Love Recipes – Süßes Verlangen

Hot in the Kitchen #2

by Kate Meader, Lene Kubis (Translator)

Diese italienische Großfamilie ist unwiderstehlich!

Cara DeLuca ist eine absolute Perfektionistin und gibt eigentlich nie die Zügel aus der Hand. Doch auf dem Junggesellinnenabschied ihrer Cousine in Las Vegas lässt sie sich einen Abend lang treiben – und erwacht am nächsten Morgen als verheiratete Frau. Ihr frisch gebackener Ehemann ist ausgerechnet der irische Konditor Shane Doyle, der in Jack Kilroys Restaurant arbeitet und so ständig in ihrer Nähe ist. Und der zuckersüße Ire stellt sich als ganz schön hartnäckig heraus. Denn während Cara ihren leichtsinnigen Ausrutscher so schnell wie möglich ungeschehen machen will, erkennt Shane bald, dass diese unbedachte Nacht der Vorgeschmack auf die große Liebe gewesen sein könnte …

Nach »Love Recipes – Verführung à la carte« folgt mit »Love Recipes – Süßes Verlangen« nun der zweite Band der sinnlichen und witzigen »Kitchen Love«-Reihe um die italienische Familie DeLuca.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Food, Adult, Foodie

368 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Kate writes sexy contemporary, sports, and LGBTQ+ romance with strong guys and amazing women and men who match their heroes quip for quip. She's known for blending heat, humor, and heart into irresistibly romantic stories.

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The Rookie Rebels features a team of heroes who are about to learn that all's fair in love and hockey.
1. GOOD GUY (Levi and Jordan)
2. INSTACRUSH (Theo and Elle)
3. MAN DOWN (Gunnar and Sadie)
4. FOREPLAYER (Cal and Mia)
5. DEAR ROOMIE (Reid and Kennedy)
6. REBEL YULE (Erik and Casey)
7. JOCK WANTED (Fitz and Tara)
8. SUPERSTAR (Bast and Pepper)
9. WILD RIDE (Dex and Ashley)
10. HOCKEY WIFE (Banks and Georgia)

The Hot in Chicago Rookies series heads back to Engine 6 for more steamy firefighter romances.
0. COMING IN HOT (Tyler and Evie)
1. UP IN SMOKE (Roman and Abby)
2. DOWN IN FLAMES (Jude and Hudson)
3. HOT TO THE TOUCH (Sam and Cassandra)

The Laws of Attraction series about sexy divorce lawyers:
1. DOWN WITH LOVE (Max and Charlie)
2. ILLEGALLY YOURS (Lucas and Trinity)
3. THEN CAME YOU (Grant and Aubrey)

The Chicago Rebels series about sexy hockey players:
0.5 IN SKATES TROUBLE (Ford and Addison) - FREE!
1. IRRESISTIBLE YOU (Remy and Harper)
2. SO OVER YOU (Vadim and Isobel)
3. UNDONE BY YOU (Dante and Cade)
4. HOOKED ON YOU (Bren and Violet)
5. WRAPPED UP IN YOU (More Dante and Cade)

The Hot in Chicago series about sexy firefighters:
0.5 REKINDLE THE FLAME (Beck and Darcy)
1. FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Luke and Kinsey)
1.5 MELTING POINT (Gage and Brady)
2. PLAYING WITH FIRE (Eli and Alex)
3. SPARKING THE FIRE (Wyatt and Molly)
3.5 FOREVER IN FIRE (More Eli and Alex)
3.6 COMING IN HOT, Men in Uniform anthology (Tyler and Evie)

The Hot in the Kitchen series about sexy chefs:
1. FEEL THE HEAT (Jack and Lili)
2. ALL FIRED UP (Shane and Cara)
3. HOT AND BOTHERED (Tad and Jules)

... however each book can also be read as a standalone novel or novella.

For excerpts, news, and giveaways, visit: http://katemeader.com

Reviews

[Lyndy Ann ♫ · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Fired Up is the second book in the Hot in the kitchen series by Kate Meader this is Cara DeLuca and Shane Doyle's story.

Cara DeLuca is Lili's big sister and she also works for Jack. Cara is a control freak in everything she does in her life until one night in Vegas after to much alcohol she marries Shane Doyle after only a few hours of knowing him.

Shane Doyle is an award winning pastry chef who transfers from Jack's New York restaurant to his Chicago one, he has always wanted to work with the mighty Jack Kilroy. Jack offers Shane an apartment next door to his secret wife.

After spending more time together getting to know each other feelings begin to grow stronger for Cara and Shane but they are both keeping big secrets from each other and their families. What is going to happen when the secrets are finally revealed?

I found this an emotional story what both Cara and Shane have been through since their childhood on their own is so sad. There is not much sex in this story but I still loved the way their relationship developed slowly makes a refreshing change to have a couple talking instead of getting physical.

I also loved that we continue Lili and Jack's relationship and they still have the sexual chemistry. I love all these characters.

Moving on to Hot and Bothered now Jules and Tad's story.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why All Fired Up ?

Because it's Kate Meader
Because a drunken night ended in a Vegas marriage
Because of a no-fraternizing rule from the boss (who obviously doesn't know about the drunken night)
Because of line-dancing
Because of an Italian family
Because of an Irish hero who never surrender and show the uptight heroine how to have fun
Because of a control freak heroine who learn to let loose and to let go of her obsession of perfection
Because of a few secrets and dealing with personal issues

It all take place in the culinary world, which I don't really like, but I absolutely liked this book. And come to think of it, this author often put elements in her stories that I usually don't like and always makes me enjoy it :)

[Karma♥Bites ^.~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

* ARC provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley.

(CR; m/f) Another NTM author and another great read! As a foodie, love, love, LOVE that this series uses the backdrop of the restaurant/haute cuisine world. Definitely plan to read the rest of this series. :)

ETA: Full review here.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute book! Cara and Shane marry in a drunk stupor when they are in Las Vegas, which reminds me of a hilarious movie I saw with that same theme but I can't remember the name of it.

As with so many characters in love stories, one or both of them have secrets. Such is the case in this story too. Both Cara and Shane have secrets that they don't want to let out. The secrets are rather heavy, but they really do need to deal with their issues. I don't want to say what they are, but they are both serious.

The book reminded me of the TV series Married at First Sight because Cara and Shane get drunk, get married, and THEN date. LOL They truly were good for each other and I love how Shane helped Cara the way that he did. Their romance is hot and I liked their characters.

If you are a foodie (and I am) I can almost guarantee you that this book will make you hungry reading it. Or at least you'll want to know about some of the foods and want recipes. LOL

[Ela's Welt der Bücher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nachdem ich mit dem ersten Teil schon zu kämpfen hatte, hatte ich keine großen Erwartungen in den zweiten Band, aber auch da tat ich mir in den ersten Seiten echt schwer irgendwie in die Geschichte zu finden. Das Cover gefällt mir schon besser und eigentlich mag ich die Charaktere auch gerne, doch ich fand den Schreibstil echt anstrengend. Vielleicht war ich auch immer müde beim lesen, aber ich kam nur schleppend voran. Ich bekomme den dritten Teil zu Weihnachten, mal schauen wie mir der gefallen wird. Ich fand es thematisch echt lustig aber der Schreibstil hat es mir echt erschwert.
3 Sterne

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc received from Netgalley for an honest review!

Wow, All Fired Up and definately hot in the kitchen . Cara Deluca, event planner and drop dead gorgeous control freak
Has gone to Vegas for a bar hopping men and women's wedding party. Feeling tired and under appreciated she walks into the bar to have , the oh so sexy Shane O'Doyle the new Pasttiere at her soon to be brother in laws Jack's Chicago restaurant.
Shane with the dark hair, chocolate eyes and drop dead Irish accent offers a chair, conversation , jokes and for the first time in years makes Cara feel comfortable and laugh and she just clicks with Shane .Many drinks later and hours spent with Shane she wakes up with his arm around her and up against his hard body. Luck Girl!

Your quickly returned to Chicago and Cara's controlling ways; trying to plan and pull off a wedding she was brought into by her cousin at the last minute, the very same cousin with pretty poor taste. It is after this event , seeing Shane and bing ignored that a huge secret is revealed , Cara was not just a one night standbut a drunken marriage too! ( And bam just like that I am hooked, okay well I think I was mostly hooked when tall dark and Irish showed up! )
Kate Meaders definately hooks you in though with the plot line , because though they are married , they really do not know each other so you get to follow them through the whole dating /annulment period and the unraveling of secrets.! These two have some major secrets too, what a great ride to take Cara is dealing with eating disorder and Shane with the memories of physical abuse, the relationship runs from sizzling hot sex to Cara trying to push away poor Shane in her bid for control .
Will these too make it? I will not tell go read it! So glad I did!

[Ingrid Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has the same problem as the first one, only for me it was worse... YOU GET HUNGRY!!!! but now you want DESSERT!!!!!

Cara and Shane!!! Nice couple! even though they married withing 4 hours of meeting, and they were DRUNK!!!


Cara is as uptight as you can imagine, a controller and manager of people and situations, (which is great for her job) but there is always another side to every coin, a side hides very well from every one, since she fears the loss of love from her family if they know the truth.

Shane has a secret! a secret he has carried for a long time! and now is the one thing keeping him from getting everything he has dreamed of,and has always been afraid of getting.

As with the first book in this series, food is quintessential for everything, its woven so intricately that you cannot separate the characters from the food and viceversa!

But in this book, you get a little more of an insight in to the psychology of the characters, since Cara manages an eating disorder, and Shane tries to overcome an abusive father.

Each one has it's demons, but eventually they find that together the manage not only to live by, but to flourish in the things they do best.

The family, a wonderful clan, is supportive and a great picture of what a family is all about!

This book, could be a five star book if at the end KATE MEADER WOULD PUT UP SOME OF THE MOUTH WATERING RECEPIES SHE DESCRIBES!!!

Kate: consider it!! Please?

Another great book by Kate Meader! Also funny, witty, sensual and sharp.

[Donna Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to be able to read this before it was published, and I'd planned to wait until it WAS published before adding my review. Unfortunately, my brain completely forgot what my plan was! Ack. So yesterday I saw the print version in the bookstore, and I read the Dedication, where I'm mentioned, and I realized, "Double ack! I never left my review!"

I loved Shane. He was a yummy, delightful, wonderful hero. I loved how the romance between he and Cara started with an impulsive act, and they had to find their way to the HEA while trying to unravel their actions. I actually fell in love with this couple, way back during the days of Six Sentence Sunday, when Kate gave snippets of them, and I always looked forward to what she presented each week. Her writing is fun, and funny, yet lyrical and poignant too. I also want to read more of this series, after seeing the previous book's characters in this story.

Anyway, a great read -- and Kate, my apologies for taking so long to leave a review! Thanks for letting me get a delicious sneak peak of this book. :)

[coala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional und humorvoll

Der zweite Band um die Love Recipes von Kate Meader kommt wieder mit einer verführerischen Geschichte daher. Hier hat sich die Autorin zum ersten Band der Reihen noch einmal deutlich gesteigert. Das Buch ist ein zweiter Band, kann jedoch auch gut ohne Vorwissen gelesen werden, da es sich um angeschlossene Geschichten handelt.

Cara und Shane, die sich nach einer spontanen Hochzeit in Las Vegas so gar nicht einig sind, ob das nun etwas Gutes oder ganz Schlechtes ist, sind einfach herrlich unterhaltsam. Ist die Geschichte zu Anfang vor allem lustig, sexy und unterhaltsam, werden nach und nach tolle Hintergrunde beider Charaktere eingebunden, welche das Buch noch einmal eine emotionale Stufe tiefer bringen. Der Perspektivwechsel wischen Cara und Shane bringt dabei eine tolle Dynamik in die Geschichte und bringt dem Leser zudem beide Charaktere näher. Die Geschichte um die beiden stimmt und ist ausgewogen. Beide haben so ihre Eigenheiten, passen aber gut zusammen. Die Gefühle kamen auch gut rüber. Neben der Geschichte um Cara und Shane ist wieder jede Menge los. Ein Baby und eine Hochzeit und generell viel Nebenhandlung, welche auf jeden Fall unterhaltsam war, jedoch hätte etwas mehr Fokus auf Cara und Shane auch gutgetan.

Ein weiterer überzeugender Band, der mit verführerischen Charakteren überzeugt und eine hitzige Kombination bietet. Shane und Cara haben eine gute Chemie zusammen, sind leidenschaftlich und emotional. Das springt auch auf den Leser über. Die Autorin konnte sich vom Auftaktband steigern und so kann man den dritten Band nun auch kaum abwarten.

[Dorothea Müller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bei Cara DeLuca muss immer alles perfekt sein. In Las Vegas lässt sie eine Nacht lang sich treiben. Am nächsten Morgen ist sie verheiratet mit dem irischen Konditor Shane Doyle, der in Jack Kilroys Restaurant arbeitet. Beide sind unterschiedlicher Meinung was ihre Ehe betrifft. Cara will es schnell ungeschehen machen und Shane glaubt an die große Liebe.

Klar, liest man im Klappentext, dass die beiden geheiratet haben. Doch man merkt es bei Lesen gar nicht. Ja, man merkt irgendetwas ist in Vegas passiert. Doch beide lassen einen ganz schön zappeln, bis sie es endlich mal zu Sprache bringen. Das Knistern, die Anspannung ist spürbar, auch merkt man das so einiges noch im Buch ist und so langsam an Licht kommt. Ein oder zwei Themen werden gestreift, die ich so nicht erwartet hätte und auch super beschrieben werden. So dass man die Gefühle, die Scham, die Trauer und auch die Angst spüren kann. Doch wird es nicht zu viel Thematisiert, so das der Fokus immer noch auf die Liebe zwischen Cara und Shane bleibt. Zwischen den beiden fliegen auch die Funken und man fragt sich wer den Kampf gewinnen wird.

[Kusanagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Je l'ai préféré au tome 1. Assez bizarrement Cara qui n'apparaît pas toujours sympathique dans le 1, n'avait pas grand-chose pour me plaire et en fait j'ai trouvé son personnage beaucoup plus intéressant que sa sœur.
Quand à Shane..il est irlandais et pâtissier. Je crois que tout est dit 😁❤

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Fired Up is Kate Meader's second installment in her Hot in the Kitchen-series. I haven't read the first book Feel The Heat and I didn't feel like I had to read it before this one. With this said, the characters from the first book are very much included in this book as well and I guess it would only be positive to read the first one before this one.

Cara DeLuca and Shane Doyle meet for the first time during her cousin's bachelorette party in Vegas. Well, apparently what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas. Now stuck with each other in multiple ways, i.e. as neigbours and co-workers, they have to find a way to be around each other. With Shane's easy-going self and Cara's stuck-up attitude this is easier said than done. Each of them are carrying a past that still hurts them. What will happen when these secrets threatens the fact that Shane and Cara find that they don't necessarily want to leave what happened in Vegas behind?

My list of ♥ & ☹'s for All Fired Up:
♥ Shane Doyle: I loved this Irish man. I knew, Irish men are great! He's so easy-going and fun. Plus he's a hottie that makes cakes and dessert for a living . He seems like the perfect guy to me and he really is. He's so sweet and caring despite his hurtful past. I really felt for him and was on his side all the way throughout this book. When all secrets came out, I felt like people should work for his forgiveness and not the other way around.

♥ Foodie heaven: As mentioned, Shane is a pastry chef and a really good one too! There's a lot of food porn as it's the setting is placed in a world of restaurants. I really enjoyed this setting and if you're a foodie I think this series is worth checking out.

♥ Leaves me wanting more: Besides Shane, I really liked the small snippets we got of Tad and Jules. The little preview we got of their book in the end also left me wanting more of those two and I can't wait to see how that plays out.

☹ Cara DeLuca: Okay, so now for the first part I didn't quite love so much; Cara. Oh my goodness, she was so annoying sometimes. I do get that the had her struggles, anorexia but seriously she was sooooo stuck-up and kind of bitchy. It annoyed the crap out of me! She got better through the book, but the way she reacted when the shit hit the fan made me not like her again. I guess some would say her reactions were justified, but I didn't get it and I was definitely team Shane.

☹ Stupid meanie: Man, I really felt like Jack was a big meanie with a way to big ego. I didn't like him at all. He might be all bark and no bite, but he was really mean! I felt like he should've had to work harder for Shane's forgiveness in the end. His behavior in this book really put me off wanting to read the first book about him and Lili and I'm thinking I'll skip this for now.

Overall, I would give this 3.5 stars. There was a lot I really liked, but Cara and my dislike of Jack colors my rating. But I did enjoy Meader's writing and I love thought of Tad and Jules' book, so I'll definitely check this out when it comes.

ARC was kindly provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The gist: Cara is a control freak. Shane is a pastry chef. A wild night in Vegas results in a marriage between two virtual strangers, but the following weeks lead to a lifetime of happiness.

I want to start by saying that I'm not usually a fan of books involving chefs because I'm not into reading cookbooks disguised as romance novels. I don't have the same love of food that most of the population seems to have and I couldn't care less what my romance novel characters are eating. I was leery that this one would focus on the food, as so many do, and leave the characters as side attractions to the novel. I was more than pleasantly surprised that wasn't the case here. Yes, they talked about food, but the food was a little bit of seasoning to the wonderful love story between Cara and Shane.

Cara is in recovery from anorexia. It's especially difficult for her since she's Italian and her family owns and runs a popular Italian restaurant. All that pasta is a way of life for Italians and Cara has always felt like an outsider in her own family because she never really had the love of food everyone around her had. Plus, she works for a former celebrity chef in HIS restaurant as the special events coordinator. She's around food all the time. Her relationship with food and her struggle with fitting in has always made her come off a cold and distant. Her sister is getting married and she's blissfully happy (I assume her sister's whirlwind romance is the basis of book 1 in this series, which I haven't read) and Cara has a mean case of envy raging a war inside her. When she goes to Vegas for her cousin's combined bachelor/bachelorette party, she lets loose like she doesn't allow herself to do and ends up married to Shane, the pastry chef at the restaurant where she works.

Shane is huge, Irish, ridiculously sexy, and an award winning pastry chef. He's also hiding some deep secrets. He's fun-loving and incredibly attracted to his uptight wife and he's not really feeling the annulment she keeps insisting they have to get. He does everything he can to break through Cara's tough outer shell, but when she finally opens up to him and shows her vulnerability, he makes the mistake of not confiding his own demons to her. When his demons finally come into the light, they threaten to ruin the tenuous connection he's been working so hard to build with his wife and he's precariously close to losing the life he's always dreamed of.

I absolutely LOVE a book that causes physiological reactions in me and this book definitely did that! On more than one occasion, I had to fight back tears so my family didn't think I was completely batshit crazy for crying while reading. Cara's and Shane's personal struggles were heart wrenching, but their push/pull with each other BECAUSE of their personal struggles truly had my stomach in knots. I enjoyed EVERY. SINGLE. MINUTE. of this book!!! I'm not usually a fan of stories that have underlying, deeper meanings either, but I even loved the lessons this book gave. The story had a lot of elements of loving yourself before you can love anyone else, stop trying to please everyone around you to the detriment of your own health, and trust in those you care about.

I definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves romance. It's absolutely fantastic!!!

[Jackie - Fire & Ice Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you hear that? Yeah, that is my stomach growling after reading this book. Not only is this book HOT, it will also make you hungry. Kate Meader strikes again with an amazing book. Her writing style is off the charts, and all of the recipes will have you begging. Oh, and lets not forget about all of the pantie melting guys that will have you doing a mental swoon.


I am a true romance junky at heart, so I loved watching Cara and Shane fall in love. Miss Meader takes us for one hell of a roller coaster ride, and I loved every moment of it. Cara is a party planner, and oh boy, oh boy does she plan a party.


I think one of the best parts of this book was watching Shane help Cara through all of her problems. Not only was he there for her, she was right there for him. Without knowing it, they really were perfect for each other.


I really adore books that start off with one crazy night in Vegas. Even more when the characters wind up married. Because Cara and Shane didn't know each other, that made this book even better to read. We got to watch them date, and also see them as a married couple at the same time.


Over all I really enjoyed this book. I really loved all of the other characters, so I am excited to read their story. If you love food, romance, and a smoking hot love story, give this book a read.

***Book provided by publisher on NetGalley for review.***

[Heather in FL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I liked this one better than the first... still a 4-star read for me. Cara came across as so cold and superficial in the first one, I wasn't sure how the author would make me care that she finds her HEA, but she did. Once I understood Cara's backstory, I could understand how she was in the first one, and I felt bad for her. I loved that Shane wouldn't just let her get away with "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas". I loved that she opened up to him about her past, and I loved how he reacted to the news. I also loved how Shane started to figure out Cara's many layers. And while I understood why everyone was upset with Shane's revelation, I didn't see it as a "lie". He didn't tell anyone, sure, but he didn't outright lie about who he was. Ultimately, I was glad to see how this one ended.

[CL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I liked the first book in the series but I LOVED this one.

Shane/Cara's sexual chemistry was off the charts and I loved how we saw how their individual battles when they were younger shaped who they are today.

This book made me have so many ~feelings~. I was completely hooked (especially from the chapter where Shane/Cara finally give into their lust) and couldn't wait to find out how they would get their HEA.

More books in this series ASAP please!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE, love, love this book. Had all the elements that makes a book great to me. Food, sassy confidant woman, strong alpha male, hot steamy sex, Italian family and food! Shane and Cara meet, get drunk and marry in Vegas. Isn't that how all couples meet? While waiting for the annulment they start to get to know each other and fight the growing attraction.

I didn't read the first book in the series and felt that I was only missing how Lili and Jack met. This book could be read as a standalone. However, I will read it to fill in the blanks.

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review.

Unfortunately this book was not my cup of tea. I was not a fan of the authors long winded descriptions and the main characters internal monologues. I found myself skipping through paragraphs at first, then pages.

The storyline appealed to me, but Cara's personality was not one I admired or wanted to know more about. I know she had issues, but I found I really only wanted to know about Shane.

I liked the story, just not the way it was written.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

**My thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

The second book in the series starts a year down the line from book one. Jack and Lili are only weeks away from getting married and it ends at their wedding.

However the book focuses on Lili's sister Cara who we meet in the first book along with a new character, Shane who hails from the same town in Ireland as Jacks late mother. Its is Shane's happy nature and persistence that cracks Caras shield and gets behind her walls to see the true her that she has been hiding from everyone.

Shane winkles out her secrets and starts to heal the hurts she has been hiding making her a stronger woman, not that she is not already a strong woman. I should mention that Cara has an eating disorder which is handled really sensitively by the author.

The chemistry between the two is explosive and i am really glad the two get their HEA and that we get to see the beginnings of something happening between Taddeo DeLuca and Jules Kilroy, as the next book is about them.

[Immie · Rating 4 out of 5]

„Kitchen love“
So heißt die Reihe, deren zweiter Teil wieder von die Familie DeLuca handelt.

Cara DeLuca ist eigentlich ein richtiger Kontrollfreak und deshalb passt es so überhaupt nicht zu ihr, dass sie auf dem Junggesellinnenabschied ihrer Cousine in Las Vegas einen ihr fast fremden Mann geheiratet hat.

Shane Doyle arbeitet als Konditor für Caras Schwager und hat keineswegs damit gerechnet, ausgerechnet in Las Vegas die Frau seiner Träume zu heiraten. Denn eigentlich war seine Mission eine völlig andere.

Während Cara das Schlamassel, in das sie geraten ist, dringend hinter sich lassen möchte, spielt Shane auf Zeit, denn er möchte seine Frau unbedingt besser kennenlernen.

Nachdem ich mich im ersten Band etwas mühsam an den Schreibstil der Autorin gewöhnen konnte, fiel es mir dieses Mal nicht sehr schwer, mich in das Buch einzulesen. Die Figuren und das Setting kannte man aus dem ersten Buch und beide Hauptprotagonisten waren mir vom ersten Augenblick an sympathisch.

Die Geschichte von Cara und Shane ist lustig, sexy und romantisch. Genau das, was ich von einer Liebesgeschichte erwarte.
Außerdem steht nicht allein die Romanze im Fokus der Story und das macht das Buch erst zu einem spannenden Lesevergnügen.

[Emsy Van Wyck · Rating 5 out of 5]

[I received a copy of All Fired Up from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.] Sweet, spicy, steamy romance is served up in Kate Meader's Hot in the Kitchen series. I love cooking and truly enjoy reading cookbooks, chef biographies, and tend to seek out novels that feature kitchen time. So I very much savored the day I spent reading Kate Meader's first two entries in her Hot in the Kitchen series. She serves up some very generous quantities of steamy romance in this contemporary romance series set in Chicago that features some hot chefs, with intriquing accents, and two very sexy Italian-American sisters.

I haven't read any of Meader's books before and wasn't familiar with this series until I received book two, All Fired Up, from the publisher (Forever / Grand Central Publishing) to review. After reading the first few pages, I made an executive decision and purhased the first book, Feel the Heat, so I could read this series sequentially. I'm so glad I did. See Feel the Heat's entry for its review.

All Fired Up, the second book to be released November 5, picks up with the story of Lili's sister Cara, the perfectionist television producer now special event planner, and Shane Doyle, the Irish pastry chef we saw hired for Jack's New York City restaurant in book one.

Cara is the extreme opposite of Lili, very precise, ordered, and needing to always be in control. In addition, she's a size six to Lili's fourteen, but seemingly just "perfect." What's below the surface is what's interesting. And I have to say I was a little hesitant about Cara as the focus of this book as she didn't seem to endearing in the first book. Well...there's more there than we could see.

After a Las Vegas bachelor/bachelorette party that leads to Cara and Shane's marriage on a four hour acquaintance, we see them return to Chicago and begin to get to know each other. And while their passion runs hot, that's not the primary focus. Really getting to know one another is. While Cara might have said Shane was "too nice" for her, he definitely can hold his own with that brilliant brogue.

To see these two damaged people grow together and learn to trust one another is a engrossing and touching story. I'm not going to reveal the plot points, but I do wish that I had a slice of Bella Donna cake tonight!

Meader's books are absolutely fabulous to read and impossible to put down. Her characters come to life on the page and at points in time, I swear I smelled some red sauce cooking on the stove. She has a very precious gift to be able to convey the emotions and inner psyches of her characters from the page to our hearts.

If you love romance, have a thing for hot chefs, enjoy humor-laced writing, and love to see heros and heroines evolve these are two books you should not hesitate to pick up from your bricks and morter store or download to your e-reader. I highly, highly recommend Kate Meader's Hot in the Kitchen series and am definitely looking out for book three, Hot and Bothered.

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[Shirley Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Feel the Heat, I was curious to see what drove Cara to be how she was. She wasn't unlikeable, but she was a bit hard to figure out, so reading her story intrigued me.

Cara is a perfectionist. Troubled by many issues, she struggles to make it day to day while still maintaining her 'cool as a cucumber' façade. She hides all her problems well. Until she meets Shane and his Irish charming ways unravel her darkest secrets.

Shane is no stranger to secrets. His childhood was not ideal and the secret he harbors affects many people. He hides behind his charming personality and his 'devil may care' grin, but when it comes to Cara, he can't help but want to let all his secrets out.

Together, they embark on a friendship packed-full with sexual tension and share a secret that neither one of them wants to confront.

Once again, Kate Meader delivers an awesome story. Cara and Shane are two troubled characters that hide behind well-established walls and only let people see what they want them to see. In reality, they are both fighting their demons night and day and letting their past dictate how they go about their future.

I liked Cara in the previous book, but I came to admire the hell out of her in this one. All throughout the book the author made sure to make her growth as an individual a constant exploration of her inner feelings about herself and what was developing between her and Shane. She was strong and independent, but wanted so very much to belong, love and be loved. She hesitated with Shane, thinking herself unworthy of such a nice man when in reality she was the perfect match for him.

On the other hand, Shane went all out on his pursue of Cara. Instantly attracted to her, he used every trick on his book to make her his, until the moment he came to realize she meant more to him that the usual women he used to go after. She awakened feelings in him that he thought long-forgotten and made him wish for things that he thought he could never have. He accepted her faults and through that acceptance he realized he needed to let his past go in order to have a future with her. He was adorably charming, sexy as all get out and sweet as can be. I loved him!

Although All Fired Up is the second book in the Hot in the Kitchen series it can certainly be read as a stand alone, however I would suggest you pick up Feel the Heat . There you'll get to meet Lila and Jack, Cara's sister and brother-in-law, who appear in this story. Plus you'll get to meet the other characters that make this 'family' a great one.

All in all, a sweet yet highly sensual and romantic read with intriguing characters, sizzling chemistry and a journey of self-acceptance in the hopes of a new beginning. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[(;Missy.Lala;) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woooaaahhhhh... All I can tell you is, *Cues "Hot in Here song by -Nelly*

That's right!!! This book was hot, steamy, sexy, and it made me fan girl, and swoon throughout the whole thing :)

There was a whole lot of this:



This:


The reason why this one is very different from the first one is because this sister was a little, what's the word??? Oh yeah!!! rebellious

The first book didn't have a whole lot of that, which was OK!!!! That's because that girl was safe, protective, and on top of her game; more like this:



But for Cara, one drunk night!!!! and it gets her into this mess, ill give you more info on that now:

In this story we have Cara, sister of YES!!!! LILI!!!! The safe one!!!!
But supposedly Cara is the model of self-control, YEAH RIGHT!!!

That all changes when she meets Shane Doyle. -sigh-

WARNING...


....is going to happen now, so prepare yourselves

We have Shane Doyle, he is only like the sexiest, Irish pastry chef that is too hot, too sure, too young, and after a-crazy night in Vegas-her new husband.



The sexiness just knocks me out :3 Cant help it......

Anyway, at first Cara wants nothing more than a way out of her sham marriage to Shane, she soon finds that beneath his farm boy demeanor lies a man who can match her drive, both in and out of the bedroom. How can the wrong guy feel so deliciously right?



Oooohhh girl I know how you feel!!!

We have Shane who had carefully structured his career and life around one goal: connecting with the family that doesn't know he exists.

But, marrying a woman with more issues than a magazine stand wasn't part of the plan (obviously), but melting Cara's icy exterior is so worth the detour.

Now as the annulment date nears and long-buried secrets are revealed, Shane will have to fight for the one thing guaranteeing the perfect life he craves the current Mrs. Shane Doyle......

Sounds good right??? Well, make sure you go buy it at the store now, because its really worth it, BUT MAKE SURE YOU BUY FEEL THE HEAT FIRST!!!!



Have... to.... get...... the..... third... one.... NOW!!!!!!

[Jennifer Zorko · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm Cara and I'm a perfectionist. I manage like noboby's buiness and I also happen to be related to Jake Kilroy

Cara DeLuca, the perfectionist, the cold, hard, "Lemon Tart" that everyone refers to her as, only appears perfect. But looks can be deceiving. One crazy night in Vegas at her cousins batchlorette party Cara does something wild, something crazy, something totatally not herself.....she marries a total stranger, Shane Doyle. Now back in reality land, she wants an annulment, but the more time that she spends with Shane, the more she gets to know him, the she begins to question her decision to end their sham of a marriage, and make it the real deal.

"I'm Shane and I'm an idiot. I make pasteries for a living, and I happen to be related to Jake Kilroy.

Shane Doyle, pastry chef, hot Irish hunk, cannot believe that after one night in Vegas he is married to Cara DeLuca. Shane has secrets that he has not shared with anyone, he has a plan. But when he is with Cara, he feels something that he has not felt in a long time. Being with Cara makes him want all of the things that have been missing in his life, a home, family, friends,......his wife. When the secrets come to light, Shane and Cara will have to make decisions about what is important and that their life, their love is worth fighting for.

Ok, All Fired Up by Kate Meader is the second book in the Hot in the Kitchen series. I have to say that I fell in love with the first book, and the second book makes me want to keep coming back for more. What I loved about this book you might wonder, well let me tell you.

The characters. I knew that there was more to Cara DeLuca than what meets the eye. But as this story unfolds you start to see her in a new light. Yes, on the outside she projects a cold, hard, "Lemon Tart" shell, a perfectionist who has expectations for herself and everyone around her, but on the inside, she is a scared, wounded soul, trying to make up for mistakes she made and secrets that she is afraid to share with her family. Not until Shane, does she start to open up, let someone see beneath the hard shell, to see the real person that she is.

Then there is Shane. He has held onto a secret that he has kept close for over 12 years. Beaten and abused by a drunk father, finding out that he has family that never knew he existed, he comes with a lot of baggage and a big chip on his shoulder. But at the story unfolds, Shane begins to realize that things are not what they seem, and that opening up might just be the salvation that he is so desperately looking for.

"Jack is the reason I walked into your life, Cara, but you are the reason I stayed.

There is a lot of humor, love, laughter, some heartbreak, but in the end, a WONDERFUL HEA. I would totally recommend All Fired Up, as well as the all of the other books in the Hot in the Kitchen series to anyone looking for a great story by a wonderful author. That is why I am giving All Fired Up 5 wonderful stars.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time reading this author for me. When was given opportunity to pick to read thought ya I will go for it should be quick basic romance and I thought I had read something similar. When I opened it up and started reading you find wedding planning is going on-Cara is the planner helping her sister Lili and her fiance Jack (also her boss) because she is determined that her sister is to have the wedding of her dreams. But low and behold her vision spies someone that gets her tiffed-Shane, the fine example of a Irish built well body with that speciman- being himself doing dorky dance moves. Debate is on the wedding cake because sample just ain't cutting it. Jack wants Shane because he is that darn good. They think Cara doesn't want him because of Vegas and they slept together but oh no that isn't the case. What is the case is a surprise to me the reader which is only the beginning to letting me know that this novel is not the typical romance I thought it would be. If a romance can pick my interest with something different written into it that says alot for the author because of having read my share of romance. As I continue on reading learning more about these characters and the family surrounding them it really getting enjoyable. But another surprise is what I read about Cara and what she is overcoming. She had anorexia and for this author to be able to bring this disorder to light in the positive manner in which she has is different. In the late seventies it came to light big time with several books some sad. That is a brave subject to also put in a romance novel and make it work as this author has. Shane also has a few secrets of his own that also make this novel quite spicy. Watch (or should I say read hehe) how Cara and Shane deal with each other and really get to know themselves and grow together. As they do this you go along hoping that they really will stick together and Cara doesn't get to control this too with getting her way that she wanted at first to happen to rectify what she thought was a mistake. Being this story does take place off and on quite often in a restaurant that is Jack's plus cooking being a large part of Lili's and Cara's family being Italian. This also contains some very fine humor that will bring out a chuckle or two. You will also find out who exactly wanted the fairy tale wedding with this also showing what happens when people care and love each other that there is really no limit in what they will do or tolerate. Jack too is one fine alpha male but with a big heart down under. All in all heart warming delightful romance with humor and did I forget to mention-heat, it is definitely in there when these couples come together they do burn, traveling the ups and downs with Shane and Cara. In this one also I do believe everyone will come out smelling like the award winning cake that Shane is famous for that Cara inspired. Received a arc for a honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mmmm as soon as I read that this one was about a girl falling for a pastry chef, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. A guy who not only knows his way around a kitchen, but can make some mouthwatering pastries? Count me in!

Cara De Luca is the queen of self-control. As a party planner, Cara is dedicated and focused, and isn't afraid to let anyone know that. One night in Vegas, though, and Cara finds herself married to the gorgeous, not to mention Irish, new pastry at the restaurant she's an event planner for. Cara is determined to fix her little mishap, but when Shane moves in across the hall, she finds it harder and harder to resist his Irish charm. With deep secrets of her own, Cara isn't ready to let anyone in, let alone the young, attractive chef who drives her crazy. What Cara doesn't know, though, is that Shane is hiding some pretty deep secrets of his own and may be more perfect for her than she had realized.

Gah, Shane. Shane, Shane, Shane. Seriously, can you get more perfect? He's young, caring, an award winning pastry chef, and let's not forget the whole Irish factor. I'm surprised Cara had even a hint of self control when she was around this guy.

While the romance is all fun and dandy, what I loved about this book is that it dealt with some real issues, both personal and emotional. Cara is recovering from an eating disorder that absolutely no one knows about, so trying to cope with that part of her life is extremely difficult. Shane, on the other hand, is dealing with the memories of an abusive father and is trying to cope with his family ties. Little do they know that their relationship with each other may be just the cure to handling their problems.

I've got to say, though, I wasn't that big of a fan of Cara in the beginning. I guess just like everyone else in her life, I felt like she was stuck up and annoying. But as the story went on, I really grew to like and care about her. By the time her relationship with Shane was heating up, I was rooting for her to finally be happy both with herself and with Shane. So if you read this one, don't write Cara off right away. She has so many secret emotions that once you see that side of her, she's impossible not to like.

Well this book was definitely a hot in the kitchen book. I absolutely loved Shane and, like I said, Cara really grew on me. There was heat but also real emotions, which is the perfect combination in any romance. Not to mention I was dying for a slice of cake whenever they talked about Shane's job, which was quite often. But I'm not complaining here! The pastry chef aspect just made Shane even more yummy than he already was. If you're looking for a romance to heat up your holidays, I'd definitely check out All Fired Up!

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Fired Up was a sweet, uplifting read that I really enjoyed!

We are introduced to Cara, an uptight, workaholic perfectionist and Shane, an Irish, sweet talking, pastry chef. The two meet at a bar in Vegas and within a few hours end up married. Immediately regretting what she did, Cara has to figure out how to be around Shane on a daily basis, which is difficult since she is the event planner at the restaurant where he is the pastry chef. Shane is always around and he was able to see the real Cara, making it hard for her to push him away.

‘“I’ve never done this before,” she said, having no clue to what she was referring. The motorbike, the man, the marriage.

I loved the family dynamic in this story! A big Italian family is always full of love, laughter and food, which both Cara and Shane sought and fought, for different reasons. The secondary characters were fantastic. I particularly liked Tad, the cousin, and Jack, the brother in law.

Both Cara and Shane had deep secrets that no one knows. When the secrets come out, it changes both of them as well as their lives.

“Meeting you, Cara, knowing you changed me. It made me realize that I wanted it all. I didn’t want to live on the outside anymore.”

Watching Cara and Shane grow as people and in their relationship was amazing. This story had it all: love, heartache, humor, and sexy times. ~ Tiffany, 4 stars

~~~

All Fired Up is absolutely delightful – a sweet, fun read that offers the perfect escape. While it is the second in a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. And for fans of the Hot in the Kitchen series, the book picks up after Feel the Heat and we get to see a lot more of Jack and Lili. All Fired Up focuses on Cara, Lili’s sister, and the new pastry chef Shane

Let’s talk about Shane. He was a total hottie – a gorgeous Irishman who bakes and rides a motorcycle?! He had me at hello… I mean, seriously, need I say more? Shane will be your next book boyfriend! And how he treats Cara is just wonderful. They have a great relationship that plays off each other’s strengths, and the banter is just priceless. Cara is a complicated character, and it is a joy to watch her blossom

Not only are the characters strong, but the plot is fun. I loved the premise, and it was great to see how “what happened in Vegas” unraveled. All Fired Up definitely put a new spin on a well used plot device, making it feel fresh and new. Plus, the surrounds of the kitchen and cooking was delicious, and I could completely relate to the large Italian family!

All Fired Up is not a heavy read and will not be awarded book of the year, but it is the light, fun, and sweet dessert of books. ~ Alicia, 3.5 stars

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2015/01...

A sensual pâtissier with an Irish brogue, an events planner who doesn’t let anyone or anything distract her, weddings, secrets, and a drunken night in Vegas… It’s a recipe for a whole lot of fun. Kate Meader’s All Fired Up isn’t just a foodie’s delight – though her descriptions of Shane’s creations will make your mouth water – it’s a sexy, heartbreaking, complex romance that’ll leave you smiling.

I absolutely loved Cara – she’s one of the most “real” heroines I’ve read in a long time. She’s rough-around-the-edges, a perfectionist, and a recovering anorexic. It’s hard for her to feel like she belongs and she can come off as distant because of this. Put simply, she’s not perfect and it was my favorite thing about her. Ms. Meader doesn’t pay lip service to Cara’s problems, specifically her recovery from anorexia, but rather shows knowledge and respect for the battle Cara fights each day. I loved how well-drawn Cara was and if nothing else, she would have kept me hooked on All Fired Up because I so wanted to see her get the happily ever after she deserves. Shane is the first person to truly see past Cara’s mask and he’s a great fit for her. His Irish charm and talented hands (in and out of the kitchen) make him a sexy hero, but he’s got issues of his own. Shane grew up in an abusive household and, like Cara, is searching for a place to belong. I wasn’t immediately attached to Shane like I was Cara, but he definitely grew on me over the course of the story. He and Cara have fabulous chemistry and I was rooting for them to overcome the obstacles in their path.

All Fired Up is the second book in Ms. Meader’s Hot in the Kitchen series, but for the most part it can be read as a standalone. The beginning of the book did feel like I was dropped into the middle of the plot, but after a few chapters the rhythm smoothed out. I’m not sure if reading the first book, Feel the Heat, would have helped, but regardless I’ll be picking it up because I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes with Lili and Jack in All Fired Up . In fact, both Feel the Heat and book three in the series, Hot and Bothered, are waiting for me on my Kindle because I truly liked the DeLucas and Kilroys and cannot wait to read more about them!


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Kim
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews

While I liked and enjoyed reading All Fired Up, it doesn’t compare to its predecessor, Feel the Heat. It could be considered wrong for me to say that. The two books are SO different. Feel the Heat is funny and hot and funny. I said funny twice, didn’t I? All Fired Up is serious, deep, and at times, heartbreaking. This book shows Kate to be a multi-dimensional writer.

“We fool ourselves into holding onto the pain because the alternative-that we might get too used to days without it-would likely drive us mad with hope.” - Cara DeLuca

Cara DeLuca comes off as being a cold, heartless woman. She stands out in her big Italian family, with her small frame and blonde hair. Cara tends to rub people the wrong way. This isn’t something intentional on her part. But it serves her purpose in not truly allowing people to see who she really is.

Shane Doyle is an Irish charmer through and through. He has dimples and a smile that can charm any woman he meets. Shane has a tragic past that he’s trying to overcome. His whole life he has been told that he isn’t worthy and will never amount to anything. Despite all of this, Shane has paid his dues and is an award winning pastry chef.

Shane and Cara are two people who have deep dark secrets they don’t want to share with anyone. However, in the midst of a drunken bachelorette/bachelor party, these two find the one person they can indeed share their secrets with. These two are so good for each other. Unfortunately, their road together isn’t going to be a smooth one. They will need to fight for the love neither one of them was originally looking for and overcome their demons to have what they really want most in life.

For me, I found All Fired Up to be full of surprises. This book will definitely give you heartbreaking moments that will make you want to cry. But, it still has the funny moments that I craved.

If you were to ask me what I love about Kate Meader, I would have to say, “I love that she makes her characters real. She gives her characters real issues that you see everyday. Kate doesn’t write romances where everyone is perfect and you have heroes and heroines who are afraid of commitment. Kate truly hits home with her characters’ issues and shortcomings. She gives you characters who are not size fours, who are battling self-image issues, abused childhoods, dyslexia. Kate shows that everyone can be loved and find happiness. That everyone deserves to find love and happiness.”

Source: NetGalley

[Monica Cullip · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Fired Up
Kate Meader
This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
Cara DeLuca is an upcoming private events planner. She has connections in all the right places. Her father Tony DeLuca owns the restaurant Deluca's Ristorante and her brother-in-law to be is the star chef Jack Kilroy. Unfortunately Cara has some identity and self esteem issues that she is fighting. Her whole family revolves around food. The typical Italian family all that is important involves cooking or eating of calorie laden Italian dishes. Cara unfortunately has a hard time with food. Her and food just do not see eye to eye and it is a struggle every day for her to consume the right amount and the right type of foods. She is a recovering anorexic. Certainly not a good thing to be in an Italian family when every conversation revolves around food. She has been battling this disease since she was a teenager and has kept it from her family.
Then comes along Shayne Doyle, a renowned pastry chef. He has just gotten a job at the restaurant. He is hot, beautiful and oh so very sexy. He is the best at what he does and like Cara he is hiding a very interesting secret.
The two of them meet up in Vegas at a cousin's wedding and the ice queen Cara, knicknamed the Lemon Tart has too much to drink and finds herself married to Shayne.
Now they both are keeping this secret as they try to work together to get an annulement. Unfortunately Shayne has decided to find out just what makes Cara tick. Layer by layer he peels away her outer layers and makes her begin to feel. But he continues to hide his own secrets and it is tearing him apart.
This was a very well written novel. I have never read one that dealt with anorexia with such compassion and believability. He really got what she was about with this disease. It was a big part of the story without going over board and was handled very tastefully. The flirting and build up to the actual sex scenes were denfinately hot hot hot. Extremely well written. I loved the motorcycle ride scenes and the rugby game. There was many periods that I giggled and some that I was anxiously awaiting to see what would happen. I was eager to continue reading and enjoyed the whole book. I really liked the way that family was a pivotal part of the story and think that secondary characters are such a big part of a succesful story. This author made all the characters very lifelike and believable. I would love to read another story in the series. I would give this story a 5/5. Awesome.