A Pinch of Passion

A Recipe for Love #2

by Kelly Collins

She leads a privileged life. He has a chip on his shoulder. Can the very thing that divides them be what draws them together? Allie Parks lives life in the fast lane—literally. As a partner in Luxe Resorts, she’s learned that if her money won’t open a door, her looks will. So when she’s pulled over for speeding, Allie’s shocked to discover neither her charm nor her cash will work on Officer Marco Rossi. She winds up in court where she’s handed down thirty hours of community service, on top of running her resort and renovating her new condo. She wants to despise the man who put her in this position, but the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore. Since the death of his parents, Marco Rossi has resented the entitled, wealthy residents of Aspen who race their way through the streets, believing they’re above the law. He’s dedicated his life to helping the less fortunate and protecting a community that rarely appreciates his efforts. When Allie speeds into his life, he’s sure he has her all figured out. But when she’s ordered to perform community service at his soup kitchen, he can’t help but see her sweet side. He falls for the wrong woman, for all the right reasons. Will mixing two opposites be the perfect recipe for love or will they end up getting burned? Find out in A Pinch of Passion …

Genres: Romance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2022

About the author

Kelly Collins is a bestselling, award-winning author of feel-good small-town romance filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters. Her books are perfect for readers who crave heartwarming contemporary love stories, sassy heroines, and slow-burn romances with cinnamon roll heroes you’ll wish were real.

With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.

Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.

Visit www.authorkellycollins.com to grab a free book and discover your next favorite escape.

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You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.

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Reviews

[Reading Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly Collins did another good job with her latest small town romance A Pinch of Passion. Set is a fictional resort town near Aspen, Allie Parks is the COO of Luxe Resorts. She's quite an accomplished businesswoman but her love life has been pretty lackluster. When she's on her way to look at purchasing a property for herself she gets pulled over by the hot but grumpy Officer Marco Rossi. Marco likes his job on the Aspen police force but his real passion is the Soup Kitchen that his mother used to run. He isn't impressed by people with money but by people's actions and he takes one look at Allie and writes her off as self indulgent and spoiled. When these two are forced to work together that's when they both realize that everyone has many layers and it takes time to get to know the inner person. Even though this is the second book in the series it stands alone but I do recommend reading A Tablespoon of Temptation to get to know Allie's brother. It was a sweet enemies to lovers story with just a touch of heat. It is told from dual POV.

[Athena D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS

The second book in the Recipe For Love Series is a definite winner! I love Allie and Marco's story! The connection that they find they have after they've put their initial judgments of the other aside. This book is one that will touch the soul of a romantic and give hope to all who believe in love. A Pinch Of Passion by Kelly Collins is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!

[Becky Claxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in a recipe for love series. Allie, her brother James and their good friend Julian own Luxe resort in Colorado. I can understand why Allie tries to control everything at the resort and in her life after the way she was brought up. As she is driving to meet a realtor about a condo she wants to buy, she is pulled over by Officer Marco Rossi. Boy do the sparks fly between the two, and not in a good way! Marco is sensitive to speeders since his parents were killed in a crash ten years ago. I loved how much Marco loved his mother to keep the Soup Kitchen open after she died. I thought it was funny that Allie was sentenced to help him at the kitchen. Allie has such a good heart, and it came out big time at the soup kitchen. It was fun to listen to Allie and Marco go back and forth with each other. They both had issues to get over that made them more volatile. I enjoyed the recipe book for love and what it stood for. There are so many great sayings in this book. I encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Bookreviewgirl_xo · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This Arc was provided by NetGalley for an honest review.*

My Rating - ★★★½

Allie was a chief operating officer at Luxe Resorts where she's the co-owner along with her brother, James and Julian. She got pulled over and got a ticket for speeding by the sexy cop Officer Marco Rossi who apparently had hold a grudge against rich people since his parents death. Allie got community service in Soup Kitchen by the Judge. Soon she got pretty attached to it though. Oh, by the way it turned out Marco was Allie's neighbor as well as the owner of the Soup kitchen. The sexual tension between them could cut with a knife. And after resisting so much, they finally gave into the temptation. They did face some problems but found their way out off it. Together of course.

Okay, first of all, I would've love some couple moment between Marco-Allie and James-Dani. Putting that aside, I loved, really loved the banter between Allie and Marco. They were such a cute couple. But they had their own issues and got over it so that they could be with each other. And I love the fact. Also, don't forget the recipe book. That's like the main ingredient of this series. Loved the relationship between Dani and Allie. I do, however, have another complain. We deserve a nice epilogue with Marco and Allie's spending time with their children or something like that. Also, it would've been great if Allie met Marco's little sister which she didn't. But I really enjoyed this series though as I loved the concept of the series. Still could be a lot better if the author covered those missing gaps. I appreciate her hard work though!


Quotes -

- "Sometimes the hardest lessons are the easiest to remember."

- "Don't punish everyone for one person's mistakes."

- "Never let the things you want make you forget the things you have."

- "Anything worth having is worth waiting for."

- "Not really. There are some things in life we can change, and others we can't. Sometimes you have full control of what happens. Then again, life can control what happens to you."

- Listen with your heart when your mind is confused.

[TLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pinch of Passion is the second book in the A Recipe for Love series but it was acceptable as a stand-alone. The book was fast-paced and well written. My attention was grabbed in the beginning and I could not put the book down. The characters were realistic and charming. The theme of a recipe book that helps people find love and has been handed down for years was unique.
“Someday, someone will look at me like I’m everything they’ve been searching for their entire life…”
Allie Parks was a partner and COO of Luxe Resorts and was used to getting her way. She was shocked when Officer Marco Rossi did not fall for her charm and gave her a ticket. She ends up doing thirty hours of community service at the soup kitchen. She could not believe her bad luck when Marco kept running into her, even at the soup kitchen. She was shocked by how much she really enjoyed helping at the soup kitchen and changed her opinion of Marco after seeing all the good he did for the families that came to the soup kitchen.
Marco detested the wealthy residents of Aspen and their feeling of entitlement. He assumed Allie was just like the other wealthy residents and believed herself above the law. His mother had worked at the soup kitchen and he was trying to hold it together and keep her memory alive, but his resources are limited. He cannot help but fall for Allie as he watches her eagerness to help the families that come to the soup kitchen. Can two people with opposite backgrounds have a future together?
This was a wonderful book and I enjoyed reading it. I look forward to future books in the series.
I received an ARC and am willingly leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we meet someone, we make judgements. These judgements can be based on our observations, our past experiences, our mood and many other things. Sometimes those judgements have some truth in them, but all too often they are way off the mark. Both Marco, a police officer, and Allie, an executive at a luxury resort, make snap judgements about each on the day they meet. When he sees her and reads her identification while giving her a speeding ticket, he thinks “rich, entitled and careless”, on the basis of a past traumatic experience... the car accident that killed his parents. Allie pegs Marco to be the “ hot, overly grouchy, way too personal” cop who took joy in giving her a ticket. Fate or chance keeps putting them together and her speeding ticket leads to community service at the soup kitchen he runs. It takes time, snarky banter and a few unexpected surprises for them both to realize that their snap first judgements were wrong. They have both suffered pain through the careless actions of others and they both have soft centres they try to hide. Her money doesn’t make her careless or entitled, and he is not after her money. Like the recipes in the cookbook given to Allie, they have to find the ingredients and ways to make a relationship between them work. The main ingredient is love, followed by trust and acceptance.

This book will evoke a lot of laughter, sighs and smiles. The characters are vivid and so very relatable that we are easily drawn into their story. I highly recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is the second book of this series and it is even better than the first one! I adored reading how Allie Parks and Police Officer Marco Rossi meet and get to their HEA. As stated in the book, she is the gunpowder and he is the spark. It was so true. Allie is wealthy and co-owns a chain of luxury resorts. She is late for a meeting with a realtor. She is driving distractedly, reaching for some lipstick in her purse while speeding 20 mph over the speed limit. Needless to say Marco pulls her over. Allie can't get another speeding ticket, she will lose her license for sure. Marco HATES the wealthy "entitled" people in Aspen thinking money can buy their way out of everything. He lost his parents in a car accident by such a person.

The road for these two really had me turning the pages. My e-reader was burning up with the speed in which I read. I adored the dual POV format. It really helps me the fully understand both characters. Getting that glimpse into their thoughts really connects me to them.

This story was a fun read and I hated to see the ending come. I can't wait for the third installment in the series. I hope that the characters from this and the first book continue to make appearances.

This was a tiny bit on the sexy side and really should not offend anyone. I would highly recommend this to anyone over the age of 18 to be on the safe side.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie Parks is a partner in Luxe Resorts and has always worked hard. But when she speeds through town to get to a real estate appointment over property she wants to purchase, she is not happy about being pulled over for speeding. Officer Marco Rossi resents speeders since his parents were killed by one who thought he was above the law. He resents the wealthy for the same reason, since they feel they have a right to race through the streets without regard for others. So when Allie’s persuasions don’t work on the rigid Officer, she has to go to court and is required to work 30 thirty hours of community service. Adding insult to injury, she is working it off at the soup kitchen Marco’s mother used to run!

Marco has given much of his time to helping those who need it and protecting the Aspen community that rarely acknowledges or appreciates his concern for them. So he makes assumptions about Allie being spoiled and entitled. Yet seeing her work off the community service at his soup kitchen, he sees another side of her that he didn’t realize existed. Maybe as their respect for each other grows, they’ll both let their hearts decide what is best for them.

I enjoyed this story as both characters discovered jumping to conclusions was not the best way to deal with others. This turns into a real feel-good story that you won’t want to miss. Grab your copy and enjoy!

[Anita Fuhrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly Collins has given us yet another life-lesson woven into a romance. This time it is about jumping to conclusions and how it is always best to reserve judgment until one knows all the facts and has gotten a better understanding of a situation or person. Allie and Marco are complete opposites. At least, that is what police officer Marco believes when he pulls Allie over for speeding through the city streets of Aspen on her way to an appointment that she is running late for. He incorrectly assumes that she is shallow and entitled when in reality these are both individuals that are driven to succeed in their professions and care deeply for other people and the community that they live in. When Allie has to serve her community service sentence at the same soup kitchen that Marco donates his time in, attraction starts to sizzle between them! But will they be able to recognize that they are really so much more alike than they are different and allow love to develop and grow between them? I adore all the books set in this wonderful community and love it every time Ms. Collins takes us back there for another beautiful love story!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passion Pillow cookies – YUM! This book is not about cookies but what is inside of it. This is about Marco and Allie. Its starts with Allie getting pulled over for speeding and almost causing an accident for not paying attention to the road. Marco is the police office who pulls Allie over. Marco takes his job seriously and doesn’t care if you are wealthy or not, if you do the crime, suffer the consequences. Of course, Allie is wealthy and when she is being stopped, she realizes that she may lose her license if she gets another ticket. She tries to butter up the Marco, but it doesn’t work, so she gets her ticket and hopes to not see him in court. Well he shows up for each ticket he presents, and she was no exception. He convinces the judge to give her community hours instead of paying the ticket and she is flabbergasted but goes along with it. Community service is in the soup kitchen that Marco works in too... The story has a lot of funny parts to it but also shines on the fact that speeding and not obeying the law can cause more than to the person irresponsibly driving.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pinch of Passion by Kelly Collins

**I received a copy of this book from the author and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinion is my own and not solicited in any way.**

This is the second book in her A Recipe of Love series I read this as a stand alone without any problems and look forward to reading the other 3 books. A Pinch of Passion has everything a grumpy cop, funny quibbles from the couple and a wonderful side story with a mom working hard to support 3 kids. Marco Rossi who pulls over Allie Parks for speeding and sees how hard she's trying to get out of a ticket so he suggests to the judge that she complete community service in his soup kitchen. He's not impressed that Allie has money or how hard she's worked to earn the money because all he wants to keep his kitchen open because it was his late mother's. Through her entire time helping in the soup kitchen she'll perfect recipes from the book and also find her HEA in Marco. When the kitchen doesn't pass health inspection will Marco and Allie be able to save it?

[Holly Doyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series. It’s a cute romance that also has ties to a cookbook that dishes out the recipe for love. After Dani found love with James in book 1, she secretly stowed the book in Allie’s purse when she wasn’t looking. As Allie was speeding to get to her next appointment, she was pulled over by officer Marco Rossi (who has a real distaste for reckless drivers after his parents were killed by one). He takes no crap from Allie and issues her the ticket even though he knows she will most likely lose her license. He shows up for her day in court and the judge lets her perform community service instead of accumulating points on her license. Little does she know it’s the same organization Marco practically runs.

In time can they begin to like each other instead of the outrage they correctly feel in each other’s company? After all, there is little difference between love and hate.

This is an easy read that is enjoyable. I received this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.

[Christine Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this new novel in the Recipe for Love series by Kelly Collins. Allie and Marco come from completely different economic backgrounds and jaded by money; Allie because people have always used her for the money she has and Marco because he feels people of means can get away with almost anything. Yet when Allie decides to use her money and connections for a good cause will they both realize how wrong they both were about each other? The story line was beautifully well written and the characters were wonderful. Allí and Marco grow so much as they come to realize they both have faults they need to work through and first assumptions aren’t always correct. A Pinch of Passion is a captivating story with just the right touch of passion, romance, and heart. A beautiful novel readers won’t be able to put down. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second wonderful story in this series. Allie Parks is sharp, successful and determined to make the Luxe one of their top resorts. Her earlier life wasn’t easy as she and her brother James mostly raised themselves after their mother left. Late for an appointment, she meets Officer Marco Rossi, but not in a good way. She receives another speeding ticket that may cause her to lose her license. Sentenced to community service, at the Soup Kitchen, she arrives to find that Marco is the Soup Kitchen. Will she be able to work for him without one of them suffering bodily harm? She has never met a man like Marcos, he isn’t interested in her money and “gives as good as he gets”. Will Allie find out what the secret ingredient is in time to save the Soup Kitchen and her relationship with Marco? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s opposites attract and enemies to lovers all rolled into one, and what we get is just so stinkin’ cute. Allie and Marco prove, once again, that the opposite of love is not hate; there is just so much passion between them. The sparks fly from the first moment they’re on the page together and there were times I worried that they’d burn the world down around them. Both of them have some pretty big chips on their shoulders that make for lots of miscommunication and jumping to incorrect conclusions. But they also have big gooey marshmallow hearts that call out to one another. I had so much fun watching this pair work through everything that was going against them to find common ground, and eventually their happy ever after. I’m already ready to dive into the next book in this series. Bring it on!
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Terry Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again we are brought back to the town of Aspen Cove, and The “ Recipes of Love” cookbook. This recipe book shares not only recipes, but insights into how to have a true love story with the man of your dreams. Allie is the”boots on the ground” third owner of the Luxe hotels. She’s truly happy for her brothers finding love, but she worries that her chance of having her own family has disappeared. When Allie is pulled over for speeding by Officer Marco Rossi, and the sparks begin to fly. Allie needs to to master her chosen recipe from the cookbook. Then she will able to reach her dreams.

This is yet another installment of the “Aspen Cove” series from Kelly Collins. Her novels bring out the desires we have without wrecking us forever.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Self-made woman Allie Parks is beyond frustrated when she is pulled over by Officer Marco Rossi, but his judgment of her is what really infuriates her. First impressions are by no means accurate in this situation, as both Allie and Marco come to realise. However, they really cannot help themselves and the discord between them keeps ramping up until Marco kisses Allie in order to keep her quiet. This contemporary romance has wit and humour making one laugh out loud, as well as tender moments that expose the warring couple's softer side. The novel is well written and is a standalone, coming to a happy and satisfying conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second book in the A Recipe for Love series at the Luxe Resort. We met Allie, Jame's sister, in the first book. Allie is the boss, the COO, and has the wealth that comes with the title she likes nice things but few people realize how hard she has had to work to get what she has and what she has missed in her life. Marco is a local police officer, grew up poor, and works a free second job keeping the Soup Kitchen open. They meet at a traffic stop she is a speeder and he's a cop. I enjoyed this story that's kind of an enemy to lover's tale with lots of preconceived notions, ego (macho), and a ton of steamy feelings. The writing is great I felt I was right there in the middle of this romance with these great characters. Great Book.

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 5 out of 5]

We had already met Allie Parker in the first book in this series. She's an independent and determined woman, but when she's stopped driving over the speed limit, not all of her charm and money will make her escape from a ticket.
When Officer Marco Rossi stops Allie Parker for speeding, he barely knew his life would change forever.
Allie is ordered to provide 30 hours of community service in the soul kitchen that Marco manages. And although they are from completely different worlds, the chemistry between them is huge and they end up discovering many things in common.
But when money threatens their relationship, will they be able to get over it and move on?
I loved the story and the characters. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend the reading.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and even though I have not read the first one, I had no trouble following this story. It's a sweet enemies to lovers story. The characters were well-developed and were realistic and had relatable qualities. It was fun to watch Allie and Marco get past their judgements of each other and finally realize they have a real connection. Ms. Collins did an excellent job of bringing this story to life and pulling you in to their world. The witty banter between the two was also a lot of fun. A really well-written story with emotion and laughs that will have you glued till the end. A really great read I would definitely recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series by Kelly Collins and it is great.
It just goes to show that first impressions aren't always right. When Allie who owns Luxe resort with her brother and good friend is hurrying to get to an appointment she is pulled over by Marco a police officer who can't stand speeding drivers and won't listen to anything they have to say. Allie is sent to court and ends up helping out at a shelter that is run by none other than Marco.
While they have their disagreements there is also a mutual attraction between them.
Without giving any spoilers away this a a terrific book and I encourage anyone enjoys a romance with some twists and turn to read this one

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the series is written well and full of so many emotions. At times it was hard for me to read because of the pain that Allie and Marco felt and how that made them think and act. I thought the book was paced right and showed good character depth and development. I liked that Allie and Marco could admit when they were wrong and that they never gave up on each other. I am looking forward to book three.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was sad to turn the final page!! It definitely needs more than 5 stars!!

Amazing! Everything I didn't even know I needed or wanted in a romance book. Hot. Spicy. Sweet. Addicting. With beautifully written characters and a storyline that I could not put down this was a fabulous read. I enjoyed the hell out of every step of their journey and was sad to turn the final page. I wasn't ready for the goodness to end…sigh. It definitely needs more than 5 stars!! So clear your schedule and settle in for the night and read this fabulous read. Happy reading everyone!!

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie is a workaholic and doesn't have time for a hot but frustrating cop, nor the community service she gets for speeding but oh how things will change for her and in a good way. Marco doesn't like Allie when he first meets her after pulling her over and lets his past influence how he sees her. There are plenty of laughs (especially Allie's first attempt at Passion Pillows!) sadness as well as attraction, determination and a sweet love story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

When these two opposites attract, it is a recipe for an explosion. The pinch of passion comes in a cookie recipe, when what is inside a sugar cookie is more important than the cookie alone, and making the perfect cookies take time, good choices and real ingredients. And some practice, too, just like adapting to love and letting it change your life in a wonderful way! I loved this couple, who were so different in the way they lived their lives, but were alike in the ways that matter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara | sara.reads.too.much · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet read!

This is the first book I've read from this author and in this series but it was very enjoyable! The characters were very fun and the hate to love trope worked very well with the characters and their personalities. It was nice to see the aspect of money and helping people being the main topic of this book. How it is important to help those in need and be kind to them.

It was a very nice book for just sitting back and relaxing and enjoying a nice story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kelly Collins for the earc in return for an honest review.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well-written and heartfelt romance. Realistic examples of how things definitely aren't always the way they seem. This couple have some eye-opening experiences which not only helped me get to know them but also provided some much needed comic relief. Opposites attract and can also reveal common traits. Love how they kept innocently running into one another. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lady M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit, Allie was not likeable in the first half of the book. It took a while for her to sort of wake up, but when she did, the book took a turn for the positive. I love the cookbook aspect, it didn't seem as big a part of the story as it was in the first book. Maybe because Dani seemed to struggle more than Allie. I adored the ending though, it was so sweet. I can't wait to see who gets the cookbook next!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town romance at its finest. A sweet story line you'll love getting lost in. The characters are realistic and you'll easily fall in love with them. When opposites attract and make a great couple, it makes a wonderful story. The story line captivates you and holds you from the first word to the last word.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read I ploughed through this in a day, The characters are fantastic Allie and Marco are certainly full of passion which is why they butt heads in the beginning. Loved Susan and her 3 children especially Timmy who following being given a handful of change runs off and says I'm rich! Bless his heart. I'm glad that Allie and Marco finally admit they love each other ! She's such a firecracker, who takes no nonsense from Marco ands that's why he falls in love with her