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Taste
Determined to fulfill her dream of becoming a chef and winning a coveted scholarship to study cooking in Italy, Ki Blake rushes in late to the first class of her final semester at Kirkwood Culinary Academy and is stopped in her tracks by Taryn Ellis, the school’s newest instructor. A beautiful and accomplished chef, Taryn has walked away from her promising career in the city’s top restaurant to devote her life to her five-year-old daughter.
Ki and Taryn try their best to resist the urge to give in to the undeniable chemistry between them. And when at last they begin a passionate affair that must be kept a secret, they are each convinced it’s only a short-term fling.
It’s up to both Ki and Taryn to decide whether they have found something genuine or whether the taste of romance they’ve had is truly enough.
Ki and Taryn try their best to resist the urge to give in to the undeniable chemistry between them. And when at last they begin a passionate affair that must be kept a secret, they are each convinced it’s only a short-term fling.
It’s up to both Ki and Taryn to decide whether they have found something genuine or whether the taste of romance they’ve had is truly enough.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2016
25 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Kris Bryant
28 books714 followersPodcast with Tara Scott at queerlyrecommended.com
Multi-award winning author Kris Bryant was born in Tacoma, WA but has lived all over the world and now considers Kansas City her home. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Missouri and spends a lot of her time buried in books. She enjoys hiking, photography, spending time with her family, and her dog, Molly (who gets more attention than she does on Facebook).
Her first novel, Jolt, was a Lambda Literary Finalist. Forget Me Not was selected by the American Library Association's 2018 Over the Rainbow book list and was a Golden Crown Finalist for Contemporary Romance. Breakthrough won a 2019 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Listen won a 2020 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Temptation won a 2021 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Not Guilty written under Bryant's pen name - Brit Ryder - won a 2022 Goldie for Erotica. Kris can be reached at krisbryantbooks@gmail or ww.krisbryant.net, @krisbryant14.
Jolt - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Whirlwind Romance - ebook, paperback
Just Say Yes (Novella in the wedding series) - ebook only
Taste - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forget Me Not - ebook, paperback
Shameless (written as Brit Ryder) - ebook, audiobook
Girl Next Door Anthology - "Dog Day of Summer" - ebook, paperback
Touch - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Breakthrough - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Against All Odds - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Travel Anthology (short by Brit Ryder) - ebook, paperback
Listen - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Falling - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Tinsel - ebook, audiobook
Temptation - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Lucky - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Home - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Scent - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Not Guilty writing as Brit Ryder - ebook, paperback (audiobook in the works)
Always - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forever - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Stranded Hearts (with Amanda Radley & Emily Smith) - ebook, paperback
Serendipity - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Multi-award winning author Kris Bryant was born in Tacoma, WA but has lived all over the world and now considers Kansas City her home. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Missouri and spends a lot of her time buried in books. She enjoys hiking, photography, spending time with her family, and her dog, Molly (who gets more attention than she does on Facebook).
Her first novel, Jolt, was a Lambda Literary Finalist. Forget Me Not was selected by the American Library Association's 2018 Over the Rainbow book list and was a Golden Crown Finalist for Contemporary Romance. Breakthrough won a 2019 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Listen won a 2020 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Temptation won a 2021 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Not Guilty written under Bryant's pen name - Brit Ryder - won a 2022 Goldie for Erotica. Kris can be reached at krisbryantbooks@gmail or ww.krisbryant.net, @krisbryant14.
Jolt - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Whirlwind Romance - ebook, paperback
Just Say Yes (Novella in the wedding series) - ebook only
Taste - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forget Me Not - ebook, paperback
Shameless (written as Brit Ryder) - ebook, audiobook
Girl Next Door Anthology - "Dog Day of Summer" - ebook, paperback
Touch - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Breakthrough - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Against All Odds - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Travel Anthology (short by Brit Ryder) - ebook, paperback
Listen - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Falling - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Tinsel - ebook, audiobook
Temptation - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Lucky - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Home - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Scent - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Not Guilty writing as Brit Ryder - ebook, paperback (audiobook in the works)
Always - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forever - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Stranded Hearts (with Amanda Radley & Emily Smith) - ebook, paperback
Serendipity - ebook, paperback, audiobook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
April 5, 2019
'Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for an unbiased review'
This was so weird to read:- no depth,no character development,then i have no idea where to start explaining the likes and dislikes about the storyline. The only good thing about this book might just be the fantastic recipes being mention in great detail and also the passionate way one of the leads gave so much in to becoming a chef plus lets not forget all the unforgettable sex scenes which were hot steamy and very graphic not that it did anything for the story but i would be lying if i said that this definitely might have heat up a few pages because of their(leads) chemistry but there was none with the supporting cast just a very lackluster storyline to the end.
This was so weird to read:- no depth,no character development,then i have no idea where to start explaining the likes and dislikes about the storyline. The only good thing about this book might just be the fantastic recipes being mention in great detail and also the passionate way one of the leads gave so much in to becoming a chef plus lets not forget all the unforgettable sex scenes which were hot steamy and very graphic not that it did anything for the story but i would be lying if i said that this definitely might have heat up a few pages because of their(leads) chemistry but there was none with the supporting cast just a very lackluster storyline to the end.
March 8, 2020
Solid read with just the right amount of tension and steamy scenes.
Now I'm wondering why I haven't read more from Kris Bryant.
Now I'm wondering why I haven't read more from Kris Bryant.
October 9, 2016
I love reading romance novels. What I love about them is the story, yes, but also the tension, the pull of two people coming together. To me there is a fine line of how much sex is to be had and when in the story this should happen. I tend to like the sexy time to be after the 50% mark, but there are books that I absolutely adore that are the total opposite. Why am I droning on about this you ask? Well there are books that I read and Taste by Kris Bryant happens to be one where the story was doing pretty darn well, and then the bow chicka wow wow takes place and boom the book falls apart.
Katherine “Ki” Blake is finishing up her culinary degree. Ki has one last class to go before she graduates and becomes a chef. When she meets her new teacher, South African chef, Taryn Ellis, she is instantly attracted and can think of little else. Ki’s hot, Taryn’s hot and both give each other smoldering looks all class long. You get the drift. Add in the fact that teacher/student relationships are frowned upon and Taryn needs this job because the schedule works well for her, since she is the single mother to a six year old daughter. Conundrum!
Around the 35% mark, I thought the book was going pretty well. I thought some of the culinary topics were a little over detailed and the dishes were pretty simplistic for a chef. Too much fried chicken talk. It felt very cooking showish. I can get past that, fine whatever. What I had trouble with is that this relationship is taboo while Ki is Taryn’s student. Fine, realize you are into each other, but wait eight weeks to do anything about it. Build the angsty tension. I love the angsty tension!!! Don’t show up at your teacher’s house for sex then cry about it when she turns you down, but then jump into the sack anyways! NO!!! Well then the book just became basically erotica. Lots of monkey sex. Lots of the p has two ss ends in y word. Is that sexy to people? It’s just not to me. Drop the F-bomb like a mother but leave the p and c words at home.
Overall, the book is written fine. I liked Bryant’s last book but my personal tastes may have just not lined up with Taste. There will be people that like this one, and I did not hate it, it just didn’t float my boat, plot was thin and lacked chemistry.
2.5 stars
Katherine “Ki” Blake is finishing up her culinary degree. Ki has one last class to go before she graduates and becomes a chef. When she meets her new teacher, South African chef, Taryn Ellis, she is instantly attracted and can think of little else. Ki’s hot, Taryn’s hot and both give each other smoldering looks all class long. You get the drift. Add in the fact that teacher/student relationships are frowned upon and Taryn needs this job because the schedule works well for her, since she is the single mother to a six year old daughter. Conundrum!
Around the 35% mark, I thought the book was going pretty well. I thought some of the culinary topics were a little over detailed and the dishes were pretty simplistic for a chef. Too much fried chicken talk. It felt very cooking showish. I can get past that, fine whatever. What I had trouble with is that this relationship is taboo while Ki is Taryn’s student. Fine, realize you are into each other, but wait eight weeks to do anything about it. Build the angsty tension. I love the angsty tension!!! Don’t show up at your teacher’s house for sex then cry about it when she turns you down, but then jump into the sack anyways! NO!!! Well then the book just became basically erotica. Lots of monkey sex. Lots of the p has two ss ends in y word. Is that sexy to people? It’s just not to me. Drop the F-bomb like a mother but leave the p and c words at home.
Overall, the book is written fine. I liked Bryant’s last book but my personal tastes may have just not lined up with Taste. There will be people that like this one, and I did not hate it, it just didn’t float my boat, plot was thin and lacked chemistry.
2.5 stars
September 8, 2016
*I received this book from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in return for a fair review.*
This is one of the few times I am able to say 'I've read everything written by this author'. And, quite frankly, if that hadn't been the case, there is a good chance I wouldn't have 1) attempted to read the book; 2) continued the book but for that fact.
A combination issue. I read and enjoyed 2 of the three previous books I'd read by this author (and the third did get 3 stars). So I immediately put 'Taste' on my 'to-read' pile, and eagerly awaited it. So - my point is that I only barely glanced at the book beyond the cover and some vague idea it involved food. And chefs. Otherwise, if I'd looked closer, I might not have read the book. Teacher/student affairs are not really my thing. - that's the 'attempted to read book' part - I wouldn't have, if I had looked at a description mentioning 'teacher/student'. And the opening was such - a student more or less openly lusting after the new gorgeous teacher - almost caused me to skip the book - but for the fact I'd read and liked the author before (that and the part wherein I got the book via Netgalley and therefore had to give a good faith effort at reading the book).
Ah, how things could have worked out.
One of the things I dislike about teacher/student books is the simple part that a reoccurring theme seems to occur - it almost always seems to be the case that the two (who are both adults) are lustful over the other, and one is inches away from moving beyond the forbidden zone. Like here. Wherein the two would only have to wait two months before acting on any lustful thoughts (yeah yeah, I know, that hard). There always seems to be that dynamic - borderline free to pursue each other, but not there yet; both interested in the other.
I believe I might have been closer to a five star book, though probably not that high, if things had been as they were in the book, but instead of Ki (the student) going after Taryn (the teacher), it had been Ki (the student) going after Taryn (the student) - as in, move Taryn to Mary's place in the book, and move Mary to the teacher role - still have tension, drama, angst - what, then you'd have both competing for the same scholarship, both adults - mostly keep them as being the same characters after the shifts from teacher/student as they have in this book (age, daughter, otherwise; the difference would have to include some change wherein Taryn moved from some high paying prestigious job to school for family reasons (like actually happened in the book), but have a change in that prestigious job (since a high level chef working in a high class restaurant does not move from that to student at a chef school).
It's not like that isn't already the theme of the book - changing careers. Ki was on the way to becoming a lawyer when she shifted to pursuing cooking; Mary herself moved from nursing to cooking. So a change in career is already a part of the story-line.
Why am I going this direction instead of just switching to Mary being the love interest? Because I actually do like Taryn and Ki together, and the kid, Olivia, and their interactions and stuff. And I do not really know much about Mary (other than . . . ., what me give everything away?).
Bah. I mess up review. I move on.
I liked most of the characters. Olivia the 6 going on 16 (daughter of Taryn). Taryn the prestigious chef, mother, and teacher. And Ki, the student chef.
I was thinking, as I was reading, that that tension of 'taboo' student/teacher stuff can add it's own level of angst/drama/tension so that that could be the 'tension' in the book without having to add other things to add drama. As long as a line isn't crossed. I should mention that I wished to kill my reading device several times while reading this book - take that as you wish.
Oh - I loved the part wherein Taryn was from South Africa. I just kind of randomly declare. Added something, it did.
Well, I depart. I eagerly await 'Forget-Me-Not', the next Bryant book.
Oh wait - hmms, I'd give this book a rating nearish 3.25 to 3.75 depending on my mood about the lines that were crossed. Speaking of which - there's a ton of sex in this book.
September 7 2016
This is one of the few times I am able to say 'I've read everything written by this author'. And, quite frankly, if that hadn't been the case, there is a good chance I wouldn't have 1) attempted to read the book; 2) continued the book but for that fact.
A combination issue. I read and enjoyed 2 of the three previous books I'd read by this author (and the third did get 3 stars). So I immediately put 'Taste' on my 'to-read' pile, and eagerly awaited it. So - my point is that I only barely glanced at the book beyond the cover and some vague idea it involved food. And chefs. Otherwise, if I'd looked closer, I might not have read the book. Teacher/student affairs are not really my thing. - that's the 'attempted to read book' part - I wouldn't have, if I had looked at a description mentioning 'teacher/student'. And the opening was such - a student more or less openly lusting after the new gorgeous teacher - almost caused me to skip the book - but for the fact I'd read and liked the author before (that and the part wherein I got the book via Netgalley and therefore had to give a good faith effort at reading the book).
Ah, how things could have worked out.
One of the things I dislike about teacher/student books is the simple part that a reoccurring theme seems to occur - it almost always seems to be the case that the two (who are both adults) are lustful over the other, and one is inches away from moving beyond the forbidden zone. Like here. Wherein the two would only have to wait two months before acting on any lustful thoughts (yeah yeah, I know, that hard). There always seems to be that dynamic - borderline free to pursue each other, but not there yet; both interested in the other.
I believe I might have been closer to a five star book, though probably not that high, if things had been as they were in the book, but instead of Ki (the student) going after Taryn (the teacher), it had been Ki (the student) going after Taryn (the student) - as in, move Taryn to Mary's place in the book, and move Mary to the teacher role - still have tension, drama, angst - what, then you'd have both competing for the same scholarship, both adults - mostly keep them as being the same characters after the shifts from teacher/student as they have in this book (age, daughter, otherwise; the difference would have to include some change wherein Taryn moved from some high paying prestigious job to school for family reasons (like actually happened in the book), but have a change in that prestigious job (since a high level chef working in a high class restaurant does not move from that to student at a chef school).
It's not like that isn't already the theme of the book - changing careers. Ki was on the way to becoming a lawyer when she shifted to pursuing cooking; Mary herself moved from nursing to cooking. So a change in career is already a part of the story-line.
Why am I going this direction instead of just switching to Mary being the love interest? Because I actually do like Taryn and Ki together, and the kid, Olivia, and their interactions and stuff. And I do not really know much about Mary (other than . . . ., what me give everything away?).
Bah. I mess up review. I move on.
I liked most of the characters. Olivia the 6 going on 16 (daughter of Taryn). Taryn the prestigious chef, mother, and teacher. And Ki, the student chef.
I was thinking, as I was reading, that that tension of 'taboo' student/teacher stuff can add it's own level of angst/drama/tension so that that could be the 'tension' in the book without having to add other things to add drama. As long as a line isn't crossed. I should mention that I wished to kill my reading device several times while reading this book - take that as you wish.
Oh - I loved the part wherein Taryn was from South Africa. I just kind of randomly declare. Added something, it did.
Well, I depart. I eagerly await 'Forget-Me-Not', the next Bryant book.
Oh wait - hmms, I'd give this book a rating nearish 3.25 to 3.75 depending on my mood about the lines that were crossed. Speaking of which - there's a ton of sex in this book.
September 7 2016
November 17, 2020
Super sweet (pun intended) romance. No real angst, just fun loving and easy breezy.
September 16, 2016
I have been reading a lot of romance books with a ton of angst lately. This book was a nice change of pace and I think it's one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much. I also like the way Bryant writes.
This story is about KI, a culinary student, who falls for her teacher, Taryn. While they are both interested in each other, they know it could only be a fling or Taryn's job could be at stake. Will they follow the rules or follow their hearts?
I like watching cooking shows like Top Chef, so I immediately got sucked into the surroundings of the culinary school. I know some people don't like books from a first person perspective, but I thought it worked well for this book. You got to really be in the mind of KI and what it was like during the cooking competitions.
The romance was good, but it did feel like it was lacking a little something. Due to the first person view, you had the suspense of not knowing what Taryn was really thinking. But it also stalled the relationship a bit. The sex scenes were well written and pretty hot too.
The supporting characters were kind of a mixed bag. Some were just sort of there and others like Taryn's daughter, were great. It seems like lesfic writers in general, have been writing better kid characters lately. It's a nice change to see, and Bryant wrote an adorable 6 year-old.
If you are looking for a romance, without a ton of angst and if you enjoy reading about cooking, this book is for you.
An ARC was given to me by Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
This story is about KI, a culinary student, who falls for her teacher, Taryn. While they are both interested in each other, they know it could only be a fling or Taryn's job could be at stake. Will they follow the rules or follow their hearts?
I like watching cooking shows like Top Chef, so I immediately got sucked into the surroundings of the culinary school. I know some people don't like books from a first person perspective, but I thought it worked well for this book. You got to really be in the mind of KI and what it was like during the cooking competitions.
The romance was good, but it did feel like it was lacking a little something. Due to the first person view, you had the suspense of not knowing what Taryn was really thinking. But it also stalled the relationship a bit. The sex scenes were well written and pretty hot too.
The supporting characters were kind of a mixed bag. Some were just sort of there and others like Taryn's daughter, were great. It seems like lesfic writers in general, have been writing better kid characters lately. It's a nice change to see, and Bryant wrote an adorable 6 year-old.
If you are looking for a romance, without a ton of angst and if you enjoy reading about cooking, this book is for you.
An ARC was given to me by Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
March 6, 2019
This sweet and sexy romance left me craving for food and making love to my lovely wife. A story with very likable characters, great chemistry, hot sex scenes, lots of food and a sweet six-year-old daughter makes a fluffy and nice romance. Taste is an enjoyable read without much angst and drama. Another good one from Kris Bryant.
January 28, 2020
Very sweet, very tasty and very sexy ! Add a really tiny dose of angst, adorable secondary characters (a fluffy cat and a sweet 6 y/o girl), wonderful friends, non-likeable characters (not evil but just pure assh@!#), hot MCs and equally hot sexy scenes.... And you get some tips on cooking as well ;)) What’s not too like?
December 24, 2016
I enjoyed this book and the author's frenetic style of writing all the way....until the end. It was an interesting setting...a culinary school. A little taboo...teacher/student. Interesting and well developed main and minor characters. Very good chemistry between our two mains.
I really emjoyed the writing. It's written from the first person point of view of Ki. So we only know her thoughts and feelings. Which I think sometimes can leave a book flat. However, I did not feel that way with this book. The frantic kind of banter going on in Ki's head fit her character and I felt added some depth. I wanted to keep reading.
That leads me to my main issue with this book...the ending. It just boom...ended. All tied up in a nice little bow in like a matter of a few pages. It would have added so much to the story to have develpoed that part just a little more. It could have been much more angsty. It could have been many things. But the thing it was let this reader down....
But overall I give it 3 stars. It was good.
ARC received from publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really emjoyed the writing. It's written from the first person point of view of Ki. So we only know her thoughts and feelings. Which I think sometimes can leave a book flat. However, I did not feel that way with this book. The frantic kind of banter going on in Ki's head fit her character and I felt added some depth. I wanted to keep reading.
That leads me to my main issue with this book...the ending. It just boom...ended. All tied up in a nice little bow in like a matter of a few pages. It would have added so much to the story to have develpoed that part just a little more. It could have been much more angsty. It could have been many things. But the thing it was let this reader down....
But overall I give it 3 stars. It was good.
ARC received from publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2016
*ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review*
I started reading this book after having experienced one of the most terrifying and traumatising days of my life, so this book had quite a big job to do, I needed a pick me up and something to take my mind off of my day and reading has always been my escape. When I started reading this book the first few pages had me rethinking my decision to read this book because of the overuse of the pronoun 'I', but as I continued I got more comfortable with the authors writing because she became more comfortable with it. I grew to like Ki and it was a nice surprise when I found out that my suspicion was correct and one of the main characters was from my country, South Africa.
The story started out well and it had great promise but somewhere along the way the growth in the characters relationship seemed to become stagnant and although I still enjoyed the story I felt like I wasn't getting past the surface layer of their relationship. I liked Olivia and Jessie and I think they could have been built on more because they had such potential but were used minimally.
Another criticism that I have, which most other readers probably won't notice so you are free to ignore this, is that although the author said that Taryn is South African and she even Told Ki that she wasn't looking to lose her accent, there weren't really any 'South Africanisms' as I like to call them. I know that the author uses Mum instead of Mom but that isn't really much, it was like I was just reading another American character because I didn't identify with her as a South African at all and trust me, if you have lived in SA for as long as Taryn claimed to have, you will definitely have picked up a few unshakeable words that you can only remove from your vocabulary if you make a concerted effort.
My rating is not based on my Criticism as a South African but only on the development of the characters and the fact that the book did manage to lift my mood and keep me occupied so I would rate it 3.5 stars
I started reading this book after having experienced one of the most terrifying and traumatising days of my life, so this book had quite a big job to do, I needed a pick me up and something to take my mind off of my day and reading has always been my escape. When I started reading this book the first few pages had me rethinking my decision to read this book because of the overuse of the pronoun 'I', but as I continued I got more comfortable with the authors writing because she became more comfortable with it. I grew to like Ki and it was a nice surprise when I found out that my suspicion was correct and one of the main characters was from my country, South Africa.
The story started out well and it had great promise but somewhere along the way the growth in the characters relationship seemed to become stagnant and although I still enjoyed the story I felt like I wasn't getting past the surface layer of their relationship. I liked Olivia and Jessie and I think they could have been built on more because they had such potential but were used minimally.
Another criticism that I have, which most other readers probably won't notice so you are free to ignore this, is that although the author said that Taryn is South African and she even Told Ki that she wasn't looking to lose her accent, there weren't really any 'South Africanisms' as I like to call them. I know that the author uses Mum instead of Mom but that isn't really much, it was like I was just reading another American character because I didn't identify with her as a South African at all and trust me, if you have lived in SA for as long as Taryn claimed to have, you will definitely have picked up a few unshakeable words that you can only remove from your vocabulary if you make a concerted effort.
My rating is not based on my Criticism as a South African but only on the development of the characters and the fact that the book did manage to lift my mood and keep me occupied so I would rate it 3.5 stars
October 15, 2018
This book is unavailable on KU/Scribd.
Kindle price USD9.99
My first Ms.Bryant's. Food and romance are deadly combination especially when the hs are excellent in steaming up the kitchen and the bedroom. There's no need to call the health department, only coookings are done in the kitchen.
A very relaxing read for a forbidden romance, likeable characters, mouth watering dishes, the attraction is instant but the ILYs come only at the end.
Dear Ms.Bryant, should you decide to write a cookbook, it will definitely be on my tbr list.
Kindle price USD9.99
My first Ms.Bryant's. Food and romance are deadly combination especially when the hs are excellent in steaming up the kitchen and the bedroom. There's no need to call the health department, only coookings are done in the kitchen.
A very relaxing read for a forbidden romance, likeable characters, mouth watering dishes, the attraction is instant but the ILYs come only at the end.
Dear Ms.Bryant, should you decide to write a cookbook, it will definitely be on my tbr list.
October 23, 2017
This was a light and fluffy romance with a little conflict in a cooking competition.
December 3, 2017
Taste by Kris Bryant is a student/teacher romance set in a culinary school. If the premise makes you wonder whether this book will make you want to eat something tasty, the answer is: yes.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/taste...
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/taste...
September 18, 2016
Light & refreshing. An enjoyable read. I will definitely be checking out more of Kris Bryant's novels.
My synopsis
Ki is on her last semester at the Kirkwood Culinary Academy. When she meets her new lecturer Taryn she is instantly attracted to her.
The attraction is quite obviously mutual but Student/Teacher relationships aren't allowed at the Academy so they embark on a secret relationship. They both try to keep it casual due to Ki competing for a scholarship in Italy when the Semester ends... But can the really keep it casual when they are so destined for one another?
My review
This was the first novel I've read by Kris Bryant and I'll be reading more from her in the future. Great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was the perfect novel for snuggling up by the fire, while it was blustery day outside.
I loved the relationship between Ki and Olivia, Taryn’s young Daughter. You can tell from the beginning that their connection fuels a deeper connection between Ki and Taryn. Sex scenes where sexy and had my imagination running full throttle. The relationship between characters was believable and actually quite endearing in some of the more intimate scenes.
My only criticism would be that the novel was written from Ki’s perspective. I think it would of been great to understand more about Taryn feelings instead of waiting for her to voice them. This would have given a more 360 view of their romance.
4.5 Stars.
ARC received from NetGalley & Bold Stroke Books in return for an honest review.
My synopsis
Ki is on her last semester at the Kirkwood Culinary Academy. When she meets her new lecturer Taryn she is instantly attracted to her.
The attraction is quite obviously mutual but Student/Teacher relationships aren't allowed at the Academy so they embark on a secret relationship. They both try to keep it casual due to Ki competing for a scholarship in Italy when the Semester ends... But can the really keep it casual when they are so destined for one another?
My review
This was the first novel I've read by Kris Bryant and I'll be reading more from her in the future. Great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was the perfect novel for snuggling up by the fire, while it was blustery day outside.
I loved the relationship between Ki and Olivia, Taryn’s young Daughter. You can tell from the beginning that their connection fuels a deeper connection between Ki and Taryn. Sex scenes where sexy and had my imagination running full throttle. The relationship between characters was believable and actually quite endearing in some of the more intimate scenes.
My only criticism would be that the novel was written from Ki’s perspective. I think it would of been great to understand more about Taryn feelings instead of waiting for her to voice them. This would have given a more 360 view of their romance.
4.5 Stars.
ARC received from NetGalley & Bold Stroke Books in return for an honest review.
February 23, 2017
Very strong 3.5 rounded to a 4 star. Taste is tasty. A little bit taboo because of the student teacher ship but they're both adults. All good. It's a book about chefs so I guess I can't complain that there was a lot of food talk. :) Happily all the food talk was equally represented with some pretty steamy sex scenes. Again, all good. The characters are interesting and pretty east to relate too. Enjoyable, light read with a big helping of sex. Winning!
NetGalley ARC received for an unbiased review.
NetGalley ARC received for an unbiased review.
March 10, 2017
Cute. Simple. Sweet.
It could have used a bit more conflict, but then again, sometimes we need just the happy stories.
It could have used a bit more conflict, but then again, sometimes we need just the happy stories.
September 9, 2016
Taste by Kris Bryant
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've absolutely loved this book. It's a tender, feel-good romance. A simple story of two people falling in love, without angst or dramas so typical of this genre. At the background of this story is the food which also keeps the simplicity of the rest of the plot but also highlighting its sensual experience. The parallelism between food and love run along the whole book and the sensuality of both are skillfully portrayed by the author. The food descriptions are mouth watering and the author manages to describe the dynamism of a busy restaurant kitchen or the tension of a cookery exam with great detail.
The chemistry of the main characters is explosive and the secondary characters are all well rounded, specially Olivia, the 6 year old daughter of Taryn.
I had read Ms. Bryant's previous books and liked them but she really excels at this one. Highly recommended if you are looking for a tender slow-burn romance that leaves you feeling good.
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've absolutely loved this book. It's a tender, feel-good romance. A simple story of two people falling in love, without angst or dramas so typical of this genre. At the background of this story is the food which also keeps the simplicity of the rest of the plot but also highlighting its sensual experience. The parallelism between food and love run along the whole book and the sensuality of both are skillfully portrayed by the author. The food descriptions are mouth watering and the author manages to describe the dynamism of a busy restaurant kitchen or the tension of a cookery exam with great detail.
The chemistry of the main characters is explosive and the secondary characters are all well rounded, specially Olivia, the 6 year old daughter of Taryn.
I had read Ms. Bryant's previous books and liked them but she really excels at this one. Highly recommended if you are looking for a tender slow-burn romance that leaves you feeling good.
January 7, 2020
Deliciously sweet romance.
With the holidays approaching I was in the mood for a more fluffy read as opposed to the more angst riddled novels out there. This turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. It was a lighthearted read with very little angst and some very steamy moments between two great leads. I can imagine some readers having a problem with the fact that the story is between a teacher and a student but it really didn't bother me at all especially when I compare it to other books that revolve around the same topic. Give it a try if you haven't already. It might not 'wow' you but hopefully will at least put a smile on your face.
With the holidays approaching I was in the mood for a more fluffy read as opposed to the more angst riddled novels out there. This turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. It was a lighthearted read with very little angst and some very steamy moments between two great leads. I can imagine some readers having a problem with the fact that the story is between a teacher and a student but it really didn't bother me at all especially when I compare it to other books that revolve around the same topic. Give it a try if you haven't already. It might not 'wow' you but hopefully will at least put a smile on your face.
June 24, 2017
This second time through was in audiobook. The narrator was really great at accents. I did have issue with production quality. Not so many years ago I groused the unavailability of audio books in lesfic. Seems the industry is in boom. Nice to see, err hear :)
July 28, 2019
Great read, I really like Bryant’s writing style. Sweet story, not to much suspense. I like the teacher - student thing. Especially because the age is right, mc’s aren’t 18 anymore. The kid in the book is a nice addition and not used as a hurdle. Loved that.
The sexy scenes are great. Read it in two short sittings on the beach.
The sexy scenes are great. Read it in two short sittings on the beach.
November 18, 2016
This was a wonderful, sweet story. Taryn and Ki made for a nice couple and Olivia was just too cute. The story flowed at a good pace and it was nice to get a small glimpse into the culinary world with it's hustle and bustle. Really enjoyed it.
August 24, 2020
After every Kris Bryant book I read, I am going to review the book with lots of fangirling.
What is it about Kris Bryant's books that keep me reading even when I'm tired and my eyes are aching?
I really don't know.
I just know that I loved this book as much as I loved Touch and Listen and I am hungry after the amount of food recipes I just read.
What is it about Kris Bryant's books that keep me reading even when I'm tired and my eyes are aching?
I really don't know.
I just know that I loved this book as much as I loved Touch and Listen and I am hungry after the amount of food recipes I just read.
September 8, 2016
*The copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This was an easy, funny, fast read. The characters are very likable, the sex scenes are graphic and show you how much those two are into each other.
Now, that being said, I was actually sorry that the characters are somehow flat, without any dept, because I thought there was a serious potential to them and I actually liked them. Both of them, a lot. But somehow, somewhere between the detailed explanations of the meals prepared and sex scenes between them, it seemed like nothing else was happening...
This was an easy, funny, fast read. The characters are very likable, the sex scenes are graphic and show you how much those two are into each other.
Now, that being said, I was actually sorry that the characters are somehow flat, without any dept, because I thought there was a serious potential to them and I actually liked them. Both of them, a lot. But somehow, somewhere between the detailed explanations of the meals prepared and sex scenes between them, it seemed like nothing else was happening...
October 6, 2016
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
I enjoyed this quite a bit. It's a slow build to start with, lots of meet cutes between the two leads and Ki bonding with both Taryn and Olivia (who is a cutie), but given that Taryn is her teacher and that there's a competitive scholarship on the line, I honestly couldn't fathom why they just couldn't wait the semester. Seriously it's not like they had to wait years or something. They both know they shouldn't do anything, and discuss waiting until the semester is over and yet all of a sudden Ki just decides to escalate everything anyway.
From there it's full on romance, and there barely a scene where they're not together, so it certainly isn't a book where you're wondering when they'll spend time together.
If you're not into cooking all the restaurant scenes and cooking classes might be a bit much, but I enjoyed it. Except it made me hungry. lol.
There's not much drama here, and the 'douche' competitor is eye rollingly cliche. I saw the end coming from a mile away, but was happy that I didn't have to wade through the over wrought break up that so many lesfic books feel compelled to add.
I've read all of Kris Bryant's books, and this might be my favourite yet. It's a sweet love story, with interesting characters and a nice easy read.
Here's a tip, much like with grocery shopping, you should eat before you start. ;-)
I enjoyed this quite a bit. It's a slow build to start with, lots of meet cutes between the two leads and Ki bonding with both Taryn and Olivia (who is a cutie), but given that Taryn is her teacher and that there's a competitive scholarship on the line, I honestly couldn't fathom why they just couldn't wait the semester. Seriously it's not like they had to wait years or something. They both know they shouldn't do anything, and discuss waiting until the semester is over and yet all of a sudden Ki just decides to escalate everything anyway.
From there it's full on romance, and there barely a scene where they're not together, so it certainly isn't a book where you're wondering when they'll spend time together.
If you're not into cooking all the restaurant scenes and cooking classes might be a bit much, but I enjoyed it. Except it made me hungry. lol.
There's not much drama here, and the 'douche' competitor is eye rollingly cliche. I saw the end coming from a mile away, but was happy that I didn't have to wade through the over wrought break up that so many lesfic books feel compelled to add.
I've read all of Kris Bryant's books, and this might be my favourite yet. It's a sweet love story, with interesting characters and a nice easy read.
Here's a tip, much like with grocery shopping, you should eat before you start. ;-)
October 3, 2016
Enjoyable feel good read with a slow build up that does not disappoint. I hesitated in selecting this book to read because of the teacher/student dynamic but since they are both adults, I took a chance and I am so glad I did. This love story involves four wonderful characters (Chef Taryn Ellis, her daughter Olivia, up-and-coming Chef Kathryn Blake (Ki) and food) with a few secondary characters (Jessie, Mary, Brian and Taryn's mother Evelyn) who provide a wonderful boost. This is a girl-meets-girl with no real angst. Food is the catalyst and shines in it's simplicity and sensuality. The merging of food, love and children was a real draw for this reader. Six year-old Olivia is adorable and funny. The food is skillfully showcased by the author with enticing dishes and flavorful descriptions. Secondary characters are richly placed and add a solid foundation to the read. The detail of the cooking competition and the inter-workings of a restaurant kitchen was described to such an extent that I felt like I was right there with Mary, Scott and Ki. The chemistry between the main characters is sexy and silkily delicious.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley
September 21, 2016
Loved, loved, loved this book. It is right down my alley teacher student romance with an age gap and throw in a single Mum. The chemistry was perfect between the two and I thought the relationship developed at a good pace.
I am a fan of cooking shows so I also enjoyed the cooking theme in a school environment that was similar to competitions on the TV.
I was slightly disappointed with the ending. I thought there could have been more emotion in the end instead it just felt a bit forced. This is why I'm rating this book 4.5 stars instead of 5 stars.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
I am a fan of cooking shows so I also enjoyed the cooking theme in a school environment that was similar to competitions on the TV.
I was slightly disappointed with the ending. I thought there could have been more emotion in the end instead it just felt a bit forced. This is why I'm rating this book 4.5 stars instead of 5 stars.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
September 12, 2016
Ki and Taryn and Olivia made a cute little family and I like the build up between the two main characters. The cooking was a added bonus the description of what was being cooked had me watering at the mouth :).
Arc given by NetGalley for a honest review
Arc given by NetGalley for a honest review
March 5, 2018
This book left me with a craving for fried chicken and mushroom soufflés. Not the best romance I've read but it's sweet.
November 2, 2018
I listened to the Audio of this book. I enjoyed this story, there was plenty of food and combined with romance, it’s a winner.
October 3, 2016
Detailed score: 3.25
To clumsily extend the food analogy, this book was bland and crying out for some seasoning.
The characters lack depth and the angst is virtually non-existant. Food porn doesn't do much for me so I also got sick of the never ending descriptions of various dishes.
Having said that; these factors didn't annoy me as much as they have in other books and somehow, all in all, I quite liked it. I guess I knew exactly where this book was going and there's something to be said for familiar comfort food.
To clumsily extend the food analogy, this book was bland and crying out for some seasoning.
The characters lack depth and the angst is virtually non-existant. Food porn doesn't do much for me so I also got sick of the never ending descriptions of various dishes.
Having said that; these factors didn't annoy me as much as they have in other books and somehow, all in all, I quite liked it. I guess I knew exactly where this book was going and there's something to be said for familiar comfort food.
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