What do you think?
Rate this book
Dare Valley #7
The Perfect Ingredient
Elizabeth Saunders is a woman of secrets, a rarity in small town Dare Valley. Her life hasn’t turned out like she expected after a tragedy forced her to flee her old life and hide her identity. Now she’s unmasked, hoping to put the past behind her—until the only man who ever captured her heart reappears.
Terrance Waters may look like a sexy Alpha Navy Seal, but he’s actually a celebrity chef. His star is rising with a new primetime TV reality cooking show until his dream hits a snag. His bad-boy image needs to be cleaned up. He’s arrived in Dare Valley to show the network how squeaky clean he can be, working as the head chef at Dare Valley’s famous hotel.
When Elizabeth and Terrance meet, he wants to pick up where they left off, but Elizabeth resists. Terrance is not a man to take no for an answer. Soon the sparks are flying, hotter than ever this time. But the danger from Elizabeth’s past appears, testing their newfound love and Terrance’s dreams of becoming an even bigger star. Can their love triumph over all?
Terrance Waters may look like a sexy Alpha Navy Seal, but he’s actually a celebrity chef. His star is rising with a new primetime TV reality cooking show until his dream hits a snag. His bad-boy image needs to be cleaned up. He’s arrived in Dare Valley to show the network how squeaky clean he can be, working as the head chef at Dare Valley’s famous hotel.
When Elizabeth and Terrance meet, he wants to pick up where they left off, but Elizabeth resists. Terrance is not a man to take no for an answer. Soon the sparks are flying, hotter than ever this time. But the danger from Elizabeth’s past appears, testing their newfound love and Terrance’s dreams of becoming an even bigger star. Can their love triumph over all?
312 pages, ebook
First published November 18, 2014
1284 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Ava Miles
101 books1,138 followersMillions of readers have discovered International Bestselling Author Ava Miles and her powerful fiction and non-fiction books about love, happiness, and transformation. Her novels have received praise and accolades from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and People Magazine in addition to being chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s picks. Translated into multiple languages, Ava’s strongest praise comes directly from her readers, who call her books and characters unforgettable.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 18, 2014
The Perfect Ingredient by Ava Miles is #7 in the Dare Valley series.
Elizabeth Saunders has not always had an easy life. She started out poor, her mother a stripper. But with the IQ of a genius, she earned enough scholarships to put herself through Harvard. It was during her final semester, though, when the boy she had been dating, the son of a prominent family, became her stalker. So she and her best friend Jane fled, eventually meeting who would become their friend and employer, Rhett. They took on new identities as his poker scouts and lived in anonymity. They are now in Dare Valley and Jane has met the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with, so they had to give up their alter egos and their true identities became known. Two years ago, Liz had had a summer romance with Terrance, or Chef T as he was known. But he never knew her true identity. He only knew her as Vixen, Rhett’s poker scout. After a wonderful summer, Liz had again fled. So you can imagine her surprise when he shows up in Dare Valley and recognizes her, finally seeing her as she really is, Elizabeth.
Terrance Waters or Chef T, is a celebrity chef. He also had a rough childhood but he has built an empire for himself as Chef T. He loved the idea of being head chef for the famous hotel in Dare Valley. He has never let himself fall for just one woman, keeping with his tattooed bad boy image, until that summer with Vixen. As soon as he saw Elizabeth in Dare Valley, though, he knew it was her. And he has vowed to find out why she left and to win her back.
Every true chef has a “perfect ingredient.” That one thing that takes you home when you taste it. Terrance has spent twenty long years looking in every corner of the world for his own perfect ingredient but still it has eluded him. Could he possibly find it here in Dare Valley?
As Elizabeth and Terrance reunite and rebuild the connection they had previously known, they had a short taste of what life could be like. But the past has a bad habit of coming back to haunt you. Now that Elizabeth’s true identity is out there, and the fact that she is dating a celebrity chef, her face can’t help but be on the internet. So it’s not long before the man that caused her to run from Harvard all those years ago, finds her again. Will he leave her alone or will he try to hurt her again? And what would Terrance do if he found out? She has to protect herself and Terrance, even if that means hurting him in the process.
This is a wonderful story of second chances and of finding your own strength and overcoming. I loved Chef T and all his efforts to try to overcome his bad habits. And all the food references, sigh, I think I gained weight just reading about all the food. My very favorite scene in the entire book was the dance class. That’s all I am going to say about that. You’ll have to read it to find out what happened. Elizabeth and Terrance have so much to overcome, both individually and as a couple. Will their love be strong enough? This is another wonderful installment in the Dare Valley series. As always, we get plenty of glimpses into the previous characters as all of their lives intertwine and they support one another. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have all of Ava’s books and look forward to getting to know more of the residents of Dare Valley.
Elizabeth Saunders has not always had an easy life. She started out poor, her mother a stripper. But with the IQ of a genius, she earned enough scholarships to put herself through Harvard. It was during her final semester, though, when the boy she had been dating, the son of a prominent family, became her stalker. So she and her best friend Jane fled, eventually meeting who would become their friend and employer, Rhett. They took on new identities as his poker scouts and lived in anonymity. They are now in Dare Valley and Jane has met the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with, so they had to give up their alter egos and their true identities became known. Two years ago, Liz had had a summer romance with Terrance, or Chef T as he was known. But he never knew her true identity. He only knew her as Vixen, Rhett’s poker scout. After a wonderful summer, Liz had again fled. So you can imagine her surprise when he shows up in Dare Valley and recognizes her, finally seeing her as she really is, Elizabeth.
Terrance Waters or Chef T, is a celebrity chef. He also had a rough childhood but he has built an empire for himself as Chef T. He loved the idea of being head chef for the famous hotel in Dare Valley. He has never let himself fall for just one woman, keeping with his tattooed bad boy image, until that summer with Vixen. As soon as he saw Elizabeth in Dare Valley, though, he knew it was her. And he has vowed to find out why she left and to win her back.
Every true chef has a “perfect ingredient.” That one thing that takes you home when you taste it. Terrance has spent twenty long years looking in every corner of the world for his own perfect ingredient but still it has eluded him. Could he possibly find it here in Dare Valley?
As Elizabeth and Terrance reunite and rebuild the connection they had previously known, they had a short taste of what life could be like. But the past has a bad habit of coming back to haunt you. Now that Elizabeth’s true identity is out there, and the fact that she is dating a celebrity chef, her face can’t help but be on the internet. So it’s not long before the man that caused her to run from Harvard all those years ago, finds her again. Will he leave her alone or will he try to hurt her again? And what would Terrance do if he found out? She has to protect herself and Terrance, even if that means hurting him in the process.
This is a wonderful story of second chances and of finding your own strength and overcoming. I loved Chef T and all his efforts to try to overcome his bad habits. And all the food references, sigh, I think I gained weight just reading about all the food. My very favorite scene in the entire book was the dance class. That’s all I am going to say about that. You’ll have to read it to find out what happened. Elizabeth and Terrance have so much to overcome, both individually and as a couple. Will their love be strong enough? This is another wonderful installment in the Dare Valley series. As always, we get plenty of glimpses into the previous characters as all of their lives intertwine and they support one another. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have all of Ava’s books and look forward to getting to know more of the residents of Dare Valley.
December 20, 2014
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Quick summary
Elizabeth Saunders, aka Vixen, spent a glorious summer with Terrance Waters, aka TV's infamous Chef T, back when she was Rhett's "poker babe" and before shedding that identity. She abruptly ended the relationship, disappearing without explanation. He's never forgotten her nor given up his search to find her.
The missing ingredient
Terrance is on hiatus from his TV show, on probation as a result of his latest temper flare. He's working at Mac's new boutique hotel in Dare Valley and recognizes Elizabeth, even without all of the hair and makeup that created the Vixen persona. He wants answers and another chance. She...not so much.
What works about this story
Chef T. You really can't help liking this alpha who's a dream in the kitchen and the bedroom. Elizabeth is gun shy from her last serious relationship with an alpha stalker and thinks she sees similar qualities. The chase is on and it's a fun pursuit (there's a Latin dance scene that is priceless).
There's also a sinister element involving Elizabeth's ex that spices up the action. And, the concoctions created by Chef T will have you salivating so don't read this on an empty stomach.
The bottom line
Ava Miles serves up another delicious entry in the Dare Valley series. The romance, suspense, intrigue and culinary gems all combine to make this a wonderful story. Next please!
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)
November 24, 2014
Once again love is found in Cupid’s own playground, DareValley! Brilliant, beautiful and stalked, Elizabeth hid in plain sight as one of gambler Rhett Butler Blaylock’s glamorous poker scouts, along with her best friend Jane. With new identities, glammed up, wigged up and flashy, these women were part of Rhett’s façade, looking anything but as intelligent as they were. But like everything else in life, things change and now Elizabeth has settled in Dare Valley, as herself, still beautiful, still smart and still alone.
When the flashy and famous new chef comes to town to work his magic, while trying to change his image, Elizabeth’s secret life may be about to be uncovered and people could be in danger. How can she avoid Terrance and the threat he brings for her heart? Will he be disappointed in the real Elizabeth after having a relationship with her alter ego? If they do reconnect, will she be in danger from her stalker once she is photographed with the handsome celebrity chef? Does she have the right to put Terrence’s struggling reputation on the line? Will the stalker’s power, position and money hurt those Elizabeth cares about? Is it time to stand up and stop cowering? The heart will do anything for love, but shame, insecurity and fear are powerful adversaries, especially when our chef is still in denial about The Perfect Ingredient he has searched the world for and never found.
Ava Miles has whipped up another delicious romance with that small town flavor she has mastered so well. Either she is one of Cupid’s little helpers, or she carries her own set of love-tipped arrows that will pierce your heart with warmth, humor and the charm of Dare Valley.
I received this copy from Ava Miles in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Dare Valley - Book 7
Publication Date: November 18, 2014
Publisher: Ava Miles
ISBN-10: 1940565154
ISBN-13: 978-1940565156
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 358 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
When the flashy and famous new chef comes to town to work his magic, while trying to change his image, Elizabeth’s secret life may be about to be uncovered and people could be in danger. How can she avoid Terrance and the threat he brings for her heart? Will he be disappointed in the real Elizabeth after having a relationship with her alter ego? If they do reconnect, will she be in danger from her stalker once she is photographed with the handsome celebrity chef? Does she have the right to put Terrence’s struggling reputation on the line? Will the stalker’s power, position and money hurt those Elizabeth cares about? Is it time to stand up and stop cowering? The heart will do anything for love, but shame, insecurity and fear are powerful adversaries, especially when our chef is still in denial about The Perfect Ingredient he has searched the world for and never found.
Ava Miles has whipped up another delicious romance with that small town flavor she has mastered so well. Either she is one of Cupid’s little helpers, or she carries her own set of love-tipped arrows that will pierce your heart with warmth, humor and the charm of Dare Valley.
I received this copy from Ava Miles in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Dare Valley - Book 7
Publication Date: November 18, 2014
Publisher: Ava Miles
ISBN-10: 1940565154
ISBN-13: 978-1940565156
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 358 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 11, 2015
It has got to be hard to write a boy meets girl, boy falls in love, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back story, and make it seem different from all the others. I think Ava Miles does that by making you fall in love with her characters. Looking forward to more of her stories.
May 9, 2019
There's a lot of overlap with other books in the series so this doesn't really standalone - I read having only read the first 2 and that spoilt some of the enjoyment as I missed some of the relationship build up which happened in the book before.
February 17, 2018
Meh...have to read whole series to really follow. Lots of characters and side stories that having started with this book first were hard to follow.
June 25, 2019
I’m hooked
I absolutely love the way Ava Miles weaves her story lines and have the characters develop from one book into another. I have added her to my authors list - her style being similar to another favorite author of mine, Beverly Jenkins. Congrats to both authors!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I absolutely love the way Ava Miles weaves her story lines and have the characters develop from one book into another. I have added her to my authors list - her style being similar to another favorite author of mine, Beverly Jenkins. Congrats to both authors!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
November 18, 2014
THE PERFECT INGREDIENT is a beautiful love story about two people who never expected to fall in love - and have a hard time recognizing it for what it is. Terrance Waters is an up and coming chef with an explosive career on the horizon. He's about to launch a television reality show and a new line of products. He has been put on probation by the studio executives because of his hair-trigger temper, bad-boy image and VERY colorful language. He has to prove that he is ready for prime-time.
Elizabeth Saunders is a professional poker scout, Latin dance instructor and Harvard graduate. We met her in THE PARK OF SUNSET DREAMS. She was one of Rhett Butler Blalock's "girls", aka Vixen. She has abandoned that role and is no longer hiding behind the Vixen facade. This makes her nervous, as she is hiding from a very high profile stalker. For me, this touching story was about the rebirth of a woman (Elizabeth Saunders/Liz Parenti) who had never really had a chance to live her life as herself since she left college. She had a brief interlude with Terrance Waters while in the character of Vixen, but left him with an "it's been fun" note. Terrance is surprised to find her in Dare Valley and recognizes her, even though she is not dressed in her Vixen persona.
Let me just say that I am in LOVE with Terrance Waters! When you finish this book, you will be too! He is a sexy and sweet alpha-male - AND a chef! What more could a girl want? Evidently it's not enough to win over Elizabeth Saunders. She refuses to have anything to do with Chef T. He is determined to find out why. Terrance is discovering that the only woman who can fill his heart is the one woman he can't have. He's willing to go to any lengths to get a date with her. Elizabeth is just as determined to stay away from him. Let the dance begin...literally (wink)!
I have to pause here to talk about the food aspect of this book. I almost fainted over the dessert served at a tasting event that Terrance sponsored to launch a new menu. It had an almond brickle topping with slices of local honeycomb...and the bacon-wrapped jalapenos! OMG! I almost ate my Kindle more than once while reading this book! The descriptions of the food and beverages were phenomenal. You just want to call the High Stakes Restaurant and make a reservation. The food at the Brasserie is also swoon-worthy. Dare Valley is definitely a diner's delight!
Ava Miles has captivated me with her fantastic, sexy, romantic stories. Love, loss, lies, grief, finding happiness in the face of adversity, romance, humor, bravery, hot sex scenes, marriages, births and totally awesome characters are all present in the Dare Valley series. I highly recommend THE PERFECT INGREDIENT. This tale of stubborn yet persistent love takes us on a heartbreaking and soul-searing journey. Brava, Ava Miles! As long as you write them, I will read them.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review. All conclusions are my own.
Elizabeth Saunders is a professional poker scout, Latin dance instructor and Harvard graduate. We met her in THE PARK OF SUNSET DREAMS. She was one of Rhett Butler Blalock's "girls", aka Vixen. She has abandoned that role and is no longer hiding behind the Vixen facade. This makes her nervous, as she is hiding from a very high profile stalker. For me, this touching story was about the rebirth of a woman (Elizabeth Saunders/Liz Parenti) who had never really had a chance to live her life as herself since she left college. She had a brief interlude with Terrance Waters while in the character of Vixen, but left him with an "it's been fun" note. Terrance is surprised to find her in Dare Valley and recognizes her, even though she is not dressed in her Vixen persona.
Let me just say that I am in LOVE with Terrance Waters! When you finish this book, you will be too! He is a sexy and sweet alpha-male - AND a chef! What more could a girl want? Evidently it's not enough to win over Elizabeth Saunders. She refuses to have anything to do with Chef T. He is determined to find out why. Terrance is discovering that the only woman who can fill his heart is the one woman he can't have. He's willing to go to any lengths to get a date with her. Elizabeth is just as determined to stay away from him. Let the dance begin...literally (wink)!
I have to pause here to talk about the food aspect of this book. I almost fainted over the dessert served at a tasting event that Terrance sponsored to launch a new menu. It had an almond brickle topping with slices of local honeycomb...and the bacon-wrapped jalapenos! OMG! I almost ate my Kindle more than once while reading this book! The descriptions of the food and beverages were phenomenal. You just want to call the High Stakes Restaurant and make a reservation. The food at the Brasserie is also swoon-worthy. Dare Valley is definitely a diner's delight!
Ava Miles has captivated me with her fantastic, sexy, romantic stories. Love, loss, lies, grief, finding happiness in the face of adversity, romance, humor, bravery, hot sex scenes, marriages, births and totally awesome characters are all present in the Dare Valley series. I highly recommend THE PERFECT INGREDIENT. This tale of stubborn yet persistent love takes us on a heartbreaking and soul-searing journey. Brava, Ava Miles! As long as you write them, I will read them.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review. All conclusions are my own.
November 18, 2014
The Perfect Ingredient by Ava Miles is the seventh book in her Dare Valley series. I have to confess that this is my favorite book of the series.
Terrance Waters is a celebrity chef known as Chef T. He had a really tough childhood and learning to cook brought him peace of mind, self-confidence and now fame. He is totally Alpha in his outlook toward his friends and the woman he loves.
Elizabeth is struggling to overcome her past and move forward. Like many woman who have experienced abusive pasts, she seems to always be waiting for "the other shoe to fall". She is working on it but it's small steps and none of them are easy.
Elizabeth, as Vixen, and Chef T had a month together two years ago. Unfortunately, she felt she had to leave. She had never trusted him enough to tell him who she really was under that disguise. When her fears pushed her to leave, she thought she would never see him again. Doesn't life have a wonderful way of giving people in love second chances?
These characters are richly detailed. Their hopes, fears, pain and love are all their for the readers to feel. The story is complex because of the difficulties they encounter during this second chance romance. Together they grew so much as each of them faced both current and past adversities. It was great visiting with the secondary characters because they are all people that readers of Ava's Dare Valley series have already met and grown to love. Oh, and the Latin dance class was so worth it. I laughed and I got teary eyed while reading this story. I am so glad that I got to visit Dare Valley again.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Terrance Waters is a celebrity chef known as Chef T. He had a really tough childhood and learning to cook brought him peace of mind, self-confidence and now fame. He is totally Alpha in his outlook toward his friends and the woman he loves.
Elizabeth is struggling to overcome her past and move forward. Like many woman who have experienced abusive pasts, she seems to always be waiting for "the other shoe to fall". She is working on it but it's small steps and none of them are easy.
Elizabeth, as Vixen, and Chef T had a month together two years ago. Unfortunately, she felt she had to leave. She had never trusted him enough to tell him who she really was under that disguise. When her fears pushed her to leave, she thought she would never see him again. Doesn't life have a wonderful way of giving people in love second chances?
These characters are richly detailed. Their hopes, fears, pain and love are all their for the readers to feel. The story is complex because of the difficulties they encounter during this second chance romance. Together they grew so much as each of them faced both current and past adversities. It was great visiting with the secondary characters because they are all people that readers of Ava's Dare Valley series have already met and grown to love. Oh, and the Latin dance class was so worth it. I laughed and I got teary eyed while reading this story. I am so glad that I got to visit Dare Valley again.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2014
Ava Miles has created the perfect blend of romance, passion, lost love, and second chances! I was on the edge of my seat with this one, rooting for Elizabeth and Terrence.
Elizabeth has his behind her role of Vixen and just recently unveiled herself. She has her reasons for not wanting anyone to know the real her. Her past has caused her to create a new identity. Only those closest to her know what has happened.
Terrence is a rough guy from the wrong side of town. He has made his way and is now a celebrity chef. But he has never forgotten his summer spent with Vixen. She reached places in him that no one has before. And then she was gone. Just like that.
When they reunite, her issues with his protective violence resurface and she eventually tells him most of her past. But when a business deal for him ends badly, his trust and faith in her is shattered. Can Elizabeth face her demons and do what she has to do to save his career and her sanity? Has Terrence finally found his perfect ingredient just to lose it?
Elizabeth has his behind her role of Vixen and just recently unveiled herself. She has her reasons for not wanting anyone to know the real her. Her past has caused her to create a new identity. Only those closest to her know what has happened.
Terrence is a rough guy from the wrong side of town. He has made his way and is now a celebrity chef. But he has never forgotten his summer spent with Vixen. She reached places in him that no one has before. And then she was gone. Just like that.
When they reunite, her issues with his protective violence resurface and she eventually tells him most of her past. But when a business deal for him ends badly, his trust and faith in her is shattered. Can Elizabeth face her demons and do what she has to do to save his career and her sanity? Has Terrence finally found his perfect ingredient just to lose it?
November 18, 2014
This was such a great read I'm not sure where to start! While this is part of a series, it can certainly stand alone. I've only read book 1 in the series so far but had no problem keeping up. I will certainly re-read once I've read the other books in between because I think I would appreciate the secondary characters even more! I adored Terrence! He was the perfect combination of tough and sweet. In an effort to stop swearing, he donates $100 to charity for every swear word he says! And the dancing lessons...I just loved him. Elizabeth was a great as well, and I loved that her strength really came through as the book progressed. And the food references throught the book made me drool! I just can't wait to read Natalie and Blake's story! It was set up so well and 2015 can't come soon enough!
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2014
The Perfect Ingredient is well...perfect! Bad boy Chef T has a brief past with Elizabeth. When they are brought back together in Dare Valley they realize that they still sizzle. They both have things in their past that they are trying to put behind them. Together they learn to trust, and tell each other their secrets. Well...most of their secrets. Will that one last secret tear them apart? This book made me laugh (Latin dance class), made me want to shake them (tell him/her damn it!!), and made me happy when they finally were able to trust enough to tell their stories publicly and allow it to bring them back together. Give Terrence and Elizabeth's story a try. I think you will find that it could be the "perfect ingredient" for your book shelf or e-reader!
November 18, 2014
I will start by saying that I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I haven't read all of the series, yet. I will be fixing that soon. I won't go into all of the details of the book, but will say that this is a wonderful story. It made me laugh out loud a few times, but also touched my heart. I haven't ever faced the issues that Elizabeth faced in her past, but this gave me a real sense of what it would have been like. You really feel like you are a part of the community as you read this series. We are able to get to know the characters as though they are long lost friends, or at least you wish they could be! It is very well written and a joy to read!
December 8, 2014
I really super love Ava Miles. Every book written by her is a winner and her writing just gets better and better. My previous favorite book by her was The Chocolate Garden but after reading The Perfect Ingredient, this has become my latest most favorite book.
I really love how Ava Miles is able to make you laugh, cry and make your insides fuzzy. The most epic part of the story I think was the dance class that Terrance and his friends attended. I laughed so hard I cried. And I was really touched not only by Terrance's love for Elizabeth, but also the friendship and support by the guys.
Really can't wait for the next Ava Miles book.
I really love how Ava Miles is able to make you laugh, cry and make your insides fuzzy. The most epic part of the story I think was the dance class that Terrance and his friends attended. I laughed so hard I cried. And I was really touched not only by Terrance's love for Elizabeth, but also the friendship and support by the guys.
Really can't wait for the next Ava Miles book.
November 14, 2014
LOVED IT! I fell in love with Terrance. He worked so hard to make his life better and has kept looking for his perfect ingredient. He was surprised to find out that it isn't a what, but a who. He really has to prove to Elizabeth that he is more than his reputation. He even attends her Latin dancing exercise class to get a date. Elizabeth has good reason not to trust anyone. She is learning that there are people who will genuinely love her, whether she is Vixen or Elizabeth. Great story! My new favorite of this series.
November 16, 2014
An endearing tale of two people who beat the odds by creating their own success. But success doesn't come without a price both financially and personally. Terrance and Elizabeth meet again after Elizabeth had slipped away with only a note of goodbye. Time has not erased their attraction if anything it has increased it! When love comes along with it comes the desire to protect those who are loved. Secrets and twists and turns create an interesting journey. It's a great continuation of the Dare Valley adventure.
November 18, 2014
Ava Miles did a great job creating this wonderful heartwarming story of love. I couldn't wait to read it and was not disappointed. The story draws you in so that you don't want to put the book down. The food descriptions make you drool. I got so involved in the story and characters that I laughed and cried with them. It is definitely a keep and read again type of book. Love it!
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review. All conclusions are my own
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review. All conclusions are my own
November 17, 2014
Another well written story from Dare Valley as only Ava Miles can bring us. The characters are detailed and have real life issues they deal with. Terrance and Elizabeth struggle to overcome things from their pasts but it is not easy. Finding your perfect ingredient in all aspects of your life is difficult but well worth the journey. Loved everything about this book, it is well worth reading.
Received copy for review.
Received copy for review.
November 18, 2014
Another terrific book by Ava Miles. Elizabeth Saunders has her secrets, and for a good reason. Terrance Waters is a chef with a bad boy image he needs to clean up. They both find themselves in Dare Valley. They also share a brief past. Terrance is determined to start something with Elizabeth again. She resists. But the sparks fly between them! Then her past comes back to haunt her. Will it destroy both of them? A book you won't want to put down!
November 17, 2014
Amazing chef and a beautiful woman hiding from her past. The Perfect Ingredient........full review on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com. o n November 20th
February 2, 2015
Loved their story!!!
I love the Dare Valley series, they just keep getting better! Can't wait for the next book to come out. Just bought the first book of the other Dare series.
I love the Dare Valley series, they just keep getting better! Can't wait for the next book to come out. Just bought the first book of the other Dare series.
June 16, 2025
This is the story of Elizabeth Saunders - one of the pair of Raven and Vixen, Rhett Butler Baylock's Poker Babes. But being Vixen was the way Elizabeth hid herself from her scary past, in which Vince Harwick threatened to kill her before he would see her with another man. So when previous lover, and celebrity chef, Terrence Waters shows up in Dare Valley to work as the head chef at Mac Maven's restaurant, High Stakes, Elizabeth is nervous to attach herself to someone with so much celebrity. However, for Terrence, Elizabeth represents the one woman who first captured his heart and then left him behind. What will it take for these two to trust each other? How will they handle Vince finding Elizabeth again? Read to find out!
August 1, 2023
I don’t know why I keep reading this series. These are some of the most frustrating characters, and the author doesn’t know what themes we are supposed to be following.
In one chapter Elizabeth is terrified by a guy who won’t take no for an answer (already problematic enough) and the next chapter, we are supposed to sympathize with Blake after he calls his ex-wife a b*!tch because she is asking him to leave her alone and he won’t take no for an answer (even more problematic)
I really enjoyed the first few books in this series, but at this point I am just uncomfortable reading these characters.
In one chapter Elizabeth is terrified by a guy who won’t take no for an answer (already problematic enough) and the next chapter, we are supposed to sympathize with Blake after he calls his ex-wife a b*!tch because she is asking him to leave her alone and he won’t take no for an answer (even more problematic)
I really enjoyed the first few books in this series, but at this point I am just uncomfortable reading these characters.
May 3, 2019
My perfect Ingredients
As my title sys they are my perfect Ingredients. I'm so glad I got to read this book eventually. I've had an operation and their story took my mind off my pain as they helped each other through theirs. This is such an inspirational book to others who have gone through and still are going through these awful things that life throws at you. Their story is so real. Thank you Ava hugs xx
As my title sys they are my perfect Ingredients. I'm so glad I got to read this book eventually. I've had an operation and their story took my mind off my pain as they helped each other through theirs. This is such an inspirational book to others who have gone through and still are going through these awful things that life throws at you. Their story is so real. Thank you Ava hugs xx
December 20, 2022
Enjoyable Read
I enjoyed this cute story. So now there is 2 chefs in Dare Valley. For some reason the book was slow moving for me. I just wasn't all that crazy about the main characters. The main characters were cute but not over the top exciting like wanting to know more about them. However I think I enjoyed the banter between all the friends better. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in series.
I enjoyed this cute story. So now there is 2 chefs in Dare Valley. For some reason the book was slow moving for me. I just wasn't all that crazy about the main characters. The main characters were cute but not over the top exciting like wanting to know more about them. However I think I enjoyed the banter between all the friends better. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in series.
February 26, 2024
I LOVE coming here to see your reviews;, but never comment so if I want suggestions to read I should let you know what I am interested it.
I am an old lady and looking for novels that make a little more sense. This book wasn't for me. I am up to Chapter 13 and quit. I think this novel was be great for teens or young adults. I love coming here to get your comments before I download a book. Thank you for being here and letting me share..
I am an old lady and looking for novels that make a little more sense. This book wasn't for me. I am up to Chapter 13 and quit. I think this novel was be great for teens or young adults. I love coming here to get your comments before I download a book. Thank you for being here and letting me share..
October 12, 2017
Not my favorite
I felt like everything was settled with sex with these two characters. I felt like more could have been written about the stalking and how Elizabeth was dealing with it or what she had done. Just did not like these two characters at all.
I felt like everything was settled with sex with these two characters. I felt like more could have been written about the stalking and how Elizabeth was dealing with it or what she had done. Just did not like these two characters at all.
March 13, 2018
I have read all of the Dare Valley books so far and I have to say that this one was by far my favorite. It made me cry and laugh so hard that I cried again. I have loved every one of these series. Can't wait to read Sam's and Faith's story.
June 16, 2018
this is one of the best series i have read in a long time. the characters are all crossed in each book so you can still enjoy hearing about the ones you loved from previous books. ava miles is an amazing author and i cannot wait to start the next story!
April 4, 2020
I’ve followed since book 1. Will continue til the end. Thank you Ava Miles. Love the personal stories of each character. Thank you for entertaining me thru this difficult time in our world. I can’t stop reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews