Sweet & Spicy

by A. Unda-Tames, Aggie Unda

Neither knows how to trust. Can they stand the heat in the kitchen and dish up the perfect romance?

Nikki Evans’s confidence lies in ashes. Devastated and physically scarred from the fire that claimed her parents’ lives, the wealthy reporter retreats to Puerto Vallarta with her unfaithful fiancé. But a spark of hope reignites in her broken heart after interviewing a sexy rising-superstar chef.

Diego San Roman believes love is a recipe for disaster. Burned when his wife abandoned him with two young daughters, the rags-to-riches culinary master is nevertheless intrigued by the attractive American covering his new opening. And after posing as her date to an exclusive VIP fashion show, he can’t deny their searing chemistry.

Tossing her soured engagement ring in favor of steamy cooking lessons, Nikki is shocked to discover their unforgettable night out is now front-page celebrity gossip. And Diego fears her scheming ex will unearth long-buried secrets that could ruin his career… and their budding relationship.

Can Nikki and Diego beat the bad press and whip up a happily ever after?

Sweet and Spicy is the zesty first novel in the Latin Lovers contemporary romance series. If you like soft-hearted suitors, culinary intrigue, and beachside settings, then you’ll adore A. Unda-Tames’s delicious pairing.

Genres: Romance

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2023

About the author

A. Unda-Tames is a romance author who writes across dark romance, psychological thrillers, contemporary romance. Her stories blend emotional depth, dangerous chemistry, and high-stakes tension—following heroines who fight for their power and heroes who blur the line between devotion and danger.

Her dark romance novels are known for their obsession, psychological twists, and addictive villains.

A former theatre actor, director, producer, and playwright, she brings dramatic intensity and cinematic storytelling to every page. She is also the author of the middle-grade adventure series Risho & Kaia, inspired by her son’s journey on the autism spectrum. The Seed of Imagination was selected as a PepsiCo EnAble × Adelante Book Club Pick.

When she’s not writing, A. enjoys reading, watching movies, dancing, and spending time with her husband and their two children.

🖤 She is the creator of Dark Bloom Society, a storytelling brand and upcoming podcast exploring the stories we crave, the power we hide, and the desire that shapes us.

middle grade fantasy to promote autism awareness under Aggie Unda.

Reviews

[Aya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and Spicy was hot and yummy, I adored the combination of food and romance when I was looking for a light and easy read.

Both Diego and Nikki had their own demons to hide, they needed to conquer the demons in order to find themselves again.

This book was colorful and vibrant just like the cover. I hoped that there were more delicious cuisine though but the sexual tension between Diego and Nikki made up for it.

I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kremena Koleva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Има нещо привлекателнo в книгите, чието действие и герои са свързани с Латинска Америка. Sweet and Spicy на A.Unda - Tames разкрива топлото слънце, привлекателните улички, вкусната храна и темперамента атмосфера на мексиканския курортен град Пуерто Валярта.
Стимулиращата сила на книгите.
Докато четях #sweetandspicy на @aggieundatames желанието да готвя сякаш се засили. И между възхищението от Пуерто Валярта и местните кулинарни изкушения, ми се иска да създам гурме - удоволствия на семейството си. Нови рецепти, екзотични вкусове, ярки усещания... От тази книга получих пътуване, кулинарна наслада и страст между прекрасните й корици. Заради нея имам нови идеи за собствения си героизъм в кухнята. И желание да видя плажовете на Пуерто Валярта отблизо.
Книгите ни карат да живеем ярко, пълно и с любов към себе си. Живеейки и своя живот и този на героите.
Идеята беше много добра, с напрежение, което постепенно ескалират. Но поради някаква причина авторката не можа да обогати историята. Липсата на въображение или слабата способност на разказвач , а може би решението книгата да бъде по - леко прелиствана - а може всичко вкупом, но екзотичния сюжет загуби. А героите можеше да не са така претупани набързо.

* " La Diosa — което в превод означава богиня. Освежаващата напитка е направена от мекал и хибискус agua fresca, с няколко капки лайм и дехидратирана гуава. "

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not something I say often, but I wish this was longer.
The story is adorable and has a lot packed into it for something under 200 pages.
Another 100 pages or so would have let the author flesh out the plot a bit more and feel less rushed.
Also, this is a fade to black which I was not expecting from the title.
There is still some mild spice, but I was just expecting more.
Mexican landscape and delightful food really stole the show here. Being immersed in the Mexican culture was delightful and the love story just added to that delight.
Diego is a big ol' cinnamon roll and I adored him!
Much love to Aggie Unda-Tames and BookSirens for my DRC.

[Stephanie Vicente · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an entertaining and quick but fun read. It had enough spice for me and I enjoyed reading it.

[Jhullyreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Siento que la trama en sí era una idea estupenda, pero como es un libro tan cortito, el desarrollo quedó muy superficial; se pudo aprovechar mucho más.

Hay una especie de misterio respecto a un incendio en el que la prota estuvo y desde que lo mencionan, ya sabes cuál es el gran plot twist, así que muy sorprendente no es. Además, la forma en que el personaje en sí lo resuelve parece super salido de la manga e irreal.

El romance estuvo dentro de todo, interesante. Pasa que es muy insta-love y a mí eso me gusta poco, esa idea de que a primer vistazo ya sintieron que todo se les estremecía, me parece demasiado incoherente, pero supongo que va en gustos.

Los protas son el estereotipo de novela romántica: él, exitoso, muy guapo, seguro de sí mismo y muy cautivador. Ella, insegura, con muchos traumas, sin padres y una belleza brutal aunque se sienta como patito feo.

Es una historia corta para pasar el rato. No hay nada destacable, pero tampoco es mala, así que la recomiendo si se quiere algo super breve para pasar una tarde. ♥

[Desiree Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's got a little bit of everything wrapped up in some Latin spices!

I could not put this book down. After a reading slump it brought was just the story I needed to bring me back to reading.

The romance is slowly built up till you yourself are begging for it to happen. The way the main character Nikki evolves throughout is wonderful. My favorite part is how Mexican family dynamics and food is represented. It was definitely spot on.
Without giving spoilers Nikki goes from being alone with no family left after a tragic accident to having more than she could ever dream of and being loved for who she is scars and all.

Triggers-
Cheating
Murder
Deception
Physical assault
Mental abuse

[Mae Kingston · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first installment in the Latin Lovers series follows Nikki Evans, a journalist tasked with interviewing Diego San Roman, a rising star in the culinary community and a pretty handsome guy too. However, Nikki is haunted by the fire that killed her family and an emotionally abusive fiancé, and Diego’s past isn’t pristine either. Sweetness and spice ensue...

Firstly and most importantly, I found Diego a very lovable hero! He was strong, caring, and passionate and treated the women in his life with compassion. I do wish we had heard a little more about his background (i.e., his previous relationship and his “sordid past”), but I enjoyed what we saw from him in the present. As for Nikki, I personally thought she could have used a little more time as a single woman to recover from her last relationship, but I enjoyed her interactions with Diego and was rooting for them as a couple, and that’s what counts.

In general, I felt the story could have been fleshed out a bit more, perhaps with more scenes detailing Nikki and Diego’s passions -- her writing, his parenting. Also, while I enjoyed many of the scenes between them, I did find their sex scenes, the first one especially, a little too fade-to-black for my taste. Not everyone’s looking for the same level of detail though, so maybe this will be the perfect balance for some readers.

All in all, Sweet & Spicy was a breezy, romantic read and I enjoyed my time with it! It certainly made me want to sail away to Puerto Vallarta and scope out their food scene and maybe meet a nice man while I’m at it.

Thank you to Aggie Unda-Tames and BookSirens for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Vanessa Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this novel, which was not only filled with vibrant excitement but it was also a fairly easy read and I appreciate such books because you don't want to put them down even when you're so sleepy and it's 1:00 a.m.! This book touches on issues of infidelity, love, sacrifice and loss. It also focuses on the art of running a hot new restaurant in Mexico -- specifically focusing on the hard-working owner of the restaurant and his passion for the kitchen and a special someone that he meets by fate. There is a character in this story that I slowly grew to hate more and more as the story unfolded and I loved that the author was able to make me feel this way about a total fictional character that got what he deserved in the end! As to the other main characters, they do get a happy ending (which they too deserved), but they had to go through quite a bit to get there and so you couldn't help but to root for them all along the way! Definitely a recommended book. I read "Mariana" by the same author, which involved some of the same characters but focused on one of the non-main characters in "Sweet & Spicy" (I read them in reverse order), but it was also pretty rad to get more background information on Mariana in this story.

[India · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
2.5 stars rounded up.
At first I really liked it and even stayed up into the early hours reading it. I would have given it a 4-4.5 star at that point. Unfortunately, that changed at about the 70% mark. I’m not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope, especially when it’s built on an assumption that could be resolved with a very quick conversation. To me, the final 30% was super predictable but was also difficult to suspend my disbelief.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet & Spicy read!!

This book was a fun read!! Even had a few surprise twist and turns!! Definitely a nice escape for a few hours.

[Jenny Brav · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciated the descriptions of Puerto Vallarta and of food, which brought the location and the culture to life. I liked the multicultural aspect of the romance.

I did not like the main character, however. While I understood that her traumatic loss led her to stay with her cheating fiancé, I wish she came into her agency on her own, rather than because of another man. And when she finally found herself, it was out of spite… It was hard for me to like or respect her. I saw the plot twist coming for miles. I wished the characters weren't so two dimensional (and the antagonist wasn't so overtly villainous), and were a little less predictable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[K L · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3.5 Stars for me
First time reading Aggie Unda-Tames and I had a good time reading the book, it was short and fund, who doesn't want to ready about a Hot Latin guys that cooks... yum

I think the book could've had more pages to built up the characters a bit more, it would've given more depth to the characters than just scarred underestimated journalist with an emotional abusive fiancé and a Hot Latin Chef with a broken heart and a big secret nobody knows, I think the single dad plot could've been exploited more than it did and elevate Diego's Character.
And Nikki's character at first was like too many tears, she didn't fight back against the emotional abusive from her fiancé and was so willing to accept his infidelities, it made angry at some point until she finally grew some backbone, but the funny thing is that it happen with Diego who was the "Good Guy" and not with the "Bad Guy", but she was able to somehow redeemed those qualities at the end when she accepted herself in all her glory.

It was a nice easy read and do expect to ready more of Aggie soon...

[Laura Ogaard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story with lust filled moments. I loved the flirtation and heat between the main characters. I would recommend it as a good book for those lonely nights where a little excitement is needed. The storyline is good and I enjoyed reading it. Overall, I give the book 3 stars. I do like plot twists, but saw them coming. There are a few places where the plot jumps or a word is missing which made me reread a sentence for understanding.

[Mylene Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikki is in a shallow, stiffening relationship that she thinks she can't do better than. When she is set an assignment by her employers, she meets Diego , the very sought after world famous chef. Nikki realises that she is not dead after all. But a past connection is about to test Diego and Nikki knows him too all to well. A good read.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.

I enjoyed the storyline and the characters very much. It was an easy read and a fun one at that. I only wish it could've been a bit longer because it did feel slightly rushed at some points. Regardless, it was a good story, and I look forward to reading more of the authors work.

[She_She reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, though predictable read. I wish it were a bit longer to allow for character development, but I still enjoyed the journey. I also expected a bit more spice in the novel based on the title. I enjoyed the writers writing style and the book was very descriptive. I could envision the Puerto Vallarta clearly in my mind. Thank you to the author A. Unda-Tames and Goodreads for this DRC.

[KC Zella Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Is it possible to heal from the scars of the past?

Nikki is a journalist that is in Mexico with her fiancé.

Diego is a chef and owner of the best restaurant in town, and is the subject of Nikki’s next assignment.

The chemistry between Nikki and Diego 🔥🔥🔥

I love how the author intertwined the culture, community and family into the story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[AWickedMess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just the right amount of spice. Not too much and felt natural. Interesting story. Loved the characters. I could use more background on some characters and situations but overall good read

[MrsB Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up to 3

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this in a giveaway.
Sweet & Spicy was a quick and easy read. I really enjoyed the story and the main characters.
I really liked that the chapters went back and forth between the 2 main characters' perspectives. Usually, we only get to see things from one perspective, so it was nice to get to see both.
I do wish the book had been longer and would have liked a little more background into the characters and their "secrets" from the past.
Also, I felt like the main female character, Nikki, was always doing something to hurt Diego, then had to come back to him and apologize....like it almost happened back to back, they would make up from the first situation, then boom, it was happening again. I would have run away from her quickly if I were Diego. But despite that, I am happy they ended up together.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend giving it a read!

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and entertaining read. The story is entertaining, funny and easy to follow, the characters are likeable and have a great connection. A great and relaxing read after busy day.

[KayLynn Zollinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sexy, funny, and foodie. All the good things. Nikki and Diego were fire together. And Diego keeping his life private to protect his daughters was very sweet. And well, he's a good dad. That's all I will say about that. Also...fuck Eric. He's the worst kind of abusive piece of crap. For an otherwise lighthearted book, he was one hell of a villain. Fun read and I will definitely try more from this author.

Quotes
Every girl I had seen on the beach looked like their skin drank in the sun, transforming it into a golden color that glowed. I, on the other hand, gobbled up the sun, choked on it, and spat it out in patchy shades of red and magenta all over my body.
[Me. This is me. I go from white to red to peeling and then it starts back over.]

“This is one of my favorite places in the whole world,” I said to her, standing in front of the roaring waterfall. We were standing by the riverbank surrounded by trees and vines. Even though it was sunny and hot, the dense foliage kept us covered and hidden away. “When I’m here, I always feel I belong to the earth, that I am truly the son of mother nature. She’s powerful, yet tender.”

[Readers Hub · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Latin Lovers Sweet & Spicy" is a collection of short stories that takes the reader on a romantic journey through various Latin American countries. Each story focuses on a different couple, and their unique experiences of falling in love.

This book's rich descriptions of the various places are among its best qualities. The author does a fantastic job of putting the reader in each setting. The stories also examine local customs and beliefs, providing readers with a glimpse into the varied and complex civilizations.

The romance in the stories is sensual and lovely with a good dash of heat. The connections between the characters are established in a way that feels sincere and honest, and there is good character chemistry between them.

The majority of the stories in "Latin Loves Sweet & Spicy" are interesting and fun to read, despite the fact that some of them may seem a little predictable or formulaic. This novel is absolutely worth reading if you enjoy romance or are curious about other cultures.

[Lena Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved everything about it. This is the first book I read by this amazing author and I am so glad i found her because she knows how to really tell a story. I'm impressed. I will be reading lots more by her.

A beautiful love story with all kinds of interesting events unfolding. Its fast paced Set in gorgeous Mexico PV with the ocean and tropical atmosphere. amazing food, family, and culture which are very important in the story. You feel for the characters and you are totally invested into their stories and lives. Her writing is very visual so you can see it.

Not telling too much as I don't want to spoil any of the surprises. This is one book you have got to read.

Can't wait for the next one.

I was given an advance copy to review and the opinions expressed are my own

[Cavak · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked were the food and the smooth usage of Spanish within the text. It helps that it's relatively consistent to distinguish the current speaker. I liked how the transition to Nikki's trauma with fire became a metaphor for her own life changes.

I'm pleased that Nikki and Diego's instant love and lust leads to something of substance later down the line. It helps that Diego is no saint, which is a little more grounded than other narratives that begin that way. I also happened to like the fanciful whims of romance this time around enough to forgive it. Especially within the third act.

What I wished to read was Nikki having more agency for her own life. It takes forever for her to change, and it is mainly because of her finding another man that she does. In my opinion, Ryan was in the narrative far too long as a two-dimensional plot device for conflict. Even if I understand the reasonings, I wanted to see Nikki confront her fears sooner and see her individual growth beyond him for the later half of the book.

It's nothing new, but I also believe that the chef life and life in the kitchen isn't portrayed realistically at all. But then it's a romance, it's not under obligation to have that.

I'd also like a steady balance of descriptions for establishing a character's thought process. There were times when the mass of descriptions felt like describing what a character sees rather than painting us an intimate and emotional view of a character's inner world. Sometimes the literal is needed, sometimes it felt disorienting.

But the melodrama, ooo! That melodrama. It hit a sweet spot for me where it was just enough for me to feel those pangs. The ending could be seen a mile away, but it was enough to still get to me.

I hope the next book in this series improves and that there are crossovers in future narratives. Cheering for more from this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Ok · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎤Mic 👏🏻 Drop 🎤 was the only thing I could picture at the end of Sweet & Spicy by A. Unda-Tames. The ending has me thinking of the more rated r word for holy poopsickles.
I found this book ultimately enjoyable.
A. Unda-Tames was able to draw the strongest emotions out of me in this book. I felt anger, lust, love, grief... I felt it all. Not every author can do that.
We have our protagonists, Diego (H) and Nikki (h), along with our antagonist, Ryan (glkeshgl;qw). If you can't tell, I hate him with all my being. Nikki is given the opportunity to interview a famous (and hot) chef, Diego. This interview develops into something more but Ryan is lurking around the corner... wanting and waiting to ruin everything.
There were many twists and turns some of which I expected and some of which I didn't. I was happy that I didn't expect all the twists that happened. Refreshing almost, even though the twists weren't refreshing!
I really did enjoy this book. It is a steamy, yet, closed door romance that I devoured in one day. I am always the reader that wants more... So I do wish this story was longer. I wish we got more chapters after the final chapter and a little more of the future for the epilogue.
Otherwise, Sweet & Spicy is a fun read that you should not pass up.

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank A. UndTames, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the eBook Kindle copy of Sweet & Spicy that I won in the Giveaway.

Nikki Evans is living in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico with Ryan, the man she is suppose to marry and she knows he is cheating on her. She accepted his proposal shortly after a house fire that kiilled both of her parents and she was burned in the fire.

Her editor of the magazine where she works in the States, gives her an assignment to interview the owner of a new resturant, where she met Diego San Romona and her life began to change for the better, despite how bad things go with her ex (Ryan).

Lots of secrets and misunderstandings kept the eotions moving up and down. An interesting plot that I enjoyed.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance and food always go well together, especially when there is some spice involved! This is the first installment of the Latin Lovers series and it is off to a delicious start! Nikki and Diego are both dealing with past demons they are trying to put to rest. With each other's help, they learn to face their pasts and find themselves again, and grow closer in the process.
This was a quick, romantic read, and I enjoyed it very much. I'm looking forward to the next Latin Lovers story!
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Taofeekar Adigun · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a fantastic read. I couldn't wait to finish. I'm a very fast reader whenever I've the time. The lead female character was being bullied and disrespected by her supposed fiance. And I was very happy that she meet the lead male character who made her realize she doesn't have to settle for less. She made some silly mistakes that almost cost the male character his reputation, but I'm they both found a way to rectify it.

I'll tell the author to keep up the good work. Off the reas the second book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ramona]

An enjoyable story that provided many pleasures as I read. Our main characters: Diego our famous chef and Nikki our journalist was engaging and likable with their banter and chemistry, the family and its dynamics was entertaining, the yummy food that was introduced wanted me to try them, its set in Mexico where I could follow the descriptive background to picture it, and the romantic storyline kept me flipping in this enjoyable copy I'd received via Goodreads and volunteer to review.