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Just a Taste
A collection of five heat-up-the-kitchen romances, including:
Chef Sugarlips by Tawna Fenske
Chef Sean has loved Amber since he wore Batman Underoos, but she doesn’t know he’s alive until she clocks him with a dead turkey. Things heat up for them now that Sean’s back in town with his siblings transforming their father’s ranch into a resort. Amber’s ranch sits right next door, and her hunger for Sean spreads faster than a kitchen fire. But a family secret threatens to wreck it all quicker than a bull in a bakeshop.
Making Whoopie by Erin Nicholas
Getting hitched for the health insurance is not this small-town baker’s idea of romance, but after seeing the hospital bill, her heart definitely goes pitter-patter when her gorgeous one-night stand says, “I’m rich. We should just get married.”
Of course, they quickly realize, there’s no recipe to follow when it comes to falling in love.
Stay A Little Longer by Kait Nolan
Disgraced chef Athena returns home to TN, coming face to face with the one-night stand from her sister’s wedding. An unexpected confidant, Logan has Athena questioning everything she’s spent years working for. They just might hold the keys to each other’s salvation—but when her old life comes calling, can love win over the temptation for redemption?
Crash Into You by J.H. Croix
Former military pilot Flynn has his hands full flying Alaskan sightseeing tours, fighting fires on the side, and raising his teenage sister — but then he meets Southern city girl Daphne… Opposites attract in this small-town romance that’s first in a series!
The Baby Maker by Lili Valente
The last thing I need is baby makes three. My business is expanding and the only thing I'm interested in getting knocked up is my bottom line.
But then one night Emma Haverford makes me an offer I can't refuse--she backs away from the land I have my eye on in exchange for a favor...
A big, fat, baby making favor...
Chef Sugarlips by Tawna Fenske
Chef Sean has loved Amber since he wore Batman Underoos, but she doesn’t know he’s alive until she clocks him with a dead turkey. Things heat up for them now that Sean’s back in town with his siblings transforming their father’s ranch into a resort. Amber’s ranch sits right next door, and her hunger for Sean spreads faster than a kitchen fire. But a family secret threatens to wreck it all quicker than a bull in a bakeshop.
Making Whoopie by Erin Nicholas
Getting hitched for the health insurance is not this small-town baker’s idea of romance, but after seeing the hospital bill, her heart definitely goes pitter-patter when her gorgeous one-night stand says, “I’m rich. We should just get married.”
Of course, they quickly realize, there’s no recipe to follow when it comes to falling in love.
Stay A Little Longer by Kait Nolan
Disgraced chef Athena returns home to TN, coming face to face with the one-night stand from her sister’s wedding. An unexpected confidant, Logan has Athena questioning everything she’s spent years working for. They just might hold the keys to each other’s salvation—but when her old life comes calling, can love win over the temptation for redemption?
Crash Into You by J.H. Croix
Former military pilot Flynn has his hands full flying Alaskan sightseeing tours, fighting fires on the side, and raising his teenage sister — but then he meets Southern city girl Daphne… Opposites attract in this small-town romance that’s first in a series!
The Baby Maker by Lili Valente
The last thing I need is baby makes three. My business is expanding and the only thing I'm interested in getting knocked up is my bottom line.
But then one night Emma Haverford makes me an offer I can't refuse--she backs away from the land I have my eye on in exchange for a favor...
A big, fat, baby making favor...
1184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2021
320 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Tawna Fenske
74 books1,626 followersWhen Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA Award finalist, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 5, 2021
5 authors 5 great stories.
Want to read
November 2, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (11/2/2021)! 🎁
November 9, 2021
The Baby Maker is a standalone novel by one of my all-time favorite authors, Lili Valente. I have read every single word she has written. I know once I open one of her books I will not want to put it down. That was definitely the case with Baby Maker. I wanted the next swoon moment. Their next laugh. Their next turn-on. I wanted it all.
A few months ago Emma moved to small town Merceyville from the craziness of Silicon Valley. Instead of being in front of the computer for seventy hours a week she was growing vines in Wine Country. Giving tours in her winery. Waking up early and cuddling on the couch at night with a good book. She was also admiring her sexy neighbor from afar and giving him shit from up close. He wanted some acreage from their neighbor. The same three she wanted. She wasn’t going to give in but then she thought of her dream. A dream that Dylan could help her achieve. A baby. A no-strings attached, sex only for sake of getting her pregnant business proposal. It was a crazy idea but it could work.
Dylan thought it was crazy. There was no way he could go through with it. But...it would fulfill two dreams for one. She would have her baby and Dylan would have the land he needs to go after his dream. Plus, three months of smoking hot sex with a woman that looked like a hot librarian that he wanted to shush him. He had his own amendment to the deal then it was time to get her knocked up. He could do this. His family had a reputation and it was time to use it. No problem.
Yes, problems! He liked her. Like, liked her liked her. It was suppose to be sex only but he wanted to wine and dine her. Picnic and devour her. This was not the plan. He was not suppose to fall. He didn’t know it but she was falling too...
I love these two! Dylan is swoon-worthy, sweet, and filthy-mouthed. He is also a man who would do anything for his family, neighbor, or even stranger. Emma is a strong, independent woman that knows exactly what she wants. She wants a baby even if she doesn’t have a prince to share it with. Will Dylan turn out to be that prince? Will there be a baby makes three family one day?
Overall...I loved, loved, loved it. The characters. The story. The sexiness. The laughter. The picnics. The love. The country. Plus, it was an added bonus that Santa Rosa, CA, my hometown and forever town was in the book along with surrounding ones. I am soooo looking forward to the next book, The Troublemaker. That’s the perfect name btw.
#sonomacountystrong
P.S. Lili, you rock at naming animals.
Quotes:
Emma Haverford, thorn in my side, salt in my wound, paper cut in my eye, has beaten me to coffee yet again.
I take her, claim her, prove to her that she can trust me to deliver, to ensure she never leaves my bed unsatisfied.
“You’re sure?” I tease as I back toward the door. “I’m down with fulfilling your toilet fantasies, baby. I’m a gentleman on the street, but I’ll be your freak on the can.” 🔹(Believe me, you will laugh)
A few months ago Emma moved to small town Merceyville from the craziness of Silicon Valley. Instead of being in front of the computer for seventy hours a week she was growing vines in Wine Country. Giving tours in her winery. Waking up early and cuddling on the couch at night with a good book. She was also admiring her sexy neighbor from afar and giving him shit from up close. He wanted some acreage from their neighbor. The same three she wanted. She wasn’t going to give in but then she thought of her dream. A dream that Dylan could help her achieve. A baby. A no-strings attached, sex only for sake of getting her pregnant business proposal. It was a crazy idea but it could work.
Dylan thought it was crazy. There was no way he could go through with it. But...it would fulfill two dreams for one. She would have her baby and Dylan would have the land he needs to go after his dream. Plus, three months of smoking hot sex with a woman that looked like a hot librarian that he wanted to shush him. He had his own amendment to the deal then it was time to get her knocked up. He could do this. His family had a reputation and it was time to use it. No problem.
Yes, problems! He liked her. Like, liked her liked her. It was suppose to be sex only but he wanted to wine and dine her. Picnic and devour her. This was not the plan. He was not suppose to fall. He didn’t know it but she was falling too...
I love these two! Dylan is swoon-worthy, sweet, and filthy-mouthed. He is also a man who would do anything for his family, neighbor, or even stranger. Emma is a strong, independent woman that knows exactly what she wants. She wants a baby even if she doesn’t have a prince to share it with. Will Dylan turn out to be that prince? Will there be a baby makes three family one day?
Overall...I loved, loved, loved it. The characters. The story. The sexiness. The laughter. The picnics. The love. The country. Plus, it was an added bonus that Santa Rosa, CA, my hometown and forever town was in the book along with surrounding ones. I am soooo looking forward to the next book, The Troublemaker. That’s the perfect name btw.
#sonomacountystrong
P.S. Lili, you rock at naming animals.
Quotes:
Emma Haverford, thorn in my side, salt in my wound, paper cut in my eye, has beaten me to coffee yet again.
I take her, claim her, prove to her that she can trust me to deliver, to ensure she never leaves my bed unsatisfied.
“You’re sure?” I tease as I back toward the door. “I’m down with fulfilling your toilet fantasies, baby. I’m a gentleman on the street, but I’ll be your freak on the can.” 🔹(Believe me, you will laugh)
in-collection-boxset
November 2, 202111/02/21 currently free https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1KYPPF/
CHEF SUGARLIPS by Tawna Fenske
MAKING WHOOPIE by Erin Nicholas
STAY A LITTLE LONGER by Kait Nolan
CRASH INTO YOU by J.H. Croix
THE BABY MAKER by Lili Valente
June 5, 2022
Chef Sugarlips by Tawna Fenske A Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedy
Amber and Sean
Making Whoopie by Erin Nicholas A Hot Cakes Novel
Grant and Josie
Stay a Little Longer by Kait Nolan A Misfit Inn Novel
Athena and Logan
Crash Into You by J.H. Croix A Dare With Me Novel
Daphne and Flynn
The Baby Maker by Lili Valente A Hunter Brothers Novel
Dylan and Emma
All 5 stories involve couples to cheer for, small town life versus city, changes of perspective, new beginnings, chemistry, a few second chances, friendships, romance and a couple of times where characters show up in another authors series.
For me it was engaging and enjoyable as an anthology that showcased new-to-me authors as well as a couple of favorites in recent years reading their works.
Amber and Sean
Making Whoopie by Erin Nicholas A Hot Cakes Novel
Grant and Josie
Stay a Little Longer by Kait Nolan A Misfit Inn Novel
Athena and Logan
Crash Into You by J.H. Croix A Dare With Me Novel
Daphne and Flynn
The Baby Maker by Lili Valente A Hunter Brothers Novel
Dylan and Emma
All 5 stories involve couples to cheer for, small town life versus city, changes of perspective, new beginnings, chemistry, a few second chances, friendships, romance and a couple of times where characters show up in another authors series.
For me it was engaging and enjoyable as an anthology that showcased new-to-me authors as well as a couple of favorites in recent years reading their works.
November 26, 2021
Really enjoyed this anthology which dealt with chefs, cooking and naughty happenings in the kitchen. Each of the stories ENDED which was a good thing since many times these anthology books only give you a look at what a longer story will be. Only two of the stories crossed over, but that was fine as it only touched on previous characters. Can't really pick a favorite in this group of stories. Just enjoyed each one and loved some of the ideas for dishes that I may be making in the future. Definitely 2 thumbs up!
February 4, 2023
amazing collection
I read this one for Kait Nolan’s story and Athena and Logan are adorable! I loved loved reading Athena’s book, especially as I didn’t get a good feel for her in other books. The chemistry between the two is combustible!
I was also pleasantly surprised to read Tawna Fenske’s “Chef Sugarlips!” I’m so glad I got to read this one! So many laugh out loud moments and loved the characterisation of Amber and Sean! The whole thing has me hooked and I’m definitely going to read more from Tawna Fenske.
I read this one for Kait Nolan’s story and Athena and Logan are adorable! I loved loved reading Athena’s book, especially as I didn’t get a good feel for her in other books. The chemistry between the two is combustible!
I was also pleasantly surprised to read Tawna Fenske’s “Chef Sugarlips!” I’m so glad I got to read this one! So many laugh out loud moments and loved the characterisation of Amber and Sean! The whole thing has me hooked and I’m definitely going to read more from Tawna Fenske.
November 8, 2021
I can’t imagine why anyone would give this collection less than four or five stars! The books are all swoon-worthy with HEAs and wonderful characters. They’re written by some of my favorite authors and even though I’ve already read two of the stories, I went back and read them again. My honest opinion is that they’re all five star review worthy. So sad that others who supposedly read these books didn’t think so!
November 22, 2021
I guess I've rather run out of words when I need them. I picked up this book because of the Kait Nolan story then realized that this is an entertaining well written anthology. I loved ALL the stories, but I'm still leaning towards Kait's. If you decide to skip this anthology, for whatever reason, know that you are making a mistake. As in all anthologies you might not like them all, but I know you'll find a couple that you love! Five Stars!
December 19, 2021
I thought that this was a wonderful book, it had 5 great stories from 5 great authors and it was a brilliant compilation book of good 'foodie' chef romances.
I loved the plots in the different books, that the characters find themselves in various situations whether they are overcoming fears or finding loves.
All five books were great reads and this is definitely a compilation I will be recommending - it is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
I loved the plots in the different books, that the characters find themselves in various situations whether they are overcoming fears or finding loves.
All five books were great reads and this is definitely a compilation I will be recommending - it is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
May 5, 2022
Such a fun collection of authors and their full length books. I have read several of the authors included in this collection and have loved them (past and present). Several other authors, new to me, were also great. Laugh out loud, desire to reach through the pages and smack a few characters, romance and emotions, sexy and more. Special kudos to Tawna Fenske, Kait Nolan and JH Croix. Bravo!
December 10, 2021
Funny, hot, captivating stories.
I enjoyed reading each story day by day. Each has different taste and just the right amount of spicyness that was relatable and spot-on. I give this five stars simply because I can and i should.
I enjoyed reading each story day by day. Each has different taste and just the right amount of spicyness that was relatable and spot-on. I give this five stars simply because I can and i should.
December 23, 2021
Hot and spicy with a side of HEA
This anthology has some seriously sexy reads. If you like your HEAs clean and sweet, move right on past; if you enjoy the heat, these
reads will make your pulse kick up a notch or two. Yummy.
This anthology has some seriously sexy reads. If you like your HEAs clean and sweet, move right on past; if you enjoy the heat, these
reads will make your pulse kick up a notch or two. Yummy.
January 3, 2022
Delicious!
What a group of utterly delicious, food obsessed, happily ever afters! These authors went all out and gave such good book!!! Five stars for each of these delightfully scrumptious stories!
What a group of utterly delicious, food obsessed, happily ever afters! These authors went all out and gave such good book!!! Five stars for each of these delightfully scrumptious stories!
May 17, 2022
everyone needs to read this book!
Wow, this lady knows how to write, and gives you more stories than you can even imagine all wrapped up into one! You have to buy this book, you have to read this book, and you have to live this book! Sign me up!
Wow, this lady knows how to write, and gives you more stories than you can even imagine all wrapped up into one! You have to buy this book, you have to read this book, and you have to live this book! Sign me up!
December 30, 2025
Just a Taste
Really enjoyed reading these books and highly recommend that you read them. All were very well written and interesting. Just long enough for a quick read. Will definitely read more by these authors.
Really enjoyed reading these books and highly recommend that you read them. All were very well written and interesting. Just long enough for a quick read. Will definitely read more by these authors.
November 2, 2021
Please see individual stories for review.
November 13, 2021
Just a Taste
A good collection of stories about believable and likable characters. I have enjoyed reading this collection and I look forward to reading more.
A good collection of stories about believable and likable characters. I have enjoyed reading this collection and I look forward to reading more.
Read
November 29, 2021A few of my favourite authors and a few new-to-me authors = a whole lot of fun!
A great collection of stories and lots of new series to dive into!
A great collection of stories and lots of new series to dive into!
January 13, 2022
Awesome
Best book I ever read. Now stop looking at the negatives and read it. Best book of my life idiots
Best book I ever read. Now stop looking at the negatives and read it. Best book of my life idiots
February 13, 2022
So many great stories in one. And with food as the common denominator? Who doesn't love food? I really enjoyed this.
February 13, 2022
good set of reads
Really enjoyed these books by different authors. Wasn’t a bad book in the set. Definitely going to follow on reading from most of them.
Really enjoyed these books by different authors. Wasn’t a bad book in the set. Definitely going to follow on reading from most of them.
April 2, 2022
Outstanding book. It has it all!
Definitely worth your time.
Definitely worth your time.
November 1, 2022
Loved it
October 23, 2023
Highly recommend
January 31, 2025
Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews