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Aster Bay #1
Whisking It All
Falling for her father’s best friend is a recipe for disaster.
Tessa Cordeiro never planned to move back to the town she’d left behind as a child. But when her estranged father offers her a deal that could kick-start her culinary career, she makes herself a promise: She won’t let herself fall in love with the town of Aster Bay—or her father’s best friend. Even if he was the most unforgettable one-night stand of her life.
Jameson Chase has called Aster Bay home for nearly twenty years, but despite owning the most popular restaurant in the area, he can’t fight the feeling that he doesn’t belong. Chairing the local food and wine festival is his chance to earn a permanent place in the small town, but when his new co-chair turns out to be the unpredictable woman he can’t stop thinking about—and his best friend’s daughter—the most important friendship in his life and his place in town are both at risk.
As their attraction grows and secrets are revealed, can they keep the heat in the kitchen—or will the sparks between them send both their lives up in flames?
Whisking It All is a standalone, steamy, small town, father’s best friend romance featuring trash-talking grandmas, found family, food as love language, You’ve Got Mail vibes, and a guaranteed HEA.
Tessa Cordeiro never planned to move back to the town she’d left behind as a child. But when her estranged father offers her a deal that could kick-start her culinary career, she makes herself a promise: She won’t let herself fall in love with the town of Aster Bay—or her father’s best friend. Even if he was the most unforgettable one-night stand of her life.
Jameson Chase has called Aster Bay home for nearly twenty years, but despite owning the most popular restaurant in the area, he can’t fight the feeling that he doesn’t belong. Chairing the local food and wine festival is his chance to earn a permanent place in the small town, but when his new co-chair turns out to be the unpredictable woman he can’t stop thinking about—and his best friend’s daughter—the most important friendship in his life and his place in town are both at risk.
As their attraction grows and secrets are revealed, can they keep the heat in the kitchen—or will the sparks between them send both their lives up in flames?
Whisking It All is a standalone, steamy, small town, father’s best friend romance featuring trash-talking grandmas, found family, food as love language, You’ve Got Mail vibes, and a guaranteed HEA.
378 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2023
87 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶.5
If you know me at all you know I don't often read "normal" romances so when I do and I'm flailing about it you know it's going to be good. Trust me on this one. If you're a fan of Tessa Bailey or cooking shows this needs to be on your radar.
This is the first book in a new series of forbidden small town romances. While it IS 3rd person I urge you to give it a chance because it is written in a way that I found SUPER easy to read even though 3rd person is not my forté. The tropes are 👨🍳💋, the foodie vibes are fantastic and the spice is DELICIOUS (pun intended).
This book is set in a coastal town with a major tight knit vibe. Jamie is the chef & owner of a popular restaurant and chair of the annual food and wine festival. Tessa, an up and coming pastry chef, is the daughter of his best friend/vineyard owner, who is back in town for a short time to help with the holiday bake shop. As I'm sure you all can guess... they get forced into working together on the festival.... but WAIT THERE'S MORE.... they unknowingly had a 🔥 one night stand together just days before... and let me remind you HES HER DADS BEST FRIEND. So working together is EXTRA tension filled 😏😏
There's a little more to the plot but I'm going to leave it there in the effort of leaving some space for my flailing. You guys I DEVOURED this book. I LOVED the chef vibes from both of them. It was so interesting and different and SO in depth. The way she described the dishes, recipes, pairings... I was salivating. I was ALSO salivating for their epic tension. Jamie is kind of a by the book type and Tessa is a total wild child who loves to push his buttons. Their chemistry in and out of the bedroom was 🔥🔥 and the overarching theme of fitting in and found family was SO sweet. Also Cara gave us some new situations for the use of "Yes Chef" and 🥵🥵🥵🥵 I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT.
Read if you like:
- Dad's best friend
- 16 yr age gap
- Chef + Pastry Chef
- Forced to work together
- Small Coastal Town
- Found Family
- Spice in the first 10%
🌶🌶.5
If you know me at all you know I don't often read "normal" romances so when I do and I'm flailing about it you know it's going to be good. Trust me on this one. If you're a fan of Tessa Bailey or cooking shows this needs to be on your radar.
This is the first book in a new series of forbidden small town romances. While it IS 3rd person I urge you to give it a chance because it is written in a way that I found SUPER easy to read even though 3rd person is not my forté. The tropes are 👨🍳💋, the foodie vibes are fantastic and the spice is DELICIOUS (pun intended).
This book is set in a coastal town with a major tight knit vibe. Jamie is the chef & owner of a popular restaurant and chair of the annual food and wine festival. Tessa, an up and coming pastry chef, is the daughter of his best friend/vineyard owner, who is back in town for a short time to help with the holiday bake shop. As I'm sure you all can guess... they get forced into working together on the festival.... but WAIT THERE'S MORE.... they unknowingly had a 🔥 one night stand together just days before... and let me remind you HES HER DADS BEST FRIEND. So working together is EXTRA tension filled 😏😏
There's a little more to the plot but I'm going to leave it there in the effort of leaving some space for my flailing. You guys I DEVOURED this book. I LOVED the chef vibes from both of them. It was so interesting and different and SO in depth. The way she described the dishes, recipes, pairings... I was salivating. I was ALSO salivating for their epic tension. Jamie is kind of a by the book type and Tessa is a total wild child who loves to push his buttons. Their chemistry in and out of the bedroom was 🔥🔥 and the overarching theme of fitting in and found family was SO sweet. Also Cara gave us some new situations for the use of "Yes Chef" and 🥵🥵🥵🥵 I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT.
Read if you like:
- Dad's best friend
- 16 yr age gap
- Chef + Pastry Chef
- Forced to work together
- Small Coastal Town
- Found Family
- Spice in the first 10%
November 16, 2023
3.5 ⭐ Grab a blanket, a mug of warm tea, a plate of snacks, and slip away to Aster Bay. This book has all the makings of a steamy Hallmark reboot of You've Got Mail- but make it foodie instead of bookish. Great for cozying up over a crisp autumn weekend! It has a delicious mix of tropes that satisfies like comfort food without a rollercoaster of crazy plot twists. And although taboo, the romance feels relatively low-angst. I had only a few negative notes about minor things, like phrasing. I'll be continuing the series and I think I can guess who the MCs are going to be in the next installment, and I am so here for it already!
November 18, 2023
I love Tessa and Jamie’s characters! Cara Dion writes stories that are realistic, beautifully romantic with great dialogue and lots of steamy scenes. Tessa has so much baggage: not sure of her father’s love, insecurities about her chosen profession, and doubts about being accepted. Jamie is older, her father’s best friend, and she finds him mesmerizing. He sees her talent, her sweet soul, and struggles with his feelings for her. This is such a heartwarming experience as they overcome obstacles and find a love of a lifetime. The bonus chapter is delicious, dirty, and fun!
August 8, 2024
The Bear but make it spicy??? Yes chef.
3.5 ⭐️
3.5 ⭐️
December 4, 2023
Whisking It All - Cara Dion
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒅’𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅…𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.
This book. It has it all. Chef Kink, Coffee Lover, Sass, steam and a damn good story. I devoured this one and NEED the next one asap. Small towns + Age Gaps...sign me up!
“𝑩𝒆𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎. 𝑵𝒐𝒘.”
“𝒀𝒆𝒔, 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒇.”
Tessa and Jamie have a one night stand, which is something they never do. Jamie wakes up to Tessa gone and tries hard to stop thinking about her until he walks into HIS restaurant to her cooking in it....and come to realize it's his best friends daughter. Tension, grumpiness and sass ensue making for a very spicy and entertaining story.
Tessa is lost and feels she is unwanted and doesn't have a home and Jamie is there to show her how wrong she is.
“𝑷𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒖𝒑 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒓𝒕, 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
🧑🏼🍳Chef/Pastry Chef
☕Dad's Best Friend
🧑🏼🍳Age Gap
☕You've Got Mail Vibes
🧑🏼🍳Yes, Chef
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒅’𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅…𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.
This book. It has it all. Chef Kink, Coffee Lover, Sass, steam and a damn good story. I devoured this one and NEED the next one asap. Small towns + Age Gaps...sign me up!
“𝑩𝒆𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎. 𝑵𝒐𝒘.”
“𝒀𝒆𝒔, 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒇.”
Tessa and Jamie have a one night stand, which is something they never do. Jamie wakes up to Tessa gone and tries hard to stop thinking about her until he walks into HIS restaurant to her cooking in it....and come to realize it's his best friends daughter. Tension, grumpiness and sass ensue making for a very spicy and entertaining story.
Tessa is lost and feels she is unwanted and doesn't have a home and Jamie is there to show her how wrong she is.
“𝑷𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒖𝒑 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒓𝒕, 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
🧑🏼🍳Chef/Pastry Chef
☕Dad's Best Friend
🧑🏼🍳Age Gap
☕You've Got Mail Vibes
🧑🏼🍳Yes, Chef
November 17, 2023
Good plot. Good spice. Good book.
If you love a slow burn (like me), this book is for you! If you love an age gap romance, this book is for you. If you love a sweet HEA, this book is for you.
I loved the development of these characters. Cara described the MC’s past so well and used it perfectly to draw them together. Jamie and Tessa’s love story will make your heart swell while putting a smile on your face.
What started as a one night stand (or so they thought) turned into one of the sweetest HEA I’ve read this year. When Tessa showed up in Jamie’s kitchen I wondered how their love would evolve and HOW they would tell her father and his best friend about them. The whole world finding out on TV wasn’t what I expected but I didn’t hate it. The relationship between DBB and Whiskey was fun and I was excited about how that played out. The apology at the end made my heart swell and I smiled at my Kindle (that’s when you know it was good). I do wish we got a little more of the relationship with Grama and Gramps and Tessa as an adult, but I loved what little bit we did get.
Cara Dion was a new to me author, but I am excited to read the rest of the books in this series!
If you love a slow burn (like me), this book is for you! If you love an age gap romance, this book is for you. If you love a sweet HEA, this book is for you.
I loved the development of these characters. Cara described the MC’s past so well and used it perfectly to draw them together. Jamie and Tessa’s love story will make your heart swell while putting a smile on your face.
What started as a one night stand (or so they thought) turned into one of the sweetest HEA I’ve read this year. When Tessa showed up in Jamie’s kitchen I wondered how their love would evolve and HOW they would tell her father and his best friend about them. The whole world finding out on TV wasn’t what I expected but I didn’t hate it. The relationship between DBB and Whiskey was fun and I was excited about how that played out. The apology at the end made my heart swell and I smiled at my Kindle (that’s when you know it was good). I do wish we got a little more of the relationship with Grama and Gramps and Tessa as an adult, but I loved what little bit we did get.
Cara Dion was a new to me author, but I am excited to read the rest of the books in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2023
This book was absolutely phenomenal, well written, and a definite page turner. Jamie and Tess had a chemistry that’s was scorching hot. Tess unfortunately came with a lot of baggage cause of her mother now add in dating her fathers best friend to the mix that a recipe for disaster. Jamie falls in love with Tess first, fast, and hard Tess just take a little bit longer to realize she has also fallen in love with him. This book takes you through so many emotions with Tess she’s so broken but through her journey she learns to open up to people who love her unconditionally. Will definitely recommend this book and hopefully we get a book with Gavin’s story. 🤗
December 29, 2023
4⭐️s
Thoroughly predictable in every way; third person narrative; forbidden romance (dad’s best friend though age gap is minimal given the set up); small town feels. Super spicy (in more ways than one - this is a romance between two chefs after all). Easy to read and entertaining enough to warrant 4 stars. Smutty extended epilogue available via book funnel.
Thoroughly predictable in every way; third person narrative; forbidden romance (dad’s best friend though age gap is minimal given the set up); small town feels. Super spicy (in more ways than one - this is a romance between two chefs after all). Easy to read and entertaining enough to warrant 4 stars. Smutty extended epilogue available via book funnel.
May 26, 2025
Omg this book was so freaking good I finished it in one day. Ugh the back and forth with these characters ugh my heart was are going to act on these feeling they have for each or just play this back and forth game they were playing with each other.
June 12, 2024
I really loved the writing in this book and I am 100% a convert to third person (after this and a couple of other knockouts). It just flowed so beautifully and I really felt I was right there in the town.
These characters allowed us to continue our “Yes, chef” fantasies and for that I’m very grateful. I had no idea it could be so hot but there we are. There’s also so much sizzling tension and the spice is truly explosive.
Both of them felt like outsiders for different reasons and they both go on journeys to feeling more comfortable in their own skin. They fit together and help one another find their place in this community, and it’s really lovely to read.
There were a lot of great side characters, and hints of Gavin and Kyla were sprinkled in which have made me so excited for their story.
However, the ending seemed kind of rushed, and I don't feel like the MMC was made to grovel sufficiently for hurting the FMC by essentially abandoning her when she needed him. I didn't feel she was t0 blame for the third act issues, yet she seemed to do the grovelling.
Will definitely read more from this author, though.
These characters allowed us to continue our “Yes, chef” fantasies and for that I’m very grateful. I had no idea it could be so hot but there we are. There’s also so much sizzling tension and the spice is truly explosive.
Both of them felt like outsiders for different reasons and they both go on journeys to feeling more comfortable in their own skin. They fit together and help one another find their place in this community, and it’s really lovely to read.
There were a lot of great side characters, and hints of Gavin and Kyla were sprinkled in which have made me so excited for their story.
However, the ending seemed kind of rushed, and I don't feel like the MMC was made to grovel sufficiently for hurting the FMC by essentially abandoning her when she needed him. I didn't feel she was t0 blame for the third act issues, yet she seemed to do the grovelling.
Will definitely read more from this author, though.
January 4, 2025
So cheesy so great xxxxx
I didn't say it was a good book I said I liked it 😌
I didn't say it was a good book I said I liked it 😌
November 9, 2023
A sexy, heart-wrenching small-town romance that will leave you craving more! In the first of her Aster Bay series, Cara Dion takes the hallmark elements of a small-town romance and adds her characteristic spice and emotional heft to create a contemporary romance that left me swooning. I'm usually not a fan of the dad's best friend trope, but Dion manages the taboo in such a way that I can see this relationship being successful in real life. The theme of authentic belonging is artfully threaded through the story. Her leads, Jamie and Tessa, are perfectly imperfect people trying to do their best for their friends and their futures. Jamie is torn between his growing attraction (and love!) for his best friend's daughter and wanting to do what is best for his adopted hometown. Tessa struggles to reckon with her understanding of the reasons why she left Aster Bay as a girl and discovers loves in unexpected places. The town itself is as much a character in the novel as any individual person, and now I want to book a vacation to stay there! If you like Tessa Bailey's It Happened One Summer and Hook, Line, and Sinker, you'll love Whisking it all. Lots of steam, lots of plot, and I can't wait for the next book!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, and all the opinions in this review are my own.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, and all the opinions in this review are my own.
May 11, 2025
NGL, I'm a bit surprised at the three star rating myself. I keep wanting to drop it back down to two, but I did actually enjoy this in spite of myself.
Normally, age gap + what the straights count as "taboo" + Kindle Unlimited (home to some of the worst writing I have ever read in my life) would result in a 2-star max, so maybe my expectations were just low enough to be pleasantly surprised. I actually did have fun with this though. The banter was, while a bit cringe, more realistic than you often get on the campier end of romance. The smut wasn't to my tastes, but well written enough that I could look past that. Dion managed to avoid the hetero romance trap of creating leads who have exactly nothing in common outside the bedroom which was nice. The side characters were delightful, especially the retired teachers.
The main drawback was the central conflict. I'm never a fan of central conflicts that revolve around two (or, in this case, three) characters refusing to have a very simple conversation. It's a hallmark of this type of pseudo-taboo story though so there's not really any getting out of it.
All in all, a decent enough weekend read. I may even try the next couple of books in the series.
Normally, age gap + what the straights count as "taboo" + Kindle Unlimited (home to some of the worst writing I have ever read in my life) would result in a 2-star max, so maybe my expectations were just low enough to be pleasantly surprised. I actually did have fun with this though. The banter was, while a bit cringe, more realistic than you often get on the campier end of romance. The smut wasn't to my tastes, but well written enough that I could look past that. Dion managed to avoid the hetero romance trap of creating leads who have exactly nothing in common outside the bedroom which was nice. The side characters were delightful, especially the retired teachers.
The main drawback was the central conflict. I'm never a fan of central conflicts that revolve around two (or, in this case, three) characters refusing to have a very simple conversation. It's a hallmark of this type of pseudo-taboo story though so there's not really any getting out of it.
All in all, a decent enough weekend read. I may even try the next couple of books in the series.
August 18, 2025
emotional, medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Cute story, Tessa goes back home to her estranged father at the age of 25. The night before she meets Jamie, the instantly connection between them sparks, but she leaves in the middle of the night, she is flighty after the way she was raised.
Flash forward, the realize their connection and start a tedious, tension filled, list/hate relationship. The addition of their messaging relationship is a bit unnecessary, and causes some unneeded issues for them both, but it’s also the thing that snaps their tension.
I think Tessa acts her age, with her running when things get hard. And by that point you learn about the reason of her leaving Astor Bay to begin with. I would think though, at 41, Jamie would have better emotional awareness than he shows when things hit the fan. It’s also a bit frustrating he never apologizes for his part in the craziness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Abandonment, Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Cute story, Tessa goes back home to her estranged father at the age of 25. The night before she meets Jamie, the instantly connection between them sparks, but she leaves in the middle of the night, she is flighty after the way she was raised.
Flash forward, the realize their connection and start a tedious, tension filled, list/hate relationship. The addition of their messaging relationship is a bit unnecessary, and causes some unneeded issues for them both, but it’s also the thing that snaps their tension.
I think Tessa acts her age, with her running when things get hard. And by that point you learn about the reason of her leaving Astor Bay to begin with. I would think though, at 41, Jamie would have better emotional awareness than he shows when things hit the fan. It’s also a bit frustrating he never apologizes for his part in the craziness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Abandonment, Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent
December 26, 2023
A few warnings before you get to reading: content may be scorching hot to read, an increased appetite is expected due to copious amounts of food talk, and lasting side effects may occur when you hear the phrase “yes, Chef.”
There were so many layers to Tessa and Jamie’s love story—strangers having a one-night stand, mysterious online friends falling in love via recipes, and working side-by-side in the kitchen to pull off the greatest food festival in New England. This book has taboo romance 🥵, found family 💝, and a whole cast of lovable small town characters 💛 (including some of the most badass grandmas I’ve ever read).
At the climax of this book (The Climax, not A climax cause there are a lot of those 🔥) I quite literally screamed out loud, slammed my kindle shut, and walked around my room twice, before promptly reopening my kindle to keep reading. If that doesn’t tell you the choke hold this novel had on me then nothing else will. 🎤👀
[Also, I’m secretly hoping for a recipe book by Tessa and Jamie because some of these recipes had me starving for more!!]
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
There were so many layers to Tessa and Jamie’s love story—strangers having a one-night stand, mysterious online friends falling in love via recipes, and working side-by-side in the kitchen to pull off the greatest food festival in New England. This book has taboo romance 🥵, found family 💝, and a whole cast of lovable small town characters 💛 (including some of the most badass grandmas I’ve ever read).
At the climax of this book (The Climax, not A climax cause there are a lot of those 🔥) I quite literally screamed out loud, slammed my kindle shut, and walked around my room twice, before promptly reopening my kindle to keep reading. If that doesn’t tell you the choke hold this novel had on me then nothing else will. 🎤👀
[Also, I’m secretly hoping for a recipe book by Tessa and Jamie because some of these recipes had me starving for more!!]
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
November 21, 2023
4.5/5 ⭐ 3/5 🌶️
A sweet and spicy foodie romance?! Yes, chef! 😜🥵 I loved this book!!! I will admit that I didn't know how I would feel about the father's best friend trope (I hadn't read one yet), but it was done so well that I didn't mind... Her dad had her at 16 and wasn't really in her life growing up. Jamie and Tessa meet randomly and don't recognize each other, as she was a kid last time they saw each other. They had a one night stand, but can't believe it when she turns up in a few days and is in town to work at the pop up bakery for the holidays and needs to work with him.
The story also has the secret pen pals/you've got mail vibes and it had me melted in a puddle 🫠😍
Tropes:
- father's best friend
- age gap (16 years)
- small town
- foodie romance (chef x pastry chef)
- forced to work together
- open door spice
- secret pen pals
- one night stand
A sweet and spicy foodie romance?! Yes, chef! 😜🥵 I loved this book!!! I will admit that I didn't know how I would feel about the father's best friend trope (I hadn't read one yet), but it was done so well that I didn't mind... Her dad had her at 16 and wasn't really in her life growing up. Jamie and Tessa meet randomly and don't recognize each other, as she was a kid last time they saw each other. They had a one night stand, but can't believe it when she turns up in a few days and is in town to work at the pop up bakery for the holidays and needs to work with him.
The story also has the secret pen pals/you've got mail vibes and it had me melted in a puddle 🫠😍
Tropes:
- father's best friend
- age gap (16 years)
- small town
- foodie romance (chef x pastry chef)
- forced to work together
- open door spice
- secret pen pals
- one night stand
November 21, 2023
Jameson and Tessa.
This was the first book written in 3rd person that I didn't DNF.
At first it was a bit difficult because I'm not a fan of third person but let me tell you something.
Where can I find a Jamie?
This book makes me want to learn how to bake.
IT WAS GIVING!!
Jameson and Tessa have gone through their ups and downs. They get forced to work together at a festival and one thing led to the other... (one night stand) and it gets heated when they have to work together because Jameson is Tessa's dad's best friend!!! She likes to push him to the limit. He struggles with his emotions, but will open up to her.
The dishes mentioned, yummy!!
If you're someone that is interested in a chef-taboo romance, try this one!
3.9/5 ⭐
2/5 🌶️
Tropes:
- dad's best friend
- taboo
- contemporary romance
- forbidden
- small town
- Found Family
- 16 yr age gap
This was the first book written in 3rd person that I didn't DNF.
At first it was a bit difficult because I'm not a fan of third person but let me tell you something.
Where can I find a Jamie?
This book makes me want to learn how to bake.
IT WAS GIVING!!
Jameson and Tessa have gone through their ups and downs. They get forced to work together at a festival and one thing led to the other... (one night stand) and it gets heated when they have to work together because Jameson is Tessa's dad's best friend!!! She likes to push him to the limit. He struggles with his emotions, but will open up to her.
The dishes mentioned, yummy!!
If you're someone that is interested in a chef-taboo romance, try this one!
3.9/5 ⭐
2/5 🌶️
Tropes:
- dad's best friend
- taboo
- contemporary romance
- forbidden
- small town
- Found Family
- 16 yr age gap
December 4, 2023
I absolutely adored this book.
Tessa and Jamie have so much chemistry, and watching them try and stay away from each other while just falling harder was so much fun. I’m such a sucker for trope of texting/emailing each other anonymously without realizing who you’re talking to, and Cara did a great job with it. The banter between Tessa and Jamie was so fun and it really helped their eventual relationship feel natural, and like it had a super solid foundation!
I fell in love with Aster Bay in the Love Song series and I love it even more now! I wish it was real. (Also, I wish Gavin was real—I’m already such a Gavin girly.)
Whisking It All is the perfect blend of funny, sexy, sweet, and emotional and I’m so excited to see what happens next in Aster Bay!
I read an early copy via the author, but all opinions are my own.
Tessa and Jamie have so much chemistry, and watching them try and stay away from each other while just falling harder was so much fun. I’m such a sucker for trope of texting/emailing each other anonymously without realizing who you’re talking to, and Cara did a great job with it. The banter between Tessa and Jamie was so fun and it really helped their eventual relationship feel natural, and like it had a super solid foundation!
I fell in love with Aster Bay in the Love Song series and I love it even more now! I wish it was real. (Also, I wish Gavin was real—I’m already such a Gavin girly.)
Whisking It All is the perfect blend of funny, sexy, sweet, and emotional and I’m so excited to see what happens next in Aster Bay!
I read an early copy via the author, but all opinions are my own.
November 9, 2023
*Small Town
*Age Gap
*Father's Best Friend
*Forced Proximity
This was my first book by Cara and let me tell you it wont be my last. I loved this book from the beginning to the end. Who thinks that their one night stand no matter how amazing would actually be someone you knew many years ago. Especially one of your father's best friends.. Tessa hadn't been home in a very long time because of lies. So it was a total shock when Tessa tells her father she'll help out and Jamie walks into the kitchen of the restaurant she is working in to show her dad and (his friend) what she can do. I loved how he tried to do what he thought was right even if he was being a jerk to do it. If you like any of these tropes I think you will enjoy this book. I can't wait until book 2 comes out!!
*Age Gap
*Father's Best Friend
*Forced Proximity
This was my first book by Cara and let me tell you it wont be my last. I loved this book from the beginning to the end. Who thinks that their one night stand no matter how amazing would actually be someone you knew many years ago. Especially one of your father's best friends.. Tessa hadn't been home in a very long time because of lies. So it was a total shock when Tessa tells her father she'll help out and Jamie walks into the kitchen of the restaurant she is working in to show her dad and (his friend) what she can do. I loved how he tried to do what he thought was right even if he was being a jerk to do it. If you like any of these tropes I think you will enjoy this book. I can't wait until book 2 comes out!!
January 13, 2024
Do you love a good romance? Are you a fan of the Food Channel? Do you dig an age gap? If you said "Yes, Chef" to any of the above, you have to read Whisking it All by Cara Dion. Cara promises sexy times, small-town vibes, and lots of delicious cooking and baking and she delivers. In this book, Tesse returns to her hometown after years of being gone and has a memorable night with Jamie the handsome chef who runs a high-end restaurant on Aster Bay. He also happens to be Tesse's dad's best friend!
This is the first book in Cara Dion's New Aster Bay series and if you like age-gap, high heat, forbidden love, small-town romances, this series is for you. Plus, the epilogue of Whisking It All gives you a hint about who is the male lead for book two.
5 Stars for Whisking It All
This is the first book in Cara Dion's New Aster Bay series and if you like age-gap, high heat, forbidden love, small-town romances, this series is for you. Plus, the epilogue of Whisking It All gives you a hint about who is the male lead for book two.
5 Stars for Whisking It All
November 24, 2025
Yes Chef!
Tessa and Jamie first meet through a baking show fan page online and chat for months before an anonymous ONS.
When Tessa goes back to her hometown to reconnect with her father she finds out her ONS is actually one of her Dad’s Best Friends.
This small town, with a sprinkling of taboo had great dialogue between Tessa and Jamie (especially when they chatted anonymously about the show), but also a ton of found family and the quintessential small town golden girls.
The spice was spicy!! Honestly I was a bit surprised at how long it took them to get back together after the ONS, but the mouth on Jamie *chefs kiss* (pun mostly intended hehe).
I’m definitely curious to see how these taboo/forbidden romances develop in Aster Bay.
Tessa and Jamie first meet through a baking show fan page online and chat for months before an anonymous ONS.
When Tessa goes back to her hometown to reconnect with her father she finds out her ONS is actually one of her Dad’s Best Friends.
This small town, with a sprinkling of taboo had great dialogue between Tessa and Jamie (especially when they chatted anonymously about the show), but also a ton of found family and the quintessential small town golden girls.
The spice was spicy!! Honestly I was a bit surprised at how long it took them to get back together after the ONS, but the mouth on Jamie *chefs kiss* (pun mostly intended hehe).
I’m definitely curious to see how these taboo/forbidden romances develop in Aster Bay.
November 20, 2023
Well, talk about a book that has it all. Small-town, dads best friend, forced proximity, and a dirty talking MMC.
Tessa and Jamie are so good together. The chemistry is off the charts from the very beginning, and after the initial meeting and one night together, the slow burn goodness is amazing, and the build-up is definitely worth it.
This book drew me in from the very first page, and I was hooked on it until the very end.
This book has so many interesting side characters that I hope we get to know more about in future books based in Aster Bay.
This book is another great read from Cara Dion, who is definitely becoming one of my must-read authors.
Tessa and Jamie are so good together. The chemistry is off the charts from the very beginning, and after the initial meeting and one night together, the slow burn goodness is amazing, and the build-up is definitely worth it.
This book drew me in from the very first page, and I was hooked on it until the very end.
This book has so many interesting side characters that I hope we get to know more about in future books based in Aster Bay.
This book is another great read from Cara Dion, who is definitely becoming one of my must-read authors.
December 18, 2023
This book was full of spice and heartwarming moments, angst, found family, small town charm and foodie tidbits, all of my favorite things. I loved Tessa as a headstrong, talented, capable chef with a little wanderlust in her heart, and Jamie as the loyal, adopted member of this small town that still wants to prove himself to his best friends and the townspeople. Their banter and chemistry is topnotch and I loved the underlying angst of Tessa’s wounded past with her mother and the healing she gains through Jamie and her family. Cannot wait for Gavin’s book, and hoping it’s with Kyla, because who doesn’t love an ex-boyfriend’s dad story? ;)
June 20, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Cara always hits it right with her books.
Absolutely adored these two. Tessa is coming to Asta bay as her father made her a deal. What she wasn't prepared for was the hot older guy, Jameson. He is totally off Limits as he is her father's best friend.
There is a lot of emotional baggage to work through for both of them. I loved how Jameson just saw her for who she was.
They were so good together but the fight against crossing the line was so difficult. I was like please just cross that line haha.
Loved this and now I'm looking forward to book 2 in the series.
Lots of banter, found family, small town feelings, emotional, love and fantastic possessive spice.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Cara always hits it right with her books.
Absolutely adored these two. Tessa is coming to Asta bay as her father made her a deal. What she wasn't prepared for was the hot older guy, Jameson. He is totally off Limits as he is her father's best friend.
There is a lot of emotional baggage to work through for both of them. I loved how Jameson just saw her for who she was.
They were so good together but the fight against crossing the line was so difficult. I was like please just cross that line haha.
Loved this and now I'm looking forward to book 2 in the series.
Lots of banter, found family, small town feelings, emotional, love and fantastic possessive spice.
March 21, 2025
this needs to be a movie, please and thank you holy crap
we’ve got a Negative Nelly/Positive Polly, dads bestfriend, two chefs (technically boss/employee), slow burn (after the fact they had a one night stand, but they didn’t know who eachother were then hehe) I loved this so much. the tension was everything. i was a little worried of getting reaching boredom for the first 20% but when that tension started reeling me in i was GIGGLING AND KICKING MY DAMN FEET. not to mention, I’m a head cook (okay chef barbie) so this was up my alley and i left zero crumbs baby 1000/10
we’ve got a Negative Nelly/Positive Polly, dads bestfriend, two chefs (technically boss/employee), slow burn (after the fact they had a one night stand, but they didn’t know who eachother were then hehe) I loved this so much. the tension was everything. i was a little worried of getting reaching boredom for the first 20% but when that tension started reeling me in i was GIGGLING AND KICKING MY DAMN FEET. not to mention, I’m a head cook (okay chef barbie) so this was up my alley and i left zero crumbs baby 1000/10
June 22, 2024
Started off quickly. Kept going through at a good pace. It kind of dragged a bit in the middle, but picked up again. Tessa had an awful messed up view of family, friends, home and belonging. It wasn’t mentioned what Jamie’s trauma might have been. There were a few references to him being serial monogamist but no discussion at all of why that was, etc. maybe it didn’t lend to the story specifically because there were other ways we knew Tessa was different for him.
How Ethan found out? Genius.
How Ethan found out? Genius.
May 6, 2025
Perfection
A perfect balance of naughty, romance and drama. The fmc had personal growth not only in business but emotionally.
The mmc was pretty much all in. Spice was 3/5 nothing wild or kinky but good,no cheating, no other guy/woman to cause drama
An HEA and bonus
I genuinely enjoyed it
A perfect balance of naughty, romance and drama. The fmc had personal growth not only in business but emotionally.
The mmc was pretty much all in. Spice was 3/5 nothing wild or kinky but good,no cheating, no other guy/woman to cause drama
An HEA and bonus
I genuinely enjoyed it
January 22, 2024
Whisking It All
Whisking It All is Jamie and Tessa's story Both in different ways thinking they don't below or have been accepted. Lovely love story and Cara writes some great HOT scenes
Whisking It All is Jamie and Tessa's story Both in different ways thinking they don't below or have been accepted. Lovely love story and Cara writes some great HOT scenes
June 11, 2024
Sweet and steamy
The chemistry is off the charts. The characters are so well done. plus I will never be able to hear, « Yes,Chef, » and not think of Jamie. Write faster please Ms Dion!
The chemistry is off the charts. The characters are so well done. plus I will never be able to hear, « Yes,Chef, » and not think of Jamie. Write faster please Ms Dion!
October 13, 2024
Great start to a great series!
You’ve Got Mail vibes with a side of Great British Baking Show and adorable small town side characters. There’s nothing else you could want. Loved every second of it!
You’ve Got Mail vibes with a side of Great British Baking Show and adorable small town side characters. There’s nothing else you could want. Loved every second of it!
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