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The Wolf Pack #2
Recipe for Temptation
A two-month sabbatical from her high-powered career is just what the doctor ordered…especially when Reese St. James eyes the hunk of her secret fantasies on the menu. From the moment she walks into Michael Wolf's world-famous restaurant, she's given the VIP treatment. And the sexy celebrity chef's mouth-watering kisses have her eating right out of his hand…and hungry for more.
Furious at discovering Reese isn't the food critic he expected, Michael vows to teach the delectable deceiver a lesson. Seduction is the first course as he turns the tables on the sensual doctor. But once he tastes her passion, he goes straight from the frying pan into the fire. He wants to trust her, but what if he gets burned? As their sizzling affair flames into a culinary feast for all the senses, will love be the final course?
Furious at discovering Reese isn't the food critic he expected, Michael vows to teach the delectable deceiver a lesson. Seduction is the first course as he turns the tables on the sensual doctor. But once he tastes her passion, he goes straight from the frying pan into the fire. He wants to trust her, but what if he gets burned? As their sizzling affair flames into a culinary feast for all the senses, will love be the final course?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 19, 2010
101 people are currently reading
806 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Smith
69 books806 followerspseudonym Naomi Chase
Maureen Smith is a USA Today bestselling author who has garnered critical acclaim for her sensual romances and heart-pounding romantic suspense. She has won a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award (nominated for seven total) and numerous Emma Awards. She also writes sexy women’s fiction under the award-winning pen name Naomi Chase.
Before becoming an author, Maureen interned with a former U.S. presidential candidate, worked at the famous Watergate complex, and enjoyed a stint as a reporter and freelance writer. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have two children.
Visit Maureen’s website and join her mailing list to receive updates about new books, current projects, and upcoming appearances.
Maureen Smith is a USA Today bestselling author who has garnered critical acclaim for her sensual romances and heart-pounding romantic suspense. She has won a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award (nominated for seven total) and numerous Emma Awards. She also writes sexy women’s fiction under the award-winning pen name Naomi Chase.
Before becoming an author, Maureen interned with a former U.S. presidential candidate, worked at the famous Watergate complex, and enjoyed a stint as a reporter and freelance writer. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have two children.
Visit Maureen’s website and join her mailing list to receive updates about new books, current projects, and upcoming appearances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 29, 2010
Ladies...If you CAN'T stand the heat don't read Recipe for Temptation...the passion between Michael and Reese is SIZZLING...the pages were so HOT they singed my fingers...LOL...Reese is DEFINITELY a sexy spitfire...while Michael had it going on...the brother was cooking it up ALL over the place...and all I can say is where can I get the recipe for the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake...'cause I want a chocolate orgasm, too...and Papa Wolf was getting his swerve on too...a SPICY, FUN, & QUICK read...highly recommended...do you think we'll get a story for Quentin in the near future?!!! ;-)
October 5, 2024
Loved it! Engaging characters kept the story interesting.
Dr. Reese St. James ran from Houston to Atlanta, after she lost one of her patients in the operating room. She couldn't take the guilt.
Reese never dreamed that her fantasy boyfriend, celebrity chef, Micheal Wolf, would be right there to catch her. Only one problem: Victor, the current boyfriend Reese left back home!
Dr. Reese St. James ran from Houston to Atlanta, after she lost one of her patients in the operating room. She couldn't take the guilt.
Reese never dreamed that her fantasy boyfriend, celebrity chef, Micheal Wolf, would be right there to catch her. Only one problem: Victor, the current boyfriend Reese left back home!
April 19, 2011
Finally! I wasn't sure I'd I would make the ending. Let's just say this isn't a Touch of Heaven. For some reason I loved that book. Although this wasn't bad, it was just tough reading a boring book.
December 25, 2017
AGAIN....WOW!!!
May 28, 2025
This could have done without the third act break up because they weren’t even apart for long before they got back together again. So it was pointless. Other than that, this was a pretty decent book.
I gotta stop sleeping on books written before 2017 because some of them are infinitely better than the hot garbage that’s being put out in 2025.
I gotta stop sleeping on books written before 2017 because some of them are infinitely better than the hot garbage that’s being put out in 2025.
December 20, 2010
The scrumptious looking hottie on the cover was a bonus to another great read from Maureen Smith. This novel is about Reese St. James, a doctor from Houston and Michael Wolf, a celebrity chef living in Atlanta, GA. Michael is the brother of Marcus Wolf, who heated things up with Samara in Taming the Wolf. I highly recommend Taming the Wolf, by the way.
The book started off slowly, which was fine by me because it gave me a chance to get to know the main and minor characters. Another reason for the slow progression of the romance was the fact that Reese had a boyfriend she didn’t want to cheat on. Michael, still somewhat scarred from the affair his mother had when he was younger, had a code of conduct which didn't allow him to pursue women already in relationships.
What I liked about this book:
1. Descriptions of the food and restaurant life were a treat for a foodie like me.
2. The fact that the hero and heroine didn’t jump into bed right away with each other, despite the chemistry between them. Quick sex happens so often in romance novels, it was a refreshing change. I was able to see them through each other’s eyes, what they liked, how they interacted with the people in each other's world, and so it made sense that the instantaneous attraction lead to love.
3. Plenty of double entendres between the two played well, escalating the sexual tension.
4. Moments where Michael showed his romantic, tender side. He’s hot, can cook, and he’s romantic. (sigh)
5. Steamy, unique love scenes, which is typical of Ms. Smith.
I really like the way she writes the intense feelings her heroes feel for the heroines. It’s an all-consuming love that leaves these manly men helpless and vulnerable in the heat of the moment. Words spill from their lips with such earnest intensity, the power of their feelings practically jump off the page.
What I didn’t like:
1. I was disappointed that Reese ended up cheating on her boyfriend. I realize these things happen, and she felt guilty about it, but when there’s cheating in a book, I need something to justify it. It wasn’t justified.
The fact that Victor worked hard and she felt their relationship was already over wasn’t enough—it wasn’t over, so she should have ended it before she slept with Michael. In addition, Michael’s aversion to pursuing women already in a relationship didn’t stop him from pursuing Reese. I suppose I could simply say that their love for each other was the catalyst for their behavior, but it still bothered me. However, I know better than to let my personal opinion affect the rating of a book that is well-written, which this one is.
2. The so-called “black moment” at the end bothered me too. Every romance novel has one, where it looks as if the couple won't get to their HEA.
After overhearing a conversation between Michael and his producer, Reese’s quick jump to the conclusion that everything they’d shared had been fake and a joke didn’t ring true for me, and so I was very disappointed in the abrupt way she left town without a word and planned to break off their relationship. After sharing such intimacies and such closeness, how could she leave town so abruptly without speaking to him? How could she plan to break things off without talking to him first?
My disappointments were minor when compared with the totality of the work. I think Recipe for Temptation is a great book and can’t wait to read Whatever You Like.
The book started off slowly, which was fine by me because it gave me a chance to get to know the main and minor characters. Another reason for the slow progression of the romance was the fact that Reese had a boyfriend she didn’t want to cheat on. Michael, still somewhat scarred from the affair his mother had when he was younger, had a code of conduct which didn't allow him to pursue women already in relationships.
What I liked about this book:
1. Descriptions of the food and restaurant life were a treat for a foodie like me.
2. The fact that the hero and heroine didn’t jump into bed right away with each other, despite the chemistry between them. Quick sex happens so often in romance novels, it was a refreshing change. I was able to see them through each other’s eyes, what they liked, how they interacted with the people in each other's world, and so it made sense that the instantaneous attraction lead to love.
3. Plenty of double entendres between the two played well, escalating the sexual tension.
4. Moments where Michael showed his romantic, tender side. He’s hot, can cook, and he’s romantic. (sigh)
5. Steamy, unique love scenes, which is typical of Ms. Smith.
I really like the way she writes the intense feelings her heroes feel for the heroines. It’s an all-consuming love that leaves these manly men helpless and vulnerable in the heat of the moment. Words spill from their lips with such earnest intensity, the power of their feelings practically jump off the page.
What I didn’t like:
1. I was disappointed that Reese ended up cheating on her boyfriend. I realize these things happen, and she felt guilty about it, but when there’s cheating in a book, I need something to justify it. It wasn’t justified.
The fact that Victor worked hard and she felt their relationship was already over wasn’t enough—it wasn’t over, so she should have ended it before she slept with Michael. In addition, Michael’s aversion to pursuing women already in a relationship didn’t stop him from pursuing Reese. I suppose I could simply say that their love for each other was the catalyst for their behavior, but it still bothered me. However, I know better than to let my personal opinion affect the rating of a book that is well-written, which this one is.
2. The so-called “black moment” at the end bothered me too. Every romance novel has one, where it looks as if the couple won't get to their HEA.
After overhearing a conversation between Michael and his producer, Reese’s quick jump to the conclusion that everything they’d shared had been fake and a joke didn’t ring true for me, and so I was very disappointed in the abrupt way she left town without a word and planned to break off their relationship. After sharing such intimacies and such closeness, how could she leave town so abruptly without speaking to him? How could she plan to break things off without talking to him first?
My disappointments were minor when compared with the totality of the work. I think Recipe for Temptation is a great book and can’t wait to read Whatever You Like.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2021
Whoa, Hot and Sexy, I love everything about this book....each and every one of the characters! The Wolf's family is honestly so incredibly beautiful and quite fascinating: Marcus, Samara, Sterling, Celeste, and Asha....
The story was sweet, steamy, enticing, and compassionate. Reese St. James is honest, helpful, and strong young woman, who is a doctor. Michael Wolf, a worldwide popular chef, was instantly in love with her from the first moment he met her....Their love story is priceless....
Great job, Ms. Smith, excellent plot and storyline with exceptional characters....
Highly recommended.....😘 😉
The story was sweet, steamy, enticing, and compassionate. Reese St. James is honest, helpful, and strong young woman, who is a doctor. Michael Wolf, a worldwide popular chef, was instantly in love with her from the first moment he met her....Their love story is priceless....
Great job, Ms. Smith, excellent plot and storyline with exceptional characters....
Highly recommended.....😘 😉
February 18, 2015
I really don't understand how this book is so well liked. Reese spends basically the entire book cheating on her boyfriend, who is sending her flowers and telling her he misses her the whole time! I get that they weren't right for each other, but she didn't have the decency to officially break up with him before jumping Michael's bones repeatedly?!
I'm sorry, but unexplainable disloyalty is one of my buttons and this book pressed HARD.
I'm sorry, but unexplainable disloyalty is one of my buttons and this book pressed HARD.
June 17, 2011
Funny, whitty, sexy, you can't get much better than that! The banter back and forth between Reese and Michael was so hilarious!! and they had so much chemistry and passion as well. I was reading this in public and laughing my pants off. Luv luv this book...stop reading this review and buy it NOW!!!
May 31, 2010
LOVED IT....From the very beginning Resse and Michael had great chemstry...SIZZLING HOT to say the least...Great Story....Wishing it was a little longer finshed this in oneday....Couldn't put it down.....WOW...What a MAN, What a MAN....
July 19, 2024
OMG!!! I Still Love Michael Wolf
I read this book when it was initially released in 2010. I misplaced my book so I got the ebook so I can revisit this couple occasionally. I was giddy with excitement when Maureen Smith announced that she was re-releasing the book with added content. I immediately preordered the book because I’m a Wolf family groupie and I ain’t shame!! Anyway, I love love love it. The cover is smoking hot and Michael and Reese are still as special as they were years ago. The new content is so complimenting and adds depth to the story. I loved that Manning and Tay are a part of Michael and Reese’s journey. Who better to understand Mike’s struggle than Manning. I loved every additional scene. Even having read this book 50-11 times, I still felt chest pains when Michael made that callous remark to Drew and Reese overheard it. I was pissed at him and sad for him cause I knew he was just being macho. I do not have enough words to explain how much I loved this book. If you’ve read the original version or if you haven’t, read it again! Trust me. You will not be disappointed. I give this book infinity stars!! I have a total book hangover.
I read this book when it was initially released in 2010. I misplaced my book so I got the ebook so I can revisit this couple occasionally. I was giddy with excitement when Maureen Smith announced that she was re-releasing the book with added content. I immediately preordered the book because I’m a Wolf family groupie and I ain’t shame!! Anyway, I love love love it. The cover is smoking hot and Michael and Reese are still as special as they were years ago. The new content is so complimenting and adds depth to the story. I loved that Manning and Tay are a part of Michael and Reese’s journey. Who better to understand Mike’s struggle than Manning. I loved every additional scene. Even having read this book 50-11 times, I still felt chest pains when Michael made that callous remark to Drew and Reese overheard it. I was pissed at him and sad for him cause I knew he was just being macho. I do not have enough words to explain how much I loved this book. If you’ve read the original version or if you haven’t, read it again! Trust me. You will not be disappointed. I give this book infinity stars!! I have a total book hangover.
January 31, 2020
Oooh Chile
Love me some Michael and Reese. I love the way the Author built up the sexual tension not only between Michael and Reese, but between the other characters. I'm happy that their Dad, Sterling is finding happiness. Now I'm wondering about Quentin and Lexi.
Nevertheless, Reese was a great female character, not too independent that she became obnoxious and not so weak, that she became annoying. Michael, like his brother, Marcus is sex incarnate. Whew, boy, Reese really didn't stand a chance.
Love this story.
Love me some Michael and Reese. I love the way the Author built up the sexual tension not only between Michael and Reese, but between the other characters. I'm happy that their Dad, Sterling is finding happiness. Now I'm wondering about Quentin and Lexi.
Nevertheless, Reese was a great female character, not too independent that she became obnoxious and not so weak, that she became annoying. Michael, like his brother, Marcus is sex incarnate. Whew, boy, Reese really didn't stand a chance.
Love this story.
July 24, 2024
I loved this!
I read this book several times years ago in its original form. In fact, I own the whole Wolf Pack series in both print and electronic formats because I love the series so much.
I adore this revamped version.
Michael and Reese's love story jumped off the page. Atlanta came alive. The supporting characters were fun And engaging. And as expected, the writing was excellent. Maureen Smith is magnificent storyteller. It was like watching a steamy rom-com. Again, I loved it!
I read this book several times years ago in its original form. In fact, I own the whole Wolf Pack series in both print and electronic formats because I love the series so much.
I adore this revamped version.
Michael and Reese's love story jumped off the page. Atlanta came alive. The supporting characters were fun And engaging. And as expected, the writing was excellent. Maureen Smith is magnificent storyteller. It was like watching a steamy rom-com. Again, I loved it!
July 29, 2024
Loved It More The Second Time!
I actually read the first edition of this book when it was released. I must say that I enjoyed this extended version more! I really loved Reid’s cameo in the book! He was a friend of Mason Wolf. Even though Michael and Reese went through a lot of ups and downs in their relationship, they finally got it together! Thank you Stephanie for this extended version!! ❤️🔥
I actually read the first edition of this book when it was released. I must say that I enjoyed this extended version more! I really loved Reid’s cameo in the book! He was a friend of Mason Wolf. Even though Michael and Reese went through a lot of ups and downs in their relationship, they finally got it together! Thank you Stephanie for this extended version!! ❤️🔥
August 2, 2024
LOVED, LOVED THIS READ❤❤❤❤👏
I absolutely enjoyed reading Michael and Reese's story, and what a story it was. This is definitely one book I'll be reading again it was that good in my opinion. I loved all the characters they were so entertaining and enjoyable. I would absolutely recommend reading this book I don't think you will regret it. Great job Ms. Smith as usual please keep these wonderful stories coming and thank you.👍🙏
I absolutely enjoyed reading Michael and Reese's story, and what a story it was. This is definitely one book I'll be reading again it was that good in my opinion. I loved all the characters they were so entertaining and enjoyable. I would absolutely recommend reading this book I don't think you will regret it. Great job Ms. Smith as usual please keep these wonderful stories coming and thank you.👍🙏
August 20, 2025
I'm loving the Wolf Pack series and am all in for this family. I enjoyed the road to romance in this book. The characters were well developed and their circumstances were realistic. This author does not shy away from raw emotion. Although this could be read on its own, I would recommend being the series from book one to understand the familial relationships and to provide context for the family dynamic. Great Book!
January 19, 2021
There was an incredible growth in terms of writing and description between this book and Taming the Wolf. The way the love in described is so entrapping, I could barely fathom having to put the book down. I've never felt so happy and entertained at the bond between two main characters as I was with Michael and Reese.
July 17, 2024
WOW
I love this book. This was the book to make me a Maureen Smith fan, and the new update didn’t disappoint. Michael is just hot. He knew what he wanted, and he went for it. Reese learn that some fantasies do come true, and Michael is that sweet, sweet fantasy baby.
I love this book. This was the book to make me a Maureen Smith fan, and the new update didn’t disappoint. Michael is just hot. He knew what he wanted, and he went for it. Reese learn that some fantasies do come true, and Michael is that sweet, sweet fantasy baby.
July 17, 2024
🔥🔥🔥🔥
The original was great but this edition was AMAZING!! I enjoyed identifying the bonus scenes. Overall it felt like the same story we remember from the original edition with a little more insight on Michael & Reese's journey to happily ever after!!!
The original was great but this edition was AMAZING!! I enjoyed identifying the bonus scenes. Overall it felt like the same story we remember from the original edition with a little more insight on Michael & Reese's journey to happily ever after!!!
July 18, 2024
Such a hottie!
When I saw the book's cover, I knew it had to be good. The story did not disappoint. Michael was sexy, good looking, intelligent and wealthy. He had his match in Reese. Sterling and Marcus Wolf were my favorites. Lots of love and laughs.
When I saw the book's cover, I knew it had to be good. The story did not disappoint. Michael was sexy, good looking, intelligent and wealthy. He had his match in Reese. Sterling and Marcus Wolf were my favorites. Lots of love and laughs.
July 23, 2024
new cover and still love the story
I had to revisit this one as I read it many years ago. I hope some others are re-released via KU. Reese and Michael were perfect from the beginning, very entertaining from the beginning and I love her sister’s story too!
I had to revisit this one as I read it many years ago. I hope some others are re-released via KU. Reese and Michael were perfect from the beginning, very entertaining from the beginning and I love her sister’s story too!
July 28, 2024
Love always wins
I enjoyed Reese and Micheal ,in this instance Micheal did everything he
to show her how he was feeling the instant attraction. With that being said the story line was an attentive story that made me want to keep reading.
I enjoyed Reese and Micheal ,in this instance Micheal did everything he
to show her how he was feeling the instant attraction. With that being said the story line was an attentive story that made me want to keep reading.
July 29, 2024
Vickie J
Michael and Reese had chemistry at first sight but he had been her crush boyfriend not knowing it was going to happened for real. There was a lot of drama but it all worked out in the end
Michael and Reese had chemistry at first sight but he had been her crush boyfriend not knowing it was going to happened for real. There was a lot of drama but it all worked out in the end
August 5, 2024
Wolf Pack
I have loved this series and this book with additional scenes did not disappoint. Thank you Mrs. Smith for sharing your beautiful talent with us. Mason is ever the clown and I love it. I love the tidbits with him.
I have loved this series and this book with additional scenes did not disappoint. Thank you Mrs. Smith for sharing your beautiful talent with us. Mason is ever the clown and I love it. I love the tidbits with him.
August 28, 2024
howling good!!
I read this when first published!! With new cover i decided to read it again!!! Love this book, series and family! Incredible love story with the Wolf Pack👊🏾💕💕you will fall in love with this series!
I read this when first published!! With new cover i decided to read it again!!! Love this book, series and family! Incredible love story with the Wolf Pack👊🏾💕💕you will fall in love with this series!
October 26, 2017
One of the best romantic books I've ever written. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. Maureen Smith, you now have a forever fan.
April 10, 2018
I love it!
There's nothing to dislike about Reese and Michael. They are the perfect match. His ying to her yang. And on top of that they're very comical.
There's nothing to dislike about Reese and Michael. They are the perfect match. His ying to her yang. And on top of that they're very comical.
October 11, 2020
Loved this book. The chemistry, the banter, everything
March 29, 2023
Recipe for temptation
All Maureen smith books are terrific
Recipie for temptation is just as good as taming the Wolf is I love the Wolf pack
All Maureen smith books are terrific
Recipie for temptation is just as good as taming the Wolf is I love the Wolf pack
July 26, 2024
Recipe for Temptation
Delish about the Howling Soul Restaurant; Reese was a little annoying in that she pretty much broke up with Victor but carried on like she would be cheating.
Delish about the Howling Soul Restaurant; Reese was a little annoying in that she pretty much broke up with Victor but carried on like she would be cheating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews