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The Everheart Brothers of Texas #2
A Tasty Dish
The show must go on…
Kasi Blythewood has spent most of her life in the shadow of her famous film producer father who’s deliberately kept her under his thumb with tough love. Ready to make a name for herself, Kasi secretly heads to Austin for a film conference to rustle up some financing for her dream project—an indie series that showcases cuisine from around the world.
When Kasi meets chef Declan Everheart, it’s instant lust spiced with an intriguing business opportunity. Declan’s father, a Michelin star chef, is interested in funding her film, but there is a sexy string attached—Declan must be a producer on her series. Not ideal. Kasi craves independence, and she knows business and pleasure never mix well, but she’s exhausted all other options.
Declan’s more than just eye candy and Kasi’s not blind. She immediately discovers Declan’s not just a natural producer and talented chef, he also shines on camera as the host. Can Kasi convince Declan to break away from his father and build the life he wants…with her?
Kasi Blythewood has spent most of her life in the shadow of her famous film producer father who’s deliberately kept her under his thumb with tough love. Ready to make a name for herself, Kasi secretly heads to Austin for a film conference to rustle up some financing for her dream project—an indie series that showcases cuisine from around the world.
When Kasi meets chef Declan Everheart, it’s instant lust spiced with an intriguing business opportunity. Declan’s father, a Michelin star chef, is interested in funding her film, but there is a sexy string attached—Declan must be a producer on her series. Not ideal. Kasi craves independence, and she knows business and pleasure never mix well, but she’s exhausted all other options.
Declan’s more than just eye candy and Kasi’s not blind. She immediately discovers Declan’s not just a natural producer and talented chef, he also shines on camera as the host. Can Kasi convince Declan to break away from his father and build the life he wants…with her?
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2022
59 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Cain
14 books204 followersKelly Cain is a native Northern Californian but has spent the last couple of decades in Texas, currently residing in the live music capital of the world, Austin. Consequently, most of her books are set somewhere between those two locations.
Kelly writes multicultural romance with determined women directing their own fates, and the swoon-worthy men who adore them. She loves reading most genres but please don’t ask her to pick just one. However, she can pick her favorite book boyfriend – Will Herondale.
When she isn’t reading or writing, Kelly is most likely using a genealogy site to research her extended family, both old and new. Or cooking/baking something delightful.
She has two adult daughters, and a new granddaughter.
Be sure to follow her on BookBub at bookbub.com/authors/kelly-cain or click the big BB below.
She is represented by Amy Brewer at Metamorphosis Literary Agency.
Kelly writes multicultural romance with determined women directing their own fates, and the swoon-worthy men who adore them. She loves reading most genres but please don’t ask her to pick just one. However, she can pick her favorite book boyfriend – Will Herondale.
When she isn’t reading or writing, Kelly is most likely using a genealogy site to research her extended family, both old and new. Or cooking/baking something delightful.
She has two adult daughters, and a new granddaughter.
Be sure to follow her on BookBub at bookbub.com/authors/kelly-cain or click the big BB below.
She is represented by Amy Brewer at Metamorphosis Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
December 8, 2022
"A Tasty Dish" by Kelly Cain is a Multicultural-Romance story!
Kasi Blythwood is secretly heading to a film conference in Austin, TX without letting her overbearing boss-famous filmmaker father know where she's going or what she's doing. She's hoping to drum up financing for her Indie documentary series that highlights the different cuisines from around the globe.
While in Austin, Kasi meets Chef Declan Everheart and the attraction is real! It also sounds like his father, who is a Michelin star chef and his boss, might be a possibility as the investor Kasi is looking for.
When the offer comes through though, there's a catch. As part of the agreement, Declan must be a producer and Kasi's not sure that mixing business with pleasure is the right way to go!
Kasi soon discovers Declan is a great fit as a producer and just as comfortable in front of the camera as the host of the series. She's convinced that being in front of the camera is his true calling. Will Kasi be able to convince Declan of this truth without coming between him and his family?
There are two specific reasons why this was not the book for me:
First of all, it was definitely too 'New Adult', and although there are times when it works for me, this time it didn't. The sex talk was OTT and a distraction to the story line with far too many 'c' words and 'd' words thrown in. Where was the romance?
Secondly, I thought this was a series about the 'Everheart Brothers of Texas'. When the brothers did appear, it was brief, otherwise they were only mentioned within conversation between Kasi and Declan. The brothers all take a backseat to Kasi, including Declan, which seems odd and like a miss by the author.
The narrator, Deanna Anthony, made Kasi, as the protagonist, come to life and her genre voicing throughout the audiobook was believable.
Like all books, I went in wanting to love this one but found it wasn't one for me. I seem to be an outlier, so please check out other reviews before you cross this one off your list!
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Kelly Cain for a free ALC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
Kasi Blythwood is secretly heading to a film conference in Austin, TX without letting her overbearing boss-famous filmmaker father know where she's going or what she's doing. She's hoping to drum up financing for her Indie documentary series that highlights the different cuisines from around the globe.
While in Austin, Kasi meets Chef Declan Everheart and the attraction is real! It also sounds like his father, who is a Michelin star chef and his boss, might be a possibility as the investor Kasi is looking for.
When the offer comes through though, there's a catch. As part of the agreement, Declan must be a producer and Kasi's not sure that mixing business with pleasure is the right way to go!
Kasi soon discovers Declan is a great fit as a producer and just as comfortable in front of the camera as the host of the series. She's convinced that being in front of the camera is his true calling. Will Kasi be able to convince Declan of this truth without coming between him and his family?
There are two specific reasons why this was not the book for me:
First of all, it was definitely too 'New Adult', and although there are times when it works for me, this time it didn't. The sex talk was OTT and a distraction to the story line with far too many 'c' words and 'd' words thrown in. Where was the romance?
Secondly, I thought this was a series about the 'Everheart Brothers of Texas'. When the brothers did appear, it was brief, otherwise they were only mentioned within conversation between Kasi and Declan. The brothers all take a backseat to Kasi, including Declan, which seems odd and like a miss by the author.
The narrator, Deanna Anthony, made Kasi, as the protagonist, come to life and her genre voicing throughout the audiobook was believable.
Like all books, I went in wanting to love this one but found it wasn't one for me. I seem to be an outlier, so please check out other reviews before you cross this one off your list!
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Kelly Cain for a free ALC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
March 6, 2022
3.25 ⭐
Kasi is a filmmaker who is trying to get out from under her famous father's thumb. She wants to make a documentary about different cuisines throughout the world. There is only one problem ~ funding. Although she has a trust fund and a father with multiple connections, this is something she wants to do on her own. She has a strong personality and you'll definitely see her stubbornness in full force. She's actually quite a bit unlikable at times.
Declan is a chef working in his father, Flynn's, Michelin star restaurant. One night, he meets Kasi and he's intrigued by the documentary. A contract is set up with Flynn investing and Declan being a co-producer.
As they start working closely together their feelings for each other grow. Soon, Declan is realizing maybe he likes being in front of the camera more than the life he's always wanted and what's expected of him ~ to be a chef.
This one was a little slow going for me. I really wish I had read book 1 more recently as it coincides with the cooking competition. I did like reading about it from this side of the competition, so that was nice. However, I do wish some chapters were written from Declan's pov, since the series is called The Everheart Brothers of Texas , so we could have seen all that went on with his father.
Side note ~ they seem to order takeaway quite often ~ is Declan just too pooped to whip anything up for them to eat?
The author has a way with words and I found myself chuckling quite a few times with their banter. I enjoyed the friendship between Kasi, Joy and Tariq too.
Although, I didn't love it as much as the first book I will read the next book that, I assume, will follow Weston.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kasi is a filmmaker who is trying to get out from under her famous father's thumb. She wants to make a documentary about different cuisines throughout the world. There is only one problem ~ funding. Although she has a trust fund and a father with multiple connections, this is something she wants to do on her own. She has a strong personality and you'll definitely see her stubbornness in full force. She's actually quite a bit unlikable at times.
Declan is a chef working in his father, Flynn's, Michelin star restaurant. One night, he meets Kasi and he's intrigued by the documentary. A contract is set up with Flynn investing and Declan being a co-producer.
As they start working closely together their feelings for each other grow. Soon, Declan is realizing maybe he likes being in front of the camera more than the life he's always wanted and what's expected of him ~ to be a chef.
This one was a little slow going for me. I really wish I had read book 1 more recently as it coincides with the cooking competition. I did like reading about it from this side of the competition, so that was nice. However, I do wish some chapters were written from Declan's pov, since the series is called The Everheart Brothers of Texas , so we could have seen all that went on with his father.
Side note ~ they seem to order takeaway quite often ~ is Declan just too pooped to whip anything up for them to eat?
The author has a way with words and I found myself chuckling quite a few times with their banter. I enjoyed the friendship between Kasi, Joy and Tariq too.
Although, I didn't love it as much as the first book I will read the next book that, I assume, will follow Weston.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 23, 2022
This was my first book by Kelly Cain. I was really intrigued by the premise of a woman trying to secure financing for her dream documentary project and the Michelin starred Chef's son she falls in lust with and is then forced to work with. Sparks fly instantly when Kasi and Declan Everheart meet at an Austin film conference. I gotta say I was a little surprised by just how STEAMY this open door romance was. If you like the steam level high this book is definitely going to deliver!
What didn't work well for me was how much I felt the story dragged a little in the middle. I didn't fall in love with these characters. They felt a bit one-dimensional. Each was trying to find their own path out of the shadows of their famous fathers. Their relationship was really rocky for me too. One minute they were tearing their clothes off and then the next she was cutting him out of her life completely.
That said I'm still interested in reading the first book in the Everheart brothers of Texas series. Recommended for fans of On location by Sarah Echavarre Smith or Sonali Dev's Rajes series. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy! This was a good listen narrated by Deanna Anthony.
What didn't work well for me was how much I felt the story dragged a little in the middle. I didn't fall in love with these characters. They felt a bit one-dimensional. Each was trying to find their own path out of the shadows of their famous fathers. Their relationship was really rocky for me too. One minute they were tearing their clothes off and then the next she was cutting him out of her life completely.
That said I'm still interested in reading the first book in the Everheart brothers of Texas series. Recommended for fans of On location by Sarah Echavarre Smith or Sonali Dev's Rajes series. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy! This was a good listen narrated by Deanna Anthony.
did-not-finish
March 31, 2022Unfortunately I'm bouncing off of the writing style, which is more about how things look than character and emotion. An early conversation over dinner is summed up outside of dialog when I'd rather hear it happen, and I feel unmoored from the action in general.
Regrettably a DNF at 18 pages.
Thanks to Tule Publishing for providing a review copy.
Regrettably a DNF at 18 pages.
Thanks to Tule Publishing for providing a review copy.
April 18, 2022
A Tasty Dish is the second book in Kelly Cain’s The Everheart Brothers of Texas series. This is a standalone read, in fact, it overlaps with the first book An Acquired Taste. But be warned. If you haven’t read An Acquired Taste and think that you might want to, just know that there is a spoiler or two mentioned.
Declan Everheart is the oldest of the three Everheart brothers. All three brothers work at their father’s restaurant, Everheart Bar and Fine Dining as chefs. While all the brothers are extremely talented, they have no say so in the kitchen or business. Declan would like nothing more than to be the heir apparent, however, that is a title for his younger brother Knox (An Acquired Taste). Kasi Blythewood is the only child of Reggie Blythewood, a famous film producer. Kasi, like Declan, is following in her father’s footsteps. Declan sees his father and brothers every day at the restaurant. The brothers all share a close bond. Declan isn’t necessarily close to his father, but he has the utmost respect for him. The same can not be said for Kasi and her father. After a production deal went south due to her father’s sabotage, Kasi cut all ties with him. This has gone on for over a year, though she still associates with her mother.
Now, Kasi finds herself in Austin, Texas hoping to meet someone who will fund her dream project, a documentary on global cuisine. While waiting to get into the VIP section of a party, Kasi meets Declan, and the two hit it off. They even share a few outings together during her stay. Kasi’s trip proves to be successful when she manages to secure independent funding. However, her excitement is short-lived, when the investor decides to pull the funding over creative differences. Aka, Kasi insisting on doing things her way and refusing to compromise. Flynn, Declan’s father, hears about the documentary and wants to invest. Things fall apart when he speaks to Kasi's father and decides to back out. But have no fear, Declan manages to get him to change his mind. The catch is that Flynn wants Declan to be a co-producer. To say Kasi is not happy would be an understatement. But with no other options, she agrees.
While the two are definitely attracted to each other, Kasi insists that they remain strictly professional until the end of the project. But with their attraction being hotter than a ghost pepper her insistence is short-lived. Their coupling is hot and intense. But also playful and fun.
Declan wasn’t a character that I knew a lot about or had any true feelings for, even though he was a secondary character in the previous book. While reading A Tasty Dish, I definitely fell in love. He's a man who is multi-layered and doesn't reveal his thoughts and feelings easily. Family is important to him and he would do anything and everything for his brothers. He's easygoing and pretty even-keeled. Kasi is the opposite of Declan. While she's an only child, her two best friends mean the world to her. Kasi wasn’t a character I necessarily liked for much of the book. She's strong-willed and determined, which are great, and qualities that I love. My issue with Kasi is that it's her way or no way and she tends to be a steamroller while disregarding others and their feelings. What I loved about her was that when someone finally called her out, she actually decided to do some reflection and self-growth.
In the end, Declan and Kasi made for a good couple. They compliment each other and truly help the other to grow and look at things they otherwise wouldn’t. A Tasty Dish was truly a good story. I’m looking forward to reading Tastes So Sweet, featuring Weston. I’ve been falling for him since the second he appeared on the page in An Acquired Taste.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Your picture is next to the word stubborn in the dictionary.”
“Love isn’t transactional.”
“You do realize that sorry doesn’t erase everything, right?”
**Received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.**
Declan Everheart is the oldest of the three Everheart brothers. All three brothers work at their father’s restaurant, Everheart Bar and Fine Dining as chefs. While all the brothers are extremely talented, they have no say so in the kitchen or business. Declan would like nothing more than to be the heir apparent, however, that is a title for his younger brother Knox (An Acquired Taste). Kasi Blythewood is the only child of Reggie Blythewood, a famous film producer. Kasi, like Declan, is following in her father’s footsteps. Declan sees his father and brothers every day at the restaurant. The brothers all share a close bond. Declan isn’t necessarily close to his father, but he has the utmost respect for him. The same can not be said for Kasi and her father. After a production deal went south due to her father’s sabotage, Kasi cut all ties with him. This has gone on for over a year, though she still associates with her mother.
Now, Kasi finds herself in Austin, Texas hoping to meet someone who will fund her dream project, a documentary on global cuisine. While waiting to get into the VIP section of a party, Kasi meets Declan, and the two hit it off. They even share a few outings together during her stay. Kasi’s trip proves to be successful when she manages to secure independent funding. However, her excitement is short-lived, when the investor decides to pull the funding over creative differences. Aka, Kasi insisting on doing things her way and refusing to compromise. Flynn, Declan’s father, hears about the documentary and wants to invest. Things fall apart when he speaks to Kasi's father and decides to back out. But have no fear, Declan manages to get him to change his mind. The catch is that Flynn wants Declan to be a co-producer. To say Kasi is not happy would be an understatement. But with no other options, she agrees.
While the two are definitely attracted to each other, Kasi insists that they remain strictly professional until the end of the project. But with their attraction being hotter than a ghost pepper her insistence is short-lived. Their coupling is hot and intense. But also playful and fun.
Declan wasn’t a character that I knew a lot about or had any true feelings for, even though he was a secondary character in the previous book. While reading A Tasty Dish, I definitely fell in love. He's a man who is multi-layered and doesn't reveal his thoughts and feelings easily. Family is important to him and he would do anything and everything for his brothers. He's easygoing and pretty even-keeled. Kasi is the opposite of Declan. While she's an only child, her two best friends mean the world to her. Kasi wasn’t a character I necessarily liked for much of the book. She's strong-willed and determined, which are great, and qualities that I love. My issue with Kasi is that it's her way or no way and she tends to be a steamroller while disregarding others and their feelings. What I loved about her was that when someone finally called her out, she actually decided to do some reflection and self-growth.
In the end, Declan and Kasi made for a good couple. They compliment each other and truly help the other to grow and look at things they otherwise wouldn’t. A Tasty Dish was truly a good story. I’m looking forward to reading Tastes So Sweet, featuring Weston. I’ve been falling for him since the second he appeared on the page in An Acquired Taste.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Your picture is next to the word stubborn in the dictionary.”
“Love isn’t transactional.”
“You do realize that sorry doesn’t erase everything, right?”
**Received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.**
March 14, 2022
4 "Girl! 🙄" Stars!
Short review.
Basically Kasi got on my nerves, but I understood what this story was all about. She had to realize some things about herself and do some growing up. She honestly had great intentions, so even at the times I was thinking Declan should tell her to kick rocks, I didn't really mean it. Declan was really great and had some growing to do himself.
