Just One Taste - Louisa Edwards

Publication
2010, St. Martin's Paperbacks, Recipe for Love #3

In short
He has a hungry mind
Bad-boy chef Wes Murphy dreads his final semester cooking class - Food Chemistry 101 - until he meets the new substitute teacher. Dr. Rosemary Wilkins is a feast for the eyes, though her approach to food is strictly academic. So Wes decides to rattle her Bunsen burner by asking for her hands-on advice - on aphrodisiacs...
She’s got love down to a science
Rosemary is a little wary about working with Wes, whose casual flirtations leave her hot under the collar. But once they begin testing the love-enhancing power of chocolate, oysters, and strawberries, it becomes scientifically evident that the brainy science nerd and the boyish chef have some major chemistry together - and it’s delicious...

In words
Overall I liked it, although not as well as the second book in the series. Nice to have a female nerd as the heroine for once. She reminded me of Bones at times. I'm not entirely sure I like the hero that much, although I can't pinpoint it, but they worked as a couple. The secondary romance also picks up again, which I liked. Oh, and there's an adorable pet. All in all a fast and enjoyable read and a great series I will certainly be rereading.

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 2 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Humor - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 10
B+ = 8.5/10 = 4.5 stars

On the Steamy Side - Louisa Edwards

Publication
2010, St. Martin's Paperbacks, Recipe for Love #2

In short
She's never met a man so mouth-watering
When Lilah Jane Tunkle fled her dull life in Virginia for the bright lights of New York City, she didn’t expect to wind up a nanny to a gorgeous celebrity chef’s ten-year-old son. Working for the delectable Devon Sparks is a sure-fire recipe for disaster, especially after Lilah gets a tantalizing taste of his perfectly seasoned kisses...
And he can't resist her down-home spice
Devon’s not sure he can handle one more surprise ingredient in his life - he quit his popular TV show, his culinary reputation is on the line, and now the son he barely knows is back for seconds. Lilah’s Southern sass is supposed to keep the boy in line, but soon enough she’s teaching Devon a thing or two about homespun food... and turning up the heat.

In words
I liked this book even better than the first one in the series, mainly because of the main couple. I believed in their romance and found the struggle by Devon, his doubts and his reactions to it, very believable. As to the secondary couple, I'm still not sure if it was absolutely necessary to have them break up. Usually I don't like this at all - book 1 they get together, book 2 break, book 3 together again, just to fill the pages it seems - but in this case I give it the benefit of the doubt. All characters are interesting and believable, lifelike. And I really like the voice of this author.

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 3 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Humor - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 11
A- = 9/10 = 4.5 stars

Can't Stand the Heat - Louisa Edwards

Publication
2009, St. Martin's Paperbacks, Recipe for Love #1

In short
She’s hungry for experience
For sharp-tongued Miranda Wake, the chance to spend a month in Adam Temple’s kitchen to write an exposé is a journalistic dream come true. Surely Miranda can find a way to cut the hotshot chef down to size once she learns what really goes on at his trendy Manhattan restaurant. The trouble is, she never expected Adam to find out her most embarrassing secret: this critic has no idea how to cook.
And he knows just how to satisfy her cravings...
As for Adam, well, he’s not about to have his reputation burned by a critic who doesn’t even know the difference between poaching and paring. He’ll just have to give the tempting redhead a few private lessons of his own - teaching Miranda what it means to cook with passion.

In words
I found the main couple interesting, but was equally interested in the secondary romance and all the other characters in and around the kitchen. The only thing I did not like as much was the public grovel by the heroine and the quick acceptance of the hero. Personally I thought she was forgiven too easily for what she had done. Overall a great debut and I'm really looking forward to reading more books by Louisa Edwards.

In numbers
Voice - 2 (max 3)
Characters - 2 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 8
B = 7.5/10 = 3.5 stars

The Tempation of Savannah O'Neill - Molly O'Keefe

Publication
Harlequin, August 2010, The Notorious O'Neills # 1

In short
A family's bad reputation is tough to shake off. Just ask Savannah O'Neill. Despite her straitlaced job as a librarian, despite her living a private life, the O'Neill family wildness still sparks town gossip. And the arrival of Matt Woods - sexy handyman and complete stranger - isn't helping.
Watching him work makes Savannah long to take a trip into indulgence. That's so not a good idea - she's been there before and still hears the rumors. But Matt is much too delicious for this O'Neill to resist. It's a shame there's more to Matt than being good with his hands. Because when his true reasons for seeking her out are revealed, he could become another affair Savannah lives to regret.

In words
Years ago I enjoyed Molly O'Keefe's books but somehow she disappeared off my radar. After hearing so many good things about this series I reread some older books first and then dove into this series. Well, Molly won't be off my radar from now on. I enjoyed this book so much. Great characters and so life-like. It was so easy to understand what they were feeling, why and how they were influenced by their past, and how they came to terms with it. This series book has more depth than many a single title. I recommend it wholeheartedly and look forward to reading the other books in this series.

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 3 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Conversations - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 11
A- = 9/10 = 4.5 stars

Indulge - Nancy Warren

Publication
2006, Harlequin Blaze

In short

"Great in bed... A suit..." spa owner Mercedes Estevez wrote on J.D. McClary's business card after they broke up. Now the lawyer's card rested with many other men's in the glass "booty," all up for grabs by the female dating pool in Mercedes's building. It was a fun way to meet new men!

Except Mercedes drew J.D.'s card herself at the weekly booty call—and couldn't resist contacting him.

Fabulous in bed...summed up John Dennis's thoughts about his fling with Hurricane Mercedes. Which was the problem. Too often they indulged in dessert...instead of dinner. Instead of getting to know each other. Now he'd heeded her call, but had a whole new set of rules. Dates only, no sex. Nada. But with their explosive chemistry, how long could they last?

In words
I like it that the couple already had a sexual relationship in the past and that they get to know each other this time. Mercedes is someone I cannot relate to somehow, but she didn't get on my nerves. Not a spectacular plot or book, but well-written, a fast read and a believable relationship and HEA. Again, Nancy Warren delivered for me. Just one note: the cover (a cake) has nothing to do with the story.

In numbers
Voice - 2 (max 3)
Characters - 3 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 9
B = 8/10 = 4 stars

Born in Shame - Nora Roberts

Publication
1996, Jove, Born In Trilogy #3

In short
Shannon Bodine is a talented graphic artist whose life revolves around her job at a prestigious New York advertising agency. Her world is turned upside down when she learns the identity of her real father: Thomas Concannon. Respecting her late mother’s wish, Shannon travels, however reluctantly, to County Clare. There, her loneliness and shame melt away in the embrace of the family she never kew existed. And amid the lush Irish landscape, steeped in mysticism and legend, she discovers the possibility of a love that is meant to be.

In words
It feels as if you're visiting Ireland in this trilogy and I reread it every 2 years or so. Regarding the titles, I can hardly think of another trilogy with such apt titles regarding contents. Unfortunately this is the weakest book of the three, even though it's still a nice book to read. It's just that the first two have such strong and distinct characters and Shannon and Murphy seem very nice, and very ordinary. The mystery element is there, but not strongly present. Still... a very nice book. Personally I think that's the problem with Nora Roberts: she has written so many books that you start comparing her with herself instead of other people...

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 2 (max 3)
Romance - 1 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Humor - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 9
B = 8/10 = 4 stars

Born in Ice - Nora Roberts

Publication
1995, Jove, Born In Trilogy #2

In short
When the harsh storms of winter descend upon western Ireland, the locals stay indoors - and visitors stay away. Brianna Concannon’s bed-and-breakfast becomes a cold and empty place. And that is fine with Brianna. She enjoys the peace and quiet, even when icy winds howl at her window. This year, though, she’s expecting an unusual guest - mystery writer Grayson Thane, from America. A restless wanderer with a dark past, he plans to spend the cold winter alone. Yet sometimes fate ha s a plan of its own. Sometimes a fire can be born in ice...

In words
It feels as if you're visiting Ireland in this trilogy and I reread it every 2 years or so. Regarding the titles, I can hardly think of another trilogy with such apt titles regarding contents. Brianna is an artist in her own right, even though she doesn't see it that way. She is the perfect partner for Gray, who never had a home and keeps convincing himself he doesn't need one. Brianna also grows after she meets Gray, especially where her mother is concerned.

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 3 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Setting - 1
Humor - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 12
A = 9,5/10 = 5 stars

Born in Fire - Nora Roberts

Publication
1994, Jove, Born In Trilogy #1

In short
Maggie Concannon is a glassmaker whose exquisite works are more than mere objects of beauty; they are the reflections of her own true nature. One man has seen the soul in her art, and vows to help this complex woman build a lucrative career. When American gallery owner Rogan Sweeney comes to Maggie’s isolated studio, her heart is enflamed by their fierce attraction - and her scarred past is slowly healed by a gentle and forgiving love.

In words
It feels as if you're visiting Ireland in this trilogy and I reread it every 2 years or so. Regarding the titles, I can hardly think of another trilogy with such apt titles regarding contents. The attraction and connection between Rogan and Maggie is powerful and believable. They're one of my favorite romance couples. Her profession - glass artist - is fairly unique and interesting and makes Maggie what she is without overpowering the story. The same goes for the loving relation with her sister and the strained relation with their mother.

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 3 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Setting - 1
Humor - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 12
A = 9,5/10 = 5 stars

Cooking up Trouble & Kiss the Cook - Molly O'Keefe

Publication
2003, Harlequin Duets, Cook Brothers # 2 & 3

In short

Cooking Up Trouble
Mark Cook shouldn't mind that a Hollywood heartthrob is intruding on his family's ranch to learn how to be a cowboy. Or that Mr. Moviestar is getting a bit too close to his best friend, Alyssa Halloway. But, damn it all, he's jealous to the point of distraction whenever he sees them together! And to compete with a gorgeous actor for Alyssa's heart, things are gonna get dirty down on the farm...

Kiss the Cook
No one has ever been able to hook heartbreaker Billy Cook like wild Kate Jenkins. Her passionate kisses made him fall in love thirteen years ago, only for her to turn around and break his teenage heart by leaving town. In fact, she's the reason he vowed to be a confirmed bachelor! Now pregnant, Kate is back in Montana to deliver her baby, claiming her wanderlust days are over. And Billy can't help wonder if his vow was a bit too hasty....

In words
I've reread these books several times now. I can't pinpoint exactly why I like them so much, but they are a comfort read to me. The characters are great, the relationships are believable and the writing is just plain fun. I plan on checking out more books by this author in the (near) future.

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 3 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Sensuality - 1
Humor - 1
No minus points
Total - 11
A- = 9/10 = 4.5 stars

Power Play - Nancy Warren

Publication
November 2009, Harlequin

In short
Keep her hands to herself? Not easy for Emily Saunders, who's in Elk Crossing, Idaho, for a family wedding. She's double booked in the same hotel room with a sexy cop attending - of all things! - a hockey tournament. As a massage therapist, Emily's soon itching to soothe Jonah Betts's gorgeous muscles - both on and off the ice. Jonah can't believe his luck - a sexy single woman sharing his cozy room, albeit temporarily. Okay, her orange bridesmaid dress is a disaster and her family is convinced he's actually her boyfriend. He's ready to go along with it even as he makes his play…. Until Emily is suddenly calling for a TIME-OUT! Will Jonah's fantasies be permanently iced?

In words
Even though the events take place in six days, I believed in the romance. I had finished the book before I knew it and just wanted more!

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 2 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 9
B = 8/10 = 4 stars

Tribute - Nora Roberts

Publication
August 2008, Putnam/Jove

In short
Cilla McGowan, a former child star, has found a more satisfying life restoring homes. So she comes to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley to save the dilapidated farmhouse that once belonged to her grandmother - a legendary actress who died of an overdose more than thirty years ago.
Plunging into the project with gusto, Cilla's almost too busy and exhausted to notice her neighbor, graphic novelist Ford Sawyer. Determined not to carry on the family tradition of ill-fated romances, Cilla steels herself against Ford's quirky charm, though she can't help indulging in a little fantasy.
But it's reality that holds its share of dangers for Cilla. A cache of unsigned letters found in the attic points to a mysterious romance in her grandmother's life - and may be the catalyst for a frightening, violent assault. And if Cilla and Ford are unable to sort out who is targeting her and why, she may, like her world-famous grandmother, be cut down in the prime of her life.

In words
Nice read, but NR has so many great books that I found this one average. Especially Cilla's character seemed to be a bit flat - I couldn't warm up to her. For my taste, there could have been a few more sex scenes. As always, the hero is memorable. NR writes her hero's so well, especially the beta-types like Sawyer. His dog is equally adorable and not at all too fantastic - if you have ever been the proud owner of an equally weird dog.

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 2 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Humor - 1
No minus points
Total - 9
B = 8/10 = 4 stars

For the Love of Pete - Julia Harper

Publication
Contemporary romance, January 2009, Forever, 978-0-446-61918-9

In short

What happens when opposites attract?
Free-spirited Zoey Addler is about to hijack a federal agent. And not just any federal agent, but very Special Agent Dante Torelli, a man whose designer suits and Italian shoes are more GQ than FBI. But when her baby niece, Pete, is snatched right in front of her eyes, Zoey doesn't hesitate to scramble into Dante's spotless BMW. She needs his help to rescue the baby... if only she can ignore his Lips of Sin.
Oh, Baby!
Dante's original mission is down the drain and he's dodging bullets with a loopy redhead by his side. He likes quiet. She never shuts up. He likes to follow the rules. She throws the rules out of the window. But these opposites do more than attract - they ignite. With a henpecked hit man running wild, cooking-obsessed matrons chasing down contraband spices, and a relentless killer tracking them all, Dante and Zoey will risk everything - for themselves and...
for the love of Pete

In words
This was a fun read, I want more. The voice is very different from the author's Elizabeth Hoyt voice and IMO should not be compared to it, but I guess some readers do so anyway, hence the many so-so reviews. The book is full of action, humor and weird characters, but never over the top. I usually don't like epilogues, but this book's last chapter, featuring two of the supporting cast, is one I will remember. I know I will reread this book when I can use some cheering up. Oh, and I love the cover!

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 2 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Conversations - 0
Special setting - 0
Humor - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 10
B+ = 8.5/10 = 4 stars

Nothing But Trouble - Rachel Gibson

Publication
May 2010, Harper Collins, 9780061579097
Chinooks Hockey Team #5

In short

TROUBLE...
Chelsea Ross's acting career has been a total bust. The closest she ever came to stardom was her brilliant performance as "Pretty Dead Girl #1." But leaving Hollywood to become the personal assistant to a famous hockey player could be her stupidest career move ever.

MORE TROUBLE...
Injured superstar Mark Bressler's glory days are over. The one time bad boy jock could at least be civil to the pint-sized, pink-haired bombshell who the Seattle Chinooks hired to be his P.A. If Chelsea didn't need the money, she'd be skating away from the world's biggest jerk-on-ice as fast as her feet could carry her.

BIG TROUBLE!
Chelsea can deal with Mark's rotten attitude and dark moods. The problem is those biceps and that red-hot hockey-toned bod! And when the bad boy starts to put the moves on her, Chelsea knows it's time she banished him to the penalty box...if only she could resist the kind of trouble he has in mind!

In words
Enjoyable and fast read, but not that special. This was my first book by Rachel Gibson. I don't know anything about ice hockey and had expected a lot more about it, but hardly any mention was made. I felt for Mark, having the bottom knocked out of his world. I couldn't warm up to Chelsea. Oh, and I almost substracted 1 point for the large amount of typos and missing words!

In numbers
Voice - 2 (max 3)
Characters - 2 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Conversations - 0
Special setting - 0
Humor - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 9
B = 8/10 = 4 stars