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Turning Up the Heat
If you can’t take the heat, get out of his kitchen.
Kelsey Rankin has worked for years to earn her reputation as one of the best writers at California’s top food and wine journal. She’s left her rural roots in wine country and moved to the city to pursue her dreams.
Then a work trip back home to cover the fall harvest season puts her right in the path of Chef Oskar Olson, an internationally recognized chef and the newest resident of her hometown. Chef Olson is her brother’s new winery partner… and one of the most attractive men that Kelsey’s ever met.
Oskar knew he wanted a break from big city life when he moved to a small town. He’s spent years building a reputation and relationships with farmers, ranchers, and winemakers in his new home. He wants to make his restaurant one that people talk about, and a review from Kelsey’s magazine might push his restaurant into the spotlight.
One explosive night could change everything for these two food professionals and make them question everything they think they want.
Turning Up the Heat is a steamy, standalone romance for lovers of sizzling chemistry, mouth-watering food, and sweet happily-ever-afters.
Kelsey Rankin has worked for years to earn her reputation as one of the best writers at California’s top food and wine journal. She’s left her rural roots in wine country and moved to the city to pursue her dreams.
Then a work trip back home to cover the fall harvest season puts her right in the path of Chef Oskar Olson, an internationally recognized chef and the newest resident of her hometown. Chef Olson is her brother’s new winery partner… and one of the most attractive men that Kelsey’s ever met.
Oskar knew he wanted a break from big city life when he moved to a small town. He’s spent years building a reputation and relationships with farmers, ranchers, and winemakers in his new home. He wants to make his restaurant one that people talk about, and a review from Kelsey’s magazine might push his restaurant into the spotlight.
One explosive night could change everything for these two food professionals and make them question everything they think they want.
Turning Up the Heat is a steamy, standalone romance for lovers of sizzling chemistry, mouth-watering food, and sweet happily-ever-afters.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2024
124 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 15, 2024
Turning Up The Heat by Lizzie Hunter
Contemporary romance.
Kelsey Rankin is a food writer at a California’s top food and wine journal. She has a house she loves and works mostly from home. But her brother and best friends live in wine country and pressuring Kelsey to move back home.
Oskar Olson read an article by Kelsey years ago and her words helped inspire him to relocate to wine county in California. Kelsey and Oskar meet at her brother’s winery during a small party and sparks ignite a passionate night. Both want a relationship but she lives hours away. He owns a restaurant and is busy. She has a writing career focused where she lives and is also busy. Can they make it work?
Passion, longing, and juggling careers and choices make this romance steamy and edgy. How you know when it’s worth it to just jump into something new?
Swoon worthy moments and angst as life decisions are pending. A fabulous romance.
Lots of great sounding food dishes that may make you want to cook! Or order in, in my case.
Contemporary romance.
Kelsey Rankin is a food writer at a California’s top food and wine journal. She has a house she loves and works mostly from home. But her brother and best friends live in wine country and pressuring Kelsey to move back home.
Oskar Olson read an article by Kelsey years ago and her words helped inspire him to relocate to wine county in California. Kelsey and Oskar meet at her brother’s winery during a small party and sparks ignite a passionate night. Both want a relationship but she lives hours away. He owns a restaurant and is busy. She has a writing career focused where she lives and is also busy. Can they make it work?
Passion, longing, and juggling careers and choices make this romance steamy and edgy. How you know when it’s worth it to just jump into something new?
Swoon worthy moments and angst as life decisions are pending. A fabulous romance.
Lots of great sounding food dishes that may make you want to cook! Or order in, in my case.
May 15, 2024
Turning Up The Heat by Lizzy Hunter
4/5 stars
Turning Up The Heat is such a fun, easy and lovely book. I really enjoyed this one so much.
This book is about Kelsey and Oskar. Kelsey is a food critic and goes home to write a review about Oskar's new restaurant in her home town. He is also working together with her brother Josh. They pair Josh's wine with his food and it's a huge success.
Kelsey just ended her relationship with Austin and needs to go home for awhile.
Oskar just started his restaurant and is working hard to make it a success. When he meets Kelsey at Josh's vineyard and they instantly connect. And everybody instantly sees how obvious they are.
The next day she visits his restaurant for the review and sparks fly.
Oskar and Kelsey are just perfect together. I love how drama free their relationship is. Of course there are things going on. But it's a book without cheating. It's a bit of a golden retriever book!
They need to juggle their relationship with they big distance between them. And that is what this book is about.
I loved the side characters as well. They were all colorful and fun. And Austin's character arc was one of my favorites! Haha.
If you want to read an easy and fun book then pick this beauty up!
4 big stars from me for Oskar and Kelsey!
4/5 stars
Turning Up The Heat is such a fun, easy and lovely book. I really enjoyed this one so much.
This book is about Kelsey and Oskar. Kelsey is a food critic and goes home to write a review about Oskar's new restaurant in her home town. He is also working together with her brother Josh. They pair Josh's wine with his food and it's a huge success.
Kelsey just ended her relationship with Austin and needs to go home for awhile.
Oskar just started his restaurant and is working hard to make it a success. When he meets Kelsey at Josh's vineyard and they instantly connect. And everybody instantly sees how obvious they are.
The next day she visits his restaurant for the review and sparks fly.
Oskar and Kelsey are just perfect together. I love how drama free their relationship is. Of course there are things going on. But it's a book without cheating. It's a bit of a golden retriever book!
They need to juggle their relationship with they big distance between them. And that is what this book is about.
I loved the side characters as well. They were all colorful and fun. And Austin's character arc was one of my favorites! Haha.
If you want to read an easy and fun book then pick this beauty up!
4 big stars from me for Oskar and Kelsey!
May 15, 2024
Heads up! This book will make you hungry! I lost count of how many times I ran to the kitchen for snacks while reading. Food lovers will drool over the descriptions of Oskar's dishes and the fun wine pairings. I especially love that Lizzy's fresh take on long-distance relationships. She shows the realistic ups and downs, with plenty of fights, makeups, and spicy moments. The MCs; Kelsey is witty and independent, while Oskar is a passionate chef with a mysterious past and they're a perfect match. This whirlwind romance sparks fast and has its steamy moments, so be ready! Overall, Turning Up the Heat is a fun and spicy read that adds a new flavor to long-distance love. You'll be cheering for their happily ever after—just don't be surprised if you're suddenly craving a snack!
Highlights:
🍷 Supportive side characters
🍷 No third act breakup
🍷 Dual POV
🍷 Central California food scene
Highlights:
🍷 Supportive side characters
🍷 No third act breakup
🍷 Dual POV
🍷 Central California food scene
May 22, 2024
I find myself usually drawn to series versus standalone novels, but this one caught my eye when the ARC came up. I do enjoy reading books centered around food whether that is fiction or nonfiction. I am giving this book a solid 3.75 stars. I enjoyed the characters and the book but honestly not a lot happened in my opinion. It was pretty fast paced while slow at the same time and centered around the struggles and challenges of a long-distance relationship.
Kelsey Rankin left home after her grandma died 5 years ago. She has found herself doing her dream job which is writing all about food. She is headed home for the weekend and wants to peek in on the new chef her brother has partnered with at his winery. The new HOT chef that is who has moved to central CA from Denmark. Why has he moved? What drew him here? She meets him the first night and when he invites her to sit at the chef's table at his restaurant, she can't find the words to say no. Now she has spent a wonderful night with him but is headed home to San Fran with the unknown of what they are. There was definitely a connection but no label yet.
Fast forward to them being official and Kelsey is finding herself being pulled more and more towards moving home. She has friends and a job she loves but there is more for her at home right? But she shouldn't just move across the state for her BF she has only been with a few months...that is too fast right? But will he wait around if she doesn't give him any indication she wants to be home?
I liked both of these characters. They both had their own things. Kelsey seemed to be afraid of commitment in the sense that she didn't want to feel as though she was putting her career on hold for someone. Oskar was working towards establishing himself and his restaurant so his roots were being planted. He knows what he wants and that is Kelsey in his bed as his wife. He wants to be able to cook her the perfect eggs and wake up to her in the mornings. The struggles were real. There were phone fights and surprise visits and dinners where they missed each other, but ultimately they knew what they wanted which was each other. Everything moved pretty fast but realistically. The spicy scenes were pretty constant bit more closed door or peaks than full descriptions. I do wonder if this will turn into a series- there was some potential with other characters but I guess we shall see.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Lizzy for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
Kelsey Rankin left home after her grandma died 5 years ago. She has found herself doing her dream job which is writing all about food. She is headed home for the weekend and wants to peek in on the new chef her brother has partnered with at his winery. The new HOT chef that is who has moved to central CA from Denmark. Why has he moved? What drew him here? She meets him the first night and when he invites her to sit at the chef's table at his restaurant, she can't find the words to say no. Now she has spent a wonderful night with him but is headed home to San Fran with the unknown of what they are. There was definitely a connection but no label yet.
Fast forward to them being official and Kelsey is finding herself being pulled more and more towards moving home. She has friends and a job she loves but there is more for her at home right? But she shouldn't just move across the state for her BF she has only been with a few months...that is too fast right? But will he wait around if she doesn't give him any indication she wants to be home?
I liked both of these characters. They both had their own things. Kelsey seemed to be afraid of commitment in the sense that she didn't want to feel as though she was putting her career on hold for someone. Oskar was working towards establishing himself and his restaurant so his roots were being planted. He knows what he wants and that is Kelsey in his bed as his wife. He wants to be able to cook her the perfect eggs and wake up to her in the mornings. The struggles were real. There were phone fights and surprise visits and dinners where they missed each other, but ultimately they knew what they wanted which was each other. Everything moved pretty fast but realistically. The spicy scenes were pretty constant bit more closed door or peaks than full descriptions. I do wonder if this will turn into a series- there was some potential with other characters but I guess we shall see.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Lizzy for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
May 11, 2024
You know when you are in a funk and life has kept you busy and away from stories and you are just desperate for that ONE book that can just suck you in and end that reading dry spell? Yes, I know you do. Well, I couldn’t have been more grateful for Turning Up The Heat landing early on my kindle! It was the perfect story to take me away and lift my spirit.
As always Lizzy has created a cast of characters that you connect with right away and feel like you’ve known forever. This book made me want to move to the area, buy a house locally and make reservations at HIS restaurant. The banter between lovers and friends had me in stitches SO many times and getting odd looks from others in the living room as I raced through the pages. Oskar’s intensity was my jam….and the way he heats up the kitchen with Kelsey in this story…..well it was *chefs kiss* pun intended. If you are a fan of her 7th and Main series you will love this book. And PS Ms Hunter, I loved seeing my name on the page! Different spelling but it still was fun to see lol and I loved how Hanna’s brain worked. She’s my type of girl!
As always Lizzy has created a cast of characters that you connect with right away and feel like you’ve known forever. This book made me want to move to the area, buy a house locally and make reservations at HIS restaurant. The banter between lovers and friends had me in stitches SO many times and getting odd looks from others in the living room as I raced through the pages. Oskar’s intensity was my jam….and the way he heats up the kitchen with Kelsey in this story…..well it was *chefs kiss* pun intended. If you are a fan of her 7th and Main series you will love this book. And PS Ms Hunter, I loved seeing my name on the page! Different spelling but it still was fun to see lol and I loved how Hanna’s brain worked. She’s my type of girl!
May 12, 2024
A perfect story of love finding you when you least expect it, and it turns out to be better than you can even imagine... with a few real life bumps along the way. With a few hilarious meat jokes along the way!!
June 3, 2024
3.5 ☆
This book certainly made me hungry and thirsty that's for sure.
It is a pleasure to read a book by this author. One of my favourite authors. A solid constant.
Kelsey Rankin food and restaurant reviewer is back home to visit friends and family. At a bash on her brother's winery she meets the main of the hour whom she might have a small obsession with.
Oskar Olson (Danish Viking God) has his own restaurant Mesa and has heard all about Kelsey he is a bit obessed as well.
These two instantly click. I would have enjoyed more of a buildup in their chemistry. Maybe a day or two. Over their long distance relationship they really get to know one another. I liked Kelsey and I understand her reluctance to not give it all up. She is a strong woman, who has won really hard in her profession. She is kind, loyal and funny.
Oskar is a mixed bag for me. He is strong, loyal, funny yet when things didn't go his way he became whiny. It did not suit him. I also didn't like what he did with Austin. It wasn't fun and it wasn't a game. I don't see any gain for the story of the book.
Alas I was more interested in the side characters then the main characters.
I'm always on the fence with her contemporary romance/romantic comedy. It just becomes too much banter, too much romance.
But I have to give compliments where I can and this has outstanding world building.
ARC generously received in exchange for an honest review.
This book certainly made me hungry and thirsty that's for sure.
It is a pleasure to read a book by this author. One of my favourite authors. A solid constant.
Kelsey Rankin food and restaurant reviewer is back home to visit friends and family. At a bash on her brother's winery she meets the main of the hour whom she might have a small obsession with.
Oskar Olson (Danish Viking God) has his own restaurant Mesa and has heard all about Kelsey he is a bit obessed as well.
These two instantly click. I would have enjoyed more of a buildup in their chemistry. Maybe a day or two. Over their long distance relationship they really get to know one another. I liked Kelsey and I understand her reluctance to not give it all up. She is a strong woman, who has won really hard in her profession. She is kind, loyal and funny.
Oskar is a mixed bag for me. He is strong, loyal, funny yet when things didn't go his way he became whiny. It did not suit him. I also didn't like what he did with Austin. It wasn't fun and it wasn't a game. I don't see any gain for the story of the book.
Alas I was more interested in the side characters then the main characters.
I'm always on the fence with her contemporary romance/romantic comedy. It just becomes too much banter, too much romance.
But I have to give compliments where I can and this has outstanding world building.
ARC generously received in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2024
I received an E-ARC of this book (Thank You, Lizzy Hunter and Valentine PR) and here's my honest take!
Looking for a steamy romance that ditches the usual clichés?
This book takes us on a delicious journey with aspiring food writer Kelsey and talented chef Oskar, who fall into a whirlwind romance despite the miles between them.🫶🏼😚
What I loved:
A refreshing take on long distance: This trope was very new for me and I loved it!! This story has no 3rd breakup, instead, we see the challenges and compromises of a long-distance relationship in a realistic way, complete with fights, makeups, and plenty of spice.😉
Foodie fun: Calling all food lovers! The descriptions of Oskar's dishes are mouthwatering, and the world of wine pairing adds a unique twist to the story.🍷
Strong characters: Kelsey is a witty and independent heroine, and Oskar is a passionate chef with a hidden past. They're both well-developed characters who complement each other perfectly.😘
This book is a Fast-paced romance. The initial attraction between Kelsey and Oskar happens quickly, which might not be for everyone.
This book is definitely on the spicier side (Insta-Lust), so keep that in mind before reading!🥵
Overall, Turning Up the Heat is a fun and steamy read that offers a refreshing take on the long-distance romance trope. The characters are charming, the food descriptions are delectable, and the story will have you rooting for their happily ever after. Just be prepared for cravings!!😉
Releasing on May 14th!!🔥❤️🔥
Looking for a steamy romance that ditches the usual clichés?
This book takes us on a delicious journey with aspiring food writer Kelsey and talented chef Oskar, who fall into a whirlwind romance despite the miles between them.🫶🏼😚
What I loved:
A refreshing take on long distance: This trope was very new for me and I loved it!! This story has no 3rd breakup, instead, we see the challenges and compromises of a long-distance relationship in a realistic way, complete with fights, makeups, and plenty of spice.😉
Foodie fun: Calling all food lovers! The descriptions of Oskar's dishes are mouthwatering, and the world of wine pairing adds a unique twist to the story.🍷
Strong characters: Kelsey is a witty and independent heroine, and Oskar is a passionate chef with a hidden past. They're both well-developed characters who complement each other perfectly.😘
This book is a Fast-paced romance. The initial attraction between Kelsey and Oskar happens quickly, which might not be for everyone.
This book is definitely on the spicier side (Insta-Lust), so keep that in mind before reading!🥵
Overall, Turning Up the Heat is a fun and steamy read that offers a refreshing take on the long-distance romance trope. The characters are charming, the food descriptions are delectable, and the story will have you rooting for their happily ever after. Just be prepared for cravings!!😉
Releasing on May 14th!!🔥❤️🔥
May 14, 2024
Finally a different trope than usual: the long distance love story, I loved it too much!! This long-distance story is treated in a realistic way seasoned with fights, tricks and many, many spices but also ..... RECIPES, COOKING ... IF YOU LIKE TO EAT BUT ABOVE ALL FOOD you have to read it because Oskar's descriptions of dishes they will make your mouth water. I also found the fact of dealing with wine pairing unique, it opened up a world to me 😍💟😍. Another point in favor of this book are the strong protagonists: Kelsey who you will love for being witty but also independent... and Oskar our Viking chef completes her perfectly. This book is a love story that will not bore you also due to the pace that Lizzy uses to narrate. Turning Up the Heat is a read that will make you dream, but also prepare yourself for very hot scenes, very hot hot for them but it will also make you decidedly hungry.... Rating 5 ⭐ I'm going to get another reading by Lizzy Hunter
May 14, 2024
If you can’t take the heat, get out of his kitchen…Kelsey, a food critic/writer, and Oskar, an up and coming chef, try to toggle romance while staying professionally successful. I enjoyed the unique plot of insta-lust turned long-distance relationship. I was immersed in representation of California wine country, the culinary aspects and food descriptions, the relative meaning of what home is, as well as the witty and funny banter of the main characters. Turning Up the Heat is a steamy, standalone romance for lovers of sizzling chemistry, mouth-watering food, and sweet happily-ever-afters. If you are looking for a lot of comedy mixed effortlessly with several spicy, romantic scenes, please put this book on top of your list.
Many thanks to Valentine PR and the author for an advanced copy of this book.
Many thanks to Valentine PR and the author for an advanced copy of this book.
May 27, 2024
Lizzy Hunter has a hit on her hands!
I loved the beautiful pairing of real life and happy reading that I absolutely love. This author has a way of writing that immediately draws you in and makes you care.
Kelsey was an amazing FMC. She had hinted at trauma from the death of her parents, a lot of independence, and a great career. I really enjoyed her character growth throughout this book. It felt authentic and real as opposed to hurried or made to fit the storyline. A normal person does feel hesitation at “love at first sight“. Her hesitancy resonated with me while also conveying her true caring for Oskar.
Oskar was one hot MMC. He is a fancy chef who moved across the world to build a successful restaurant in a small town on the central coast of California. It was so fun getting to know him and all the little reveals about why he ended up where he was. I absolutely adored his sister. Hannah reminds me a lot of Tenzin except without the fantasy aspect. She was completely blunt and usually completely right. But back to Oscar.… he was definitely impatient at times, but I could understand the fact that he is in a long distance relationship and didn’t want to be or didn’t expect to be. His frustration and authentic.
And these characters was completely amazing. The spice was on point, the story was interesting, the characters made me! Definitely a great read, and I highly recommend.
I loved the beautiful pairing of real life and happy reading that I absolutely love. This author has a way of writing that immediately draws you in and makes you care.
Kelsey was an amazing FMC. She had hinted at trauma from the death of her parents, a lot of independence, and a great career. I really enjoyed her character growth throughout this book. It felt authentic and real as opposed to hurried or made to fit the storyline. A normal person does feel hesitation at “love at first sight“. Her hesitancy resonated with me while also conveying her true caring for Oskar.
Oskar was one hot MMC. He is a fancy chef who moved across the world to build a successful restaurant in a small town on the central coast of California. It was so fun getting to know him and all the little reveals about why he ended up where he was. I absolutely adored his sister. Hannah reminds me a lot of Tenzin except without the fantasy aspect. She was completely blunt and usually completely right. But back to Oscar.… he was definitely impatient at times, but I could understand the fact that he is in a long distance relationship and didn’t want to be or didn’t expect to be. His frustration and authentic.
And these characters was completely amazing. The spice was on point, the story was interesting, the characters made me! Definitely a great read, and I highly recommend.
May 9, 2024
This book is a heartwarming story about family, friends and love. The way to a persons heart is through their stomach! Kelsey, an independent, smart food writer and Oskar, a Danish Chef, is classic love story with a spin of today’s challenges. Long distance is difficult especially in the early days of courting. How do they make it work with hundreds of miles between them?
May 18, 2024
4.5⭐️
May 22, 2024
I love Elizabeth Hunter (who recently moved to using the pen name Lizzy Hunter for her contemporary romance books). Her paranormal books are some of my favorites and it’s rare that I don’t love one of them. Her contemporary romance books I feel are a bit more hit or miss.
There is a lot I liked about this book. It works as well as many other contemporary romances out there, but there were just a few things that are just not *my* favorite things when it comes to contemporary romance:
- The pacing; I felt like it moved too quickly in their relationship. I just prefer slower burn.
- Dual POV. And this is interesting since I can’t recall any books of EH’s that used dual POV (even her contemporary romance).
- a lot of the progress in their feelings for each other made through telling the reader how they feel about the other rather than just showing us through actions and dialogue.
Separately from those issues, which I think are just my own personal ongoing issues that I can’t seem to get away from in so many CR out there, I would also add that although I really liked both main characters, Oskar is supposed to be Danish but that just didn’t come through at all other than a few elements in specific scenes at the beginning.
I did love the whole foodie theme and central CA Coast setting since I’m a foodie myself. And I’m thinking that’s where she got the idea that Oskar would be Danish since it’s been a really big perspective in foodie culture in recent years.
I will still read everything that EH puts out and still overall enjoyed this and tore through it pretty quickly.
3 stars
There is a lot I liked about this book. It works as well as many other contemporary romances out there, but there were just a few things that are just not *my* favorite things when it comes to contemporary romance:
- The pacing; I felt like it moved too quickly in their relationship. I just prefer slower burn.
- Dual POV. And this is interesting since I can’t recall any books of EH’s that used dual POV (even her contemporary romance).
- a lot of the progress in their feelings for each other made through telling the reader how they feel about the other rather than just showing us through actions and dialogue.
Separately from those issues, which I think are just my own personal ongoing issues that I can’t seem to get away from in so many CR out there, I would also add that although I really liked both main characters, Oskar is supposed to be Danish but that just didn’t come through at all other than a few elements in specific scenes at the beginning.
I did love the whole foodie theme and central CA Coast setting since I’m a foodie myself. And I’m thinking that’s where she got the idea that Oskar would be Danish since it’s been a really big perspective in foodie culture in recent years.
I will still read everything that EH puts out and still overall enjoyed this and tore through it pretty quickly.
3 stars
May 15, 2024
This book pulled me in quickly and then absolutely blew me away to realize that as I was reading about these passionate and endearing characters… I was also finding little life lessons sprinkled into the plot that really hit home for me. Sometimes a book just is placed in your lap at exactly the right moment in time for you to read it. For me, this book reminded me that you can do your best to plan out your life but sometimes you just need to take a leap of faith and trust that you’ll land where you need to be. There were times in this book it honestly felt like the characters were talking directly to me - and they were making a lot of sense! The long-distance romance between Kelsey and Oskar is perfectly written to showcase the honest struggles which come up but yet are balanced out with the underlying certainty that it’s all worth it when you meet your Person. The spice level was exactly what was needed to complement the plot - like pairing the perfect wine with your dinner! I was given this book ahead of its release and found that I really needed to let myself sit with my thoughts for awhile before I wrote them down because it felt like an omen. As cheesy as it sounds given the content of this story - for me, this book was an absolute chef’s kiss (both figuratively and, yes, literally). It left me wanting to read more about the secondary characters - there are definitely some little plot threads that could become what I suspect will also be incredible love stories in a whole series. But overall, I think what kept me so invested was that this story felt REAL… there wasn’t an extravagant plot or awful villain to conquer. Lizzy Hunter used Time and Distance as the obstacles to be tackled and her way of addressing them was genuine and raw and exactly right. This was an easy read that ever-so-gently put my own life into beautiful perspective and so it’s hands down a book that I will continue to recommend!
May 15, 2024
I can count on one hand how many digital arcs I've received that I made a priority of buying the physical copies of. This one is being added to said list. My face was stuck in a smile for the whole 3 hours it took me to read it. It had dual POV (if you have read any of my romance reviews this is a big one for me), the perfect amount of characters to bond to, and I was hooked from the first chapter. Kelsey and Oskar, I don't even know how to explain the absolute instant connection these characters had. I MIGHT be biased towards the MMC based on his name, but that's where the similarities end with my personal MMC. Tall, blond, blue-eyed, and from Denmark just about the complete opposite of my man 😂
And now continuing with the review... there was insta-attraction, but it didn't just stop there. Since Oskar is a chef and Kelsey is a food reviewer, they understand each others worlds and understand each other to the point where they work fluidly together. Kelsey and Oskar truly made each other happy, and I absolutely did not want this this story to end. Chapter 19 had me cry laughing.
This is a long quote beware but this came from a side character and it just filled me with so much warmth thinking about my husband, "He's seen the good stuff and the bad stuff, and he didn't care about the pretty picture; he just wanted me, loved me. And I know all his good and all his bad stuff, and I still wanted to know him. And I just couldn't really imagine anything being better than that."
I would like to publicly request an extended epilogue 🫣 and maybe another book about Hannah or Josh 🫣
Tropes:
▪️Insta-Attraction
▪️Chef/Food reviewer romance
▪️Long Distance Relationships
▪️Denmark men (this is officially a trope now in my mind)
And now continuing with the review... there was insta-attraction, but it didn't just stop there. Since Oskar is a chef and Kelsey is a food reviewer, they understand each others worlds and understand each other to the point where they work fluidly together. Kelsey and Oskar truly made each other happy, and I absolutely did not want this this story to end. Chapter 19 had me cry laughing.
This is a long quote beware but this came from a side character and it just filled me with so much warmth thinking about my husband, "He's seen the good stuff and the bad stuff, and he didn't care about the pretty picture; he just wanted me, loved me. And I know all his good and all his bad stuff, and I still wanted to know him. And I just couldn't really imagine anything being better than that."
I would like to publicly request an extended epilogue 🫣 and maybe another book about Hannah or Josh 🫣
Tropes:
▪️Insta-Attraction
▪️Chef/Food reviewer romance
▪️Long Distance Relationships
▪️Denmark men (this is officially a trope now in my mind)
May 15, 2024
Feel-good small-town romance with a side of spice
Kelsey is a food writer based in San Rafael/San Francisco. Professionally she is in a good place as she is employed at a prestigious food magazine. Writing for the magazine allows her to travel and basically set her own timetable. Even though she has made a new life for herself in the Bay Area, she regularly goes home to Los Robles in the Central Valley to visit her brother, who is her only remaining family and her best friends Talia and Kurt. At a party at her brothers winery she meets Oskar, a new chef, who has recently opened his own place in Arroyo Grande . Oskar is originally from Denmark and is now living the American Dream. He not only knows how to cook, but he is quite the dish himself with his Nordic good looks. Cue meet cute and insta-lust and you got all the ingredients for a night filled with blazing hot passion. But come morning they realize that they live hundreds of miles apart. They are really into each other, so they embark on a long distance relationship. Since they have both busy professional schedules, it’s really difficult to spend time together and that is slowing putting a strain on their relationship. Kelsey has been thinking about saying good-bye to the big city life and move back to the Central Valley, but she is hesitant because of the repercussions the move might have on her career. It takes trials and tribulations and some soul-searching before Kelsey and Oskar manage to finally find their happy ending.
I loved all the quirky supporting characters, from Kelsey’s gay friend Felipe to Oskar’s neurodivergent sister Hanna with her refreshing candor, even Kelsey’s stalkerish ex who undergoes an unexpected metamorphosis. And I also loved the small-town setting with its close-knit community vibe. And the fact, that even though it was kind of clear from the beginning which one of the two main protagonists would have to relocate, it was not taken as a given but had to be hashed out. All in all a nice little summer read without too much angst and a satisfying side dish of spice.
Kelsey is a food writer based in San Rafael/San Francisco. Professionally she is in a good place as she is employed at a prestigious food magazine. Writing for the magazine allows her to travel and basically set her own timetable. Even though she has made a new life for herself in the Bay Area, she regularly goes home to Los Robles in the Central Valley to visit her brother, who is her only remaining family and her best friends Talia and Kurt. At a party at her brothers winery she meets Oskar, a new chef, who has recently opened his own place in Arroyo Grande . Oskar is originally from Denmark and is now living the American Dream. He not only knows how to cook, but he is quite the dish himself with his Nordic good looks. Cue meet cute and insta-lust and you got all the ingredients for a night filled with blazing hot passion. But come morning they realize that they live hundreds of miles apart. They are really into each other, so they embark on a long distance relationship. Since they have both busy professional schedules, it’s really difficult to spend time together and that is slowing putting a strain on their relationship. Kelsey has been thinking about saying good-bye to the big city life and move back to the Central Valley, but she is hesitant because of the repercussions the move might have on her career. It takes trials and tribulations and some soul-searching before Kelsey and Oskar manage to finally find their happy ending.
I loved all the quirky supporting characters, from Kelsey’s gay friend Felipe to Oskar’s neurodivergent sister Hanna with her refreshing candor, even Kelsey’s stalkerish ex who undergoes an unexpected metamorphosis. And I also loved the small-town setting with its close-knit community vibe. And the fact, that even though it was kind of clear from the beginning which one of the two main protagonists would have to relocate, it was not taken as a given but had to be hashed out. All in all a nice little summer read without too much angst and a satisfying side dish of spice.
May 14, 2024
I just finished reading “Turning Up the Heat” by Lizzy Hunter, and I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts with you all! This book was such a fun and steamy read, perfect for anyone who loves a good romance mixed with a passion for food and wine.
The story follows Kelsey Rankin, a top writer at California’s premier food and wine journal. Kelsey has left her rural roots behind to chase her dreams in the city. But a work trip back home to cover the wine harvest brings her face-to-face with Chef Oskar Olson, an internationally recognized chef who’s now the newest resident of her small hometown.
The chemistry between Kelsey and Oskar is off the charts from the moment they meet, think instalust- and it leads to one explosive night that makes them question everything they thought they wanted. The romance between them is both sweet and sizzling, with plenty of steamy moments that kept me turning the pages.
One thing I loved about this book is how it beautifully blends the romance with the culinary world. Hunter’s descriptions of the food and wine are mouth-watering and add an extra layer of richness to the story. I felt like I was right there in the vineyard with Kelsey, tasting the wines and savoring the delicious dishes.
The characters are well-developed and relatable. Kelsey is ambitious and determined, yet vulnerable when it comes to matters of the heart. Oskar is charming and passionate about his craft, and his desire to create something special in the small town is truly inspiring. Their journey together is filled with ups and downs, but instead of the typical third-act breakup, they face a more realistic challenge: figuring out how to handle a long-distance relationship. This added a refreshing twist to the story and made their relationship feel more authentic and mature.
The story follows Kelsey Rankin, a top writer at California’s premier food and wine journal. Kelsey has left her rural roots behind to chase her dreams in the city. But a work trip back home to cover the wine harvest brings her face-to-face with Chef Oskar Olson, an internationally recognized chef who’s now the newest resident of her small hometown.
The chemistry between Kelsey and Oskar is off the charts from the moment they meet, think instalust- and it leads to one explosive night that makes them question everything they thought they wanted. The romance between them is both sweet and sizzling, with plenty of steamy moments that kept me turning the pages.
One thing I loved about this book is how it beautifully blends the romance with the culinary world. Hunter’s descriptions of the food and wine are mouth-watering and add an extra layer of richness to the story. I felt like I was right there in the vineyard with Kelsey, tasting the wines and savoring the delicious dishes.
The characters are well-developed and relatable. Kelsey is ambitious and determined, yet vulnerable when it comes to matters of the heart. Oskar is charming and passionate about his craft, and his desire to create something special in the small town is truly inspiring. Their journey together is filled with ups and downs, but instead of the typical third-act breakup, they face a more realistic challenge: figuring out how to handle a long-distance relationship. This added a refreshing twist to the story and made their relationship feel more authentic and mature.
May 14, 2024
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
Kelsey Rankin writes for California’s top food and wine journal. She’s one of the best. For a weekend trip home she meets Chef Oskar Olson and is immediately attracted to him. Oskar is opened his restaurant a few years back in Arroyo Grande and now he’s her brother’s new winery partner. After she dined in his restaurant sparks flew. Her weekend flew by and she left. But she continued talking to him. And so long distance relationship begun. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were made for each other. I was fascinated by all of the descriptions of the food.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re a fan of chef, brother’s friend romance then you’re going to love it.
Kelsey Rankin writes for California’s top food and wine journal. She’s one of the best. For a weekend trip home she meets Chef Oskar Olson and is immediately attracted to him. Oskar is opened his restaurant a few years back in Arroyo Grande and now he’s her brother’s new winery partner. After she dined in his restaurant sparks flew. Her weekend flew by and she left. But she continued talking to him. And so long distance relationship begun. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were made for each other. I was fascinated by all of the descriptions of the food.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re a fan of chef, brother’s friend romance then you’re going to love it.
May 15, 2024
Such a beautiful story. Kelsey is a total foodie and writes about it while living in San Francisco, hours away from her home town. Oskar is a chef who has moved across the world to her home town and started his own restaurant. Before they even meet there was something there. Kelsey has heard of the new chef her winemaker brother is partnering with. And when they are introduced at her brother’s party, there is an immediate connection. These two are sweet, sexy, and fun, and all the heartwarming things. But they don’t live in the same place, and that’s a bit of a challenge.
Once again, Hunter gives us a beautiful, well written story with deep, well developed characters dealing with relatable issues. A gorgeous romance read.
Once again, Hunter gives us a beautiful, well written story with deep, well developed characters dealing with relatable issues. A gorgeous romance read.
May 13, 2024
The first novel from Lizzy Hunter did not disappoint!
Kelsey has a great career as a food writer. She eats in the best restaurants and knows all the important people in the food biz. She also has a family she dearly loves. However, her two favorite things are four hours apart.
Oskar is a chef that opened a restaurant in the town where Kelsey's family lives. He's a good guy but a loner. He can be brash and grumpy. Then he meets Kelsey.
Will secrets derail this blossoming relationship? How can a long distance romance survive? Read this wonderful book and find out!
I received an advance copy of this book. I always give honest reviews. I also purchased the book.
Kelsey has a great career as a food writer. She eats in the best restaurants and knows all the important people in the food biz. She also has a family she dearly loves. However, her two favorite things are four hours apart.
Oskar is a chef that opened a restaurant in the town where Kelsey's family lives. He's a good guy but a loner. He can be brash and grumpy. Then he meets Kelsey.
Will secrets derail this blossoming relationship? How can a long distance romance survive? Read this wonderful book and find out!
I received an advance copy of this book. I always give honest reviews. I also purchased the book.