I liked it. Happy reading!
Short review.
Basically Kasi got on my nerves, but I understood what this story was all about. She had to realize some things about herself and do some growing up. She honestly had great intentions, so even at the times I was thinking Declan should tell her to kick rocks, I didn't really mean it. Declan was really great and had some growing to do himself.
I liked it. Happy reading!
March 11, 2022
A cute story about finding your way out of your parents’ shadow. Kasi was an interesting character but somewhat unlikeable; I never really warmed to her. Declan was more likeable but not in the story nearly as much as Kasi, despite being the Everheart brother and the focus of the series. I loved visiting the different countries and learning about their foods but there wasn’t enough of this either. This dragged in the middle; it felt stretched out to get a higher page count. There was a minor plotline about Declan’s brother in a competition that I either missed or wasn’t really explained well so it confused me. Recommended for a beach read or long plane ride.
Narration was well done, no issues.
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
Narration was well done, no issues.
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
March 17, 2022
love rom-com and this one had a spice like a good dish lol
yes pun intended
the characters are great and fun to see their story
well written
found out this book is part of a series and cant wait to read those also
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
yes pun intended
the characters are great and fun to see their story
well written
found out this book is part of a series and cant wait to read those also
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
September 1, 2025my sincerest apology to every book i’ve ever said bad things about because clearly i had not known that things could get so much worse.
never had i made an ALBUM of documented typos to send to the publisher. never had i had to clock inconsistency this horrific in plot. the stories i was writing at 14 on wattpad had more depth than this typed on toilet paper roll. brb need to wipe my ass w it
never had i made an ALBUM of documented typos to send to the publisher. never had i had to clock inconsistency this horrific in plot. the stories i was writing at 14 on wattpad had more depth than this typed on toilet paper roll. brb need to wipe my ass w it
April 6, 2022
Like the title suggests, A TASTY DISH was simply irresistible. This is Book 2 in Cain’s Everheart Brothers of Texas series, and because I love show business, I was hooked on the premise of an independent filmmaker (Kasi) pursuing her dream project. But she’s presented with a frustrating (yet sexy) obstacle when a financier insists that his handsome son (Chef Declan Everheart) be a producer on her film. And therein lies the conflict.
Cain’s writing is quick, witty and packed with punch. I loved Kasi’s no-nonsense personality, which meshed perfectly with Declan’s cool, confident demeanor. Their chemistry felt so real, as did their interactions while navigating tricky business and personal endeavors. The fun chapter titles were a nice added bonus!
A TASTY DISH was a fantastic read that I devoured in two days. The clever punchlines (“I never met a morsel I didn’t like”), delicious dishes, complicated family dynamics and rousing character interactions made for a storyline I could easily see being adapted for film. Looking forward to the third installment in the series!
Cain’s writing is quick, witty and packed with punch. I loved Kasi’s no-nonsense personality, which meshed perfectly with Declan’s cool, confident demeanor. Their chemistry felt so real, as did their interactions while navigating tricky business and personal endeavors. The fun chapter titles were a nice added bonus!
A TASTY DISH was a fantastic read that I devoured in two days. The clever punchlines (“I never met a morsel I didn’t like”), delicious dishes, complicated family dynamics and rousing character interactions made for a storyline I could easily see being adapted for film. Looking forward to the third installment in the series!
February 7, 2023
Kelly Cain… All I have to say is she came through on the steam. The shower scene is chef’s kiss. Pun intended in the best way possible. Kasi and Declan were so hot and I loved every minute of this book! Read book one then do yourself a huge favor and one-click this one.
March 12, 2022
I received this arc of A Tasty Dish from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book in the Everheart Brothers of Texas series by Kelly Cain. Book 2 is the oldest brother, Declan’s story. Declan and his two brothers work with their dad as chefs in their father’s fine dining restaurant in Austin, Texas. As the book opens, he meets Kasi Blythewood at an event in Austin, South by Southwest. Kasi is from California and is in town looking for backing for a project she wants to film. The project involves traveling to a selection of locations where they film the talent participating in various local activities and then highlighting the preparation of various local food dishes. Her dad is a famous producer and she has already been burned by trying to work with him. So now she is going around him to get her project set up without using his resources. Kasi isn’t able to get anything put together for financing at the Austin event so Declan offers his dad to sponsor her project. There are stipulations that Declan be involved in the production.
Both Kasi and Declan have issues with their dads. Declan’s dad runs the show at his restaurant, even though his 3 sons are talented chefs and work along side him. Kari and her dad haven’t spoken in a while after he took her ideas for himself and won’t let her do things her way. Declan and his brothers are participating in a reality cooking competition suv show in San Francisco as his brother wants to win the prize of his own restaurant. The dad isn’t initially aware of what is going on with the show or his son’s plans.
Kasi agrees to accept the financing and Declan becomes the talent on the sho as well as co-producer. He seems a natural for this role. They travel to Peru, Scotland and other places in the world. She realizes that Declan is loving climbing mountains and diving and the other activities they are filming for the shows. He also has his chef talent so he can do the creative food preparation himself for it as well. Kasi suggests he start doing this for a career instead of being a chef as she watches and sees him happy. He feels guilty as it seems disloyal to his dad if he leaves the restaurant. This leads to a lot of angst for Declan and for the couple as they disagree about his future.
While working on the shows, Kasi and Declan develop strong feelings for each other. These start initially when they meet at the festival in Austin. Declan later starts to doubt his choices and there’s a lot of tension and both experience sadness when they stop talking. I found the characters complimented each other. At first, Kasi seems more hesitant to get involved and Declan is all in but she decides to eventually go with the budding relationship. I enjoyed this book as I did the first book very much. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the final book in the series by Kelly.
Both Kasi and Declan have issues with their dads. Declan’s dad runs the show at his restaurant, even though his 3 sons are talented chefs and work along side him. Kari and her dad haven’t spoken in a while after he took her ideas for himself and won’t let her do things her way. Declan and his brothers are participating in a reality cooking competition suv show in San Francisco as his brother wants to win the prize of his own restaurant. The dad isn’t initially aware of what is going on with the show or his son’s plans.
Kasi agrees to accept the financing and Declan becomes the talent on the sho as well as co-producer. He seems a natural for this role. They travel to Peru, Scotland and other places in the world. She realizes that Declan is loving climbing mountains and diving and the other activities they are filming for the shows. He also has his chef talent so he can do the creative food preparation himself for it as well. Kasi suggests he start doing this for a career instead of being a chef as she watches and sees him happy. He feels guilty as it seems disloyal to his dad if he leaves the restaurant. This leads to a lot of angst for Declan and for the couple as they disagree about his future.
While working on the shows, Kasi and Declan develop strong feelings for each other. These start initially when they meet at the festival in Austin. Declan later starts to doubt his choices and there’s a lot of tension and both experience sadness when they stop talking. I found the characters complimented each other. At first, Kasi seems more hesitant to get involved and Declan is all in but she decides to eventually go with the budding relationship. I enjoyed this book as I did the first book very much. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the final book in the series by Kelly.
March 15, 2022
A Tasty Dish takes place at the same time as the Reality Contest that is featured in ‘An Acquired Taste’ (Book One). This time the story centers around Declan Everheart, a chef (the eldest sibling of Knox and Weston) and Kasi Blythewood, a indie filmmaker. They cross paths and discover they both have something to prove to their famous fathers.
She’s trying to escape the giant shadow of her famous filmmaker father and recoup the loss of her best friend’s financial investment in a dream project that went kaboom. Declan is living the dream his father wants him to live.
Declan and Kasi meet, connect, eat and sightsee while she tries to find funding for a new project. Though not mentioned in this book, there is a curse that Everhearts fall in love at first sight. This is a total case of opposites attract and though Declan is described by Kasi as high maintenance, (he takes self-care very seriously), he was very down to earth and more of a relatable metrosexual hero. Kasi isn’t concerned about fashion, make-up or men. Declan knows pretty quickly that he wants more and I loved how he refused to let his libido rule his head, despite Kasi’s readiness.
I did not connect with Kasi as she was quite cruel at times with her words directed at the hero under the guise of speaking bluntly runs in her family. At times, I found her unlikeable but I can’t deny she’s a complex character and quite a walking contradiction.
I loved her friends, Tariq but especially Joy who I wanted to see paired up with Weston Everheart. Weston will be paired with Ryan who wasn’t even mentioned in Book One and barely mentioned in Book Two, but clearly feels like this is his love interest because of proximity.
I’d pair Weston with Joy and pair Ryan with Tariq.
Recommended: Read It!
She’s trying to escape the giant shadow of her famous filmmaker father and recoup the loss of her best friend’s financial investment in a dream project that went kaboom. Declan is living the dream his father wants him to live.
Declan and Kasi meet, connect, eat and sightsee while she tries to find funding for a new project. Though not mentioned in this book, there is a curse that Everhearts fall in love at first sight. This is a total case of opposites attract and though Declan is described by Kasi as high maintenance, (he takes self-care very seriously), he was very down to earth and more of a relatable metrosexual hero. Kasi isn’t concerned about fashion, make-up or men. Declan knows pretty quickly that he wants more and I loved how he refused to let his libido rule his head, despite Kasi’s readiness.
I did not connect with Kasi as she was quite cruel at times with her words directed at the hero under the guise of speaking bluntly runs in her family. At times, I found her unlikeable but I can’t deny she’s a complex character and quite a walking contradiction.
I loved her friends, Tariq but especially Joy who I wanted to see paired up with Weston Everheart. Weston will be paired with Ryan who wasn’t even mentioned in Book One and barely mentioned in Book Two, but clearly feels like this is his love interest because of proximity.
I’d pair Weston with Joy and pair Ryan with Tariq.
Recommended: Read It!
March 10, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and author Kelly Cain for the advanced listener’s copy of A Tasty Dish. This review is left voluntarily and contains my own thoughts and opinions.
If you like:
✅ Two strong, driven main characters
✅ Lots of food descriptions (Declan is a chef)
✅ Workplace romance (movie producers on-location)
✅ Family drama
✅ Lots of spice 🌶 🌶🌶
A Tasty Dish is the book for you! Kasi and Declan unexpectedly begin to work together, as Dec’s father decides to invest in her newest documentary series about food & travels with a catch - Declan will also get a producer credit. While on location, their attraction grows and Declan begins to shine in his new role - but are they what the other really wants in life? What happens when family drama & expectations take center stage?
This is the second book in the Everheart Brothers of Texas series by author Kelly Cain. I haven’t read book one, and this worked great as a standalone. The whole book was in Kasi’s POV and I liked her driven nature and fierce love she held for those who she was closest to in life. I would have liked some of the book in Dec’s POV and more info about his brothers, too. Kasi’s two best friends, Joy and Tariq, were great additions - and I would love to see them more in future books! I enjoyed Kasi and Declan’s NA romance & it was definitely steamy - not for those that like their romance clean or “sweet.” 😉
If you like:
✅ Two strong, driven main characters
✅ Lots of food descriptions (Declan is a chef)
✅ Workplace romance (movie producers on-location)
✅ Family drama
✅ Lots of spice 🌶 🌶🌶
A Tasty Dish is the book for you! Kasi and Declan unexpectedly begin to work together, as Dec’s father decides to invest in her newest documentary series about food & travels with a catch - Declan will also get a producer credit. While on location, their attraction grows and Declan begins to shine in his new role - but are they what the other really wants in life? What happens when family drama & expectations take center stage?
This is the second book in the Everheart Brothers of Texas series by author Kelly Cain. I haven’t read book one, and this worked great as a standalone. The whole book was in Kasi’s POV and I liked her driven nature and fierce love she held for those who she was closest to in life. I would have liked some of the book in Dec’s POV and more info about his brothers, too. Kasi’s two best friends, Joy and Tariq, were great additions - and I would love to see them more in future books! I enjoyed Kasi and Declan’s NA romance & it was definitely steamy - not for those that like their romance clean or “sweet.” 😉
March 12, 2022
I want to preface this by saying that I'm not the biggest fan of audiobooks. I have trouble processing words that are spoken to me so radio shows, podcasts and, yes, audiobooks have all been out of the question. If I can't read alongside something that is being spoken, I tend to fall behind and then I lose interest because I'm not quite understanding. Sometimes, it's a pacing issue but most of the time, I just feel like I'm being talked at and lectured no matter how much I love the subject. That is NOT how I felt here. Deanna Anthony is the voice actress behind this recording of A Tasty Dish and at no point did I feel lost while listening to her. In fact, I felt like I was at brunch with a close friend and we were having story time. Her pacing was perfect but she was so engaging with the material and really breathed more life than there already was into Kelly Cain's writing. I liked that not only was there focus on the two main characters and their journey with each other but that there was focus on the history of their friendships/families and how that has shaped their growth. I liked that we got a peek into their friends' lives. Most of all, I liked the way that neither Kasi or Declan were perfect people and were constantly examining their own personal goals and needs aside from love as they grew through the story.
When I requested this off of NetGalley, I didn't realize this was the second in the series so I am very excited to pick up the first book, An Acquired Taste (also narrated by Deanna Anthony) as soon as humanly possible.
When I requested this off of NetGalley, I didn't realize this was the second in the series so I am very excited to pick up the first book, An Acquired Taste (also narrated by Deanna Anthony) as soon as humanly possible.
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March 16, 2022The summary for this book should be super horny many couple attempt a culinary documentary with a heaping lot of family, specific dad, drama.
I don't know if it was the narrator of the writing, but I wasn't a huge fan of this. The narrator didn't do a very good job distinguishing between internal thoughts and actual dialogue so I was never quite sure what our MC, Kasi, actually said out loud.
The whole premise of this could've been promising, but it was underwhelming. I was confused (maybe it's the ace in me) by the OTT horniness from both the MC and the LI. I mean they never really have any actual conversations that aren't about the documentary, they overbearing fathers, or sex.
Then there's the fact that Kasi could dish out anger and resentment and quick judgments but couldn't handle any of that being aimed at her. She was a fairly hypocritical MC, which she kinda addresses at the end but not enough. She would get angry at small things when Declan was fairly kind throughout and tried to explain his logic. Then there's the fact that Kasi is so so mad at her dad for trying to control and navigate her life that she doesn't even realize she's doing the same thing to Declan.
I wanted to like this, but it's not my favorite romance. The actual romance itself was lacking for me, but if you like heavy steam books then this is definitely for you.
I'm super intrigued by the series though and maybe will give at least the third one a shot if I can find the audio for cheap.
Thanks to netgalley for the ALC.
Black midsize MC.
I don't know if it was the narrator of the writing, but I wasn't a huge fan of this. The narrator didn't do a very good job distinguishing between internal thoughts and actual dialogue so I was never quite sure what our MC, Kasi, actually said out loud.
The whole premise of this could've been promising, but it was underwhelming. I was confused (maybe it's the ace in me) by the OTT horniness from both the MC and the LI. I mean they never really have any actual conversations that aren't about the documentary, they overbearing fathers, or sex.
Then there's the fact that Kasi could dish out anger and resentment and quick judgments but couldn't handle any of that being aimed at her. She was a fairly hypocritical MC, which she kinda addresses at the end but not enough. She would get angry at small things when Declan was fairly kind throughout and tried to explain his logic. Then there's the fact that Kasi is so so mad at her dad for trying to control and navigate her life that she doesn't even realize she's doing the same thing to Declan.
I wanted to like this, but it's not my favorite romance. The actual romance itself was lacking for me, but if you like heavy steam books then this is definitely for you.
I'm super intrigued by the series though and maybe will give at least the third one a shot if I can find the audio for cheap.
Thanks to netgalley for the ALC.
Black midsize MC.
March 2, 2022
Sexy, travel, food, filming, Daddy issues.
This was a fun and sexy read. I found the beginning to be a bit choppy and took a while to get into the grove, however, I really enjoy Kasi and Declan’s meet-cute. Kasi is a film director trying to make an adventure food documentary out of the thumb of her famous father and runs into Declan who is one of three chef brothers working for his controlling father who decides to fund Kasi’s movie. A lot is going on and I absolutely adored all of the scenes where Kasi and Declan were travelling and making the movie, they were fun and hot. Kasi was so over the top all the time and Declan has the patience of a saint and I would have liked a bit more out of their make-up conversation from Declan’s side I think he forgave her far too easily. This was a good read/listen but for me, I couldn’t quite get into some of the writing as some parts were too detailed while others were not enough. I do want to read the books about the other 2 brothers and look forward to the book about Weston in particular. The narrator Deanna Anthony did great with all the voices but Declan’s which I was able to get over after a while. This is a 3.5 for me.
Special thank you to #NetGalley, #KellyCain and #DreamscapeMedia for sharing this digital copy for my honest thoughts on #ATastyDish also, a thank you to narrator #DeannaAnthony.
This was a fun and sexy read. I found the beginning to be a bit choppy and took a while to get into the grove, however, I really enjoy Kasi and Declan’s meet-cute. Kasi is a film director trying to make an adventure food documentary out of the thumb of her famous father and runs into Declan who is one of three chef brothers working for his controlling father who decides to fund Kasi’s movie. A lot is going on and I absolutely adored all of the scenes where Kasi and Declan were travelling and making the movie, they were fun and hot. Kasi was so over the top all the time and Declan has the patience of a saint and I would have liked a bit more out of their make-up conversation from Declan’s side I think he forgave her far too easily. This was a good read/listen but for me, I couldn’t quite get into some of the writing as some parts were too detailed while others were not enough. I do want to read the books about the other 2 brothers and look forward to the book about Weston in particular. The narrator Deanna Anthony did great with all the voices but Declan’s which I was able to get over after a while. This is a 3.5 for me.
Special thank you to #NetGalley, #KellyCain and #DreamscapeMedia for sharing this digital copy for my honest thoughts on #ATastyDish also, a thank you to narrator #DeannaAnthony.
February 25, 2022
Received the advanced audio copy this book through Netgalley and while I LOVED the concept (a young black filmmaker, trying to get out from the shadow of her famous and interfering producer father, secures funding to produce a travel cooking documentary with the handsome son of a famous restaurateur). Unfortunately, the family drama on both sides really over shadowed a lot of the foodie/filmaking aspects that I looked forward to. Additionally, Kasi our strong indepent protagonist, was also irrationally stubborn and quick to react in ways that were over the top. Everything with her was in absolutes, and she was so quick to flip things around that she gave me whiplash. All the additional drama of owing her friend money, hating her father (who was trying to sabotage her, so I get it), not trusting any males or father figures and his family being at war and in the middle of a food competition program of their own off screen really took away from their story and put their romance in the back burner. There was definitely steam, but their relationship building was more implied than shown 2.5⭐
March 2, 2022
Kasi is an aspiring black female movie producer, freaking awesome. Love this. She comes from a rich family but they make her work for what she’s got.
So, this being said she needs to find funding for her new documentary that doesn’t involve her parents wealth.
Kasi heads to a conference in Austin to try and seek some funding. While here, she meets the one and only Declan (who is hot as hell), who’s father happens to be rich and willing to fund her movie. With many many exceptions.
For example some issues are:
1. His son must also direct the movie with her, which she is totally against.
2. She wants to have sexual relations with Declan but also refuses to if they work together.
3. Drama could definitely ensue.
This smutty romance of an audiobook will take you on a freaking mad adventure of travel and food as the main characters go around the world cooking and adventuring for Kasi’s documentary.
They will fall in love and lose sight of it all. Families will be tested and ultimately see how strong family bonds can be.
Love, drama and sex…what more could we need in a great audiobook?
So, this being said she needs to find funding for her new documentary that doesn’t involve her parents wealth.
Kasi heads to a conference in Austin to try and seek some funding. While here, she meets the one and only Declan (who is hot as hell), who’s father happens to be rich and willing to fund her movie. With many many exceptions.
For example some issues are:
1. His son must also direct the movie with her, which she is totally against.
2. She wants to have sexual relations with Declan but also refuses to if they work together.
3. Drama could definitely ensue.
This smutty romance of an audiobook will take you on a freaking mad adventure of travel and food as the main characters go around the world cooking and adventuring for Kasi’s documentary.
They will fall in love and lose sight of it all. Families will be tested and ultimately see how strong family bonds can be.
Love, drama and sex…what more could we need in a great audiobook?
March 19, 2022
Book two of the Everheart Brothers of Texas series follows the budding relationship between movie producer Kasi Blythewood and chef Declan Everheart. She wants a casual fling. He wants a full-on relationship. Neither wants to let the other walk away. When they're thrown together on the same project, the chemistry that's been there since day one becomes too much to ignore and the struggle to keep things professional impossible to maintain. Someone's got to give, but neither is going down without a fight.
Declan and Kasi's story is so good. I love a strong, independent female protagonist, and I immediately identified with her need to succeed on her own merit. And Declan was such a surprising sweetheart, you can't help but love and root for him.
After two great books in this series, there's no way I'm not reading book three the day it comes out!
Declan and Kasi's story is so good. I love a strong, independent female protagonist, and I immediately identified with her need to succeed on her own merit. And Declan was such a surprising sweetheart, you can't help but love and root for him.
After two great books in this series, there's no way I'm not reading book three the day it comes out!
October 19, 2023
This book felt rushed from the first chapter. Yes, we were aware of the brothers, but Kasi was new, and we just jumped right it. It takes place parallel to the book. We never get the full back story on Kasi and her father and what led her to be mad at him. Then, in the last five chapters, it's revealed that her motivation to be self-made is turned into a non-starter. Besides Trey being a backer into her project, that character felt out of place. Maybe an option for him to have a spin off, but his storyline was left dangling. The plot of the book was for Kasi to create her own film, yet the story ends, and we aren't sure if she actually completes the film or how it does once completed. They left her story dangling with her personal relationship and the relationship with her father. Overall, the boom left more questions than answers. I'm hoping the 3rd book ties it all together.
March 4, 2022
Seeking funding for a film project, Kasi meets chef Declan. His father is interested in backing the project, but his help comes at a price: Declan will serve as co-producer to keep an eye on his father's investment. Kasi hates the idea of any constraints being put on her creativity, but she reluctantly agrees. As she and Declan work together, they grow closer. But will his interfering father put a stop to the romance before it can start?
I love how this book is full of strong-minded, stubborn characters who clash at every turn. The chemistry between Kasi and Declan is scorching, and the sensual tension is high throughout. It was nice to see the characters learning and growing, and finding ways to compromise so they could be together. The audiobook narration was well done.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I love how this book is full of strong-minded, stubborn characters who clash at every turn. The chemistry between Kasi and Declan is scorching, and the sensual tension is high throughout. It was nice to see the characters learning and growing, and finding ways to compromise so they could be together. The audiobook narration was well done.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
March 8, 2022
NetGalley Audio ARC.
Maybe 3.5. Maybe 3.75. But rounding to 4. Didn't know it was the second book in the series but I didn't feel like I missed anything. I did go and buy the first one on e-book for $3.99 so I'll be reading that soon. I really enjoyed Kasi, I thought she was a great character with great goals but a HUGE stubborn chip on her shoulder about her dad. She took stubborn to a wholllllle new level! Declan was yes please! A chef? Win! I wish he'd have cooked more for Kasi! I'm ready to go back to book 1 but what's weird is that the couple from book 1 don't seem to be together yet in this book? Like these two books are happening a bit simultaneously? Kind of weird. I didn't really like this narrator, her cadence was kind of strange, there were weird pauses.
Maybe 3.5. Maybe 3.75. But rounding to 4. Didn't know it was the second book in the series but I didn't feel like I missed anything. I did go and buy the first one on e-book for $3.99 so I'll be reading that soon. I really enjoyed Kasi, I thought she was a great character with great goals but a HUGE stubborn chip on her shoulder about her dad. She took stubborn to a wholllllle new level! Declan was yes please! A chef? Win! I wish he'd have cooked more for Kasi! I'm ready to go back to book 1 but what's weird is that the couple from book 1 don't seem to be together yet in this book? Like these two books are happening a bit simultaneously? Kind of weird. I didn't really like this narrator, her cadence was kind of strange, there were weird pauses.
March 4, 2022
Fathers interfering with relationships and careers. Kasi was just trying to create her own fame and fortune that is until her father went out of his way to make sure it did not happen unless it was for his company. Kasi’s father was always trying to control her what she ate, and most importantly her career. Kasi was fed up and decided she was going to make it on her own. That’s when she meets Declan a chef that has a compelling business opportunity that she could not possibly turn down. She did, however, have to change her original plans to ensure her new investors son was the producer of the show rather than just the chef. This would be Declan’s first production and Kasi was only excited about it since she now had a newly found fling with Declan. After some pushing and some distance Declan decided to come back to Kasi break from his father’s spell and continue production on his own with Kasi by his side.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book for my honest feedback.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book for my honest feedback.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2022
A Tasty Dish follows Kasi and Declan as they both want to get out of their father's shadows. They will end up working together on a series about dishes coming from different countries. The synopsis was interesting even though the idea of following two people who were raised with a silver spoon in their mouth didn't sound appealing at first. The audiobook's narrator did a good job but I still found myself drifting away when I listened to it. Overall, this was an okay romance story but I never fell in love with the characters.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
March 9, 2022
Having read Book 1 - An Acquired Taste, which I can't recommend enough, BTW, I was expecting another book within the food industry - and of course, hoped for more recipes, and I would have enjoyed that.
But this book is about a totally different industry: entertainment, and was a totally cool surprise. *Key: it still has recipes! Yay!
This is a business relationship of convenience that evolves into more, and includes tidbits about the entertainment industry I hadn't known. All in all I loved Kasi's fierce independence and drive. I hadn't gotten much of a feel for Declan from Book 1 and really enjoyed reading his journey to find his own path.
For anyone with a strong, sometimes overbearing father figure in their life, this will particularly resonate.
Excellent story and I can't wait for Book 3!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and unbiased review.
But this book is about a totally different industry: entertainment, and was a totally cool surprise. *Key: it still has recipes! Yay!
This is a business relationship of convenience that evolves into more, and includes tidbits about the entertainment industry I hadn't known. All in all I loved Kasi's fierce independence and drive. I hadn't gotten much of a feel for Declan from Book 1 and really enjoyed reading his journey to find his own path.
For anyone with a strong, sometimes overbearing father figure in their life, this will particularly resonate.
Excellent story and I can't wait for Book 3!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and unbiased review.
March 16, 2022
This was a great follow up to book 1 in this series. This is Declan's story and we see him meet his match in Kasi the heroine. I love that both characters were trying to come into their own by coming out of the shadow of their accomplished parents. Declan helping Kasi make the indie film she's been wanting to do seems like the perfect chance to do so if both characters can give up control a little. I loved the journey these characters went on - the banter, the steamy scenes, the character development. This was a great book and I'm looking forward to reading about the next Everheart brother.
March 22, 2022
This was a spot on perfect contemporary romance! Kasi is such an incredible character. I love her depth and her strength. The reason this book is so good is because the chemistry she has with Declan is fire! Just clutch your pearls, fan your face, delicious fire. After feeling kind of "stuck" at home because of the last few years, this work reignited my wanderlust. Their food adventures around the world were so fun and inspiring. I'm just disappointed that the Everheart brothers don't exist in real life. I'd take Declan Everheart over Gordon Ramsey, any day. I highly recommend.
March 31, 2022
Let’s start off with the positives... Declan is my new book boyfriend! He’s so sweet and handsome and swoon worthy! I loved him! Casey on the other hand might be one of the worst female characters in a romcom I’ve ever read about. She is nasty, rude, self absorbed, cocky and a down right bitch. There’s very little character development and she made this book difficult to read. I also felt that the writing was poor. Idk if that’s because of the narration (I read this on audio) or if it was the actual writing but either was I was not impressed. It sounded juvenile and out of place. This book had a decent amount of spice, but again with the writing (or narration)! It was cringy at times and felt a little pushy. All in all I wouldn’t recommend this book... nor am I inclined to read more from this author. This took me forever to read and I never found myself reaching for it.
March 8, 2022
This book was a very hot and enjoyable read. The chemistry between the main character was extremely intense and very noticeable! I thought the author did an incredible job on the story line. From the moment I picked up the book I was hooked. There is just enough heat, and drama to keep you turning the pages. I cannot wait until the next book. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
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