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Just Desserts #1
Soufflés at Sunrise
“Welcome to a new season of Burned, where we find fresh new cooking talent… and a few culinary disasters! Every season we do something a little different, and this time it’s all about the sweet things in life. Get ready in week one as twenty pastry chef hopefuls and dessert connoisseurs compete for the thirteen coveted workspaces in our Burned kitchen. With stakes this big, we ask the one question on everyone’s Do these chefs have what it takes to rise to the top? Or will they get Burned?”
Burned contestants Chase and Kai are attracted from the start and can’t wait to spend more time getting to know each other… until they see the first episode treatment and realize the producers intend to portray them as bitter enemies. At first it’s fun to pretend to bicker—enemies on film, lovers when the cameras stop rolling—but soon it’s hard not to take the faux rivalry seriously. It’s only when their choice is to band together and bake their way to the final or get burned that they find where their real loyalties lie.
Burned contestants Chase and Kai are attracted from the start and can’t wait to spend more time getting to know each other… until they see the first episode treatment and realize the producers intend to portray them as bitter enemies. At first it’s fun to pretend to bicker—enemies on film, lovers when the cameras stop rolling—but soon it’s hard not to take the faux rivalry seriously. It’s only when their choice is to band together and bake their way to the final or get burned that they find where their real loyalties lie.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2015
31 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
M.J. O'Shea
85 books946 followersMJ O’Shea has never met a music festival, paintbrush, or
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 5, 2016
~3.5~
I was so ready to love this book.
SWEETS and MEN on FIRE.
What's not to love, right?
I've been hooked on Bravo's Top Chef since season 1, so I sort of hate to believe this book's rather jaded take on cooking reality shows: It's not the talent but the looks; it's all rigged; contestants are forced to play up an image; and conflicts are encouraged for drama.
Kai, an exotic, self-assured pastry chef originally from Hawaii, and Chase, a blonde farm boy from Wisconsin who owns an artisanal ice cream shop, are competitors, but they soon become lovers.
I loved the competition aspect of this book, the description of the various desserts, the highs and lows.
And I liked both MCs. Kai has a total arrogant, poor-me asshole moment that almost ruins everything, and Chase sure as hell knows how to hold a grudge. But they both felt real to me.
What was really missing here (at least for me) was the romance.
Maybe it's because nearly the entire book takes places on a television set? *shrugs* I just wasn't feeling the chemistry.
Also this: Where is the steam? The steam, people, THE STEAM. There is ONE singular smexy scene here. The rest are off page or truncated, fade to black.
There are hints at domination/submission, but none of it plays out long enough to be believable.
The men tip-toe around their needs and wants. They hedge about sex. They talk round and round the future. It's all so damn tentative.
The ending felt more definitive than the barely there HFN that happened in book 1. I would consider it a HEA, not a sparkly one, but enough.
The writing was spot on and polished. This was a FUN, easy read.
I LIKED this book. I did. But I wanted more depth in Kai and Chase's relationship; more SEX, fewer soufflés.
Rounded UP because the concept was creative and I'm a sucker for those beautiful, golden Island boys.
I was so ready to love this book.
SWEETS and MEN on FIRE.
What's not to love, right?
I've been hooked on Bravo's Top Chef since season 1, so I sort of hate to believe this book's rather jaded take on cooking reality shows: It's not the talent but the looks; it's all rigged; contestants are forced to play up an image; and conflicts are encouraged for drama.
Kai, an exotic, self-assured pastry chef originally from Hawaii, and Chase, a blonde farm boy from Wisconsin who owns an artisanal ice cream shop, are competitors, but they soon become lovers.
I loved the competition aspect of this book, the description of the various desserts, the highs and lows.
And I liked both MCs. Kai has a total arrogant, poor-me asshole moment that almost ruins everything, and Chase sure as hell knows how to hold a grudge. But they both felt real to me.
What was really missing here (at least for me) was the romance.
Maybe it's because nearly the entire book takes places on a television set? *shrugs* I just wasn't feeling the chemistry.
Also this: Where is the steam? The steam, people, THE STEAM. There is ONE singular smexy scene here. The rest are off page or truncated, fade to black.
There are hints at domination/submission, but none of it plays out long enough to be believable.
The men tip-toe around their needs and wants. They hedge about sex. They talk round and round the future. It's all so damn tentative.
The ending felt more definitive than the barely there HFN that happened in book 1. I would consider it a HEA, not a sparkly one, but enough.
The writing was spot on and polished. This was a FUN, easy read.
I LIKED this book. I did. But I wanted more depth in Kai and Chase's relationship; more SEX, fewer soufflés.
Rounded UP because the concept was creative and I'm a sucker for those beautiful, golden Island boys.
March 20, 2015
Yum, yum, yum!
This was a lip-smacking tasty treat. I’m not much of a telly girl; I rarely watch any shows. I prefer to have music playing in the house, but if my family is home…the boob tube is on. (what a weird name aye?) It’s typical background noise for me. My hubby loves food shows; from Andrew and his freaky foods from around the world to Triple D’s driving adventures to Top Chef. If you’re a foodie and food competitions rank high on your list of entertainment, you should take notice of this one.
It was exactly as if I was watching reality tv…only better. Set in sunny LA, we tag-along with Kai and Chase as they fight to stay in the Burned chef competition. Each week the contestants are presented with a challenge, must create delectable desserts and stay away from the bottom two slots during judging. The cast of thirteen must live together (in a gorgeous luxury condo) and sign secrecy contracts to stay tight lipped about the happenings behind the scenes until the show airs. Little drama with the cast and crew, it was mostly a smooth ride. Mostly.
Kailua is driven, determined and deadly in the kitchen. He left his home of paradise in Hawaii and moved to Los Angles to gain experience and prepare for his ultimate dream…winning Burned. Chase is quiet, shy and humble. He’s from the quiet country of Wisconsin and owns an Organic Ice Cream Parlor. They are as opposite as can be, yet are immediately drawn to one another. Despite agreeing to NO fraternization with other competitors, they can’t fight it. They find they have something together that neither of them realized they were missing. I love it when you find something that you never knew you HAD to have.
They turn up the heat in and out of the kitchen…and somebody is bound to get scorched. The question becomes- is their relationship more important than the competition?
