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Too Darn Hot
Rule Number One: Never mix business with pleasure. Restaurant reviewer Lina Holland learned that lesson by watching her beloved mentor self-destruct, and she's not about to make a similar mistake, even if the chef and owner of the restaurant she’s secretly reviewing is the most sexalicious hunk who ever seared a T-bone. It's not enough to be scrupulously impartial, she must avoid even the merest whiff of favoritism. Date a restaurateur? She can't allow herself to even think about it. Okay, she thinks about it, but that's all. Really!
Chef Eric Reid is a widower struggling to raise twin boys and keep his fledgling restaurant afloat long enough for word of mouth to lift it out of the red. Little does he suspect that the intriguing new customer groaning in ecstasy over his bourbon pecan tart is none other than the legendary Lina Holland, the reviewer whose thumbs-up could spell the difference between colossal success and the extermination of his lifelong dream. No one in the industry knows what Lina looks like, but he's convinced she's a brash, zaftig shrew who applies her makeup with a putty knife. When he finds out how wrong he is, the fun really starts!
Throw in a buttinsky roommate, a lecherous ex-husband, bribery by chocolate, and the fishing excursion from hell, and the result is, well, too darn hot!
Originally published by Zebra books, a division of Kensington Publishing Corp.
Chef Eric Reid is a widower struggling to raise twin boys and keep his fledgling restaurant afloat long enough for word of mouth to lift it out of the red. Little does he suspect that the intriguing new customer groaning in ecstasy over his bourbon pecan tart is none other than the legendary Lina Holland, the reviewer whose thumbs-up could spell the difference between colossal success and the extermination of his lifelong dream. No one in the industry knows what Lina looks like, but he's convinced she's a brash, zaftig shrew who applies her makeup with a putty knife. When he finds out how wrong he is, the fun really starts!
Throw in a buttinsky roommate, a lecherous ex-husband, bribery by chocolate, and the fishing excursion from hell, and the result is, well, too darn hot!
Originally published by Zebra books, a division of Kensington Publishing Corp.
Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2023
138 people are currently reading
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About the author
Pamela Burford
42 books210 followersPamela Burford comes from a funny family. You may take that any way you want. She was raised in a household that valued laughter above all, so of course the first thing she looked for in a husband was a sense of humor. Is it any wonder their grown kids are into stand-up comedy and improv? Oh, and here's another fun family fact: Pamela's identical twin sister, Patricia Ryan, aka P.B. Ryan, is also a published novelist. Patricia is the Good Twin, and yeah, Pamela knows what that makes her. But hey, Evil Twins have more fun.
It should come as no surprise that everything Pamela writes is infused with her own quirky brand of humor, from her feel-good contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels to her popular Jane Delaney mystery series, featuring snarky “Death Diva” Jane, her canine sidekick Sexy Beast, and a fun love triangle. Pamela's own beloved poodle, Murray, wants you to know that any similarities between himself and neurotic, high-strung Sexy Beast are purely coincidental.
Pamela is the proud founder and past president of Long Island Romance Writers. Her books have won awards and sold millions of copies, but what excites her most is hearing from readers. So swing by her website and say hi. And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Not only will you learn about new releases and other fun stuff, but you'll receive a free ebook as her special thank-you.
It should come as no surprise that everything Pamela writes is infused with her own quirky brand of humor, from her feel-good contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels to her popular Jane Delaney mystery series, featuring snarky “Death Diva” Jane, her canine sidekick Sexy Beast, and a fun love triangle. Pamela's own beloved poodle, Murray, wants you to know that any similarities between himself and neurotic, high-strung Sexy Beast are purely coincidental.
Pamela is the proud founder and past president of Long Island Romance Writers. Her books have won awards and sold millions of copies, but what excites her most is hearing from readers. So swing by her website and say hi. And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Not only will you learn about new releases and other fun stuff, but you'll receive a free ebook as her special thank-you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
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November 10, 2024Dnf at 27% because these people are annoying the hell out of me.
September 24, 2012
Listen, I thought this one was good. I don't expect a whole hell of a lot from the freebies. Especially the romance ones because people seem to think if you stick a blurry, artsy close up of people getting it on without showing their no no parts and fill it with the obligatory Hot Dude and Shy Girl or Neurotic Girl or Ready For A Fling Girl then you've got yourself a supah sexy book.
And that doesn't work. The pieces are usually always the same, I'll give you that, but the magic is in what you do with them. (Hey oh.) So while one person will take those elements and make a Katherine Heigl movie someone else will make You've Got Mail but with hot sex. There's an inherent difference in the writing, and in the characters. That's where your hearts and your guts are. And here they were present. In this quick enough of a story I got everything I wanted, and was surprised by the heat of the sexy moments, and the quick humor in the back and forth banter, and simply, that I was swooning over Eric and rooting for Lina, and then they're doing it in a kitchen and it works, and it's hot, but the storytelling is there to back up the sex, and the characters are strong enough to make you care about the ending.
And this is why you shuffle through the freebies, because sometimes you get lucky.
And that doesn't work. The pieces are usually always the same, I'll give you that, but the magic is in what you do with them. (Hey oh.) So while one person will take those elements and make a Katherine Heigl movie someone else will make You've Got Mail but with hot sex. There's an inherent difference in the writing, and in the characters. That's where your hearts and your guts are. And here they were present. In this quick enough of a story I got everything I wanted, and was surprised by the heat of the sexy moments, and the quick humor in the back and forth banter, and simply, that I was swooning over Eric and rooting for Lina, and then they're doing it in a kitchen and it works, and it's hot, but the storytelling is there to back up the sex, and the characters are strong enough to make you care about the ending.
And this is why you shuffle through the freebies, because sometimes you get lucky.
September 5, 2012
Lina knows never mix business with pleasure, its too bad no one told that to the hot, handsome head chef and owner of The Cookhouse. Widower Eric Reid, father to two teenage sons has his work cut out for him. Trying to hold onto his dream, he needs that lucky break. Restaurant reviewer Lina has been secretly reviewing his cuisine while trying hard to keep her hands off.
The problem, that man is as irresistible as his food. Eric hasn't been interested in anyone long enough to pull him away from his kitchen since before his wife died and he wants Lina desperately. Can Lina remain professional and stay away?
First, I wanted to say that the chemistry between these two spark right off the bat. You'd have to feel that tension if you blow up within a few minutes that he's in your face. Second, the secondary characters were memorable and cute, helping bring these two together. I could see Lina's point in keeping away, considering she'd seen first hand what can happen when you mix business with pleasure. I was happy when they both saw the light and allowed their feelings for each other put their concerns about appearances away. Great read, can't wait to read more from this author.
The problem, that man is as irresistible as his food. Eric hasn't been interested in anyone long enough to pull him away from his kitchen since before his wife died and he wants Lina desperately. Can Lina remain professional and stay away?
First, I wanted to say that the chemistry between these two spark right off the bat. You'd have to feel that tension if you blow up within a few minutes that he's in your face. Second, the secondary characters were memorable and cute, helping bring these two together. I could see Lina's point in keeping away, considering she'd seen first hand what can happen when you mix business with pleasure. I was happy when they both saw the light and allowed their feelings for each other put their concerns about appearances away. Great read, can't wait to read more from this author.
September 21, 2012
This book was cute. It had a good premise but alllllllllllll the fights and miscommunication is exhausting. And for being called "Too Darn Hot" there wasn't a whole lot of "hot" parts in it.
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December 29, 2012The heroine completely turned me off in the first 3 pages, but I kept reading. The rest of the first chapter didn't do her any favors. There's nothing I abhor more than a woman who is full of herself, but when she cruelly humiliated the hero before getting the full lo-down on the situation I was done. DNF
August 31, 2012
I enjoyed Eric and his twins...loved Lina and her fishing trip...I loved the way they got their HEA...
September 24, 2012
It was okay...I wanted more. More emotions, more history, more information...just more...
April 22, 2018
A freebie for a review. Loved this romantic comedy. I was glued to the pages until I had finished it. Plan to read more of this authors works.
September 5, 2019
NOTE: I got this when it was offered as an Amazon freebie.
Too Darn Hot -- not so much...
I like being surprised when a freebie is better than expected, enticing me to purchase more by the same author. While I liked the premise, this book didn't surprise me by being better than average. It did, however, disappoint because it could have been better. On the plus side, it is a very quick read, though the description says it's 185 pages. ???
This is the story of Lina and Eric. It opens with Lina and her roommate, Joy, dining at a local restaurant so Lina, a restaurant reviewer, can decide whether to review the place. That night anything that could go wrong in a restaurant does and the evening (and meal) is a mess. (I think I might have closed for the evening rather than serve sub par food, but the chef/owner doesn't. Why, who knows...) Lina is angry and winds up taking it out on the chef and owner, Eric. That same evening she learns about the issues that cause the poor service, the poor food, etc. and apologizes to Eric.
As with these types of stories, the two are immediately "drawn" to one another, but Eric doesn't understand why Lina pulls away. At first there are two reasons. One is that she doesn't mix business with pleasure; the other, he wears a wedding ring and she makes some assumptions. Then there are the obligatory obstacles/conflicts before final resolution.
While it wasn't exactly a bad book, it loses points for the on/off stupidity of the characters. They're both over thirty and both intelligent, but don't act it. To wit:
* On her first night at the restaurant, Lina is served duck. She doesn't like duck. Because of the issues there was little choice, but why order it at all if you don't like it? She obviously wasn't going to eat it. And, why did her friend Joy make her stay when they simply could have come back another time?
* As pointed out earlier, why wouldn't you close for the night rather than run the risk of losing customers for poor service, food, etc.? Or, why not explain to customers that there were problems and all they could offer was a prix fixe dinner of X this evening? He's supposedly a great chef, but one that's not creative enough to think on his feet??? Stupid!
* There's a scene on the beach when a lifeguard tries to intervene on Lina's behalf when she's trying to get away from Eric after she perceives he's insulted her. I understand why she gets angry that the lifeguard doesn't want to get involved with a domestic dispute -- I mean really, why should being married change his response to a woman in distress? -- but, first, she doesn't dissuade the lifeguard from his mistaken belief that she and Eric are married (though Eric encourages it); then, after ripping the lifeguard for backing off, she goes off with Eric anyway. Dumb.
* Lina's been divorced for two years. She's made it clear she's over that relationship and what her ex thought of her work (not much), etc. Why, then, would her ex all of a sudden show up in her apartment two years later (causing yet another misunderstanding)? It would have been different if she was still friendly with the ex or at least still saw him now and then for whatever reason.
* Before they're even together, Eric's angry because Lina's now been to the restaurant a few times (though only two are depicted) with different men. The only conclusion is that she must be a slut.
* Why pick up a phone or talk face to face with someone you're supposedly attracted to and/or have already kissed/felt up when you can just guess at why he or she is angry and just get angrier that things aren't going your way?
I know that some of this has to do with the need for fictional couples to overcome obstacles before getting together. It just disappointed me that supposedly intelligent, mature people act like high-schoolers -- especially after a couple of misunderstandings had been cleared up already. (I mean, wouldn't your first thought be to seek an explanation rather than jump to a conclusion if there had been misunderstandings previously??)
As for the romance part... I'm not sure how "romantic" it is. There are a couple of lusty sex scenes (more soft core than erotic), but does sex equal romance? The most romantic scene for me takes place on a boat ride. Lina gets motion sickness and Eric takes care of her. That's love. I didn't feel that romance throughout the rest of the story. That's where it loses more points.
Finally, the title, Too Darn Hot, doesn't fit this book. I don't know who or what was "too darn hot," but it wasn't the characters and it wasn't the sex (well, maybe one scene). Maybe it was the temperaments of the characters, which made them act irrationally. ??
All in all, this book wasn't bad; it's just nothing that makes me want to purchase other items by this author. I'd read them for free, but purchasing is not something I would do based on this book.
Too Darn Hot -- not so much...
I like being surprised when a freebie is better than expected, enticing me to purchase more by the same author. While I liked the premise, this book didn't surprise me by being better than average. It did, however, disappoint because it could have been better. On the plus side, it is a very quick read, though the description says it's 185 pages. ???
This is the story of Lina and Eric. It opens with Lina and her roommate, Joy, dining at a local restaurant so Lina, a restaurant reviewer, can decide whether to review the place. That night anything that could go wrong in a restaurant does and the evening (and meal) is a mess. (I think I might have closed for the evening rather than serve sub par food, but the chef/owner doesn't. Why, who knows...) Lina is angry and winds up taking it out on the chef and owner, Eric. That same evening she learns about the issues that cause the poor service, the poor food, etc. and apologizes to Eric.
As with these types of stories, the two are immediately "drawn" to one another, but Eric doesn't understand why Lina pulls away. At first there are two reasons. One is that she doesn't mix business with pleasure; the other, he wears a wedding ring and she makes some assumptions. Then there are the obligatory obstacles/conflicts before final resolution.
While it wasn't exactly a bad book, it loses points for the on/off stupidity of the characters. They're both over thirty and both intelligent, but don't act it. To wit:
* On her first night at the restaurant, Lina is served duck. She doesn't like duck. Because of the issues there was little choice, but why order it at all if you don't like it? She obviously wasn't going to eat it. And, why did her friend Joy make her stay when they simply could have come back another time?
* As pointed out earlier, why wouldn't you close for the night rather than run the risk of losing customers for poor service, food, etc.? Or, why not explain to customers that there were problems and all they could offer was a prix fixe dinner of X this evening? He's supposedly a great chef, but one that's not creative enough to think on his feet??? Stupid!
* There's a scene on the beach when a lifeguard tries to intervene on Lina's behalf when she's trying to get away from Eric after she perceives he's insulted her. I understand why she gets angry that the lifeguard doesn't want to get involved with a domestic dispute -- I mean really, why should being married change his response to a woman in distress? -- but, first, she doesn't dissuade the lifeguard from his mistaken belief that she and Eric are married (though Eric encourages it); then, after ripping the lifeguard for backing off, she goes off with Eric anyway. Dumb.
* Lina's been divorced for two years. She's made it clear she's over that relationship and what her ex thought of her work (not much), etc. Why, then, would her ex all of a sudden show up in her apartment two years later (causing yet another misunderstanding)? It would have been different if she was still friendly with the ex or at least still saw him now and then for whatever reason.
* Before they're even together, Eric's angry because Lina's now been to the restaurant a few times (though only two are depicted) with different men. The only conclusion is that she must be a slut.
* Why pick up a phone or talk face to face with someone you're supposedly attracted to and/or have already kissed/felt up when you can just guess at why he or she is angry and just get angrier that things aren't going your way?
I know that some of this has to do with the need for fictional couples to overcome obstacles before getting together. It just disappointed me that supposedly intelligent, mature people act like high-schoolers -- especially after a couple of misunderstandings had been cleared up already. (I mean, wouldn't your first thought be to seek an explanation rather than jump to a conclusion if there had been misunderstandings previously??)
As for the romance part... I'm not sure how "romantic" it is. There are a couple of lusty sex scenes (more soft core than erotic), but does sex equal romance? The most romantic scene for me takes place on a boat ride. Lina gets motion sickness and Eric takes care of her. That's love. I didn't feel that romance throughout the rest of the story. That's where it loses more points.
Finally, the title, Too Darn Hot, doesn't fit this book. I don't know who or what was "too darn hot," but it wasn't the characters and it wasn't the sex (well, maybe one scene). Maybe it was the temperaments of the characters, which made them act irrationally. ??
All in all, this book wasn't bad; it's just nothing that makes me want to purchase other items by this author. I'd read them for free, but purchasing is not something I would do based on this book.
July 17, 2024
This was a frustrating read. Lina is a restaurant critic. The book opens with a scene of her being churlish and cruel to restaurant staff. She's told that they're having supply issues and that they'll only be able to serve duck to her. She orders it, but somehow seems surprised and angry to be served duck? I'm not a big time critic, but even I would figure out that if I'm told a restaurant only has one thing to offer and I order that . . . that's what I'm going to be served, right?
Our male MC, of course, is Eric, the chef/owner. Despite the clear warning signs displayed during their meeting, the two kick off a flirtation which is beset at every turn by really petty and silly misunderstandings. I have no idea what the initial publication date of this book is, but it was published by at least 2012. It's really silly for people in 2012 to assume things like "A man must be married if he has teenage sons." There's also things that just don't make much sense -- like Eric is supposed to be a single dad trying to get his restaurant off the ground, but he also sends Lina thousands and thousands of dollars of food trying to woo her? Come on.
Some of the misunderstandings cross into uncomfortable territory, like when a lifeguard at the beach sees them fighting and assumes that it's some kind of domestic violence situation. I like some lighthearted scrapping, but the tone just felt not right.
Our male MC, of course, is Eric, the chef/owner. Despite the clear warning signs displayed during their meeting, the two kick off a flirtation which is beset at every turn by really petty and silly misunderstandings. I have no idea what the initial publication date of this book is, but it was published by at least 2012. It's really silly for people in 2012 to assume things like "A man must be married if he has teenage sons." There's also things that just don't make much sense -- like Eric is supposed to be a single dad trying to get his restaurant off the ground, but he also sends Lina thousands and thousands of dollars of food trying to woo her? Come on.
Some of the misunderstandings cross into uncomfortable territory, like when a lifeguard at the beach sees them fighting and assumes that it's some kind of domestic violence situation. I like some lighthearted scrapping, but the tone just felt not right.
October 16, 2012
Lina Holland is pretty famous as Caroline Holland~restaurant reviewer for Bon Vivant. She is dining out with her best friend and roommate Joy at The Cookhouse. The Cookhouse seems to be having it's share of problems yet chef and owner Eric Reid are striving to do their best for their customers. Lina notices Eric and can't help staring at him. She normally doesn't do this yet can't seem to stop herself. Lina is deeply attracted to Eric yet won't let herself act on it because it wouldn't be professional. Lina's mentor Mercy is an example she doesn't want to follow and refuses to be bribed for her honest reviews. Eric really wants to get to know Lina better yet he's busy raising twin sons and not losing his restaurant. Eric has been widowed for the last year and half he has tried divorcing himself of any emotional contact or energy. Eric thinks that he needs to bribe Lina for her review and is highly upset when Eric does this. When the misunderstanding is cleared up between Eric and Lina; they begin dating in secret because Lina fears for her job's reputation. When Lina's ex-husband unexpected shows up in Lina's apartment trying to get back with Lina. Eric refuses to listen or even talk with her. What are Lina's ex-husband motives? Will Erice listen to Lina? Will Lina try talking to Eric? Will either Lina or Eric see reason? Your answers await you in Too Darn Hot.
September 27, 2012
2.5
Lina is THE restaurant reviewer, she works as a columnist at a gourmet magazine and her word can make or break a restaurant. After her roommate talks her ears off, she goes to Cookhouse, Eric's restaurant. That special night the place is absolute hell, which gives Lina a real bad first impression. After being rude with Eric, she decides to give the place a second chance. Every time they see each other, sparks fly. Lina wants to keep things business-only, while Eric wants to make her, his business.
I liked and disliked this book. For one side it was well written, but there were some major flaws to the characters personality that irks me out. Both of them were terrible at understanding, listening and trusting the other. They were misunderstanding each other half the time and it was too darn annoying. Some parts could've been left out and the book reduced in at least 20%.
In the end wasn't a bad reading, and I'll probably read Burford's again. Too Darn Hot, wasn't so hot after all.
Lina is THE restaurant reviewer, she works as a columnist at a gourmet magazine and her word can make or break a restaurant. After her roommate talks her ears off, she goes to Cookhouse, Eric's restaurant. That special night the place is absolute hell, which gives Lina a real bad first impression. After being rude with Eric, she decides to give the place a second chance. Every time they see each other, sparks fly. Lina wants to keep things business-only, while Eric wants to make her, his business.
I liked and disliked this book. For one side it was well written, but there were some major flaws to the characters personality that irks me out. Both of them were terrible at understanding, listening and trusting the other. They were misunderstanding each other half the time and it was too darn annoying. Some parts could've been left out and the book reduced in at least 20%.
In the end wasn't a bad reading, and I'll probably read Burford's again. Too Darn Hot, wasn't so hot after all.
September 6, 2012
Extremelly unsatisfied with her first visit to Eric's restaurant, Lina comes off as a shrew and wants to apologize for her behavior. Eric has no idea that Lina is the famous food reviewer, he has only been introduced to her as Joy's friend and even though she bashes his restaurant right to his face, she continues to come back and even joins in his cooking class. He has no idea she is experiencing his restaurant now because she is reviewing him, but the feelings he evokes in her has nothing to do with his cooking, but everything to do with the chef.
Eric is just a nice guy, trying to make his business grow. Lina tries to keep her feelings for him at bay for the conflict of interest. She'd watched a fellow college go down in flames for taking bribes and she wasn't about to follow that path, but Eric has a really hard way of making her refuse his offers.
This was a fun story. Eat and enjoy.
Eric is just a nice guy, trying to make his business grow. Lina tries to keep her feelings for him at bay for the conflict of interest. She'd watched a fellow college go down in flames for taking bribes and she wasn't about to follow that path, but Eric has a really hard way of making her refuse his offers.
This was a fun story. Eat and enjoy.
October 22, 2012
This was a great read. I enjoyed almost every aspect of my time spent with it. There was great tension between the H/h, a quirky side character that made for decent comic relief, excellent pace. The story was believable even if a bit predictable and very dated. Although, I really wish I had gotten more of the romance between Eric and Lina. I liked these two and I was disappointed being left out of the joys of them falling in love.
Basically, all the reader is shown is them meeting, sniffing around each other for a few weeks and then having sex. Jump ahead several months (4 iirc) and they're madly in love and quickly approaching the 'Big Misunderstanding' and subsequent resolution/HEA. I didn't see that love play out and grow, so I find it hard to believe at the end. For that reason, despite giving a decent grade, I won't be adding this book to my keeper shelf for future rereads. I look for romance in my romances and don't feel this book delivered on that front.
Basically, all the reader is shown is them meeting, sniffing around each other for a few weeks and then having sex. Jump ahead several months (4 iirc) and they're madly in love and quickly approaching the 'Big Misunderstanding' and subsequent resolution/HEA. I didn't see that love play out and grow, so I find it hard to believe at the end. For that reason, despite giving a decent grade, I won't be adding this book to my keeper shelf for future rereads. I look for romance in my romances and don't feel this book delivered on that front.
January 9, 2013
this would have been ok but for the unnecessary melodrama created by idiotic characters acting like fools instead of behaving like normal human beings and simply asking simple questions or saying obvious things. prime example, spoiler alert, near the end rather than tell him, this man she is madly in love, that it was a misunderstanding she lets him go on believing she betrayed him for two whole weeks. ridiculous. that was just one example this sort of thing went on between them back and forth over and over. really not necessary to the story. really really annoying. im going to try to remember this author so i dont read anymore of this heavy handed tripe. i wish the same for you. word to the author. the rest of the story was fine. lose the silliness and your stories would be much more palatable.
June 17, 2014
This was an Amazon freebie and as we know sometimes the free ones are good and sometimes they are not. I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It was light, it made me smile and it was a quick read. It was engaging and fairly well written. The story was short and flowed well but quick.
I love food so immediately was intrigued by a food critic and chef. Both characters are working on their second chances in life and their relationship and misunderstandings were believable and sometimes comical. The "turning point" could have used a little more development for my taste, but again as the book was short it worked out okay.
So for a short one, it had the right amount of steam, romance, smiles and story line to keep me. I think it would have kept me even if it had been longer and more developed because the writing was good.
I love food so immediately was intrigued by a food critic and chef. Both characters are working on their second chances in life and their relationship and misunderstandings were believable and sometimes comical. The "turning point" could have used a little more development for my taste, but again as the book was short it worked out okay.
So for a short one, it had the right amount of steam, romance, smiles and story line to keep me. I think it would have kept me even if it had been longer and more developed because the writing was good.
April 21, 2017
TOO DARN HOT by Pamela Burford. The "Cookhouse" restaurant's owner, Eric trying to keep it going, and struggling to raise twins. Lina is not impressed, and everything is going wrong that night at the restaurant. Lina hears a voice that sounds like honey and smoke,it's Eric, telling Joy, wrong night to bring someone new. Lina doesn't hold back and tells him about the place, then she realizes how rude she was and goes into his domain to apologize. Which brings a meeting out in back,and the defensiveness is gone, now sparks of interest, intrigue. How she can be so obnoxious and then enchanting in the next. How will this turn out when he finds out what she does for a living. A first to read by this author, and a delightful find. She has a good plot, good defined characters, keeping you to the end. Given ARC by author for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
October 25, 2012
I got this as a Kindle "freebie" and was so pleasantly surprised at how good it was! It was a fun, easy read with steamy love scenes, lots of humor, and a sweet story. I breezed through this one in a couple of hours, enjoying every minute. I don't know that I'll read it again, but I'll think of this book when I eat bagels for a long time to come. I was slightly annoyed at the drawn out miscommunication over the bribery issue, but it provided some humor. I was extremely annoyed at the miscommunication over Steve, especially after the early miscommunication, but it didn't ruin the story for me. I felt like the wrap up was a little abrupt. You never get the crisis the entire story seems to lead up to, but again, it wasn't a huge draw back.
April 14, 2016
This was the first book I read by this author and I was not disappointed with it! Restaurant reviewer Lina Holland has a which is mainly Rule Number One: Never mix business with pleasure that she follows after watching her mentor self-destruct .Chef Eric Reid is a widower struggling to raise twin boys and keep his fledgling restaurant afloat ,but the first night Lina goes there the food is a disaster! When she finds out why will she give Eric another chance? What does Lina’s ex do, will she be able to keep Eric after what her ex does? Will they get a happy ending or will she follow her mentor? I was gifted a copy for an honest review barwatts@telus.net
November 9, 2021
Had to read a book with Hot or Cold in the title for a challenge and had a tough time finding something that appealed. Found this by accident on Hoopla and it was a wonderfully cute book that I am glad I read and now has me looking for others by Pamela Burford. It helped that it was set on Long Island. It was a book for those who like romance, food, a little drama and some comedy too. The main characters were great and I only wish that this was one of a series. The story was fun and kept me totally entertained from beginning to end with some ooos, oooh, awws, and aaahs thrown in. If you want to read a food oriented romantic comedy then this is definitely for you.
October 16, 2012
This is a light, quick read where love of food and romance are most definitely a pleasurable combination. Chef Eric and restaurant reviewer Lina pull their resources together and combust for one deliciously delightful, heartwarming story of culinary obsessions, desirous passion and adoration; and eventually, their admission of love for each other. The cravings will truly appease the appetite with this pleasant narrative and alluring happy ending. Recommend to readers looking for instant gratification without all the drama!
January 31, 2013
This book was pretty good. I enjoyed reading it and loved the characters. I still can't believe the gall of Steve, I mean REALLY! Jeez. I loved Joy, super friend. I loved the boys. There were some really juicy steamy scene too. Definitely kept the blood pumping. And the plot was good too. The boat scene was good too. Definitely a keeper after that. Wishes I could've met the clan but the book was still good. This would be great for cuddling-up, relaxing or just something not too straining or nail biting to read. (Kindle freebie) Enjoy!
January 2, 2018
I got this book for free after I read Snowed, which I didnt't like. I usually give up on an author if I read a book for the first time and I don't like it. However, at the end of Snowed Pamela Burford was offering this book for free for just signing up on her website. I don't know why I decided to download the free copy and read it, but I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed this story and I'm glad I decided to give Pamela a second chance.
Lina and Eric's story was very sweet and I fell in love with them, Eric is a hottie and I loved their chemistry. I couldn't put this book down.
Lina and Eric's story was very sweet and I fell in love with them, Eric is a hottie and I loved their chemistry. I couldn't put this book down.
September 20, 2012
Nice and fast read. Romance was slowly built up along with the story. I just can't figure out how someone as "strong" as Lina would have let her husband of 11 years to treat her like shit. It happens, I guess. Eric was adorable. They both jumped into conclusions head-on which made them look stupid afterwards, but it otherwise made the story more cute and gooey. On top of that, the food descriptions were mouthwatering.
January 15, 2021
This contemporary comedy takes place on Long Island. Well, my friends, this is a funny and delightful story about Chef Eric and Lina. There are for sure many ups and downs but through it all there is a sense of “It will all turn out ok” We follow the many emotions of Lina as she gets to know Eric and how she battles her inner self regarding her career and her feelings for Eric. This is a must read if you like something that is fun and light. Enjoy
February 19, 2013
WoW! Cute ,hot ,learned a lot of cooking things and a few french words . And Eric Yummy :) "If your going to sneakup on people,you should wear guieter shoes."His gaze dropped to her high-heeled black and white patent pumps,and those sexy crinkles appeared near his eyes."On second thought,disregard that.I think if I ever saw you in sneakers,I`d cry." "Queldommage!"
September 2, 2012
This must have been a novella since I read it in an evening. It was enjoyable. The characters were developed and the story carried the reader making you want to read more. I think this could have been a full book and more could have been in the storyline without taking anything away from it or dragging it down.
September 17, 2012
Never mix business with pleasure ... the golden rule but it gets broken in this book...
Good mix of romance and trails of life.... was fun to follow the trail of where Lina was heading with the super hot chef..... from their first encounter of her being downright rude to him to the happly ever after of the end.
Nice fun read for a change of pace..
Good mix of romance and trails of life.... was fun to follow the trail of where Lina was heading with the super hot chef..... from their first encounter of her being downright rude to him to the happly ever after of the end.
Nice fun read for a change of pace..
September 18, 2012
I gave an extra star because I managed to finish the entire book. The beginning kept my attention, but it didn't last long. The characters weren't very deep and the "misunderstandings". They kept having seemed slightly immature for 30+ years old adults. I also struggled at times when they would switch who was narrating in the same paragraph.
December 7, 2012
It was a cute little romance freebie that was only slightly interesting the last few chapters. The sex scenes were fast and boring. The entire premis was based on lack of communication between the too characters. I was quit annoyed with both, though Eric was still edible. I was still left very unsatisfied.
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