Amanda Usen

Verona, Italy. Romeo and Juliet, and a family inn and vineyard. Luscious descriptions of food prep:

...She chopped fennel and more garlic, glorying in the beauty of the simple ingredients.

As she julienned the remaining carrots for the sheer pleasure of feeling her knife move, she felt an ease she hadn't enjoyed for months, maybe years. She felt drunk with the joy of creating something...

High school sweethearts who are coming together again, there's a sweet poignancy to Olivia and Sean's show more rekindled romance following her divorce. Olivia as a character starts out skittish (not unusual after a bad marriage/divorce) and passive, but she finds her backbone in the end.

I'm not sure that Sean, a born White Knight, who is torn between rescuing his little brother and Olivia, makes as full a journey as Olivia does. Other characters, like Nonna Lucia, Gia, and Big Daddy add some delightful flavor. Foodies, fans of Italy, and contemporary romance will love this. A great read and a happy ending. Perfetto. show less

Jenna Cooper is a pastry chef. She is in desperate need of a job and help. Her family's restaurant business is on the edge of closing for good. Jenna turns to her big brother's friend and chef, Roman Gallagher. It was an easy choice for Jenna to go to Roman because she also has interior motives. She used to have a crush on him when she was younger. She is ready to prove to Roman that she is not her bother's little sister anymore. Roman is not thinking of Jenna in that way...well almost not show more in that way. He is just afraid to hurt her. However when the opportunity presents itself, Roman takes advance and calls the shots. Things are about to heat up both in the kitchen and the bedroom.

The witty and sexual banter between Jenna and Roman sure kept things smoking hot with these two. I liked Roman's nickname for Jenna "Goldilocks". Jenna is a go getter. She goes after what she wants. I like that she was the one to break down Roman's walls. They did make a good couple together. Roman is one sexy chef. It was easy to see why Jenna had a crush on him. For readers that like to read steamy romance books or stories involving cooking or both then you should check out Seducing the Playboy as it is has good characters, cooking, romance, and a nice storyline. show less

Marlene Bennett is the pastry chef at Chameleon, a restaurant owned by her childhood friend, Olivia. When Olivia’s husband Keith is caught in the cold room with his pants down and fired, Marlene thinks this is her chance to take over the line operation. Instead, Olivia brings in hunky chef Joe Rafferty. Marlene and Joe strike sparks from the beginning but they both have issues with trust and it takes some time for them to connect. Marlene resents his being at the restaurant and Joe judges show more her by her easy- going relationships with other men at the restaurant.
When several things go wrong in the restaurant, Joe thinks Marley is still trying to undermine him, but eventually they realize that something more serious is happening. Olivia cannot seem to get it together and waffles about whether she should bring Keith back or sell the restaurant. Joe and Marlene have to work together (other than just in bed) to achieve their hearts desire.
I always enjoy a book about foodies. There is so much that goes on in the back that we do not ever see and it is a lot of work for the staff to keep it that way. Marlene and Joe are both dedicated to their work and very similar in their personal life. It is interesting that Joe denigrates Marley for being sexually active when he is the same. On the other hand, Marlene gives him grief about his relationship with his father and she has a terrible one with her own father. Both characters have to let go of the baggage if they want to be together. External issues add to the stress on the relationship but the ending is satisfying and realistic. This was an enjoyable book and I look forward to future offerings by Ms. Usen. show less

Awesome read! Wonderfully descriptive writing makes the city of New Orleans come alive on the pages. There's plenty of hot sexy times but there is also a great romance in this book making it a great one.

Betsey Mouton doesn't believe in happily ever after and never wants to depend on a man. Quinton James is a confident man except when it comes to relationships. He figures any one he loves will leave so why bother. After a very hot steamy night neither can forget it seems fate has thrown them show more together.

I highly recommend this one. show less