May 14, 2024
Turn up the Heat...indeed!
Kelsey and Oskar are hot!
Romance is my favorite genre and this book is everything I love about romance books. Adorable couple, life struggles, wanting the couple to figure things out and not ruin everything!
Elizabeth Hunter is an absolute talent! You will always get excellent characters that you wish you could be friends with in real life. Although this book exists in real places, she makes you want to go there immediately. Vacation to the Central Coast of California, anyone!?
Run, don't walk, and get this book!
Kelsey and Oskar are hot!
Romance is my favorite genre and this book is everything I love about romance books. Adorable couple, life struggles, wanting the couple to figure things out and not ruin everything!
Elizabeth Hunter is an absolute talent! You will always get excellent characters that you wish you could be friends with in real life. Although this book exists in real places, she makes you want to go there immediately. Vacation to the Central Coast of California, anyone!?
Run, don't walk, and get this book!
May 25, 2024
I need more romance books with Chefs in them because hot damn.
This one is a cute Insta love romance that deals in the complexities of long distance. Which was beautiful and frustrating (because long distance is).
I love Kelsey and Oskar’s story. They are so amazing together and had such great instant chemistry. I loved the way they navigated things and the slow build of how everything gets rectified. It was real and raw.
I loved all the friendships and family as well. It has like a found family element which is a favourite.
This was overall a wonderful read.
This one is a cute Insta love romance that deals in the complexities of long distance. Which was beautiful and frustrating (because long distance is).
I love Kelsey and Oskar’s story. They are so amazing together and had such great instant chemistry. I loved the way they navigated things and the slow build of how everything gets rectified. It was real and raw.
I loved all the friendships and family as well. It has like a found family element which is a favourite.
This was overall a wonderful read.
May 8, 2024
3.9/5
It was a sweet romance about a food writer and a chef, one of the first time that I read this kind and I completely loved it. Kelsey & Oskar were just amazing together, the story was so we'll put together too and the way the author wrote the story was just so good and beautiful. I could feel everything she wrote, the air, the smell, the decor, the sensation, the emotion... literally everything.
Thank you for the arc and yes I recommend this story. It's a cute one and time will fly by!
It was a sweet romance about a food writer and a chef, one of the first time that I read this kind and I completely loved it. Kelsey & Oskar were just amazing together, the story was so we'll put together too and the way the author wrote the story was just so good and beautiful. I could feel everything she wrote, the air, the smell, the decor, the sensation, the emotion... literally everything.
Thank you for the arc and yes I recommend this story. It's a cute one and time will fly by!
May 12, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
• chef / food writer
• here falls first
• brother’s best friend
• Cali coast vibes
I LOVED this book! Oskar, the stoic Viking, and Kelsey, the independent food journalist meet in a “small world” but not creepy stalker kind of way.
I loved that Lizzy wrote realistically about a long distance relationship and its struggles but how these characters made it work but with real life problems.
The supportive characters were amazing and I truly connected with everyone.
This book was 100% a feel good book with NO 3rd act breakup!
Sharing my true feelings on a book I received and reviewed after reading an ARC.
🌶️🌶️
• chef / food writer
• here falls first
• brother’s best friend
• Cali coast vibes
I LOVED this book! Oskar, the stoic Viking, and Kelsey, the independent food journalist meet in a “small world” but not creepy stalker kind of way.
I loved that Lizzy wrote realistically about a long distance relationship and its struggles but how these characters made it work but with real life problems.
The supportive characters were amazing and I truly connected with everyone.
This book was 100% a feel good book with NO 3rd act breakup!
Sharing my true feelings on a book I received and reviewed after reading an ARC.
May 17, 2024
This book was excellent... a beautiful love story between interesting and sympathetic characters. The chemistry between Oskar and Kelsey was electric, and the intimate scenes were chef's kiss! (Yes, pun intended) It's so refreshing to read a romance that has characters that act maturely without any useless drama, with characters that discuss things and speak honestly with each other. I also appreciated the whole cast of secondary characters... their supportive presence really added to the story. I loved everything about this book, and I look forward to reading more from this excellent author!
May 14, 2024
I very much enjoyed this book. I liked the attraction between the characters. I did enjoy the way they complemented each other as they were both very much involved in the food scene. This gave a realistic relationship between them based on their love of good food and wine. The tale of how they overcome the distance between them. Truly touching.
May 15, 2024
Kelsey and Oskar both know what they want professionally but then they meet in her hometown and it all changes. I liked that they both had such ambition, a goal. But, is it more important than love, or can they have both? I liked the small town feel, the chemistry, but not enough to take over the story.
May 15, 2024
Super fun spicy book with great characters.
I'm used to longer series, having things all wrapped up after one book was refreshing.
Loved the setting for this one, and the characters were fantastic, loved the back and forth between them.
If you like some steam with your romance you'll love it!
P.S. keep snacks handy lol
I'm used to longer series, having things all wrapped up after one book was refreshing.
Loved the setting for this one, and the characters were fantastic, loved the back and forth between them.
If you like some steam with your romance you'll love it!
P.S. keep snacks handy lol
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