towel.

I heard of this book from Anna of Herding Cats and Burning Soup and she painted me such a beautiful world I couldn't resist. (Sorry Anna, but I'm throwing you under the bus here, lol) I'm such a sucker for accents, and the male in this romance is British so I will admit I was swayed to get this book because of said hero. I loved the idea of an Italian woman and British man going head to head in the kitchen, and the bedroom, but the feelings I experienced while reading were just a big ol' bag of meh.

I didn't like the characters, and after three weeks I can't even remember their names. The heroine is both immature and unnecessarily rude, while the hero is an arrogant prick who is "trying" not to get involved with women, but for whatever reason can't seem to walk away from the heroine no matter that she is hostile towards him. As much as I liked the idea that the hero falls for a thick woman, I just couldn't care less because the heroine made it a point to act like a bullied teenager after getting caught on camera grabbing the hero's cock and having said tape posted online. Yes it's embarrassing and unnecessarily cruel, but she acted as though it was the guy's fault when she could have kept her paws to herself. Plus she got offended because he wanted to talk as opposed to just fucking her and walking away. I'm just baffled by this. Don't women usually get offended when a man just wants to fuck?

I got as far as 53% and then I decided I was done. The writing isn't bad, I just believe Kate Meader's characters need a little work. They made it impossible for me to get into the story, and I was really looking forward to some food recipes and sexy times. It just wasn't for me.

[Tina "IRead2Escape" · Rating 4 out of 5]

hotness rating 4 out of 5

Feel the Heat is the 1st book in the Hot In The Kitchen series and my first book by Kate Meader and it won't be my last. This book started out a bit slow, but quickly picked up and ended up spactularly.

Lili DeLuca has put her dreams on hold to help out at the family restaurant while her mom battled breast cancer. The treatments are done and her mom is doing much better, but Lili can't seem to work up the courage to go after her dreams of becoming a photographer. So, for now, she, thanklessly, manages just about everything for her family. So, when she hears a ruckus coming from the kitchen at the family's Italian restaurant she does what every girl would do - she whacks the offendor over the head with a heavy skillet. Yikes! It seemed like a good idea until she sees it's the famous British tv chef, Jack Kilroy.

Jack is blown away when he opens his eyes, after being hit with a skillet, and sees the curvy and beautiful Lili DeLuca standing in front of him. She seems less than impressed by him, however. He's there to film a segment for his new show by challenging the owner and chef, Lili's dad, to a coof-off. It seems that someone forgot to tell Lili. He can't stop thinking about Lili and wants nothing more than to get her in his bed as soon as possible. Unfortunately, by attempting that very thing he throws her in the public lime light and exposes her to the very ugly side of being a famous chef. Now, he just has to find a way to show Lili that it's worth all of that - that they are worth all of that and can make a go of it.

This book definitely lived up to it's title of being hot. Jack couldn't be hotter and more sweet, in a cocky, yet boyish way. You'll find yourself chuckling as often as you fan yourself. I definitely recommend this book!

You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Meader's debut novel of her Hot in the Kitchen series, full of humour and sparkling wit, introduces us to the world of the DeLuca and Kilroy families.

Lili DeLuca, daughter of an Italian restauranteur helps run her father's kitchen while caring for her mother recovering from a cancer diagnosis and trying to fulfill her own dreams of becoming a respected photographer. Jack Kilroy is a self made top chef from the school of hard knocks, having propelled himself from a broken family home to the pinnacle of success. When the two meet, sparks -and frying pans- fly.

The relationship of the main characters to food is a central theme of the story. Jack's passion (something he fears losing sight of as the business of building an empire begins to overwhelm him) is for creating dishes to tempt the palate and is not above using this to lure Lili in. Lili has accepted her above average size and though twinges of the emotional aftereffects of the bullying she endured as a child remain, it doesn't stop her from appreciating Jack's sensual efforts.

I particularly enjoyed the character revelations as the male and female points of view were explored. The relationship of Jack and Lili to their respective families, and to each other, as well as the gradual exposure of more facets of their personalities throughout the course of the book made for a novel with a depth of emotion that drew me in as a reader. Throw in laugh out loud moments and steamy love scenes and you have exactly what I hope for in a well crafted romantic story.

Several secondary characters were introduced who will feature in later books of the series (in particular Lili's sister Cara, and Jack's sister Jules) leaving me satisfied that Kate is well on her way to developing a loyal and true fan base. 4 1/2 well deserved stars!

[Spanxmcb (Yovanka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! A charming romance involving a former 'fat chick', a celebrity chef, a close knit Italian family, a cast iron skillet, a wonder woman costume, a scooter and social media scandals.

Finally a book where you don't want to throttle the heroine for her constant low self esteem (it's present here, but well managed) and where her sister isn't the "evil pretty one" and actually sticks up for her former 'fat chick' baby sister.

This story was well put together and thought out. Funny, steamy and more about family, loyalty, love and staying true to yourself than anything else.

The visuals created in the description of the DeLuca women and their big hair...hilarious.

A charming start to a series that's all about love in the kitchen. I'll be reading the other books in the series.

[Ingrid Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is one BIG PROBLEM with this book: YOU GET HUNGRY!!!!

Definitely worth the time to read. Meader has a way with words and situations, that keep you interested though out all the book,even though the end is pretty predictable, the twists and turns in the book generally with food that sounds to die for, keep you glued to the book.

Funny situations, witty banter, and did I mention food?? It's a very enjoyable read!

Jack is a very heavy personality with a lot of magnetism, and with a very busy schedule, but in comes Lili, a completely different girl from which he is accustomed, and turns his live, head, and heart upside down.

Lili, trying to come out on top of the whole family disappointment (that's in her head) can't really believe that Jack can actually like her.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Meader's debut novel, "Feel the Heat," is smart, funny and sexy hooooot. I was literally smiling, chuckling or laughing out loud at some point on almost every page of this book. The hero is a rising star in the TV chef world and the heroine is the artsy, dutiful daughter of an old-world Italian Chicago Restaurateur. I loved how personal flaws drove these characters and gave them a sense of humanity and relatability. Meader has a deft mastery of subtly turning a phrase in such a way as to heighten both it's meaning and hilarity. I highlighted lines that made me laugh and I can tell you, my book is awash in yellow. I can't wait for the next installment in this series.