On the Steamy Side (Recipe for Love, #2)

Mar 19, 2010 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: in-my-harem, high-five-that-hymen, 5-stars, secondary-love-plots-make-me-swoon, thats-some-funny-shit, author-louisa-edwards, its-all-in-the-accent, m-m, bad-boy-take-me-away

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. It's been a little while since I've read Can't Stand the Heat, the first book in the Recipe for Love series, but I have to say that On the Steamy Side might be better. I knew from the moment I met him in CStH that I was going to love Devon Sparks like no other and that is so true.

Devon Sparks, the illustrious celebrity chef, is the perfect complex character. He has all the standard qualities: his father didn't love him and was never proud of him, he wasn't sure who he really was, he put on a fac...more It's been a little while since I've read Can't Stand the Heat, the first book in the Recipe for Love series, but I have to say that On the Steamy Side might be better. I knew from the moment I met him in CStH that I was going to love Devon Sparks like no other and that is so true.

Devon Sparks, the illustrious celebrity chef, is the perfect complex character. He has all the standard qualities: his father didn't love him and was never proud of him, he wasn't sure who he really was, he put on a facade for all those around him, he's secretly afraid of failure so he is arrogant and prickly to all those around him, etc., etc. His struggle to accept parenthood, and his insecurities concerning his his abilities as a father, made him even more complex and more human than most think he is. I loved that he finally started taking control of his life by the end of the story. That being said, Devon had even me cringing at some parts, especially the first few services at Market; he was a little harsh sometimes.

Lilah Jane Tunkle. She had me cracking up almost every single time she spoke. Her ability to help Devon and Tucker get through the difficulties of parenthood/childhood was touching and made me smile. She was one tough, Southern cookie that anyone would probably be lucky to have in their life.

When Tucker "ran away", I wanted to cry. I actually started panicking like I was right there next to Devon. I smiled and made a little squeak noise (embarrassingly enough) when Tucker came running into Devon's arms yelling "Dad!" and holding on like their lives depended on it.

Now, Frankie and Jess. I loved their relationship in Can't Stand the Heat and was really looking forward to seeing where their relationship went in On the Steamy Side. I was interested to see that their relationship had moved to a more mature level. Frankie was afraid to look towards the future and was jealous of Jess' relationship with Wes. Jess was trying to make plans for their future together and was understanding of Frankie, was always there for him. I was glad to see that their relationship progressed to a different level than the flirty, immature-ish relationship they shared in CStH. However, I was unhappy with the way they ended in this novel. I am heartbroken that Frankie broke things off because he thought it was in Jess' best interest. While it may have something to do with that, we all know that Jess was right and Frankie was also scared.

I seriously can't wait for Just One Taste to come out, and I haven't decided whether I can read the excerpt from the back of OtSS for Just One Taste without torturing myself with the wait.(less)

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Apr 26, 2010 CJ - Secret Charm rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: beach-read, bad-boys-turned-good, familyconflict, fiction-for-women, fluff-light-reading, food-related-fiction

3.25

A good beach read or a rainy day read.

I don't really have the energy to go into a deep analysis of this book so I'm going to do the pro/con thing.

Pro - I like how there was a homosexual relationship shown and that it wasn't a farcical couple.

Con: This book wasn't about them and their story sort of came out of left field when the book would change from Lilah and Devon's POV. I get that the multiple POV is interesting and when it's handled right it makes a lot of sense but you know what? Mult...more

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May 19, 2012 Amy marked it as to-read

Shelves: didnt-finish

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
I know I just started, but somehow my interest in this book has faltered. Maybe just a bit. Well, my interest level is now low enough that I think it's best for me to take a little break from On The Steamy Side. I'm partly sad, yet relieved. Sad, because I really want to see what happens to Frankie and Jess. Yes, they are included in this book! :) Relieved, because I feel like I'm forcing myself to continue this book every time I try to. Will maybe come back to this series. -5/19/12

(The characte...more

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Apr 11, 2012 CookieDemon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, chicklit-romance

(This review also appears on Amazon.co.uk)

After reading the first book in the `Recipe for Love' series "Can't Stand the Heat" and not being overly impressed by it, I have to admit I wasn't holding out too much hope for this book either. Thankfully, I was proven wrong: both protagonists in this book are infinitely more likeable than the ones in the aforementioned novel, and as a consequence I found myself liking this book from the very first chapter. It's steamy, sexy food fiction and actually ha...more (This review also appears on Amazon.co.uk)

After reading the first book in the `Recipe for Love' series "Can't Stand the Heat" and not being overly impressed by it, I have to admit I wasn't holding out too much hope for this book either. Thankfully, I was proven wrong: both protagonists in this book are infinitely more likeable than the ones in the aforementioned novel, and as a consequence I found myself liking this book from the very first chapter. It's steamy, sexy food fiction and actually has a decent plot too. If you're looking for chick lit or romance that is perhaps that little bit different from the norm, then this is a book I would recommend. Be warned though: this does have ADULT content--not the sort of sex scenes you would want your teenaged sister to be reading, if you know what I mean!

A summary: famous chef Devon Sparks has left his hit TV show, dumped his publicist and his reputation is on the line. He's tired of being a sell-out and is also tired of people taking advantage of him- to Devon fame isn't everything, despite the perks. When he meets sexy Southern belle Lilah in a New York bar, the chemistry between them is soon zinging, but he never expects the sassy woman to be anything but a one night stand, after all, she certainly isn't his usual type of woman. When she's taken on as a nanny to Devon's estranged son however, she soon realises that this Yankee's cooking isn't the only thing about him that's sizzling...

As well as a host of new faces, this book contains characters that made an appearance in book one, which is nice and adds continuity. I was glad to see cockney sous-chef Frankie back, even though he is perhaps one of the most stereotypically written characters--a tattooed Londoner liking The Clash and talking about his `old mum,' how cliché! There are the formulaic recipes from within the story featured at the back of the book, which is a nice touch for foodies. Also included is a sneak peak at the third forthcoming book "Just one taste" which sounds like it too could be a decent read.

As I've said, this is an enjoyable, un-taxing read with likeable characters, lust and romance. If you're looking to start a Louisa Edwards book, I'd actually say to read this one first (even though it's not the first in the series) just because it's better than book one! Great girly reading. (less)

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Mar 23, 2011 ALPHAreader rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in Louisa Edward’s ‘A Recipe for Love’ series. The first book was 'Can't Stand the Heat'.

I loved this book. Straight-up, pure and simple – I loved it!

The characters are so much fun in this second installment. Devon Sparks is a celebrity chef –a Gordon Ramsay type reality-TV chef snob – except that Devon Sparks isn’t British, he’s got Adonis-like good looks and he’s secretly lacking in self-confidence. My one complaint about Devon is that while other characters built him u...more This is the second book in Louisa Edward’s ‘A Recipe for Love’ series. The first book was 'Can't Stand the Heat'.

I loved this book. Straight-up, pure and simple – I loved it!

The characters are so much fun in this second installment. Devon Sparks is a celebrity chef –a Gordon Ramsay type reality-TV chef snob – except that Devon Sparks isn’t British, he’s got Adonis-like good looks and he’s secretly lacking in self-confidence. My one complaint about Devon is that while other characters built him up to be an egocentric, womanizing blow-hard the moment he meets Lilah he’s sort of on his best behavior (showing glimpse of the famous ego) and I never really bought his ‘jerk’ reputation. When Devon’s ten-year-old son, Tucker, is unexpectedly left in his care, Devon’s world slowly unwinds and he is forced to examine his life. I genuinely enjoyed reading Devon’s struggles and his transformation – especially because it wasn’t easy, and the biggest obstacle to Devon’s changes was Devon himself. It always makes for fascinating development and reading when readers can see the flaws in a character that they cannot recognize in themselves.

I love, love, loved Lilah ‘Lolly’ Tunkle. She’s from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, and talks like it. At first I rolled my eyes at all her colloquialisms – i.e. “Oh my Stars and Stripes!” but then they started to help form this lovely, energetic, nurturing character and I found her speech-patterns to be one of my favorite things in the book. It helps that Charlaine Harris and Anna Paquin (on ‘True Blood’) gave me some sort of reference and idea about how such phrases would actually sound.

Lilah is an absolute hoot. She may act like a Southern-belle, but when push comes to shove she doesn’t mind going toe-to-toe with Devon or her little charge, Tucker. Some of my favorite scenes involved Lilah shedding her ‘Southern hospitality’ and showing her true feisty self. One such scene that had me laughing out loud was between Lilah and Devon’s son, Tucker when they first meet;

“Look, kiddo. Everything I know about nannying comes from movies like ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Sound of Music’ – I realize it’s your job to start out surly and untrusting and I’m supposed to win you over with my charm and warm heart and incomparable singing voice, but unfortunately for both of us, Tuck, I am so not Julie Andrews. So what do you say we skip that part and head straight for being buds?”
Tucker looked at her blankly. Dear sweet Lord in Heaven, was it possible the child didn’t know what she was talking about?
While she was struggling with the horror of a kid who didn’t know who Mary Poppins was, Tucker opened his mouth and dispelled any worries she’d had about his ability to speak.
“You talk weird, Lolly.”
His ability to speak politely, however, was still in question.
“I’m from the South,” Lilah said. “As I think I already mentioned.” She struggled for a moment against the hated nickname, then reluctantly added, “And that’s ‘Miss Lolly’ to you.”
Tucker stared at her challengingly. “Does everyone down there take so long to say stuff? You sound like the big chicken in the cartoons.”
Oh, he did not just compare her to Foghorn Leghorn.

The above except is also an example of Ms. Edward’s infectiously funny writing. I love the fact that at times she is quite aware of the fact that she is writing a ‘romance’, and she’ll become cleverly self-deprecating of the genre. It makes for an entertaining romance read when the author is clearly aware of her audience, and can sort of have an ‘in’ joke with them about the schmaltziness of the genre.

One thing I really loved about first book was the M/M subplot between sous chef, Frankie, and NYU student (and part-time waiter), Jess. Jess had just recently come out of the closet, and in ‘Can’t Stand the Heat’ he was experiencing his first love with Frankie. Jess is young and bright-eyed, about to start his arts degree in the fall. Frankie is British, in a punk band, smokes like a chimney and is a few years older than Jess. Frankie also has a less-than-savory romantic history, and Jess is his first *real* relationship.

They were so sweet in ‘Can’t Stand the Heat’, and I remember wishing that Jess and Frankie had had a bigger role in that first book. Well, Ms. Edwards clearly anticipated fans reaction to Frankie/Jess – because it becomes clear in ‘On the Steamy Side’ that their relationship and progress will be a constant in future ‘Recipe’ books. Whereas book #1’s protagonist, Adam, makes a small cameo in ‘Steamy’, his ladylove Miranda is only referred to. So I am really glad that Frankie/Jess didn’t get the same treatment – because in ‘Steamy’ Edwards delves deeper into their relationship and creates some future conflict for them. Sucks that there are speed-humps ahead, but *yay!* for Ms. Edwards intending them to be regular’s of the series!

One of the best things about the whole premise of the ‘Recipe for Love’ series is the setting – a trendy, busy up-scale New York restaurant. There’s so much room for drama, hook-up’s, break-up’s, gossip and bitchiness. Louisa Edwards beautifully captures all the mayhem and intrigue of the kitchens – but she also shows the camaraderie, the ‘family’ feel working in such a competitive and close environment creates.

I love this series, two-books in and I know that Ms. Edwards has me for the long haul. Book #3 is called ‘Just One Taste’ and comes out August 31st this year. I can’t wait!(less)

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Dec 23, 2010 Susan rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: never-read-again

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 05, 2010 Jane Stewart rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

Pleasant escape. The character mix was interesting. The foods and tastings were good.

STORY BRIEF:
Lilah was raised in the Appalachian Mountains. Her boyfriend dumped her, and she lost her teaching job due to a funding cutback. So she moved to New York City and stayed with her friend Grant. Grant manages the restaurant “Market” (from the first book in the series), and he hires her to buss tables there. The owner of Market left for his honeymoon and asked Devon to run the restaurant for him for two...more Pleasant escape. The character mix was interesting. The foods and tastings were good.

STORY BRIEF:
Lilah was raised in the Appalachian Mountains. Her boyfriend dumped her, and she lost her teaching job due to a funding cutback. So she moved to New York City and stayed with her friend Grant. Grant manages the restaurant “Market” (from the first book in the series), and he hires her to buss tables there. The owner of Market left for his honeymoon and asked Devon to run the restaurant for him for two weeks. Devon is a wealthy celebrity chef with a TV show and a string of restaurants. Devon lives alone and is not a happy person. He is gorgeous looking and has frequent one-night stands. He meets Lilah in the restaurant and is drawn to her which surprises him because she is not what he is used to. She is pleasant looking but not a beauty. She loves southern cooking like fried chicken livers and collard greens – which Devon considers revolting.

Devon makes menu changes which the customers don’t like, and he is unpopular with the kitchen staff. He had a son Tucker with Heather whom he never married. He sends money and gifts but has never spent time with Tucker. Heather is an alcoholic and is forced into rehab for a month. The authorities bring the child to Devon. Devon hires Lilah to be a live-in nanny for the month to take care of Tucker.

REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This was ok but similar to so many other contemporary romances. It’s a pleasant escape. The most interesting part was the character mix: the southern mountain girl, the narcissistic and miserable celebrity chef, the child being raised by a single mother addict who never cooks, and a gay couple working in the restaurant. The plot and events were ok but nothing really special or different. Don’t expect any romance. This starts out as a one-night stand with future lust. I’m not saying this is good or bad, just what it is. For lovers of food and recipes, those parts are fun.

A secondary story involves a gay romance begun in the first book (Jess and Frankie). I loved their relationship in the first book, but I wasn’t happy with the developments in the second book. A problem begins which does not get resolved.

I was also disappointed that the conflict between Grant and Christian was never explained or developed. If the author wants to save that for a future book, fine, but the way she introduced things felt like “here’s a problem but I’m not going to tell you anything about it.” I wanted at least “a little more” on that subject.

Although not necessary, I think you’ll have more perspective about the group of characters and the restaurant if you read the books in order. The first book is “Can’t Stand the Heat” about Adam the restaurant owner.

DATA:
Story length: 316 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 3. Total number of sex scene pages: 14. Setting: current day mostly New York City, NY. Copyright: 2010. Genre: contemporary romance.(less)

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Mar 18, 2010 Katie(babs) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Devon Sparks is a narcissist. Perhaps the reason is because he’s handsome, very rich and admired. Devon is a celebrity who owns a slew of very successful restaurants and is the Cooking Channel’s mega superstar with his very popular show, One-Night Stand with Devon Sparks. Cooking is in Devon’s blood and the brash, curses like a truck driver chef is feeling down and out. He has a near perfect life but is feeling antsy and wants the respect of the culinary world, but is afraid of becoming a brand...more Devon Sparks is a narcissist. Perhaps the reason is because he’s handsome, very rich and admired. Devon is a celebrity who owns a slew of very successful restaurants and is the Cooking Channel’s mega superstar with his very popular show, One-Night Stand with Devon Sparks. Cooking is in Devon’s blood and the brash, curses like a truck driver chef is feeling down and out. He has a near perfect life but is feeling antsy and wants the respect of the culinary world, but is afraid of becoming a brand and a tabloid sensation. He also doesn’t have many friends and has cut himself off from his family mainly because of his father who always treated him badly. As he’s drowning his sorrows at a dive bar, where he ends up firing his publicist, he meets a woman who will change his life in so many ways.

Former high school teacher, Lilah Jane Tunkle up and left her life in Virginia. She has come to the Manhattan to start anew and for the moment lives with her oldest and dearest friend from childhood, Grant Holloway who’s the manager at Market, an all-organic restaurant, coincidentally owned by Devon’s former executive chef Adam Temple. Lilah has no clue about this and neither does Devon. Because Lilah wants some excitement in her life, she goes home with Devon and has a one night stand with him. She is totally unaware of who Devon really is and thinks they will never meet again, especially in a city as big as New York City.

Devon can’t get Lilah out of his mind and both are in for a shock because the next day they see each other at Market. Grant got her a job there and Devon is taking over as Executive Chef for two weeks while Adam is away on some much needed R&R with his girlfriend Miranda. Adam’s staff is less than thrilled with working with Devon because he acts like a diva most of the time. Devon is overcome with jealousy because he thinks Grant is Lilah’s boyfriend and it irks him when Grant calls her Lolly. Devon wants Lilah to be his very special Lolly.

The first night of dinner service is a train wreck and Devon fires Lilah from her job bussing tables. Lilah thinks Devon is a major jerk like all the rest of the Market staff, but can’t help her crazy attraction to him. And when a police officer arrives one night with a ten year old boy named Tucker, who happens to be the son Devon barely sees, he looks to Lilah to take care of Tucker for the month he’s in his care while Tucker’s mom is away at rehab. Lilah is thrilled by the idea and hopes to build a bond between Devon and Tucker that’s been missing. Soon Devon, Tucker and Lilah act like a true family and secretly Devon never wants it to end. But then Lilah goes a bit too far with contacting Devon’s own family he’s estranged from and he goes back to his old insulting ways to cope. But Lilah has seen the scared and lonely man that he hides inside and won’t leave without showing him how great of a father he can be, including using his skills for something more fulfilling in life.

On the Steamy Side is a loopy, adorable fantastic contemporary romance that I ate up from beginning to end. This is one of those reads where the quirky and sweet heroine has a break through with the jerk hero and in turn becomes a better person because of it. Some readers are not going to warm up to Devon right away because he has a very high opinion about himself. This is because of his role as a larger than life celebrity, combined with his insecurities due to his issues with his father. Lilah brings him down a few pegs, as in holding up a mirror to his face and pointing out both his good and bad traits and how to combine them to make him change his way of thinking.

Louisa Edwards doesn’t sugar coat things between Devon and Tucker. Devon knows he’s been a bad father and buys his son’s love with expensive gift. Again because of Lilah, who reminded me of an angel come down to heaven to show Devon the errors of his way, pokes at him to work on this much needed father and son relationship.

The secondary characters are some of the best I’ve read in a long while. There is a tender, somewhat heartbreaking romance with Frankie a foul mouth, smoking Brit channeling Johnny Rotten, who’s a cook at Market and the innocent looking Jess who’s Miranda’s brother. Frankie is older then Jess and feels he has nothing to offer him. Their relationship was a welcomed one and written in such a way where more traditional readers will enjoy a loving gay relationship. Grant has a bit of a mystery surrounding him in regards to the bartender Devon recently hires. This is another relationship I can’t wait to see evolve over the next few books.

On the Steamy Side doesn’t have many “steamy” love scenes between Devon and Lilah, but just enough tension and subtle intimacies where there’s a nice balance. The snappy, fun loving dialogue and overall comradery with this cast of character makes for great reading.

Louisa Edwards is up there with Julie James and Erin McCarthy as my favorite contemporary romance authors. Welcome to this talented club Louisa, where I can’t wait for your next hot cookin’ romance. (less)

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Mar 02, 2010 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars

On The Steamy Side by Louisa Edwards
Contemporary Romance - March 2010
4 Stars

On The Steamy Side is the second novel by Louisa Edwards in her Recipe for Love Series. In this new installment of the series you are reintroduced to the staff of the Adam Temple Market restaurant and will discover even more about some of their personal lives!

On The Steamy Side is the story of famous TV chef Devon Sparks who has agreed to run Adam Temple's restaurant kitchen while he is away. Along with the challenge...more

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May 23, 2010 Stephany rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

This is the second book of Louisa Edwards I've read and it was fantastic. She's quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The book wasn't cheesy or corny. It had perfect parts of inner character struggles, funny moments, and some hot sex scenes.

The book was about a girl from Virginia named Lilah, who moved to NYC after her art program at school got cut and her boyfriend dumped her. She ended up sleeping with celebrity chef, Devon Sparks, during her first night there and then discovered he wa...more

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Feb 10, 2013 Leya rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, keeper-shelf

On The Steamy Side is the next installment of a Recipe for Love series by Louisa Edwards.

Back are some of my favorite characters, Frankie and Jess. And just like the previous book, Can't Stand the Heat, I was more curious on what was happening with those two than the main characters, Lilah and Devon.

Don't get me wrong both Lilah and Devon are great characters, she has a wonderful quirkiness that is so endearing that I couldn't help but loving her and Devon is such a strong individual plus he h...more

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Mar 23, 2011 Christi Snow rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review reposted from my Smitten with Reading blog...

My Review:
After a no-strings attached night of wild abandon, Lilah is shocked to discover the next morning that her new boss is the sexy hunk that swept her off her feet the night before.

Devon is a cooking channel star, but he hasn't worked running a real kitchen in over 5 years so he is in a bit of a panic having agreed to run his friend's kitchen (Market from book #1) for 2 weeks while Adam and Miranda escape on a much needed vacation. Thing...more Review reposted from my Smitten with Reading blog...

My Review:
After a no-strings attached night of wild abandon, Lilah is shocked to discover the next morning that her new boss is the sexy hunk that swept her off her feet the night before.

Devon is a cooking channel star, but he hasn't worked running a real kitchen in over 5 years so he is in a bit of a panic having agreed to run his friend's kitchen (Market from book #1) for 2 weeks while Adam and Miranda escape on a much needed vacation. Things quickly spiral downward, by first discovering Lilah working at the restaurant, followed by a disastrous night in the kitchen, ending with finding his 10 yo son, Tucker, whom he barely knows dropped in his lap at the end of the night.

Devon learned early in life that he couldn't depend on anyone but himself. After a disappointing childhood, he has learned that it's better to not risk himself emotionally so he's at a total loss as to what to do when Tucker suddenly shows up in his life. His solution is to throw Tucker to Lilah's gentle card, but she's not going to let him off that easily.

Where everyone else has written Devon off as an egotistical self-absorbed bastard, Lilah sees a different side to him. She can see that he's simply scared. Scared to get attached. Scared to open himself up. Scared to care. So she takes it upon herself to show him a better way.

This book features the same group of characters that I fell in love with in book #1. The difference is that in book #1, they were devoted and loyal to Adam. In this book, they hate and resent Devon. It's really interesting to see how that shift changes the entire dynamic of the kitchen and how it flows.

The continuation of the love story between Jess & Frankie was an added bonus in this book. I am really enjoying this sub-plot of the series and hope that their story continues into book #3 because their story is definitely not finished.

A fabulous book with a lot of emotional depth. My only complaint was that the heroine, Lilah, was a bit over the top with her Southern ways which drove me crazy at times. But otherwise, I totally fell in love with all the characters and storylines in this book.(less)

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Nov 29, 2011 Kerste rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: at-the-library, cooking

I have to say that this isn't my favorite series overall. I mean, I wasn't all that interested in reading Devon's story and Lolly was cutish, but again, the New York culture is really missing from this series. We continued to get a great taste of England via Frankie and here we got a good view of some sort of Southern Living. Tucker was interesting, though the end had sort of a "Sleepless in Seattle" feel to it. I suffered serious deja vu at the end of the book, feeling like I must've read this...more

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Aug 15, 2010 Carrie rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun read, but not quite the escape I was hoping it would be. As the wife of a restaurateur I get enough of that at home. The one thing that I really loved about the story was how Lilah calmed Devon down. I do know a lot about the chef mentality and it was very realistically written. Lilah was the bright spot in the story for me. I couldn’t help but like Devon as I saw him through her eyes. By himself Devon wouldn’t be likable at all. His son, Tucker, is another bright spot. I loved ho...more

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Oct 05, 2010 Janet rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: cabin-romance, share

Are nannies the new governesses? I don't think I ever believed fully in the two lead characters. As always with a Louisa Edwards, the recipes are delicious and delightful. The romance between the under (sous?) chef and the previous heroine's brother is un-understandable. Hawt hawt sex between leads but the gay couple fades to dark. By that I mean that their emotional anguish and journey is clear but the bedroom door is shut. NOT that that's a problem but as I've learned from Mary Balogh books, s...more

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Jun 01, 2010 Shxrxn rated it 5 of 5 stars

I don’t see the point of wasting time. We’re both adults. I want you. You want me. Why shouldn’t we have what we want?
- Devon
Uncomfortable.Lord. I’ve been doing the comfortable thing my whole life, it seems like. And what did it get me? I think it’s about time I did something a little uncomfortable.
- Lilah
My Aunt Bertie always says, if you don’t know the right thing to do, err on the side of politeness.
- Lilah
a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.
- Lilah
Your heart wasn’t broken, just a little...more

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Feb 12, 2011 Blez rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Another tale on the fascinating and intriguing world of gourmet cooking, “On the Steamy Side” was an absolute hit and another addition to my book shelf labeled “Favorites”! The fun and acerbic humor continued in this series and of course nothing beats the steamy HOT and sizzling sex which I do believe added spice to this culinary romance.

This is the second installment to the “Recipe for Love” series. It was the story of Devon Sparks, our very own celebrity Chef and Lilah Jane Tunkle, best friend...more Another tale on the fascinating and intriguing world of gourmet cooking, “On the Steamy Side” was an absolute hit and another addition to my book shelf labeled “Favorites”! The fun and acerbic humor continued in this series and of course nothing beats the steamy HOT and sizzling sex which I do believe added spice to this culinary romance.

This is the second installment to the “Recipe for Love” series. It was the story of Devon Sparks, our very own celebrity Chef and Lilah Jane Tunkle, best friend to Grant Halloway, the Maître D at the Market. Again, I was catapulted in the captivating dramas that surround Adam’s Kitchen. The rich and colorful depiction of the day to day activities of chefs and wait staff in these series was like watching a real play in progress. I couldn’t help but imagine that I was really part of the stories, a bystander or an observer. It was great and really glad I was gifted with a truly vivid imagination.

In this story, Adam asked Devon a favor to be Head Chef for two weeks at Market in his absence. He’s going away for a two-week vacation with Miranda and since Frankie turned his offer down to be head chef, instead asked his ex-boss and celebrity friend, Devon to do the honors. The night prior to his first day of work, Devon met a lovely woman with a Southern accent and immediately felt the sizzling chemistry of sexual awareness and took her home. Not his usual type but there was just something about her that captivated his interest. When he woke up and found her gone, he was disappointed only to be amazed when he met her again at the Market and learned her name was Lilah Jane Tunkle and she was under Adam’s employment. Although technically speaking, he’s her boss, albeit for two weeks. His pleasure upon learning that one twist of fate of having her near was immediately crushed though when she’s rather very sweet with Grant. Not permissible he thought! Although he wouldn’t term it as jealousy, would he? What they had although was tantamount to indescribable sex was still a one night stand. Now there’s an irony, after all his television show at the Cooking Channel was titled “One Night Stand” with Devon Sparks!

Lilah couldn’t believe she really had had a one night stand with the most gorgeous man she’d met in her first night in New York and a decadent sex at that! Hmm, definitely not a bad start. On her first day of work though, she encountered this wonderful beautiful man again, only to be surprised he’s technically the boss for two weeks. And had she ever thought this guy was wonderful? Because she found herself revising that opinion sooner than she thought possible as he was the most obnoxious, arrogant, egomaniacal and foul-mouthed man she had the misfortune to have met and had had sex with!

Sparks was definitely flying with this one but Devon and Lilah couldn’t deny the sexual attraction they feel for each other. Better act on it or they would both reach the boiling point.

What’s set this apart from the first story was the depth and complexity of the storyline. I found myself understanding and appreciating the character of Devon Sparks. In the first story, he was painted as an arrogant and egotistical chef because of his celebrity status. Although that was quite true enough, it was explained in this story the reason behind his personality. And I really admired the way the supporting characters evolved from the first series. And as before, was fascinated with the ensuing drama of Frankie and Jess’ love affair and what’s interesting was the involvement of Wes Murphy, a graduating student of Academy for Culinary Arts working under Adam Temple’s supervision. This side story was becoming a real tear-jerker, before I knew it I was weeping already and heartbroken with Frankie. And my heart went to Jess! And now, I can’t wait to read “Just One Taste”. I am really anxious to know about Frankie and Jess. Hay, I loved these series!
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Oct 30, 2010 Hannah rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-fun, kindle, series

I bought this book on my kindle for the Dewey's Read-a-thon. The third book in the series, Just One Taste, was recommended by a friend. I was so excited about a cooking romance series that I spent at least 20 minutes trying to decide which one I would buy. I settled on On the Steamy Side due to the description. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.

I'm not sure if I did not enjoy this novel because I was expecting too much or if I actually just didn't like it. But either way, I didn't enjoy reading...more I bought this book on my kindle for the Dewey's Read-a-thon. The third book in the series, Just One Taste, was recommended by a friend. I was so excited about a cooking romance series that I spent at least 20 minutes trying to decide which one I would buy. I settled on On the Steamy Side due to the description. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.

I'm not sure if I did not enjoy this novel because I was expecting too much or if I actually just didn't like it. But either way, I didn't enjoy reading it at all. I found myself skimming many parts, just so I could get to the end. I did not connect with any of the characters. I found both main characters annoying and frustrating. There was a side story that I had no clue why it was put in. And I felt that most of the language and kitchen scenes were put in only for effect. Edwards tried to re-create a kitchen atmosphere in which the chefs were hardcore and rough around the edges. But instead, it just seemed almost vulgar to me at times.

Lilah was supposed to be a character who came to New York after being the good-small-town-girl. I got the idea that this story was supposed to be out-of-character for her; but because I never really got who she was at the beginning, it did not seem realistic to me. Being a Southern girl myself, I did not get the Southern charm from her either. Instead, she seemed a little too small-town for me. Perhaps it was because Edwards spent a lot of time on Devon insulting her and then did not add much detail to the story when they actually became friends and worked together. And Devon, to me, just seemed like a jerk. I never really understood his character beyond him being an ass. Even towards the end when he connects with his son, it seemed so out of character for him that it didn't make sense to me.

Ultimately, I didn't really enjoy the novel so I gave it a 2/5. I finished because I wanted to see how the characters ended up, but I probably will think twice before picking up another one of Edwards' books. I would only recommend it to those who aren't phased by language and only want a quick romance fix. (less)

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May 21, 2010 Maria rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a sequel to "Can't Stand The Heat" and I always recommend that you read sequel books in order because you will need the information on the primary and secondary characters in that book to fully enjoy this book. I really liked this book, the characters were fun to read and their story was romantic. I enjoyed the continued development of the secondary characters as well. This picks up a short while after the conclusion of the events in the first book and one of the secondary characters in...more

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Jan 21, 2012 Sophie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: steamy-hot, just-romance, books-that-make-you-blush, my-secret-romance

The BEST recipe for love: A southern Belle and a City Chef! what a HOT AND EXPLOSIVE COMBINATION!!!!.

Get the rest of the RECIPE @ www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com

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Aug 23, 2010 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, kindle

I liked this but not as much as the first one. Devon and Lilah Jane are all right but they don't throw many sparks for me. The unexpected highlight of this book for me was the relationship between Frankie and Jess. How often in a contemporary romance book with a straight (hetero) H/H do you get meaningful subplot love stories about gay men? Hmm, not very. Tastefully done in a mainstream way, in that the steamy parts were all straight as an arrow, and Frankie and Jess just do alot of cuddling. Bu...more

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Oct 19, 2011 Ada rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 17, 2010 Michele rated it 4 of 5 stars

Firing his New York publicist is the first thing Devon Sparks has done in a long time that feels right. The second thing is flirting outrageously with a gorgeous stranger, who politely reprimands Devon for splashing his drink all over her back. Unlike the hordes of females who are more than happy to keep celebrity chef Devon and his money company, tart-tongued, sweetly southern Lilah Jane Tunkle has no idea of the extent of Devon’s fame and wealth. One night of no-strings, no-regrets sex with Li...more

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May 23, 2010 Carrie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, humorous, read-2010

I didn't enjoy Louisa Edward's first book, Can't Stand the Heat, because of the crazy, selfish, manipulative Miranda, but I did enjoy the writing and the secondary characters. In fact, I liked the writing well enough to give the author a second chance and I'm glad I did. While Devon was arrogant, he also showed a vulnerability that softened the effects of his ego. I have to admit Devon's interactions with his father were unsatisfying to me, but other than that, I enjoyed the story. I also enjoye...more

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May 10, 2011 Kimberly Kincaid rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great, great, great! I actually read this book first, not realizing that it was book #2 in the series, but it didn't matter (except for that now I want to read Adam and Miranda's story too!). This book was fantastic-- the character development was flawless, the dialogue snappy and fresh, and the research and knowledge of the culinary world was apparent yet not overbearing. I liked that Edwards shook up the traditional boy-meets-girl order of things (slight spoiler: the hero and heroine end up in...more

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Sep 22, 2011 Book Chick City rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-contemporary, book-list-2010

After reading and enjoying Can't Stand the Heat, Louisa Edwards debut novel, I had high expectations for On the Steamy Side. Unfortunately, although there were many good aspects to this novel, including the hero, there were aspects that weren't... like the heroine.

The hero in On the Steamy Side is Devon, a self-made millionaire who's a celebrity TV chef with his own show. His TV personality is not unlike our very own Gordon Ramsey - he shouts, he swears and he definitely plays up to the camera!...more After reading and enjoying Can't Stand the Heat, Louisa Edwards debut novel, I had high expectations for On the Steamy Side. Unfortunately, although there were many good aspects to this novel, including the hero, there were aspects that weren't... like the heroine.

The hero in On the Steamy Side is Devon, a self-made millionaire who's a celebrity TV chef with his own show. His TV personality is not unlike our very own Gordon Ramsey - he shouts, he swears and he definitely plays up to the camera! But underneath there's conflict bubbling, inner torment and self-doubt. Devon is not who he seems to be on the outside and most of who he has become is down to his father and their very strained relationship.

At the beginning of the novel we are given a prologue which shows Devon at a much younger age having to deal with an uncaring, unloving father who lavishes his pride on his brother, Connor. This reveals to me all the reasons for Devon's issues of needing to be in control, perfectionism and 'has to be the best' attitude. It was hard for me not to be drawn to Devon.

However, the same can't be said for Lilah Jane, the heroine. Lilah is an over zealous, interfering busy-body. I can completely understand Devon's rage at her meddling with his family's problems, especially only after knowing each other for just a day! Some of the decisions Lilah makes are ludicrous, especially with Tucker, Devon's son, and she comes across as very self-righteous, complaining to Devon about his decisions in life and disagreeing with most of them.

I agree Devon has made some pretty bad choices, but it takes time to build bridges. Lilah's naivety in these matters were quite irritating and I had to grit my teeth through quite a few passages. It seems Lilah's only fault is not taking enough risks in life, which is why she moved to New York City from Virginia. At their first meeting I really liked Lilah's fiery side, but it turned into either that of a petulant, spoilt child or a strict school mistress telling off a child - either way none were particularly appealing or attractive.

The actual romance between Devon and Lilah was somewhat tainted by my constant eye-rolling at Lilah's holier-than-thou attitude, but there were moments of tenderness and moments of heat. The love scenes were fairly tame, with only one being fairly graphic early on in the book, but as usual they were written well. Over time Devon learns to trust Lilah and begins to show his true self.

Apart from Lilah, there are many great characters. Some we meet again, having first meet them in Can't Stand the Heat. My favourite has to be Frankie. Edwards has really captured the Britishness of his character and I always knew it was him when the view point changed. His foul-mouthed use of the English language is exactly how I imagine a London chef to be like. I also enjoyed his relationship with Jess. Being in a gay relationship is no different than a heterosexual one, there's just as much self-doubt and insecurity going on and Frankie just melts my heart. I hope his character continues in future books as I would love to find out what happens to him.

Notable Quotes:
"The corn had a caramelised flavour from the grill, and the tender, firm kernels popped in her mouth. Swathed in tangy, spicy mayo with a good citrus kick, one of Lilah's most familiar flavours of summer, sweet corn, turned into her newest addiction."

"She closed her eyes, the better to savour the way the cool, buttery avocado cut the smoky spice of the moist chicken, and when she opened them, Devon was gazing directly at her, a heat that had nothing to do with the spicy food in his stare."
Verdict:

Louisa Edwards is very talented at bringing her characters to life. She's also fantastic at describing food and recipes that have your mouth watering and making you wish that some gorgeous man would come and make you dinner right there and then!

Although there were aspects to On the Steamy Side that just didn't gel with me, it was, for the most part, a fun read and certainly hasn't put me off trying Edwards next novel in the 'Recipe for Love' series, Just One Taste. It's just a shame I couldn't connect with the heroine this time round.
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May 27, 2010 Mahyar rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Mahyar by: Leah's review

Shelves: made-me-cry, 2010, hottest-covers

I can’t ever get enough of chefs: first Adam, then Bryce and now Devon.

On the Steamy Side, as you may already know is the second book (If you haven’t read the first book, Can’t Stand the Heat yet, Go get it now!) from Recipe for Love series.

*SPOILERS*

Although unexpected, first pages were awfully hot, but soon after the mouth-watering hot shower, most pages were uninteresting until Tucker, Devon’s son arrival.

Devon’s feelings toward Tucker were heartbreaking and seeing them getting closer−Thanks...more

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Apr 17, 2012 Anne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, foodie, louisa-edwards

REVIEWS:
“Boiling and searing love scenes aside, the complex relationships and self-discovery shared with the unique backdrop of the cut-throat and competitive culinary arts forces the reader to consume page after page as voraciously as the chefs can dish it up...Fast paced and scintillating.” --Romance Readers Choice

"A delight from cover to cover…ON THE STEAMY SIDE is much more than a sexy romance. It's [a novel with:] depth and humanity. This series is headed for my keeper shelves. “ –A Romanc...more

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Jun 23, 2012 Jodi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: signed, rt2010, 2012-read

Edwards is not a bad writer. Her problem is bad characters. I really liked Lilah Jane Tunkle. But Devon Sparks turned into a total creep almost immediately and his path to redemption wasn't all that clear. I mean Lilah was his path but she made it too easy for him. He didn't ever really see his own mistakes. Lilah comes to New York because she needs a change of pace. She's always been the good girl. (Not the perfect girl, just the good girl.) She falls into Devon's bed immediately and chooses no...more

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May 05, 2010 Judi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, may-2010

Country bumpkin and one time High School drama teacher Lilah Jane (Lolly for short and yes I kept thinking of a lollipop every time someone called her that) leaves the comfort of her small town life in rural Virginia and heads to the Big Apple looking to shake up her safe, staid, boring life and do the opposite of everything her Aunt Bertie has always taught her to do.

Devon Sparks is a world renowned celebrity chef, star of his own successful TV show, egomaniac, narcissist and all around bad boy...more Country bumpkin and one time High School drama teacher Lilah Jane (Lolly for short and yes I kept thinking of a lollipop every time someone called her that) leaves the comfort of her small town life in rural Virginia and heads to the Big Apple looking to shake up her safe, staid, boring life and do the opposite of everything her Aunt Bertie has always taught her to do.

Devon Sparks is a world renowned celebrity chef, star of his own successful TV show, egomaniac, narcissist and all around bad boy. He is so far out of Lolly's league they may as well have been from different planets.

This book started out with a banging...I mean a bang...ok, no I really mean a banging. Devon and Lilah Jane cross paths one night in a dive bar and before you say "fry me up some catfish" they are headed off to his penthouse for a hot, sweaty bout of anonymous sex. The "sparks" were literally flying off the pages during a very steamy, very hot shower scene *fans self*.

Fast forward to the next morning and we return to the familiar stomping grounds of "Market" and all the familiar faces (Frankie, Jess, Adam) we met in Edwards first book Can't Stand the Heat. Lilah has just landed a job there bussing tables thanks to her good childhood friend Grant and guess who's going to be the guest Chef at Market for the next 2 weeks - yes you guessed it...Devon Sparks! So much for one night of anonymous sex. Things are really going to start cookin' in the kitchen at Market now that Devon and Lilah are going to be working together..or maybe not.

Let me just say at this point I really did not like Devon - he may have looked like Curtis Stone (but with sable hair and without the accent, but hey that's who I envisioned while reading), but his attitude reminded me that obnoxious Gordon Ramsey from Kitchen Nightmares. Devon acted like a spoiled brat Prima Dona, yelling, swearing and screaming like a trucker and treating all the employees at Market like second class citizens including Lilah Jane.

When Devon is unexpectedly thrust into the parent role (yes he's been an absentee father), one he's so ill-prepared to handle when his nine year old son Tucker is suddenly without a mom (she's headed off to drug rehab), we get some insight into Devon's insecurities. Boy has some major daddy issues and to this day has a tempestuous relationship with his father. Like father, like son...1st class A-hole. Watching Devon discover the joys of fatherhood and embrace his relationship with his own son I started to like him more. He was still a tool, but at least he was trying.

Since Devon has no idea what to do with Tucker, he fires Lilah Jane from her job at the restaurant on the spot, only to rehire her as a nanny, but she's no Mary Poppins. And she's also not interested in being Devon's playmate at least not at first -but her resolve didn't last long and really who can blame her because really... he made her girl parts tingle.

On the Steamy Side is about relationships, new ones, old messed up ones, disappointing family ones, but most importantly that the best relationships are attainable if you're just brave enough to reach out and hold on for dear life before it's too late.

If you are in the "Market" for a good "foodie" book with memorable characters who will tug at your heartstrings, then On the Steamy Side should be on your TBR pile.
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On the Steamy Side (Recipe for Love #2)

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