Too Hot To Touch (Rising Star Chef #1)

Aug 25, 2011 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ppb

Originally posted at http://www.fictionvixen.com/2011/08/r...

“Great food is like great sex. The more you have, the more you want.” – Gael Greene

What do you get when you combine a savory, melt in your mouth steak with a sexy, spicy chef who loves to cook as much as make love? Answer: All the tastiness of Too Hot To Touch by Louisa Edwards. This is Ms. Edwards’ first book in the Rising Star Chef trilogy and I am licking my lips for the next installment!

I must admit the cover alone grabbed me. I me...more
Originally posted at http://www.fictionvixen.com/2011/08/r...

“Great food is like great sex. The more you have, the more you want.” – Gael Greene

What do you get when you combine a savory, melt in your mouth steak with a sexy, spicy chef who loves to cook as much as make love? Answer: All the tastiness of Too Hot To Touch by Louisa Edwards. This is Ms. Edwards’ first book in the Rising Star Chef trilogy and I am licking my lips for the next installment!

I must admit the cover alone grabbed me. I mean a hot shirtless man cooking up something scrumptious in a pan. Then I read the blurb and I’m the first to say, I love New York! It’s my favorite city to visit and it has a magic and aura like no other. Ms. Edwards has captured the nostalgia as well as the current vibe of the city with a written a love letter to New York in this culinary series and I was more than ready to dig in with fork and knife in hand!

Six years ago, Juliet Cavanaugh and Max Lunden’s lives changed in the span of one night. Max, the oldest son of Gus Lunden is a progressive chef. Both Max and his brother Danny have grown up learning the family culinary secrets in the famous kitchen of Lunden’s Tavern. The restaurant is a Manhattan institution that is known for grilling the best steaks in the city and has served some of the most famous Broadway stars and politicians for decades. While Max respects the tradition of his father’s tavern, he also believes that a restaurant can only survive if it continues to evolve with the times. Gus believes otherwise and is strong-minded in keeping tradition. After a major blow-up with his dad, Max leaves New York to venture overseas to learn hands on skills from some of the best cultures abroad. The night of Max’s departure, seventeen year old Juliet “Jules” (Danny’s best friend) arrives at Lunden’s Tavern looking for Danny after being kicked out of her home by her mother. Instead of finding Danny, she finds his dad who offers her Max’s old room for the night. What starts as one night results in a permanent arrangement both in the family business and the hearts of both Gus and his wife, Nina. Six years have passed and the restaurant is failing. The family and staff believe that the answer to their problems is winning the Rising Star Chef Challenge competition and in order to win, they need Max to come home and be a part of the challenge. Max reluctantly agrees to return home and help the staff through the qualifying round before embarking on his own adventure studying in Italy with the best Italian chef in the world. When Max arrives home, he expects tension with the family, what he doesn’t expect is the immediate attraction he feels when he sets his eyes on grown up Jules who is now a master chef and a force to be reckoned with. Jules has had a crush on Max since high school so naturally she is vulnerable to his charm and flirtatious nature, but she knows she cannot allow her feelings to flourish, because Max never stays in one place for anything or anyone.

Ms. Edwards has what it takes to pen an engaging, sexy contemporary romance that leaves your taste buds begging for more. Combining the succulent and descriptive dishes the chef’s prepare with the sizzling personalities of each character results in a fun and enticing contemporary read. There are a lot of characters in the story, but Ms. Edwards incorporates each one into the overall setting so that you are not overwhelmed. Each character has individuality, humor and an engaging presence in the storyline that is intriguing and vital to the overall outcome of the competition as well as the series. Ms. Edwards also provides plenty of passionate encounters between Max and Jules. One scene in particular takes place in the main kitchen and let me say that something was burning, but it wasn’t the food! Finally, Ms. Edwards hits the issues that both Max and Jules need to face from their past. Relaying strong elements of forgiveness and acceptance in turn allows both characters to become free to love their family and each other. Too Hot To Touch provides a delicious dish to what I believe will be a savory series any food and romance lover will not want to pass up!

Favorite Quote:

“Dangerous, she thought again. Because maybe Max didn’t look at all the places where she was cracked and broken, and pick up a hammer to finish the job—but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to shatter her, all the same. But here, now, in this moment, with him panting and writhing under her mouth and this deep, glowing connection arcing back and forth between them like a current of electricity, Jules couldn’t make herself care. It was official. She was fucked.”

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May 17, 2012 ♥Rachel♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to ♥Rachel♥ by: Smut Monday Club

Shelves: kindle

This was just the right blend of chemistry, witty banter, and heart with a little bit of spice thrown in. As a bonus, there was no love triangle or drama on frustrating levels!

Jules is a chef for the Lunden's family restaurant, Lunden & Sons Tavern, a steakhouse that's been a fixture in New York for years. The Lunden's are like family to Jules, they took her in when she was seventeen with nowhere to go. Jules and Danny, their youngest son and her best friend, work together at the restaurant...more This was just the right blend of chemistry, witty banter, and heart with a little bit of spice thrown in. As a bonus, there was no love triangle or drama on frustrating levels!

Jules is a chef for the Lunden's family restaurant, Lunden & Sons Tavern, a steakhouse that's been a fixture in New York for years. The Lunden's are like family to Jules, they took her in when she was seventeen with nowhere to go. Jules and Danny, their youngest son and her best friend, work together at the restaurant, Danny as a pastry chef and Jules as the lead chef. Max, the oldest son, left just as Jules moved in. There was a falling out between Max and his father, Gus, due to differences in opinion on what direction the restaurant should go. Since then, Max has been on the move, living wherever he could learn the latest and greatest cuisine all over the world. This is about to change when Max's mother calls and asks him to come home and help their restaurant win the Rising Star Chef competition. His mother doesn't explain why they need his help but he knows she wouldn't have asked unless it was really important.

Jules nursed a long-time, school-girl crush on Max before he left home but she's determined to keep things professional to win the competition. Plus, this is her kitchen, and she's the one in charge of leading them to victory. Jules wants no confusion when it comes to that. Max for his part, feels there's nothing wrong with seizing the opportunity if there's an attraction between them. He plans on leaving straight after the competition because of an apprenticeship that's just opened up, but feels they might as well have some fun while they can. At least this is how he feels initially. Soon he finds that he wants way more. Here's a sweet quote from Max:

"Counting the slowing beats of her heart lulled Max into a sleepy contentment. And the last thought he had before he closed his eyes was that he'd stay forever, if she asked him to."

*Sigh*

I loved how open and loving Max was with everyone in this story, not just Jules. He clearly learned so much about human nature and life from his travels abroad. Max was such a sweetheart to Jules, helping her to open up about the past, and work through some of her issues. Jules was an amazing character, as well. The concern and devotion she held for the Lunden's was touching. The secondary characters were quirky and fun, too. At first, I didn't care for the switch to Claire's perspective but I didn't mind it once the story got going. That, and Kane was HOT! It was a cute little side romance of opposites.

I recommend this book to anyone wanting a sweet, well-paced, drama-free romance. Now I plan to get Danny's romance in the next installment!

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Sep 02, 2011 Robin (RBBR) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, not-reading-entire-series

I like this one. The Author is one I've read in the past but a direction she seemed to be taking in her books is one I'm not comfortable reading about so I hadn't planned to read any more by her. This one struck me though and although her main couple is m\f there is a secondary character who would rather date his own gender and at the point I'm at in the book (possible spoiler alert) he has been able to get some information on an upcoming challenge because the male assistant to the female organi...more I like this one. The Author is one I've read in the past but a direction she seemed to be taking in her books is one I'm not comfortable reading about so I hadn't planned to read any more by her. This one struck me though and although her main couple is m\f there is a secondary character who would rather date his own gender and at the point I'm at in the book (possible spoiler alert) he has been able to get some information on an upcoming challenge because the male assistant to the female organizer happens to feel the same way as Winslow about certain things. I'm kind of waiting to see how in depth the details of the two of them goes because I don't have a problem with them as people both Winslow and Drew sound like great people to be friends with I'm just not comfortable reading about them in the bedroom in detail. The book by this author I wasn't able to finish seemed to be focusing more on the main character's brother and his issues about coming out and meeting someone of like mind than it did the main characters and it just didn't engage me enough to keep reading. At this point I can see me not only finishing this one but reading the next one as well.
Having finished the book I decided I like Winslow he's the comic relief and is a kid at heart (still don't want to read about him in the bedroom though). In one scene after a tense situation (cooking competition) they're all finding way's to blow off steam one of the other Chef's Beck is described as being built like a tree, he doesn't talk much and at times just stands there looking rather stern, Winslow is making an attempt to climb him as if he actually is a tree. As for Max and Jules\Juliet the Hero and Heroine they help each other realize what it means to forgive, how to forgive, what's important, and what makes someone family and what home is. I loved their story, Jules is best friends with Max's brother Danny and has been since Elementary in the Prologue they're 17 but the book itself takes place six years later. Jules has had a crush on Max for a long time but she doesn't think he even knows she exists. We learn late in the book that he did notice her but didn't do anything because she was Danny's friend and younger than him. In the Prologue Jules leaves home(we found out the detailed reason why later) and goes to the Restaurant owned by Danny's family (the family lives over it) hoping he's there because she needs someone to talk to. Danny and his Mother are at his Grandmother's but his Dad is there and had Jules stay with them since its apparent she can't go home. To Jules knowledge there is no Guest Room but Gus comments that a room just came available. I don't recall it actually saying but it seemed to be implied that Max left the same night Jules showed up. I kept waiting for the two of them to come to this revelation but they didn't although he did realize she had slept in his room for about 6 months.
From the Prologue and the Blurb here on Goodreads Book II is Danny's story and hopefully its just as good as this one was.
If you're into cooking it has some recipes in the back, versions of the ones created in the book. At this point I'm glad I decided to give this Author another try.
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Nov 05, 2011 Tori rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed this book a lot overall. As a foodie, I enjoyed the kitchen talk and thought the food challenge was a fun side story.
I like that this author uses metaphors that match the personality of her characters because it's a pet peeve of mine when they don't. However, I wish that she wasn't so enamored with them. I would have enjoyed the story a lot more if she had used them maybe half as often as she did and maybe just showed us what was going on in the scene instead.
IE:
Nina Lun...more

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Aug 17, 2011 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: need-to-get-2011, damn-that-cover-is-smokin, 5-stars, by-george-thats-awesome, come-here-baby-so-i-can-lick-you, flip-flops, scars-and-tats-and-piercings-oh-my, secondary-love-plots-make-me-swoon, happy-slapsgiving, thats-some-funny-shit, author-louisa-edwards, quotes-quotes-everywhere, lists-as-reviews-are-the-shiznit

Too Hot to Touch is the first book of Louisa Edwards' Rising Star Chef series, and I cannot tell you how long I have been waiting for this book. I heard about Edwards not long before her first book--Can't Stand the Heat--was published and bought it the day that it came out. Since that first story...I was in love. A freakishly devoted fan. I get disturbingly excited when a new book comes out, and that pattern continued when I found Too Hot to Handle on the shelves not even days after it came out....more

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Oct 08, 2011 Aly (Mircea) Basarab rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary

Gender: Contemporary
Hero: Max Lunden
Heroine: Juliete 'Jules' Cavanaugh
Rating: 4*

I had so much fun reading this, and let's face it, drooling too.

After I finished the book I started to look for some gourmet classes or something. Sadly there are non interesting enough in Bucharest *sigh*

PS: Whatever you think when you look at that cover, this is not erotica :D

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Sep 23, 2012 Makii rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Como buena fanática de los concursos gastronómicos(si habré pasado horas mirando Top Chef y demás LOL) amé el ambiente de esta historia...!!
Confieso que no es lo que esperaba encontrar. Todo indicaba que era mas sexual la historia, pero al final termina siendo una compleja lucha entre unos personajes cargados emocionalmente por muchas cosas. La familia, el pasado, los sueños que se persiguen, las cosas que no se dicen, y las acciones que hacen que a veces los demás no nos entiendan y piensen de...more Como buena fanática de los concursos gastronómicos(si habré pasado horas mirando Top Chef y demás LOL) amé el ambiente de esta historia...!!
Confieso que no es lo que esperaba encontrar. Todo indicaba que era mas sexual la historia, pero al final termina siendo una compleja lucha entre unos personajes cargados emocionalmente por muchas cosas. La familia, el pasado, los sueños que se persiguen, las cosas que no se dicen, y las acciones que hacen que a veces los demás no nos entiendan y piensen de una manera completamente diferente a como somos.
Max es un cocinero de mundo, que después de años de enfrentarse a su padre, arma un bolso y se va a perseguir sus sueños, dejando a su familia, el restaurante y todo atrás.
Jules es una joven que un día descubre que la vida a veces puede ser mas cruel de lo que cree, y que muchas veces, la sangre no hace a los lazos. Con 17 años, cuando se ve sola en la calle, recurre a su amigo Danny, pero termina encontrándose con una familia que acaba de ser abandonada por su hijo, y que fácilmente la toma bajo su ala.
6 años después, en la lucha por entrar en el famosísimo concurso gastronómico Rising Star Chef, Max vuelve a casa para ayudar a su familia, y se encuentra con Jules ocupando su lugar.
Las cosas no son fáciles al principio, pero a veces no todo es como creemos. La química hace que ellos no puedan resistirse, y que afloren a la luz el pasado y los sentimientos mas profundos.
En medio de recetas, discusiones y concursos, ellos deberán replantearse sus sueños, y que tan dispuestos a correr riesgos a fin de ser felices están.
-No entiendo.
Max enfurruño una sonrisa.
-Yo tampoco, por un largo tiempo, años, de hecho. Pero todo el rato, estaba buscando un lugar que se sintiera como yo, donde encajaría, y sería suficiente. Donde pudiera detenerme por un rato y descansar, y no sentir la necesidad de seguir moviéndome para encontrar algo nuevo que encajara mejor, porque el encaje sería ya tan perfecto.
El se inclinó para presionar las últimas palabras en su mejilla.
-Estaba buscando un hogar. Y lo encontré.
(...)
Pero Max negó con su cabeza, su mejilla barbada raspando contra su mejilla.
-No. Porque este lugar, mi familia...nunca antes había encajado. Nueva York no es mi casa,y tampoco lo es Lunden, o el apartamento de mis padres. -hizo una pausa, y Jules sintió su garganta apretándose mientras el tragaba-. Eres tú Jules. Tu eres mi hogar.

Estoy deseando leer la historia de Danny y saber como van a seguir las cosas para la familia Landon en el Rising Star Chef. Lo bueno es que vamos a tener mas de Max y Jules en los otros libros! Upiii!!!

*Confieso que de todos esos platos que describía, no podría comer ninguno :S

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Sep 07, 2012 Joyfully Reviewed rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, chefs, joyfully-reviewed-shayna, recommended-read, series

For the past six years, Max Lunden has wandered the globe, learning cooking techniques from the best of the best. Max thinks he’s gotten what he’s always wanted – a chance to study under a master Italian butcher – but his life takes an unexpected turn when his mother calls him home. His family’s restaurant is in need of help, and to generate business they’re participating in the famous Rising Star Chef competition. Max comes home to help the team get through qualifiers, but Lunden & Sons Tav...more For the past six years, Max Lunden has wandered the globe, learning cooking techniques from the best of the best. Max thinks he’s gotten what he’s always wanted – a chance to study under a master Italian butcher – but his life takes an unexpected turn when his mother calls him home. His family’s restaurant is in need of help, and to generate business they’re participating in the famous Rising Star Chef competition. Max comes home to help the team get through qualifiers, but Lunden & Sons Tavern isn’t the same place he left. And one of the new additions is Chef Juliet Cavanaugh, his brother’s best friend from childhood. Jules is all grown up, and irritated with Max’s presence to boot. Max has never met a woman he couldn’t charm, but Jules is different. She tempts him, challenges him, and makes him yearn for something he never thought he’d find: a home. But can he convince Jules there’s enough room in the kitchen – and her heart – for him?

Too Hot to Touch is délicieux! Just like the food her characters create, author Louisa Edwards takes a classic – in this case, the trope of a heroine in love with her best friend’s brother – and elevates it, giving the storyline her own spin to deliver something fresh and new. Too Hot to Touch shines with genuine warmth, humor, and affection.

Jules is a wonderful, hardworking heroine who you have to respect. She’s easy to like, but what really captured my interest was how her past had scarred her. Jules never feels completely like she belongs, even though it’s clear the Lunden family loves her. One of the best parts of Too Hot to Touch was watching Jules really see how much she’s loved by the Lundens, Max most of all. And man, oh man, who wouldn’t want to have Max fall in love with them? He has been a wanderer for the past six years, but while he travels the globe, backpack and wok in hand, picking up new techniques right and left, what he really needs is a place to call home. Though he returns to New York in the beginning of the story, Max feels almost like an outsider in the city, in his parents’ restaurant, and in his own family. I loved watching Max’s emotional growth over the course of the story. Seeing his vulnerability makes him a well-rounded character. Without it, he’d still be a fun, charming, hunky hero, but I’m a greedy reader and want realistic characters, which Ms. Edwards provides. And speaking of Max’s charm… Ms. Edwards’s writing had me calling a friend to read portions of Too Hot to Touch aloud – that’s how funny Max could be. The humor in Too Hot to Touch sends this sparkling romance over the top, from excellent to amazing. Ms. Edwards never overdoes it, and (thankfully) never lets the book slide into slapstick. Rather, the humorous moments of Too Hot to Touch stem from quick wit and grin-inducing banter.

I loved Jules and Max, but it’s the cast of characters as a whole in Too Hot to Touch that make the book what it is. Max’s family is sure to charm readers, particularly his brother, Daniel, who catches the eye of the RSC organizer and will have fans clamoring for their book, Some Like it Hot. And I can’t forget either the last two members of the Lunden team: the adorably chipper Win and the mysterious, handsome Beck. As a whole, this group is a makeshift family and Ms. Edwards makes readers feel like they’re a part of it.

It would also be a crime to talk about Too Hot to Touch without mentioning the RSC judges, particularly when there’s such a fabulous subplot involving rock star judge Kane Slater and head judge Claire Durand. Plus, fans of Ms. Edwards’s Recipe for Love series will undoubtedly be excited to see Devon Sparks, from On the Steamy Side, as the third RSC judge. I definitely have the Recipe for Love series on my “to be bought” list after reading Too Hot to Touch.

Too Hot to Touch will delight foodies and romance fans alike. Jules and Max’s story is a tasty treat of a book that is simply too good to miss!

Reviewed by Shayna for Joyfully Reviewed(less)

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Jun 28, 2012 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-books-read, romance

I really liked this book. Max came back to New York when his mom called to help out with the competition. He was not expecting to find Jules working as a chef in the kitchen. He remembered her from when they were kids - she was his brother's friend and several years younger. He left home because he and his father couldn't agree on how to do things in the kitchen. Gus wanted to stick with tradition and Max wanted to try some new things. Jules wasn't happy to see him return. She didn't think they...more

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Jan 05, 2012 ALPHAreader rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Max Lunden left his family’s restaurant behind years ago. Since then he has been trekking all over the world, making a name for himself in solo chef competitions and mastering the arts of fine foods from the best around the world. But now the call to return home has come. The family restaurant, Lunden & Sons Tavern, needs help. Owner and patriarch, Gus Lunden, thinks he has the answer in the Rising Star Chef competition, which is looking for a state team to represent New York. This could be...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Louisa Edwards you ROCK! Again she comes out with an amazing book! Too Hot To Touch I think now beats my favorite book by you (Can't Stand The Heat). I love love loved everything about this book. It sucked me right in on the description! Then the first chater made me what to devour this book which I did in hours!!

Jules is definately someone awesome, she is a strong person who went through alot of shit. She is someone I admire as a character, another character who goes after what she wants most o...more

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Dec 27, 2011 Chelsea rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have to admit, I was kind of predisposed to like Too Hot to Touch. I love food. I can cook passably, and I bake very well. Unfortunately, I live in a college apartment with a tiny kitchen that I share with three other people. Gourmet meals are not within my reach. So reading about people who can and do cook very well is a treat for me.

Plot Summery! Lunden's Tavern was once a very popular upscale restaurant in New York City, but in recent years it has experienced a decline in business. In an ef...more I have to admit, I was kind of predisposed to like Too Hot to Touch. I love food. I can cook passably, and I bake very well. Unfortunately, I live in a college apartment with a tiny kitchen that I share with three other people. Gourmet meals are not within my reach. So reading about people who can and do cook very well is a treat for me.

Plot Summery! Lunden's Tavern was once a very popular upscale restaurant in New York City, but in recent years it has experienced a decline in business. In an effort to save their business, the chefs decide to enter the Rising Star Chefs competition, with the idea that winning would propel them back to popularity and profit. Jules has been working in the restaurant since the Lunden family took her in when she was a teenager. She's always had a crush on Max, the eldest Lunden son. For the past six years, Max has been roaming the world in search of culinary secrets, and barely keeps in contact with his family. There's some bad blood between him, his father Gus, and brother Danny. But when Max is asked to return home to help with the first round of the competition, he can't refuse.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book--the chef competition involving team work and a lot of skill. Even though I found the plot kind of predictable, I didn't find it boring. The dynamics between the team members were fantastic. In addition to Jules and Max, you have Danny the pastry chef, Beck the mysterious new guy, and Winslow the the very energetic spirited guy. I thought the book was at it's strongest when it showed everyone working together, practicing their own specialties but still helping one another. These secondary characters might easily have come off as pointless sequel bait, but instead they were likeable characters who served a purpose.

I found Max fascinating, and I though his personal conflicts were true to real life. He really wants to be creative and discover new things, rather then help run his parent's very traditional restaurant. The process of reconciling family loyalty (and his relationship with Jules) with his impulse to wander and be free was interesting to me.

I liked Jules quite a bit as well. I found her to be just a tad too angsty at times, letting her less then perfect childhood serve as an excuse for all of her current emotional turmoil. Not to minimize her dark(ish) past, but I was kind of expecting her to have some much darker secret then what is ultimately revealed. I was left feeling like she was a pretty lucky woman, and she should behave accordingly.

The romance was pretty hot. Max and Jules had instant chemistry as well as the beginnings of a deeper emotional connection.

My complaints about this book are pretty minor. The plot is predictable, and at times cliched--but in contemporary romance you can't expect plot twists. Some of the dialogue was slightly awkward and forced, like the author was trying a bit too hard. And yes, some of Jules' character development strays into the melodramatic.

In the end, I liked this book a lot. It's a pretty light read, and it's a lot of fun. I'd recommend it if you like contemporary romance, and especially if you like cooking. 4 stars.
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Nov 07, 2011 Amy Jacobs rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

First of all, look at that yummy cover! I had to force myself to quit drooling at it long enough to actually read the story! Of course every time I turned the page I had to look and drool again. But you are wanting a review of the pages inside that gorgeous cover so wipe the drool from your chin and lets get started.

This is the first book in a new series by author Louisa Edwards. This series focus is on a competition called the Rising Star Chef and a family who runs their own restaurant that is...more First of all, look at that yummy cover! I had to force myself to quit drooling at it long enough to actually read the story! Of course every time I turned the page I had to look and drool again. But you are wanting a review of the pages inside that gorgeous cover so wipe the drool from your chin and lets get started.

This is the first book in a new series by author Louisa Edwards. This series focus is on a competition called the Rising Star Chef and a family who runs their own restaurant that is need of attention due to lack of business. Juliet, or Jules, is a long time friend of the family who just happened to live with the Lunden family for awhile after she had a falling out with her Mother. She is also best friends with the youngest son, Danny Lunden. Even though she has found a best friend in Danny, her heart has always belonged to his older brother Max. Unfortunately, the night she moved in with the Lunden's, Max also left town due to a family disagreement and hasn't returned until now.

With the family and staff entered into the competition, they realize they need Max to help guide them with his worldwide knowledge and hopefully realize he is needed back home for good. His Father's health is failing and Danny has taken on too much responsibility with the restaurant. While they are going through the competition though, Jules and Max are trying to fight their sexy feelings toward each other. Unfortunately, Jules and Max are fighting a losing battle on that because the tension and sex appeal between the two were rising faster than a loaf of bread!

If I had to pick one thing that I didn't like about this book though, it would be the constant references to the recipes and such. I understand that the chef competition involves new recipes and stunning dishes, but at times it seemed to go a little overboard in the food knowledge. Of course, this downfall also wanted me to try some of the recipes that the author includes at the end of the book. I did have several drooling moments due to the recipes and dishes involved instead of the cover.

If you are a fan of this author then I am sure your are going to enjoy this new series. So go on and indulge in this new romance series and relax in knowing that you won't gain any calories while reading it!(less)

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Oct 31, 2011 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, romance

Reviewed By:Jen
Review Copy Provided By:Nancy Berland Public Relations
I've been a fan of Louisa Edwards since I read her first book. In fact, we've been honored to have Louisa as a guest several times. I'm also a huge fan of cooking competition shows. The mixing of Louisa's writings and the plot of this ongoing cooking competition is very intriguing to me. So, when I received a review copy of Too Hot to Touch, I was excited to read. I was looking forward to this new series... and I wasn't disapp...more

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Oct 26, 2011 Marilyn Rondeau rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In TOO HOT TO TOUCH, it’s not so much about the food but more about relationships, love, loyalty and trust. Max has traveled far and wide for new and unique ways to prepare food from around the world trying to prove to his father that branching out a bit and coming out with new and original recipes could just be as good and fresh as the old tried and true. However, Max could not get thru to his stubborn father that stagnant recipes his father insisted on could be improved at Lunden’s Tavern. Whe...more

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Sep 13, 2011 Marisa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance

I love an "Opposites Attract" scenario, but I especially love it when the hero is the “Dorothy” character. You know: Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz?:'There’s no place like home?’ Dorothy?“
That’s our hero Max Lunden. He’s traveled the world in search of the intangible, looking for something he’s yet to find, and all along it was right there in his own backyard. I love when that happens—when all your journeys and the culminations of your experiences wind their way back to your own front door.

Louisa E...more

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Aug 13, 2011 Christi Snow rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Review reposted from my Smitten with Reading blog...

My Review:
I have been so excited to read this book. I read Louisa Edward's first cooking trilogy and absolutely fell in love with her writing. (You can see those reviews HERE.) This book definitely did not disappoint...so good and so much fun!!! Although I have to be honest, as much as I loved Jules & Max's story, my favorite part about this book was the side story line between Clair (editor of Delicieux magazine) & Kane (rock star food...more Review reposted from my Smitten with Reading blog...

My Review:
I have been so excited to read this book. I read Louisa Edward's first cooking trilogy and absolutely fell in love with her writing. (You can see those reviews HERE.) This book definitely did not disappoint...so good and so much fun!!! Although I have to be honest, as much as I loved Jules & Max's story, my favorite part about this book was the side story line between Clair (editor of Delicieux magazine) & Kane (rock star foodie and fellow judge of the RSC.) If you haven't read Louisa Edwards before, she writes WONDERFUL side stories. I am hoping that this side story flows like Frankie & Jess' story in the last trilogy and flows throughout all three books!!

But back to the main characters of this book...Max & Jules. 6 years ago both of their lives changed the same night. Max's changed when he had a huge blow-up with his father and walked out to travel the world. Jules' when she showed up at Landon's Tavern looking for her best friend Danny (Max's brother) after she had been kicked out of her house by her irate, irrational mother and instead found a sympathetic shoulder and surrogate family via Gus, Max's father. Max left the family and Jules basically joined it. Now the family restaurant needs help and Max's mother has called him home to help out with the Rising Star Chef Challenge.

Max & Jules are both chefs that are going to have to work together on the competition, but there are lingering feelings for both of them. Jules has always been attracted to Max, but her loyalty falls to the family that took her in when she had nowhere else to turn. Max is shocked to find little Juliet all grown up and gorgeous, but he looks at her as the person who came in and took his place within the family...a family that still leaves him with irrational feelings of hurt and frustration.

The premise of this book is fabulous. The competition adds lots of stress and drama to the story...as well as the suspense of the sexual tension between Max & Jules. I loved that Max practices Zen, although it obviously goes against his natural state of being. It was a great aspect that really showed how his world travels have affected him as a person and have helped him to grow up in his absence. Jules is a strong, competent chef with a lot of her own personal history that makes this growing romance with Max difficult for her to accept.

Then there is the fabulous cast of additional characters:
*Danny- Max's brother & Jules' best friend;pastry chef (gotta love a guy who will make you dessert);hero for book two
*Winslow- gay chef from the restaurant; love this character...such an amazing wit; he has a quip for everything
*Beck- I am hoping that he's the hero of book #3, but I can't find that info anywhere right now. Love this guy; such a mystery.
*Clair- editor of Delicieux and head judge for the competition. This forty something foodie is a HUGE success in the food world. She's French. She's sophisticated. She's classy. And she has the serious hots for Kane even though she doesn't like to admit it.
*Kane- rock star foodie. Hottie brought into the competition to add some sex appeal, but he only has eyes for Clair and is NOT going to let her put him off regardless of their age difference (I am LOVING this story line.)
*Devon- 3rd judge for the competition. He was the hero from book #2 of Louisa's previous series, On the Steamy Side. I am enjoying seeing his character again.
*Eva- MC and the money behind the competition via Daddy. She's the heroine of book #2 (coming out in December) and I think that she's going to give Danny a run for his money. They are going to be a fabulous couple.

Already, I can see that this series is going to be another keeper on my shelves. A great start to this new foodie series...it makes me want to learn to cook...almost. ;o)
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Aug 11, 2011 Brie C. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Originally posted at Romance Around the Corner

I discovered Louisa’s books about a year ago when I bought a book called On the Steamy Side that seemed like an interesting read even though I wasn’t familiar with the author, it was one of those impulsive buys that turned out to be exactly what you needed. After finishing that book I devoured the second one and then spent a couple of months anxiously waiting for the release of the third one. I was super excited to hear that she was writing a new tri...more Originally posted at Romance Around the Corner

I discovered Louisa’s books about a year ago when I bought a book called On the Steamy Side that seemed like an interesting read even though I wasn’t familiar with the author, it was one of those impulsive buys that turned out to be exactly what you needed. After finishing that book I devoured the second one and then spent a couple of months anxiously waiting for the release of the third one. I was super excited to hear that she was writing a new trilogy.

Louisa’s specialty is gastronomy, her books always revolve around something food-related and her heroes are always chefs. This new book shows us yet another aspect of that fascinating world by taking place during a cooking competition.

Max Lunden is a bit of a traveling chef, for the past six years he’s been around the world learning new techniques and recipes. When his mother asks him to come home to help the family restaurant to participate in the famous and prestigious Raising Star Chef competition he is a bit reluctant at first (mostly because he has been estranged from his family all these years) but ends up agreeing to come back just for a month. Juliet Cavanaugh is like a daughter for the Lunden family and she’s been working in their restaurant ever since she was a teenager. She isn’t happy about Max coming back because she feels that they don’t need him to win and also because she used to have a huge crush on him. Obviously sparks fly after they see each other again.

At first I was a bit apprehensive about Max because he seemed like he was a cocky, know-it-all, self-centered guy but I was wrong. He had a carefree attitude that made him refreshing, but underneath that happy-go-lucky take on life he was a caring and loving person trying to find himself. In these prodigal-son-returns type of stories, the one to blame is usually the prodigal son, but in this case he had a pretty good reason to leave and his family had a pretty good reason to hold a grudge. I particularly liked how Louisa addressed this part because it was realistic and drama-free, both parts were hurt by the choices they made but those choices were justified and no one was the bad guy.

Juliet was also a great heroine. I liked her because she was a bit of a lost soul trying to find a place to belong, and not quite believing that she had found it with the Lundens. But this was also what bothered me about her, at times she seemed too insecure just waiting for everything to be taken from her and I couldn’t understand how she still felt that way after all those years. I was also a bit disappointed that she didn’t demand more things for herself but I was happy that she got her happy ending because she deserved it. Having said that, she was a very likeable character and a perfect match for Max, they were a fantastic couple and their love story was sweet and scorching hot.

This book also has a strong cast of secondary characters, there’s a secondary story that just barely starts in this book and I guess it will continue in the next one (just like Frankie/Jess in the first trilogy) involving a forty two year old woman and a twenty-something rock star. It is an interesting pairing and even though I’m not a fan of couples with that much age difference I really liked both characters and it will be interesting to see where it goes. There’s also a lot of bromance between all the male members of the team and that’s always fun to read. The next book’s hero is Max’s brother Danny and I really hope Beck also gets his chance at love because I adored him, he is mysterious, taciturn and a math whiz, what else could you ask for?

I loved this book. It was funny, sexy, the love story was touching, the characters were likeable, and it had lots of details about cooking. As a fan of contemporary romance this is exactly what I’m looking for when I buy a book. I can’t wait to read the next book. This one is a keeper so don’t waste more time and go get it!(less)

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Jul 31, 2011 Cheryl rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Juliet “Jules” Cavanaugh is Danny Lunden’s good friend. Danny’s family own a restaurant. Jules has a crush on Danny’s brother, Max. Max can not be tied down to one place, so he packs up and travels all over the world. Years later, the Lunden family restaurant has been slowly losing business. They must find a way to make money and fast. Jules comes up with an idea to have the family enter a cooking competition. The competition has done wonders for past winners. There is just one catch. In order t...more

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Mar 21, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is my first official book of Louisa Edwards that I've read. It's been mentioned to me many times that i need to read her and as all readers know there are way more books that there is time. I never got a chance until now. I have never read a book where cooking was the back drop to the story. I wasn't sure what to expect. I am kind of a simple cook. Mostly use salt and pepper for seasoning. I have a houseful of boys and they aren't interested in anything beyond basic right now. I do love to...more This is my first official book of Louisa Edwards that I've read. It's been mentioned to me many times that i need to read her and as all readers know there are way more books that there is time. I never got a chance until now. I have never read a book where cooking was the back drop to the story. I wasn't sure what to expect. I am kind of a simple cook. Mostly use salt and pepper for seasoning. I have a houseful of boys and they aren't interested in anything beyond basic right now. I do love to watch cooking shows on TV so i thought this would be interesting. It was. Max Lunden left town in a huff when the arguments between himself and his dad over the family restaurant got to be to much. He's been gone for 10 years learning all kinds of cooking techniques. A urgent call from his mom changes all that. He's needed at home to help the restaurant get into a big cooking competition, The Rising Star. Juliet or Jules as she's called now found a home with her best friend Danny Lundens family 10 years ago right after Max left. She escaped a scary situation with her mom and the Lunden's have treated her like family ever since. Max is back now and the crush Jules had on Max is still there but of a more mature nature now. Things sizzle whenever Max is around Jules. Everyone is keeping a secret from Max though. His dad collapsed in the middle of dinner service a while back and his health might be in jeopardy. Gus Lunden might now be able to see eye to eye with his son but he loves Max and doesn't want to stand in the way of his happiness. Gus is hoping he'll be ready to take Max's place in the competition once they qualify and Max can move on to his next big culinary dream. Max wants Jules and talking her into doing something about it takes him a while. It's supposed to be a temporary thing but after a while Max isn't sure if he can walk away from Jules. All the while Jules tried to protect her heart. Grab what she can of Max while she can and hope it's enough to survive when he leaves. This was a really good book. The Lunden's are a really close family for the most part. Caring and loving of each other as well as other people. They take Jules in and treat her as one of their own. Jules tries really hard to give back to the family that gave her everything. The relationship between Max and Jules is hot and heavy with many bumps in the road. I grew to Love Max by the end of the book and am really fond of all the secondary characters. I wanted to meet these people. lol The cooking parts were good but not as much fun for me only because i am not much of a cook. I mean just all the technical cooking stuff not the competition parts. There are some really great recipe's included at the end of this book also. As a whole i give Too Hot to Touch 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars. A fun and HOT cooking adventure for all!

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Jan 03, 2012 Felicia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-read, kindlepurchase2011

Overall Rating 4.25
Story Rating 4.00
Character Rating 4.50

Vacation Review: I will admit that I am a fan of a man who cooks! In fact, Hot Chefs just kind of do it for me; so I had some pretty high expectations for this story. Louisa did not let me down! First I loved the idea of the food competition. I have watched so many of them on Food Network that I totally could "get" all the pressure around prepping, planning, and competing. I loved Jules for so many reasons: strong, smart, flawed, scared, a...more

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Sep 29, 2011 Michelle [Helen Geek] rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gr-high-recommend, nook-tbr, not-finished, awful

Okay, so I spoke too soon. I was on a good book roll until this one…

I read this book, or tried to read this book for the following reasons:
1 – Love, love, love TOP Chef – about a cooking competition.
2 – Julie James is “currently reading” and really enjoy her.
3 – Author is new to me – so why not?
4 – One of my October monthly challenge books – Hot Cover.

So, the stars were aligned – NOT. Okay, maybe I’m missing something, but probably not – I’m no dunce.
This book started off good. Gave a bit of bac...more

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Aug 17, 2011 Cocktails and Books rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bn-ebook, contemporary-romance

The Lunden's Tavern has been the only home that Juliet Cavanaugh has ever really known. She's been going there since she was a young girl, since the youngest Lunden, Danny, was her best friend. It was her safe haven when her teenage world fell apart, so now when it's in trouble she'll do anything to help. Even if that help includes cooking side by side with the person she's forever had a crush on, Max Lunden...the eldest son.

Max has spent the past six years traveling the globe learning different...more The Lunden's Tavern has been the only home that Juliet Cavanaugh has ever really known. She's been going there since she was a young girl, since the youngest Lunden, Danny, was her best friend. It was her safe haven when her teenage world fell apart, so now when it's in trouble she'll do anything to help. Even if that help includes cooking side by side with the person she's forever had a crush on, Max Lunden...the eldest son.

Max has spent the past six years traveling the globe learning different cooking techniques from the bests, winning cooking competitions and staying as far away from home as possible. He's preparing to leave Tokyo for the countryside of Italy when he gets a call from his mother demanding that he come home. The family restaurant is in trouble and he needs to come help.

Max and Juliet were like two peas in a pod. Both of them refusing to deal with the issues that have led them to where they are. Juliet doesn't want to deal with her mother and the past events that led to her living with the Lunden's and having trouble trusting men. Max on the other hand, has been running try to prove to himself (and ultimately his father) that he is a good chef and has good ideas when it comes to the food prepared in the restaurant kitchen.

When it comes to dealing with each other, they do a slightly better job...but not by much. Sure they can smoke things up with sex, but they are always second guessing or assuming what the other is thinking instead of just asking. Juliet's heartbreak towards the end of the story would have never happened if she didn't immediately take issue with something, that while mean spirited, was definitely said during the fall out from a traumatic event and shouldn't have been taken quite so personally.

Loved the cooking element to the story and secretly wished someone was whipping up those dishes (with the exception of those brussel sprouts) for me to eat.

Enjoyable story, with deliciously flawed characters that make your mouth water for the next installment, Some Like It Hot (Danny's story)

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May 12, 2012 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Contemporary romance addicts!!

Shelves: favorites, romance-erotica-faves

I do so love when I come across a steamy romance novel that is actually more than just hot sex scenes! Too Hot was one of those, with a well thought-out plot, engaging characters, plenty of tugs at the heart, and of course some serious chemistry! I think my ONLY complaints would be that I wanted Max and Jules to have more time ALONE and that I didn't want the story to end! I loved these characters, Jules with her saucy spunk and Max with his sexy cockiness that just made me melt. *sigh* The stor...more

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Aug 28, 2011 Colleen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, read-in-2011, kindle

I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I'm finding it harder to distinguish between all of her books. I think part of the reason is because I find it hard to relate to her female characters. They seem so unlikable: Jule's mom, Eva (the organizer of the competition), the female judge, and to some extent even Jules. They are either bitchy or so focused (on themselves, their career) that I find it hard to see what draws in the men that are attracted to them. Is it really just their good looks?

Ju...more

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Apr 13, 2012 W. rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, ok

Interesting book with lots of food references (which is something I'm particularly into at the moment). Writing and plot weren't bad, but I had some major issues with the book. Namely I had problems with the hero and heroine (and them together). The heroine, Jules, has got self-esteem issues because her mother is a self-centered and critical woman who is always looking for a new man. She left home at 17 and was taken in by the Lunden family. The Lunden's run a restaurant that was once very succe...more Interesting book with lots of food references (which is something I'm particularly into at the moment). Writing and plot weren't bad, but I had some major issues with the book. Namely I had problems with the hero and heroine (and them together). The heroine, Jules, has got self-esteem issues because her mother is a self-centered and critical woman who is always looking for a new man. She left home at 17 and was taken in by the Lunden family. The Lunden's run a restaurant that was once very successful, but is now losing customers. In an attempt to increase the number of patrons, the Lunden's want enter the Rising Star Chef competition.

To do this, they call in Max, their son who left home around the same time Jules started living with the Lunden's. Max left because he clashed with his father about the best way to run the restaurant (old vs. new ways of doing things) and left to learning all sorts of cooking techniques all over the world.

Jules is best friends with Danny (Max's brother, which is one reason the Lunden's first took her in) and had a crush on Max as a teenager. Now that he's back, the two are attracted to each other and starts the horizontal tango (though they appear to do it mostly standing up).

I couldn't sympathize with Jules. Everyone keeps saying how she's strong, but all I see is her falling apart or leaning on Max. She's fragile from her upbringing, I get that, but there's this disconnect between how other characters see her and how we as the reader sees her. In her relationship with Max, she doesn't go after what she wants at all and seems to vacillate between loving him and fearing him. For example, she's attracted to him, but fights off his advances because she's afraid he'll leave her (and it's the deer int he headlights kind of fear).

Max on the other hand, seems a little more fleshed out. He's got issues, but he's more sure of what he wants and goes after it... to a certain degree. His relationship with Jules creeped me out a little bit at the beginning, when he was pretty smarmy. He meets Jules, tells her she's hot despite the fact she is clearly uncomfortable, and pushes her for more even when she tells him to leave her alone (but that's somehow ok because she's interested in him as well. This shows 1) Jules can't make up her mind and 2) being pushy is ok as long as the girl seems into you, even when she says no).

My biggest issue (as if not believing in the hero, heroine, or their relationship aren't big issues already) is that there was no spark or connection. They meet, are attracted to each other, and are suddenly somewhat serious about each other (enough to get jealous, etc.). As well, I don't understand why they love each other. It seems very superficial.

The book is saved by interesting secondary characters and fun references to food. I like Ms. Edwards' writing and will be picking up something else by her before I decide whether she can write believable romance (or if she can just write). (less)

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Jan 20, 2013 Jane rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: borrow-don-t-buy

Oddly enough, I feel a little bad for giving this book a two-star. But I lacked so much interest in the story, that I had to urge myself a little to finish it. Even still, this was like the little book that could...just didn't. It didn't quite do it for me. While I enjoyed most of the characters (particularly the interaction between Max and Jules and occasionally Danny), that's all this story had going for it. Part of me feels as though the story was rushed at places you needed story-meat and dr...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Book Binge Blog rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, st-martins-press, reviews-by-rowena

This is the first book by Louisa Edwards that I've read. I was a bit resistant to try an Edwards book since reading Holly's review of one of Edwards earlier books. I have been a total chicken until now. This is the first of her Hot books and I enjoyed it. This book follows Max Lunden, the oldest of the Lunden boys who left their hometown of New York City and the family restaurant to travel the world and build his culinary knowledge.

He travels from place to place, learning from the best of the be...more This is the first book by Louisa Edwards that I've read. I was a bit resistant to try an Edwards book since reading Holly's review of one of Edwards earlier books. I have been a total chicken until now. This is the first of her Hot books and I enjoyed it. This book follows Max Lunden, the oldest of the Lunden boys who left their hometown of New York City and the family restaurant to travel the world and build his culinary knowledge.

He travels from place to place, learning from the best of the best all around the world and he's just landed an opportunity to work with the very best Italian cook in the world, in Italy and he's called home to help his family's team compete in the Rising Chef's competition. The restaurant can use the money and his Mom really wants him home so after he gets his Mom to agree to a month long visit home to help out, he goes home.

When he gets there, his Mom is happy to see him as is his Dad (with some resentment) but his brother is most unhappy to see him. Max knew that things would be a little tense when he came back but he wasn't expecting it to be as tense as it actually was. He has his work cut out for him if he wants to bridge the gap that has grown between him and his brother.

Jules Cavanaugh had some trouble with her Mom when she was younger and the Lunden's took her in when Max left home. She's been with them ever since and they gave her the family she always wanted and there isn's a thing she wouldn't do for them. When she finds out that the eldest Lunden son is returning to the restaurant, her old crush comes back to mind and she finds herself wondering how time and experience has changed the Max Lunden she knew. She's more excited to see him than anything, not that she'd admit that to anyone...especially her best friend Danny, Max's younger brother.

They've got a good team heading into the Rising Chef's competition and she's determined to win the entire thing for Gus Lunden. He's been the very best role model for her and nothing is going to stand in her way of helping her team win it all. Not even her fiery attraction to Max Lunden.

The romance between Max and Jules was pretty straight forward. Jules wanted to avoid any messy attachments with Max and Max just wanted Jules. It was definitely inevitable and I enjoyed the ride.

Max wasn't one of those heroes that is too serious all the time and takes himself too seriously. He wasn't this alpha male that had to have the last word and I loved his flirty spice attitude toward Jules. The way that he kept coming at her with his charm and wit, wearing her down was sexy.

Jules was another great character but some of her resistance toward Max got to be a bit much and when she ran away? I wanted to smack some sense into her but overall, she wasn't the worst kind of heroine and she didn't drive me crazy enough that I hated the book or anything. On top of the hero and the heroine, the other characters in this book definitely round out my favorite things about this book.

I adored Beck and wanted to know more about him. I loved his loyalty to the Lundens and to the restaurant and I loved Win. His bubbly personality totally won me over. I also really enjoyed getting to know Danny. Meeting him in this book definitely had me anxious to read his book and find out who his heroine was going to be. I had my thoughts about who it would be and was pleasantly surprised that I was right. I loved Max and Danny's parents and I even enjoyed getting to know the judges. I understand that one of the judges was the hero in one of Edwards earlier books but I didn't read that book so I didn't know him though I do plan on going back and reading his book sometime in the near future.

This book is filled with lots of foodie facts and I enjoyed the behind the scene kitchen action that this book provided. I love me some foodie themed stories and this is definitely one. I'm more of a baker than a cook so I was really looking forward to reading Danny's book since he's the pastry chef. I couldn't wait to see what that man had planned for chocolate, haha.

Overall, this book was an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. The characters were lively and charming and the story wasn't complicated or anything. There was a balanced mix of everything and I'm glad that I read it. I definitely recommend this book.

This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Rowena.(less)

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Nov 02, 2011 Starry rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. When it comes to competitive cooking, Max Lunden is no stranger to winning…though he’s never been great at working with a team. A master chef—and major hunk—he’s traveled the world, picking up new cooking techniques as well as beautiful women. But when the prodigal chef returns home to his family’s Greenwich Village restaurant, he discovers one too many cooks in the kitchen—and she’s every bit as passionate as he is…

Juliet Cavanaugh used to have a crush on Max when she was just a teenager, hang...more When it comes to competitive cooking, Max Lunden is no stranger to winning…though he’s never been great at working with a team. A master chef—and major hunk—he’s traveled the world, picking up new cooking techniques as well as beautiful women. But when the prodigal chef returns home to his family’s Greenwich Village restaurant, he discovers one too many cooks in the kitchen—and she’s every bit as passionate as he is…

Juliet Cavanaugh used to have a crush on Max when she was just a teenager, hanging out at Lunden & Sons Tavern, hoping to catch a glimpse of the owner’s oldest, and hottest, son. Now a chef herself—competing in the biggest culinary contest in the country—Juliet will be cooking side by side with the one man she’s always admired…and desired. But despite their simmering attraction, Juliet is determined to keep her cool—no matter how hot it gets…
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Max&Juliet(JULES)-main characters
Danny-Juliet's best friend, and Max's young brother
Gus&Nina-dad and mom of max and danny

PROTOGUE:
Juliet was 18, and she had a fight with her mother that putted her out on the streets, and she knew she wouldnt return home ever again. so she went to the one place she can think of, Dannys place. Later on Max gets in a fight with Gus, which leaves max deciding to move out and he does..and Dannys dad was nice enough to take Juliet in to the home, and to her new life.

6 years later.... everythings going great,except that the restraunts future might be on the line, and it will go down from there if they dont win the competition, and in order to do that, they need to ask Max to come back and help them win the competition.
Max comes back to see that everyones changed, including juliet-who now refers by JULES. She looked way better to Max than along time ago, and he can't help but think is it fate that let them meet again?
Jules and Max start out having fun nights together but all that did was make them feel something for each other, when they wern't suppose to because Max will be leaving in a few weeks, which means leaving Jules...
Later on Max relizes that he is in love with Jules, and he can't give her up. so in the end max chooses to stay and be with jules.

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May 14, 2012 Shannel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: smut-monday-esqe, series

This was another Smut Monday Club find. I jumped the gun and read it the week prior and I’m so glad I did.

Unlike some of our other reads, I was more drawn to the romance than I was to the smut. In fact, this find wasn’t really smutty at all…just a really cute love story.

Having nowhere to go, 17-year-old Juliet moves in with her best friend Danny Lunden after his older brother leaves home to see the world.

Years later Danny’s family restaurant is competing in the Rising Star Chef competition in...more This was another Smut Monday Club find. I jumped the gun and read it the week prior and I’m so glad I did.

Unlike some of our other reads, I was more drawn to the romance than I was to the smut. In fact, this find wasn’t really smutty at all…just a really cute love story.

Having nowhere to go, 17-year-old Juliet moves in with her best friend Danny Lunden after his older brother leaves home to see the world.

Years later Danny’s family restaurant is competing in the Rising Star Chef competition in hopes to save it from closing. With Danny’s father out due to illness, the family has to face the son that hasn’t been home in six years and Juliet has to compete side-by-side with her childhood crush…Max Lunden.

Max is the typical “I’m the shit” type character; which often translates into “I’m a tool.” He had the best one liners and had no problem saying what was on his mind.

“The Way I see it, fate is definitely trying to get us naked. Preferably together.”

He wants Jules (Juliet) and isn’t afraid to say it. She decides to play it safe, seeing as he’s going to leave as soon as they get through the qualifiers. So to protect herself, she agrees to a fling. But in the heat of the competition, both decide they want more. But deciding they want more, and facing their issues are entirely different stories.

He has to face the family he’s left behind years ago; dealing with the issues that drove him out into the world. She has to acknowledge her childhood and the horrible things that literally forced her life and the Lunden’s to collide when she was younger.

“I meant the fact that you could smile your way through a shit storm and come out the other side smelling like roses.”

I really did enjoy this read. The details in the food preparation? Literally made my stomach growl. There’s even recipes at the end!

One thing I could have dealt without was the odd third point of view from RSC judges Kane and Claire. With so much of the story focusing on Max and Jules, it felt disjointed having a random chapter here and there about another set of characters. I understand it was to build depth, but it wasn’t imperative to the main story.
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Too Hot To Touch (Rising Star Chef #1)

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