I enjoyed both Kai and Chase. A golden surfer with long raven locks, cocky in the kitchen but prefers a different role with his lover mixed with a tall muscular blond with a rosy blush and a hidden desire to take charge behind closed doors…what’s not to like? The spotlight is mainly on the competition and how they will navigate it together. As you can imagine, their joined forces must fracture as they near the final weeks. You can’t hold you lover’s hand while you fight for the top.
Their quick passion and curious discoveries in the bedroom was smokin’. It wasn’t heavy on the smexy, but I thought it was balanced with length of the story.They were a fun couple and it was a fun story. I can certainly say that I was entertained.
A lovely lighthearted and easy read. *sigh* Sometimes that is just what I’m looking for.
A fabulous collaboration of authors style as well. A perfect blend and they complement each other well. I missed the first dose of sugary goodness in this series, but didn’t have any trouble. Definitely a stand-alone. I will come back for seconds though, and I’m thinking macarons sound perfect!
*4 simply-sweet stars*
This was a lip-smacking tasty treat. I’m not much of a telly girl; I rarely watch any shows. I prefer to have music playing in the house, but if my family is home…the boob tube is on. (what a weird name aye?) It’s typical background noise for me. My hubby loves food shows; from Andrew and his freaky foods from around the world to Triple D’s driving adventures to Top Chef. If you’re a foodie and food competitions rank high on your list of entertainment, you should take notice of this one.
It was exactly as if I was watching reality tv…only better. Set in sunny LA, we tag-along with Kai and Chase as they fight to stay in the Burned chef competition. Each week the contestants are presented with a challenge, must create delectable desserts and stay away from the bottom two slots during judging. The cast of thirteen must live together (in a gorgeous luxury condo) and sign secrecy contracts to stay tight lipped about the happenings behind the scenes until the show airs. Little drama with the cast and crew, it was mostly a smooth ride. Mostly.
Kailua is driven, determined and deadly in the kitchen. He left his home of paradise in Hawaii and moved to Los Angles to gain experience and prepare for his ultimate dream…winning Burned. Chase is quiet, shy and humble. He’s from the quiet country of Wisconsin and owns an Organic Ice Cream Parlor. They are as opposite as can be, yet are immediately drawn to one another. Despite agreeing to NO fraternization with other competitors, they can’t fight it. They find they have something together that neither of them realized they were missing. I love it when you find something that you never knew you HAD to have.
They turn up the heat in and out of the kitchen…and somebody is bound to get scorched. The question becomes- is their relationship more important than the competition?
I enjoyed both Kai and Chase. A golden surfer with long raven locks, cocky in the kitchen but prefers a different role with his lover mixed with a tall muscular blond with a rosy blush and a hidden desire to take charge behind closed doors…what’s not to like? The spotlight is mainly on the competition and how they will navigate it together. As you can imagine, their joined forces must fracture as they near the final weeks. You can’t hold you lover’s hand while you fight for the top.
Their quick passion and curious discoveries in the bedroom was smokin’. It wasn’t heavy on the smexy, but I thought it was balanced with length of the story.They were a fun couple and it was a fun story. I can certainly say that I was entertained.
A lovely lighthearted and easy read. *sigh* Sometimes that is just what I’m looking for.
A fabulous collaboration of authors style as well. A perfect blend and they complement each other well. I missed the first dose of sugary goodness in this series, but didn’t have any trouble. Definitely a stand-alone. I will come back for seconds though, and I’m thinking macarons sound perfect!
*4 simply-sweet stars*
March 3, 2015
The first book of the series has set the tone of M.J. O’Shea and Anna Martin’s collaboration into something that is maybe a hit or miss for both authors’ fans. These two are in my top 10 favorite authors from this genre and for some reason; their partnership doesn’t quite equate into something spectacular as a fan of both (moi!) would expect. That’s not to say the book was awful though, it’s actually far from that.
Soufflés at Sunrise is a cute story - two guys who found each other in the midst of a reality cooking TV show. Kailua Chin is a chef who left Hawaii and settled in California to try out for the show. He’s confident and very intense and sees himself already winning the top plum in the show. Country boy Chase Christensen grew up in a farm and has his own Ice-cream business in Wisconsin. He’s shy, sweet and very easy in the eye. At the show, they were pitted against each other with the producer orchestrating a mock rivalry for the viewers. But behind the scenes and off cam – they can’t seem to get their hands off each other.Things went wrong when their personal involvement started to get in the way of the competition. And then Chase discovered something that may change their plans for the show…and change things with Kai.
The first half of the story was a bit dull for my taste. I thought it was repetitive until Chase and Kai spent their days off at Kai’s loft (If I remember it right, it was during chapter seven when things started to pick up. Thank gawd!) The sex scenes between them were hot but there’s not too many of it. I thought the D/s tinge in those scenes was such a treat but I’m glad that the authors didn’t overdo it. I would’ve been mad if they did. It was already out of character from Chase and if they went beyond those verbal “domination” then I’m totally refunding this book!
I think it’s safe to say that anyone who’s into cooking / baking desserts would have an orgasm reading this oh-so-sweet story. The chemistry between Chase and Kai was incredible and the oh-so-many desserts in the story was almost info overload for me since I didn’t care one bit about it.
Needless to say, the story has its moments and just like the first book in the series – there are some things that’s still lacking (I want excessive romancing from the MCs next time please!) but overall, it’s still an enjoyable read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Soufflés at Sunrise is a cute story - two guys who found each other in the midst of a reality cooking TV show. Kailua Chin is a chef who left Hawaii and settled in California to try out for the show. He’s confident and very intense and sees himself already winning the top plum in the show. Country boy Chase Christensen grew up in a farm and has his own Ice-cream business in Wisconsin. He’s shy, sweet and very easy in the eye. At the show, they were pitted against each other with the producer orchestrating a mock rivalry for the viewers. But behind the scenes and off cam – they can’t seem to get their hands off each other.Things went wrong when their personal involvement started to get in the way of the competition. And then Chase discovered something that may change their plans for the show…and change things with Kai.
The first half of the story was a bit dull for my taste. I thought it was repetitive until Chase and Kai spent their days off at Kai’s loft (If I remember it right, it was during chapter seven when things started to pick up. Thank gawd!) The sex scenes between them were hot but there’s not too many of it. I thought the D/s tinge in those scenes was such a treat but I’m glad that the authors didn’t overdo it. I would’ve been mad if they did. It was already out of character from Chase and if they went beyond those verbal “domination” then I’m totally refunding this book!
I think it’s safe to say that anyone who’s into cooking / baking desserts would have an orgasm reading this oh-so-sweet story. The chemistry between Chase and Kai was incredible and the oh-so-many desserts in the story was almost info overload for me since I didn’t care one bit about it.
Needless to say, the story has its moments and just like the first book in the series – there are some things that’s still lacking (I want excessive romancing from the MCs next time please!) but overall, it’s still an enjoyable read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
May 30, 2015
2.5 stars
It started quite nicely -- I was intrigued with the cooking competition setting of it. I mean I enjoy watching Masterchef Australia (it has LESS drama than the US one) so I was expecting some inventive themes, stress, frustration, and triumph. But it went down the drain as I went further along. I guess I don't like the idea that this kind of cooking reality TV is a set-up for the drama (. I don't want to believe that there are no genuine merits that the contestants received.
However, the real problem for me was that the story meandered along the flat line and I was getting bored.
It was said that Kai and Chase had to act as 'foes' in front of camera. The thing is, those scenes were mainly happened off page. I wanted to see some lively arguments, even if they were fake. There were no tension (Kai and Chase hit it off as friends very early on), no fireworks, it was just, well, nice...
The authors did introduce a conflict, but it happened in the last 20% of the book. It was a similar issue that I had with book #1; a 'late' conflict couldn't help the humdrum tone for the previous 3/4 of the book.
The writing was good, the characters likeable. I liked the food references (I ended up googling images of some of the desserts mentioned and they looked mouth-watering). However, if I was able to round up the rating for book #1 (because the macarons recipe were intriguing), this one had too many "sweet desserts" for me. In the end, I need more spice.
It started quite nicely -- I was intrigued with the cooking competition setting of it. I mean I enjoy watching Masterchef Australia (it has LESS drama than the US one) so I was expecting some inventive themes, stress, frustration, and triumph. But it went down the drain as I went further along. I guess I don't like the idea that this kind of cooking reality TV is a set-up for the drama (. I don't want to believe that there are no genuine merits that the contestants received.
However, the real problem for me was that the story meandered along the flat line and I was getting bored.
It was said that Kai and Chase had to act as 'foes' in front of camera. The thing is, those scenes were mainly happened off page. I wanted to see some lively arguments, even if they were fake. There were no tension (Kai and Chase hit it off as friends very early on), no fireworks, it was just, well, nice...
The authors did introduce a conflict, but it happened in the last 20% of the book. It was a similar issue that I had with book #1; a 'late' conflict couldn't help the humdrum tone for the previous 3/4 of the book.
The writing was good, the characters likeable. I liked the food references (I ended up googling images of some of the desserts mentioned and they looked mouth-watering). However, if I was able to round up the rating for book #1 (because the macarons recipe were intriguing), this one had too many "sweet desserts" for me. In the end, I need more spice.
Want to read
March 6, 2015Ready for my next dose of good sugar!
August 23, 2021
Cute, light-hearted read that fed neatly into my love for Top Chef and GBBO. Not too substantive but a pleasant way to while away an afternoon.
January 24, 2023
Cute and sweet. Started strong but ending was flat. I liked the Great British Bake-off vibes. The characters felt like they were early 20’s instead of 28 and 33. So much giggling.
December 12, 2025
Detailed desserts but
glossed over kink and sudden
ending. Fine, I guess?
glossed over kink and sudden
ending. Fine, I guess?
Want to read
August 19, 20208/19/20 Currently FREE via Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Souffles-Sunri...
September 8, 2020
2 and 1/2 stars. I really wanted to like this book. I loved the idea and I liked both Chase and Kai. Their story was good, but I got bored with the competition. I also though there was too much telling and too much inner monologue.
March 10, 2015
Judge me if you will, but I’m an absolute slave to reality TV. And when reality TV is paired with m/m books, well shit, it’s like Christmas and my birthday have come at once. I’ve read my way through all the ones I know of – the singing shows, the dancing shows, the dating shows, but I think that this is the first cooking show story that I’ve come across. If somehow I’ve missed an m/m version of Survivor or I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, I’d be forever indebted to the person who points me at it!
Burned brings together thirteen aspiring dessert chefs who are looking for fame and glory and a nice cash prize. Eight men and five women, housed together in a luxury penthouse apartment, forced to share bedrooms and bathrooms – I really wish there’d been a little more bitching between the contestants. Each week they’re forced to battle it out through themed eliminations, while three celebrity judges critique the creations they produce…yada yada yada, well, you all know how these cooking shows work. I don’t know why, but I particularly liked the skeevy host. I got and image in my head of Caesar Flickerman (from the Hunger Games) and I just loved it every time he made a brief appearance.
Our two main characters are Chase and Kai. Chase is a wholesome farm-boy who owns his own organic ice-cream store back in his home town. He’s not at all confident to be up against trained chefs but he really wants the recognition for his small business. Kai, on the other hand, oozes confidence and enters the competition pretty much expecting to win. He knows that he’s better than most of the others and he’s prepared to play the game. When Chase is flustered and falling behind during their elimination round Kai offers to help, knowing it will win him popularity points. The two men are attracted to each other right from the start, and see no reason not to secretly start dating, even though it’s against the rules of their contract.
This story was a little slow to start as the contestants work their way through the various weekly challenges. I know sometimes books with chefs can cram in too much food info, and it’s possible that some people may think that about this book but, for me, the authors did a fab job of skating that line between too much and not enough. In fact, I think I’d be more likely to whine if we saw less of the show, that is the point of the book after all.
I totally enjoyed the way the relationship between the men developed. At first I wondered why the authors included the domination games the men began playing in the bedroom. I thought it was completely out of character and to start with I didn’t really like it. But then as Chase found some confidence in the kitchen the reasons the authors included it made sense and I actually liked that twist. Usually if a story includes “the big misunderstanding” I want to knock off a few stars on principal. It’s one of my pet hates. But I must say that I was impressed with the way the…fight, for lack of a better word, between Chase and Kai was written.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Now I just need to go back and read the first one and then wait patiently for the next. Oh, yes. I forgot to mention that this is part of a series, but no worries, they’re all standalone stories.
Bonus points for the croquembouche, because what’s a reality cooking show without one, and for this epic line,
“This week you chose to make something wholesome and traditional. It’s the best thing this judge has had in his mouth since your dick.”
This book was reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2015/03/0...
Burned brings together thirteen aspiring dessert chefs who are looking for fame and glory and a nice cash prize. Eight men and five women, housed together in a luxury penthouse apartment, forced to share bedrooms and bathrooms – I really wish there’d been a little more bitching between the contestants. Each week they’re forced to battle it out through themed eliminations, while three celebrity judges critique the creations they produce…yada yada yada, well, you all know how these cooking shows work. I don’t know why, but I particularly liked the skeevy host. I got and image in my head of Caesar Flickerman (from the Hunger Games) and I just loved it every time he made a brief appearance.
Our two main characters are Chase and Kai. Chase is a wholesome farm-boy who owns his own organic ice-cream store back in his home town. He’s not at all confident to be up against trained chefs but he really wants the recognition for his small business. Kai, on the other hand, oozes confidence and enters the competition pretty much expecting to win. He knows that he’s better than most of the others and he’s prepared to play the game. When Chase is flustered and falling behind during their elimination round Kai offers to help, knowing it will win him popularity points. The two men are attracted to each other right from the start, and see no reason not to secretly start dating, even though it’s against the rules of their contract.
This story was a little slow to start as the contestants work their way through the various weekly challenges. I know sometimes books with chefs can cram in too much food info, and it’s possible that some people may think that about this book but, for me, the authors did a fab job of skating that line between too much and not enough. In fact, I think I’d be more likely to whine if we saw less of the show, that is the point of the book after all.
I totally enjoyed the way the relationship between the men developed. At first I wondered why the authors included the domination games the men began playing in the bedroom. I thought it was completely out of character and to start with I didn’t really like it. But then as Chase found some confidence in the kitchen the reasons the authors included it made sense and I actually liked that twist. Usually if a story includes “the big misunderstanding” I want to knock off a few stars on principal. It’s one of my pet hates. But I must say that I was impressed with the way the…fight, for lack of a better word, between Chase and Kai was written.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Now I just need to go back and read the first one and then wait patiently for the next. Oh, yes. I forgot to mention that this is part of a series, but no worries, they’re all standalone stories.
Bonus points for the croquembouche, because what’s a reality cooking show without one, and for this epic line,
“This week you chose to make something wholesome and traditional. It’s the best thing this judge has had in his mouth since your dick.”
This book was reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2015/03/0...
February 25, 2015
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
A parody on many of the chef shows on food networks, this story involves the men and women who are competing on Burned for a chance to win a hundred thousand dollars and a year’s training at a prestigious chef’s academy in France. Principally, the story revolves around Chase Christiansen from Wisconsin and Kai Chin, originally from Hawaii—two men who are attracted to each other right from the start, despite the fact that they signed contracts stating that there'd be no fraternization among players. To top that off, they’re informed by the producers that they will need to appear to be enemies, sniping at each other, and in general, making each other’s lives difficult.
The story started out very slowly and didn’t really engage my interest until nearly the halfway point. However, once it did, I found it difficult to put down. Though their attraction was evident from the beginning, Chase and Kai definitely had a very slow buildup of sexual tension in their relationship. They certainly couldn’t have sex in the condo they shared with the other contestants, especially since there were four men in their room. They respected each other enough to decide not to engage in any risky behavior in non-traditional locations so they bided their time and finally got together when they had a break of several days and they drove to Kai’s apartment in LA. What I liked about these early segments was the slow buildup of the romance with a concentration on kissing and snuggling and getting to know each other well.
When they finally did have sex, Chase seemed to have gained a very dominant side to his personality and Kai, contrary to all other areas of his life, was content to give up control and allow Chase to lead and take care of the two of them. There was some indication that they might eventually explore more about a D/s lifestyle in the future but neither really knew enough about it at this point in their lives.
Concurrent with the development of their romance, each chapter of the book focuses on one week of the show, the stresses on and off camera, the desserts each contestant made, and of course, which chef was “burned”.
When Kai’s ego and fear take over his mouth during a particularly stressful week and he hurts Chase badly, their supposed rivalry on screen becomes real and the two battle toward the finish. A surprise twist at the end of the story resolves the sticky question of who will be left behind, and it was a fun and interesting story right up to the last page.
Because of the fact that I wasn’t engaged early, my overall rating is 3.5. I just can’t equate this story with books I’ve rated higher, but many readers will enjoy this as the light-hearted and sweet romance that it is and I'm sure will really enjoy it. It is a fun spoof of food challenge shows and provides a few hours of entertainment along with a nice helping of sexy guys in love.
Rounding it up to 4 stars on Goodreads because of my love of the authors work and the fact that I liked it more than 3 stars would indicate.
A parody on many of the chef shows on food networks, this story involves the men and women who are competing on Burned for a chance to win a hundred thousand dollars and a year’s training at a prestigious chef’s academy in France. Principally, the story revolves around Chase Christiansen from Wisconsin and Kai Chin, originally from Hawaii—two men who are attracted to each other right from the start, despite the fact that they signed contracts stating that there'd be no fraternization among players. To top that off, they’re informed by the producers that they will need to appear to be enemies, sniping at each other, and in general, making each other’s lives difficult.
The story started out very slowly and didn’t really engage my interest until nearly the halfway point. However, once it did, I found it difficult to put down. Though their attraction was evident from the beginning, Chase and Kai definitely had a very slow buildup of sexual tension in their relationship. They certainly couldn’t have sex in the condo they shared with the other contestants, especially since there were four men in their room. They respected each other enough to decide not to engage in any risky behavior in non-traditional locations so they bided their time and finally got together when they had a break of several days and they drove to Kai’s apartment in LA. What I liked about these early segments was the slow buildup of the romance with a concentration on kissing and snuggling and getting to know each other well.
When they finally did have sex, Chase seemed to have gained a very dominant side to his personality and Kai, contrary to all other areas of his life, was content to give up control and allow Chase to lead and take care of the two of them. There was some indication that they might eventually explore more about a D/s lifestyle in the future but neither really knew enough about it at this point in their lives.
Concurrent with the development of their romance, each chapter of the book focuses on one week of the show, the stresses on and off camera, the desserts each contestant made, and of course, which chef was “burned”.
When Kai’s ego and fear take over his mouth during a particularly stressful week and he hurts Chase badly, their supposed rivalry on screen becomes real and the two battle toward the finish. A surprise twist at the end of the story resolves the sticky question of who will be left behind, and it was a fun and interesting story right up to the last page.
Because of the fact that I wasn’t engaged early, my overall rating is 3.5. I just can’t equate this story with books I’ve rated higher, but many readers will enjoy this as the light-hearted and sweet romance that it is and I'm sure will really enjoy it. It is a fun spoof of food challenge shows and provides a few hours of entertainment along with a nice helping of sexy guys in love.
Rounding it up to 4 stars on Goodreads because of my love of the authors work and the fact that I liked it more than 3 stars would indicate.
March 16, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
I have to confess: I had more than one reason to pick up this book. Not only did I love the first book in this series, although that’s not a requirement as they both seem to be standalones at this point, but I have an addiction to cooking shows. So this book was right up my alley. And it’s totally as sweet as you think it’s going to be.
Chase and Kai are too adorable together with their hidden love affair that’s not so hidden. Chase is the ice cream guru who is basically stumbling through wondering why he’s even on the show half of the time. He’s the guy that everyone likes. I love Kai for his cockiness because really confidence is super sexy, but when he’s with Chase, he shows his softer, more vulnerable side. My one problem is that Kai, for all the talks about not being comfortable with public displays, jumps right in with barely a hiccup to his way of thinking. It’s hardly believable. Even for a man who’s been in LA for the past three months.
The slow build of Chase and Kai’s relationship was very good. I like that they don’t rush into anything and even by the end, they’re not all “I’ll love you for the rest of forever.” What they have is realistic. Mostly. I’m not exactly sure how I feel about their intimate life. It’s not bad, and I wouldn’t exactly call it awkward. It’s difficult to explain. They’re trying new things. For both of them domination and submission is new, but something they want to try. It’s not bondage and the kink scene, but simple D/s with more emphasis on domination. And it’s kind of sweet. Where I waver is that neither man seems the part. It was hard for me to reconcile the bedroom couple with the actual couple. I’m not sure that I’m explaining it right, but the gist is it didn’t fit quite right.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
I have to confess: I had more than one reason to pick up this book. Not only did I love the first book in this series, although that’s not a requirement as they both seem to be standalones at this point, but I have an addiction to cooking shows. So this book was right up my alley. And it’s totally as sweet as you think it’s going to be.
Chase and Kai are too adorable together with their hidden love affair that’s not so hidden. Chase is the ice cream guru who is basically stumbling through wondering why he’s even on the show half of the time. He’s the guy that everyone likes. I love Kai for his cockiness because really confidence is super sexy, but when he’s with Chase, he shows his softer, more vulnerable side. My one problem is that Kai, for all the talks about not being comfortable with public displays, jumps right in with barely a hiccup to his way of thinking. It’s hardly believable. Even for a man who’s been in LA for the past three months.
The slow build of Chase and Kai’s relationship was very good. I like that they don’t rush into anything and even by the end, they’re not all “I’ll love you for the rest of forever.” What they have is realistic. Mostly. I’m not exactly sure how I feel about their intimate life. It’s not bad, and I wouldn’t exactly call it awkward. It’s difficult to explain. They’re trying new things. For both of them domination and submission is new, but something they want to try. It’s not bondage and the kink scene, but simple D/s with more emphasis on domination. And it’s kind of sweet. Where I waver is that neither man seems the part. It was hard for me to reconcile the bedroom couple with the actual couple. I’m not sure that I’m explaining it right, but the gist is it didn’t fit quite right.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
March 21, 2015
Big NO
REVIEW @Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
Usually when I give a book a three stars I mean I like it. In this case I gave Soufflés at Sunrise by M.J. O’Shea and Anna Martin three stars just for the writing, but I honestly didn’t enjoy it. If I’d have to give a rating just following my liking I honestly give it two stars. I totally appreciated the concept of story, the writing and the ending. But the first word that comes to mind when I think about this book is boring and nothing else, because I couldn’t feel anything between MCs. Were they attracted to each other? I really don’t know, they seemed to me friends that sometimes had meaningless sex, with no chemistry or love at all.
Soufflés at Sunrise is the second book in the Just Desserts series by Anna Martin and M.J. O’Shea. The first one, Macarons at Midnight, wasn’t good too but I wanted to give this series a second chance cause I loved some of the books these two authors wrote, but I haven’t changed my opinion.
Of course there’s a lot of food talking (that I love hearing about) and being set in a food tv show there are also other characters, a lot of them, but all of them without depth, I know nothing more than their names. In the end I everything came to me as shallow.
I always feel bad say negative things about a book cause I have no idea about all the hard work a writer put in it, but unfortunately sometimes a book doesn’t work and I can’t connect with it. So I’m sorry I can’t recommend this series to you.
Cover art by L.C. Chase. I’m a foodie girl so this cover is a winner to me. I just wish my desserts could be so beautiful!
REVIEW @Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
Usually when I give a book a three stars I mean I like it. In this case I gave Soufflés at Sunrise by M.J. O’Shea and Anna Martin three stars just for the writing, but I honestly didn’t enjoy it. If I’d have to give a rating just following my liking I honestly give it two stars. I totally appreciated the concept of story, the writing and the ending. But the first word that comes to mind when I think about this book is boring and nothing else, because I couldn’t feel anything between MCs. Were they attracted to each other? I really don’t know, they seemed to me friends that sometimes had meaningless sex, with no chemistry or love at all.
Soufflés at Sunrise is the second book in the Just Desserts series by Anna Martin and M.J. O’Shea. The first one, Macarons at Midnight, wasn’t good too but I wanted to give this series a second chance cause I loved some of the books these two authors wrote, but I haven’t changed my opinion.
Of course there’s a lot of food talking (that I love hearing about) and being set in a food tv show there are also other characters, a lot of them, but all of them without depth, I know nothing more than their names. In the end I everything came to me as shallow.
I always feel bad say negative things about a book cause I have no idea about all the hard work a writer put in it, but unfortunately sometimes a book doesn’t work and I can’t connect with it. So I’m sorry I can’t recommend this series to you.
Cover art by L.C. Chase. I’m a foodie girl so this cover is a winner to me. I just wish my desserts could be so beautiful!
September 27, 2016
it was sweet, tasty and sexy.
the problem is it was not as sexy as the first book in the series ,too sweet for my liking and not tasty enough for me.
i liked the blurb and the plot was cool, but MCs felt plastic and I didn't feel connection with them. if there was chemistry between them, i didn't feel it either. Plus the ending was just ridiculous, no one throws away his dreams and all these money to be "fair".
the problem is it was not as sexy as the first book in the series ,too sweet for my liking and not tasty enough for me.
i liked the blurb and the plot was cool, but MCs felt plastic and I didn't feel connection with them. if there was chemistry between them, i didn't feel it either. Plus the ending was just ridiculous, no one throws away his dreams and all these money to be "fair".
April 19, 2015
Love watching their relationship develop with the backdrop of the cooking show. It was a great way to get to know them both. Great story with some fun twists.
October 11, 2015
Sexy food, sexy characters and a nice story. I loved it.
June 30, 2017
2.5 stars
It was liking-at-first sight for Kai and Chase. The Top Chef -like set up was great, despite there not being as much drama as the real show.
All the desserts were super yummy.
My biggest problem was both Kai and Chase were lovely people separately. But together they were boring. There was manufactured angst towards the end, which did not work for me.
This book could have been a lot more, but fell short for me.
It was liking-at-first sight for Kai and Chase. The Top Chef -like set up was great, despite there not being as much drama as the real show.
All the desserts were super yummy.
My biggest problem was both Kai and Chase were lovely people separately. But together they were boring. There was manufactured angst towards the end, which did not work for me.
This book could have been a lot more, but fell short for me.
March 4, 2021
3.5 really.
That was interesting, the game/reality show was engaging! Of course, all the descriptions of food were wonderful!
But that ending? Awwww...kinda just the beginning, right? I want to know what happens. LOL
That was interesting, the game/reality show was engaging! Of course, all the descriptions of food were wonderful!
But that ending? Awwww...kinda just the beginning, right? I want to know what happens. LOL
July 17, 2017
This story didn't make me crave sweets like the previous book, probably because of the mistakes and food I have not eaten before. I did really like Kai and Chase though.
October 9, 2019
3.5 stars
I really liked this but I was missing the actual romance I think.
I really liked this but I was missing the actual romance I think.
November 24, 2019
Loved the show atmosphere and suspense! I really want to taste Chase's ice cream and Kai's creations :)
December 6, 2020
Ending a little flat.
June 30, 2023
I really didn't finish this book. To me. It was too drawn out and the book didn't flow for me. It wasn't what I thought it to be. I'm not even going to read the other two books.
August 3, 2016
Al primo libro di questa serie (Just Desserts, di cui – care amiche telespettatrici a cui spaccio harmony gay e che ho invitato a spulciare le mie rec per sapere se poi tale libro che vi ho consigliato nel muzzo mi è piaciuto o meno – fanno parte in ordine: Macarons at Midnight, Souffles at Sunrise e Devil’s Food at Dusk) ho dato 3 stelline su 5 e non 2 solo perché mi era piaciuta come era stata gestita l’ambientazione e come fosse stata resa vivida.
Qui però non c’è manco questo, e io invece mi aspettavo un miglioramento rispetto al primo libro.
La trama è piatta, segue troppo passo dopo passo quanto detto nella sinossi e in più si appiattisce pure sullo show culinario narrato, seguendolo troppo in maniera meccanica e insapore. Non solo: stando a quanto detto nella sinossi, leggendo ci si aspetta di vedere le falsi litigate fra i due protagonisti che devono fingersi rivali, e invece no, avvengono clamorosamente off screen! Tolto questo elemento, non c’è più gusto a leggere di una relazione segreta, perché al lettore non è dato leggere come la coppia finge davanti agli altri di essere ciò che non è.
Altro punto a sfavore sono i personaggi.
Sono la copia esatta di quelli del primo libro.
In Macarons Henry aveva i capelli neri e ricci lunghi abbastanza da essere legati in un piccolo codino sulla nuca, pelle scuretta, un rapporto un po’ freddino con i genitori e una sorella che faceva la fangirl con la sua vita sentimentale. Stessa cosa Kai di Souffles.
In Macarons Tristan aveva i capelli biondi dorati, pelle lattea, le guance gli diventavano spesso rosse, un buon rapporto con una famiglia molto calorosa e un’aura da ragazzo proveniente da una piccola città/dalla campagna. Stessa cosa qui Chase.
Copia carbone. Vengono usate pure le stesse parole per descriverli fisicamente.
Solo Henry/Kai è stato un po’ diversificato dandogli delle origini hawaiane, quindi in teoria dovrebbe avere gli occhi a mandorla, però i capelli restano uguali e lo stesso tutto il resto. A parte che le origini dei personaggi vengono appiccicate addosso ai personaggi come stereotipi (tipo, siccome Kai è hawaiano, allora gli piace surfare e indossare le infradito, e siccome Chase è campagnolo allora indossa camicie a quadri e c’ha la fattoria con le mucche… WTF).
Ci sono tre singoli tratti che Kai ha in più rispetto a Henry, che però non giocano affatto a favore del romanzo: Kai è un grandissimo pallone gonfiato estremamente sicuro di sé, ha un ego gigante ed è fastidiosamente competitivo. Ma tipo da prenderlo a schiaffi. È talmente competitivo da essere invidioso dei successi di Chase, e questo non è per niente carino e coccoloso da leggere, non è un classico difettuccio adorabile in un personaggio che in fondo a volte ci può stare.
Ci sono rimasta male, perché Just Desserts mi sembrava davvero una serie carina da leggere, soprattutto perché si presentava bene fin dalle copertine: al posto dei soliti maschioni mezzi nudi ha delle foto di dolci con colori carini e un font simpatico, ed è stato questo dettaglio ad attirarmi e spingermi a cliccare sopra la serie per leggere le trame dei singoli libri, mi sembravano qualcosa di diverso. E invece…
E ancora una volta la fine è brusca, sembra proprio un vizio delle due autrici :|
Ho delle aspettative molto basse per l’ultimo libro della serie che mi rimane da leggere, ma voglio essere fiduciosa, dai.
Qui però non c’è manco questo, e io invece mi aspettavo un miglioramento rispetto al primo libro.
La trama è piatta, segue troppo passo dopo passo quanto detto nella sinossi e in più si appiattisce pure sullo show culinario narrato, seguendolo troppo in maniera meccanica e insapore. Non solo: stando a quanto detto nella sinossi, leggendo ci si aspetta di vedere le falsi litigate fra i due protagonisti che devono fingersi rivali, e invece no, avvengono clamorosamente off screen! Tolto questo elemento, non c’è più gusto a leggere di una relazione segreta, perché al lettore non è dato leggere come la coppia finge davanti agli altri di essere ciò che non è.
Altro punto a sfavore sono i personaggi.
Sono la copia esatta di quelli del primo libro.
In Macarons Henry aveva i capelli neri e ricci lunghi abbastanza da essere legati in un piccolo codino sulla nuca, pelle scuretta, un rapporto un po’ freddino con i genitori e una sorella che faceva la fangirl con la sua vita sentimentale. Stessa cosa Kai di Souffles.
In Macarons Tristan aveva i capelli biondi dorati, pelle lattea, le guance gli diventavano spesso rosse, un buon rapporto con una famiglia molto calorosa e un’aura da ragazzo proveniente da una piccola città/dalla campagna. Stessa cosa qui Chase.
Copia carbone. Vengono usate pure le stesse parole per descriverli fisicamente.
Solo Henry/Kai è stato un po’ diversificato dandogli delle origini hawaiane, quindi in teoria dovrebbe avere gli occhi a mandorla, però i capelli restano uguali e lo stesso tutto il resto. A parte che le origini dei personaggi vengono appiccicate addosso ai personaggi come stereotipi (tipo, siccome Kai è hawaiano, allora gli piace surfare e indossare le infradito, e siccome Chase è campagnolo allora indossa camicie a quadri e c’ha la fattoria con le mucche… WTF).
Ci sono tre singoli tratti che Kai ha in più rispetto a Henry, che però non giocano affatto a favore del romanzo: Kai è un grandissimo pallone gonfiato estremamente sicuro di sé, ha un ego gigante ed è fastidiosamente competitivo. Ma tipo da prenderlo a schiaffi. È talmente competitivo da essere invidioso dei successi di Chase, e questo non è per niente carino e coccoloso da leggere, non è un classico difettuccio adorabile in un personaggio che in fondo a volte ci può stare.
Ci sono rimasta male, perché Just Desserts mi sembrava davvero una serie carina da leggere, soprattutto perché si presentava bene fin dalle copertine: al posto dei soliti maschioni mezzi nudi ha delle foto di dolci con colori carini e un font simpatico, ed è stato questo dettaglio ad attirarmi e spingermi a cliccare sopra la serie per leggere le trame dei singoli libri, mi sembravano qualcosa di diverso. E invece…
E ancora una volta la fine è brusca, sembra proprio un vizio delle due autrici :|
Ho delle aspettative molto basse per l’ultimo libro della serie che mi rimane da leggere, ma voglio essere fiduciosa, dai.
April 2, 2015
Competing on the hit cooking show, Burned, can be stressful on its own. Add a blossoming romance, manufactured drama and the pressure to win, and the process can be downright disastrous! Contestants Kai and Chase find themselves in this predicament as they claw their way to the top of the ranks in an effort to win national recognition and compensation.
I loved this book! Cooking competition shows like Top Chef, Chopped and The Great British Bake Off, and cooking are two of my (many) hobbies. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I love anything having to with the creation of delicious dishes, so this book was right up my alley.
O'Shea and Martin's previous offering the Just Desserts series, Macarons at Midnight, was also enjoyable, but this book knocked the ball out of the park! I found the MCs to be very likable and relatable, and the competitions were fascinating. It's not often that you read about characters making choux pastry and croquembouches. The food nerd inside me went wild!
Kailua Chin is intense, driven and at the top of his game in the culinary world. A win on Burned would be just what he needs to not only gain more respect, but also provide him with the outlet to work for himself and create the dishes he wants to cook.
This is how I imagine Kai.
Godfrey Gao *swoon*
Chase Christiansen, a native of Wisconsin, is the all-American, farm raised good guy. He runs a small, but popular, ice cream shop and feels he's a little in over his head on Burned. However, he's determined to be the last one standing.
This is Chase in my mind.
Paul Walker *RIP*
The chemistry between Chase and Kai sizzles from their very first meeting. There are a few bumps in the road, they are competing against each other on a tv show after all, but watching their journey was definitely a treat!
I highly recommend this great read! Even if you're not a foodie, you will enjoy the cooking competition backdrop and the romantic storyline.
For more m/m romance reviews, visit Slashsessed.
I loved this book! Cooking competition shows like Top Chef, Chopped and The Great British Bake Off, and cooking are two of my (many) hobbies. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I love anything having to with the creation of delicious dishes, so this book was right up my alley.
O'Shea and Martin's previous offering the Just Desserts series, Macarons at Midnight, was also enjoyable, but this book knocked the ball out of the park! I found the MCs to be very likable and relatable, and the competitions were fascinating. It's not often that you read about characters making choux pastry and croquembouches. The food nerd inside me went wild!
Kailua Chin is intense, driven and at the top of his game in the culinary world. A win on Burned would be just what he needs to not only gain more respect, but also provide him with the outlet to work for himself and create the dishes he wants to cook.
This is how I imagine Kai.
Godfrey Gao *swoon*
Chase Christiansen, a native of Wisconsin, is the all-American, farm raised good guy. He runs a small, but popular, ice cream shop and feels he's a little in over his head on Burned. However, he's determined to be the last one standing.
This is Chase in my mind.
Paul Walker *RIP*
The chemistry between Chase and Kai sizzles from their very first meeting. There are a few bumps in the road, they are competing against each other on a tv show after all, but watching their journey was definitely a treat!
I highly recommend this great read! Even if you're not a foodie, you will enjoy the cooking competition backdrop and the romantic storyline.
For more m/m romance reviews, visit Slashsessed.
March 7, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
3.5 stars
I’m a huge fan of Top Chef so this book really appealed to me. I found the competition and all the goodies they make part of this book pretty interesting. The potential for the couple in the beginning was promising but they quickly give into their attraction. There was little to no hiding it and the tension just fizzled out. The aspect of the forbidden secret romance was pretty much voided once all the roommates in the condo knew they’d hooked up. There was a lot of sweet get to know you time. Not much smexy and when they did hook up the D/s light feel just didn’t work for me. It felt forced. I even skimmed a sex scene.
Another thing that didn’t connect for me is that in the beginning Kai is this nice but cocky and suave guy. Then he turns into a self conscious mess. Yes those shows put a lot of pressure on a guy and people crumble but I just felt a big disconnect from the guy at the beginning of the book to the guy at the end of the book. Chase was kind of the same but seemed more realistic to me. At first he was self conscious and didn’t think he belonged there or had any chance of winning. As the competition goes on he gains confidence and starts to stand out in the competition.
I did like the couple. The guys getting to know each other was sweet and funny in the make you smile while you’re reading it kind of way. The Burned reality show gave the book some excitement. Being a fan of reality cooking TV shows I totally understood where they were coming from. Sadly for me this book started off great and tapered off as it went along. The ending was adorable and I can totally see that happening. I of course will pick up the next book in the series because I do enjoy a something sweet sometimes. AND these books are definitely sweet!
3.5 stars
I’m a huge fan of Top Chef so this book really appealed to me. I found the competition and all the goodies they make part of this book pretty interesting. The potential for the couple in the beginning was promising but they quickly give into their attraction. There was little to no hiding it and the tension just fizzled out. The aspect of the forbidden secret romance was pretty much voided once all the roommates in the condo knew they’d hooked up. There was a lot of sweet get to know you time. Not much smexy and when they did hook up the D/s light feel just didn’t work for me. It felt forced. I even skimmed a sex scene.
Another thing that didn’t connect for me is that in the beginning Kai is this nice but cocky and suave guy. Then he turns into a self conscious mess. Yes those shows put a lot of pressure on a guy and people crumble but I just felt a big disconnect from the guy at the beginning of the book to the guy at the end of the book. Chase was kind of the same but seemed more realistic to me. At first he was self conscious and didn’t think he belonged there or had any chance of winning. As the competition goes on he gains confidence and starts to stand out in the competition.
I did like the couple. The guys getting to know each other was sweet and funny in the make you smile while you’re reading it kind of way. The Burned reality show gave the book some excitement. Being a fan of reality cooking TV shows I totally understood where they were coming from. Sadly for me this book started off great and tapered off as it went along. The ending was adorable and I can totally see that happening. I of course will pick up the next book in the series because I do enjoy a something sweet sometimes. AND these books are definitely sweet!
July 26, 2015
Both Chase and Kai are contestant on a cooking show. The producers decide that the two need to be “rivals” in order to spice up the show. They even have it decided whose to win…
The two men quickly become lovers, however, instead. There are a very few hurdles for the men to traverse, especially when they get together long term as Chase lives in Wisconsin and Kai in California, but those are managed easily enough.
**
A lot of this book happens “on air” while the cooking show takes place and to me it kept me distanced from these two MCs.
I never quite felt connected or invested in their relationship. The writing of both Anna Martin and MJ O’Shea is wonderful – as always – but I wasn’t really that enthralled with the romance.
The recipes are neat and the mocking look at reality cooking shows was funny if not a little cynical.
John-Paul Barrell does the narration and he does an okay job. Nothing too spectacular in terms of voice modulation, but easy to listen to for the most part. Sometimes he ends the dialog on an up note that got repetitive, but mostly this was an enjoyable listen.
For both the audiobook and the story itself 3 of 5 stars for a nice, light, enjoyable read/listen.
The two men quickly become lovers, however, instead. There are a very few hurdles for the men to traverse, especially when they get together long term as Chase lives in Wisconsin and Kai in California, but those are managed easily enough.
**
A lot of this book happens “on air” while the cooking show takes place and to me it kept me distanced from these two MCs.
I never quite felt connected or invested in their relationship. The writing of both Anna Martin and MJ O’Shea is wonderful – as always – but I wasn’t really that enthralled with the romance.
The recipes are neat and the mocking look at reality cooking shows was funny if not a little cynical.
John-Paul Barrell does the narration and he does an okay job. Nothing too spectacular in terms of voice modulation, but easy to listen to for the most part. Sometimes he ends the dialog on an up note that got repetitive, but mostly this was an enjoyable listen.
For both the audiobook and the story itself 3 of 5 stars for a nice, light, enjoyable read/listen.
August 2, 2015
I loved this. I love Chase and Kai and how they try to fight the attraction and find each other to be annoying at first but found they were attracted to each other. Chase has the classic training and Kai was more island flavor type.
The writing is lighthearted and fun. The antics they get into are awesome and the challenges are interesting. I hated what the producers were doing to them. The other chefs were cool about them as well.
Chase and Kai belong together. They balanced each other out. Chase was more straightlaced and needed the lightness of Kai. Kai was island and relaxed and needed more of the classic of Chase. They encouraged each other and propelled each other to go forward and put the best foot forward.
The characters bring out the best and worst in each other and the plot is really entertaining. A fun entertaining book that takes place on a cooking competition where love prevails and two people decide to do what is right in the end no matter what the cost.
The writing is lighthearted and fun. The antics they get into are awesome and the challenges are interesting. I hated what the producers were doing to them. The other chefs were cool about them as well.
Chase and Kai belong together. They balanced each other out. Chase was more straightlaced and needed the lightness of Kai. Kai was island and relaxed and needed more of the classic of Chase. They encouraged each other and propelled each other to go forward and put the best foot forward.
The characters bring out the best and worst in each other and the plot is really entertaining. A fun entertaining book that takes place on a cooking competition where love prevails and two people decide to do what is right in the end no matter what the cost.
March 30, 2015
Don't Wait Around for the Souffle to Collapse
You can see where this plot is likely to go pretty shortly after you start this book, and as the title implies (though it is my implication, not the authors), it can go one of two ways: 1) it can collapse like a poorly executed soufflé, or, 2) it can bubble and steam and rise and keep rising and settle beautifully when it comes out of the oven.
Some of the characters are assholes, some are sweet, the whole situation of this take-off on cooking reality shows is eye-opening and somewhat disconcerting. But what keeps it going are Kai and Chase, two total opposites in every sense of the word who cook up brilliant dishes for the judges while cooking up a nearly star-crossed romance for themselves. How they manage to get the soufflé of love to come out perfectly is a treat in itself. Dig in!
You can see where this plot is likely to go pretty shortly after you start this book, and as the title implies (though it is my implication, not the authors), it can go one of two ways: 1) it can collapse like a poorly executed soufflé, or, 2) it can bubble and steam and rise and keep rising and settle beautifully when it comes out of the oven.
Some of the characters are assholes, some are sweet, the whole situation of this take-off on cooking reality shows is eye-opening and somewhat disconcerting. But what keeps it going are Kai and Chase, two total opposites in every sense of the word who cook up brilliant dishes for the judges while cooking up a nearly star-crossed romance for themselves. How they manage to get the soufflé of love to come out perfectly is a treat in itself. Dig in!
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