One More Taste

One and Only Texas #2

by Melissa Cutler

Welcome to Dulcet, Texas, home of the legendary Briscoe Ranch Resort, where one man will discover that revenge is a dish best served sizzling hot…

Ambitious and talented, chef Emily Ford has the chops to make it in the cutthroat culinary world—which is why she refuses to accept her demotion at the hands of Knox Briscoe, the new CEO of Briscoe Ranch Resort. He has grand plans that include bringing in a celebrity chef to helm an exciting new restaurant at the resort, but Emily has plans of her own—to do whatever it takes to change his mind…

Knox Briscoe made his millions in the high-risk game of buying and flipping businesses. Cut out of the Briscoe fortune by an old feud that left his family in ruins, Knox grew up dreaming of revenge. Out-maneuvering his uncle for control of the resort is merely the first step in his plan—a plan that doesn’t include the brazen and beautiful Emily Ford. Drawn into her passion, Knox’s world is turned on its axis, and it isn’t long before he’s faced with the biggest risk of all—with his career, with his heart…and with the woman who has captivated him, body and soul.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Chick Lit

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 4, 2016

About the author

Melissa Cutler knows she has the best job in the world, dividing her time between her dual passions for writing sexy contemporary romances and edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense for Harlequin, Penguin, St. Martin's Press, and Kensington Books.

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 - "Keep my secret..." "... Yes. Forever." Stars!

We return to the Briscoe Ranch Resort for the second book in Melissa Cutler’s One and Only Texas Series, and this time the story focuses on the relatively unknown Knox Briscoe and Resort Chef Emily Ford.



So much happens in this book it’s hard to know where to start without giving anything important away. I have been a fan of this author for a while so I know how well she can weave a story together, and this one certainly has more than a few layers to it. The actual relationship between Knox and Emily, although pivotal runs concurrently alongside the rest of the bigger story with the Briscoe family as a whole playing out.

Some things just wouldn’t stay buried forever…

The author took me by surprise in relation to how events played out in the second half of the book if I am honest, and it was one of those moments where you sit there with a smile on your face while thinking 'I did not see that coming' there are some massive changes afoot at the Resort as the story plays out and I loved that Granny June and the rest of the clan were heavily involved in this aspect, as well as with the development of the relationship between Knox and Emily as well, which starts out a little tenuous to say the least.

"Food and sex have so much in common. Both are decadent when done right. A feast for the senses. People hunger for both on an elemental level."

Plenty of sexual tension in the beginning, a few giggles with a haunted truck and a fish that just won’t let itself be caught, and then the chemistry between them, then just ignites. They both admit that they have a deep connection, but they are both struggling to trust each other fully, due to past issues and the situation with the Resort in general.

"Could we wait until later to regret this? Please? I feel like I can breathe for the first time in weeks…"

This becomes even more apparent as the reader and Knox learn more about Emily, and why she is cooking at the Resort. But that’s not the only part of the story steeped in secrets and lies, and the author really does keep you on your toes in its telling, some things you can see coming, others are straight out of left-field. So much so that I stayed up well past my bedtime with this one just to see what was going to happen next.

"You are the only thing that isn’t a lie or a waste. You, and the way I feel about you."

With all that has happened in this book, and all of the changes that occur, it’s good to know there are at least another two more visits planned to the Resort in the near future, with the Christmas Novella; If Santa Were a Cowboy and then in March 2017, another full book; One Wild Night due for release, and with both stories being about characters we haven’t actually met yet, I am hoping that there are more books due after especially as there is one Briscoe, that through the telling of One More Taste is now due their happily ever after at some point along the line.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

One More Taste was a well written and heartwarming read.
Loved the Emily and Knox, they entertained me, they frustrated me, they made me laugh and they touched my heart with their story.

Overall, One More Taste is a beautiful and heartfelt romance that will entertain you from start to finish and leave you with a heart full of happy feels.

I'm loving the One and Only Texas series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them.

A big thank you to St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for the advance copy.

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

ARC Review
Originally posted at Scandalicious Book Review

I have had a run of really great reads recently, and one of the best in the lot is One More Taste by Melissa Cutler. This is book 2 in the One and Only Texas series. I mentioned this in my last review, but if you have not read a book by this author, and in particular, this series, you are missing out. Some of my favorite books feature characters whose principles I admire. I respect those who have the courage to pay a price for their values. This idea is embodied in Emily Ford.

Emily Ford is the executive chef at the Briscoe Ranch Resort. Her dream of opening her own restaurant at the property is within her grasp but now in jeopardy because Knox Briscoe, nephew of the current owner, is the new CEO of the company. She has a month to convince Knox that he should move forward with the previous plans. This is no small task considering that Knox has little appreciation for gastronomy. He’s a smoothie drinker and has very little consideration for food beyond fuel for the body. But for Emily, this challenge goes beyond getting her own restaurant. Briscoe Ranch is more than a job; it is where she finds her surrogate family. Knox’s appearance threatens not only unravel her best laid plans and but also disclose her real identity.

Knox Briscoe is on a mission. He and his siblings are left out of the Briscoe fortune and legacy because of a long-standing to a family feud. However, he has made his own fortune and now he is in a position to call the shots. Knox is angry. He has lived his whole life waiting for this moment and he will not be deterred…until he meets Emily Ford.



As a mentioned, Knox and Emily’s relationship begins with a challenge. As the personal chef for a non-foodie, she has to conduct research to find ways to entice him to food. During this journey, he becomes her muse. I love how she is fearless when it comes to craft. She takes risks, goes beyond convention with a willingness to try new flavors and mix profiles. It is exciting and liberating to be a part of her creative process.

She is more fearful when it comes to her personal life. It takes a long time for her to accept Knox and give him a chance even though there is definitely a chemical reaction between the two. And so, like a good slow cooking dish, the romance develops. Through her cooking, she opens up Knox to see more things, to appreciate the unexpected:

How could ten days in Emily’s orbit set fire to such a fundamental philosophy – a symbol of the way he calibrated his life with precision. With control. Always playing by the rules. My God, how had he allowed himself to go so far off course?”

Yet, on the brink of victory, she walks away to live up to a principle: That wasn’t love, not in any way that would last. If she ever hoped for a future with Knox, if she ever wanted them to have a chance at something real, then they’d have to come together as equals. Emily feels that the power differential is too great. She needs to learn to believe in herself and not rely on the opinion of others. Being at the Briscoe Ranch is the safe, comfortable route. She is not challenged here. It is like working for a family restaurant. She will not truly know how good she is until she is tested in the market. Then she can return as an equal. Ms. Cutler’s heroines are always straight talking and with no subterfuge: . . . life had taught her the hard way that love wasn’t enough, not if it compromised a person’s autonomy and happiness.

In the midst of all this relationship drama, I really appreciate the whimsy in the story as well. the first book has a runaway, capricious elephant running roughshod over the golf course. Here Emily and Knox have to deal with a haunted truck that refuses to cross into Briscoe land and a vengeful carp that keeps teasing Knox like Moby Dick does to Captain Ahab. These scenes are playful and humorous and cuts through the stress of deep emotions.

My one itty bitty gripe is that the ending may be just a little too convenient. But since it is a Happily Ever After, it is a minor glitch to otherwise outstanding read.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I highly enjoyed One Hot Summer, the first book in the series and was pretty excited to read this sequel. The reason is that Emily Ford, the temperamental and passionate chef, is starring as the heroine here. Imagine this, she spills peach soup all over Knox right in the first chapter! I was curious to see how Knox could soften her up.

Unfortunately, this book suffered from unlikable family drama coming from the Briscoe family that sometimes eclipsed the relationship. The first book featured two people who are not family members, so the Briscoes stayed outside the periphery. Knox and Emily, however, are very close to the family. Knox himself is a Briscoe, while Emily’s best friend is Ty Briscoe’s older daughter, Carina.

So we have a LOT of family issues bleeding into the story – for example: Haylie, Ty’s youngest daughter who is in a bad marriage, then the long-time feud between Ty and Knox’s deceased father which makes Knox cut out from the ranch business from the very beginning, as well as family secrets that create the feud in the first place. In addition, Ty Briscoe is such a distasteful man!! The things he said to Knox and Emily!! I was having violent urges to beat the guy until he couldn’t stand up.

I mean, it’s not like we don’t have drama coming from the couple either – mostly Emily, since she keeps a secret from everyone, which has driven her to be wary about expanding her career and pursuing a personal relationship.

So I was alternating between feeling exhausted or annoyed most of the time. I wanted the book to focus on Knox and Emily, not sharing the spotlights with the other Briscoe family members. The ending wasn’t satisfying to me either, since the resolution to the ‘threat’ of Briscoe losing the ranch resort was a little too neat.

It was such a downer because I thought Knox was a great hero. I really loved Knox. This guy believed that his car was haunted (so amusing!), he named an attacking fish (yes, there was an attacking fish in this book *lol*), and he was really sweet to Emily, despite her penchant for running away. There were also moments between Knox and Emily together that I thought were wonderful. So Knox was the major reason why I was still able to enjoy the book somewhat; it was just too bad that Emily couldn’t keep up.


A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls



The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the second of a series, you really don't need to have read the first to enjoy this one. Indeed, the characters from the first barely appear at all.

The book starts pretty well. I liked Knox and Emily from the start and couldn't wait for them to clash. Knox is one of those commanding men who cares deeply about the people in his life and I always fall for that guy. Emily is master of her domain and not much interested in anything else and I always fall for powerful women. So for the most part this book really hit my soft spots.

Which may have you scratching your head at the three stars. There are a couple things dragging this down. The biggest is the Briscoe family drama and that starts early and permeates the whole thing. Ty Briscoe is a detestable human being and there isn't a situation he's in that he doesn't make worse by his presence. Worse, there isn't a scene he's in where I didn't resent his presence in it. Which means that every time someone mentions the "Briscoe Family Whatever" (legacy, tradition, heritage blah) I want to blow that person up because the only Briscoe family anything that had any value was Knox and his sister and they had nothing to do with the ranch. Since the whole plot of the book relies on you thinking there's something special about the Briscoe Ranch this is a fail of epic proportions. I'm not sure what Cutler was thinking making Ty and the secrets and backstabbing so vile when she kind of needed an emotional attachment to the place for the story to work.

Which would have made this a shaky four stars if Cutler hadn't had some major bobbles in the last quarter of the book. I'll sum the following spoilers as warping the characters with emotional outbursts with added drama and unbelievable plot elements. First off, we have Knox careering back and forth on the vengeance/forgiveness axis where he'll go from a scene where he gains equilibrium and determines to forgive to the next where he's pushing his truck into the lake to punish his dead father. He vacillates back and fourth three or four times and I had thought better of him until then. Frankly, it comes across as authorial manipulation.

I also thought it was rather convenient that Emily's inheritance turned out to be just what was needed for happy plot resolution. I'd have preferred it if Knox could have solved that using his own resources with Emily being his stable center and motivation. Frankly, it was authorial manipulation to have the ranch threatened by a third party in the late stages of the development anyway. I didn't buy that for a minute as it made little sense financially and even Cutler seems to have backed off from that when Knox had the "Lux" folks back off by showing inauspicious environmental factors.

Oh, and did I really read that the best way to escape domestic violence is establishing an illegal second identity and running away? It actually made sense for Emily when she was young, but why the heck is Haylie running off and hiding under an assumed identity? She has simply buckets of both emotional and physical resources to protect her from her waste of a husband. The only thing she needed was to decide to leave and literally everyone around her would have stepped in to make it safe and supportive. This seems like it's not just a "bad message", but kind of a stupid one as well. Not that I didn't like the symmetry of her assuming Emily's original identity. That was kind of cool. But that doesn't mitigate how stupid it was under the circumstances. I'd have rather seen Emily use that for some random woman who didn't have all the support and backing that Haylie does.

Anyway, there were some great parts of this. Knox and Emily were excellent for most of the book. And I really liked Emily's domestic agreement with Murphy's Gym (a bunch of protective tough-guys being a de facto refuge for battered women is just full of win). I wish I could give this a higher rating, but the problems were intrusive and annoying and heavily concentrated in the end.

A note about Steamy: There are two explicit sex scenes and they were, frankly, weak. Also on the short side. It's the low side of the middle of my steam tolerance but the high side of my steam disappointment...

[Amy ~ Love At 1st Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mix a dash of fun and sexy with a pinch of witty dialogue. Add a sprinkle of quirky characters, one ambitious, mind reading chef and one large alpha cowboy. Stir in a deep, emotional romance, and you’ve got a delicious story that will leave you begging for just ONE MORE TASTE.

Chef at Briscoe Ranch Resort, Emily Ford is known for wowing elite guests with her gastronomic marvels. She has a real knack for figuring out what makes people tick and the ideal emotions to elicit in them with her food.
She’d run away from home at 16 and never once looked back. Having a father who’d damaged her beyond repair and a mother who had a warped justification for staying married to the monster, Emily had assumed a new identity to ensure she’d never be found.
She’d been at Briscoe Ranch her whole career having risen from graveyard shift line cook in room service to executive catering chef. She’d never studied under any famous chefs or won any awards. The peace of mind that life at Briscoe Ranch had brought her superseded her need for prestige.
Knox Briscoe had amassed millions by buying and flipping failing businesses. Loaded with money, charm, and ambition, he had an impeccable business reputation. But at Briscoe Ranch, Knox is on a mission of revenge. His grandfather and uncle had excommunicated Knox’s late father from the Briscoe family following some familial rift long before Knox was even born. His dad was the person Knox loved and idolized most in the world. When Knox’s Uncle Ty approached Knox’s equity firm looking for investors and a new vision for the resort, Knox knew his plans for revenge were about to come to fruition. Finally, he could take control of the very business his dad had been robbed of. Knox planned to ruin his uncle just like his uncle had ruined Knox’s family.
At his first meeting to discuss the vision of the resort, Knox meets Chef Emily Ford who wants to start a high concept signature restaurant at the resort. Something about Emily’s proud green eyes and her passion for cooking got to Knox. He appreciated her forthrightness. Plus she really pushed his buttons and scrambled his composure like few people could. So Knox offers Emily four weeks to prove her worth. Four weeks cooking for Knox. Every day. If she’s as gifted as she claims, she’ll get her new restaurant.
So Emily worked her magic, learning all she could about Knox in order to cater his meals to his emotions. The more she learned about him, the more brilliant her meals became. Knox had become her muse. Unfortunately for her, the more she learned about Knox, the more attracted she became to him as well. Every conversation with him was a chess match and every encounter with him turned incredibly intense. Why did she have to be attracted to this interloper who had swept in and assumed power over her and the Briscoe family? She was too busy. She didn’t need lust or men or physical need complicating her life. She had a feeling that would be impossible to stop though. Every time she was near him, she felt like she was on fire. She’d never been so inspired professionally yet so out of control emotionally.
Knox had always thought of food as fuel only, but Emily had a knack for reading him and figuring out exactly what he would love. After 10 days, she’d set fire to his food was fuel motto. By then he’d already decided she’d get the restaurant but he didn’t want to tell her yet or their deal would be done. He wasn’t prepared to give up the pleasure of coming home to her every night. Not just for the food either. He would never tire of the give and take battle of their conversations. The lust he’d originally felt for her was turning into so much more.
The attraction between Knox and Emily was building steam like a pressure cooker. The longer they tried to ignore and not act on their attraction, the bigger the pressure became. And like a cooker that reaches full pressure, they blew and it was frenzied and intense. And once it was over, their hunger for each other wasn’t even close to being sated. Emily had long ago suppressed the need for another’s touch but with Knox, she longed for it. For Knox, Emily had disarmed him. Both shared intimate truths with each other they’d never shared with anyone. In a brief time, they’d seen each other’s hearts, weaknesses, and deepest needs. And as the relationship between Knox and Emily changes, they change individually as well. No longer letting past fears, hurts, and pain hold them back, they discover that together, they can reach for what they want from life. They discover that with love, even out of a dark situation, there is hope to be found.
Melissa Cutler has a real gift for blending humor and emotion. This story is full of emotion and laughter generated by the conflicts, problems, and heartaches of it’s characters. With it’s surprising funny twists and touching emotional revelations, readers will find it difficult to put this moving romance down. In addition, the intriguing cast of secondary characters will leave you anxious to read what’s next in this series. Though #2 in the series, this story can easily be read as a stand- alone. But once you fall in love with Dulcet, Texas and the Briscoe Ranch, you’ll want to read them all. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Ford is a women without a past, and a women with a past filled with too much pain to ever be repeated. She has finally found a home over the last 10 years on the Briscoe ranch as the events chef. Emily excels at staying invisible and yet always knowing what is going on. After all if she wants to remain hidden then she has to stay anonymous. But when that ambiguity is threatened by the long lost cousin of the Briscoe's shows back up on the ranch in order to help keep the ranch open her easily maintained life is threatened by way to many things.
Knox Briscoe has been hell bent on revenge for quite some time, ever since his father started to tell him of the absolute hatred between him and the rest of the family. Now that Knox is finally in a position to help his deceased father and his revenge plot would finally reach its pinnacle. And yet even as he starts to close in on his revenge plot his mind/priorities starts to change thanks in large part to the women who made the decree that she will change his ideals that "food is fuel" and nothing else.
This was an exciting read about how another person can impact your life so fully. There was so much deception in this story that it made reading it so much juicier. From the secret rift, to Emily's forgotten past there is so much to be found out in this story. And throughout all of the twists and turns it is impossible to pull your mind out of the story. Miss Cutler managed to write yet another masterful story full of plot twists, intrigue, romance, new beginnings, and the closing of numerous circles.
I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who is a Cutler lover, as well as a any contemporary romance lovers.
~ A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.

[Lori Meehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoy this series and I can't wait for the next book. The world Melissa Cutler built at the Briscoe Ranch steeped in family tradition and the magic of romance sucks you in and truly makes you a believer. Ms. Cutler has written characters that are fun, unique and hilarious and the use of unstable creatures will make you laugh out load. In this book we have a haunted truck and a attack crap and a very serious subject and a plot twist that I did see coming and was not sure I liked. Emily Ford, a chef that cooks for the soul and Knox Brisco the outsider and son of the disowned Briscoe brother are the main characters in One More Taste. Emily, banquet chef thinks of the Briscoe's as her family. Ty Briscoe gave her a chance at 18 and she now on the verge of her own restaurant at the ranch then Knox showed up and it seems to be falling apart. Knox sees one thing and one night only, his chance to revenge his fathers disowning. Then what starts out a job interview for Emily (one month of meals in home) Knox starts to see a different view of the Briscoe's and Emily. But will it be enough to change his revenge. Both have a lifetime of walls to break through if they can only come to grips with what it truly means to live.
*Book Obsessed Chicks Review team

[Tina "IRead2Escape" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hotness Rating 3 out of 5

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunted thirty year old truck driven by Knox Briscoe is only one aspect of this story that is quirky…there is also an attack carp named Phantom and a motor-scooter riding cane-wielding grandmother. Knox is bent on revenge against his uncle, Ty Briscoe, having been raised by his father to believe Ty did them out of their fair share of inheriting Briscoe Ranch. He has a plan and will stick to it…if he can. Little does he realize that what he thinks is true and what actually is true might not be the same.

Emily Ford is a gifted chef that creates dishes based on inspiration she intuits from the person she is cooking for. Her dream is to have her own restaurant on Briscoe Ranch and she is willing to work hard to achieve that goal. Knox, bringing investment money in to upgrade the ranch, wants a five-star chef rather than Emily but gives her a chance to prove herself and change his mind.

Both Emily and Knox have issues to work through before they can achieve a happily ever after and help to put Briscoe Ranch back on course.

I find it interesting that this series is not based on only Briscoe family members but instead on people in the community or working on the ranch. I look forward to the next book in the series and wonder if Haylie or any of the other Briscoe’s will have their stories told in future books. I also liked the men at Murph’s Gym and wouldn’t mind seeing some of those men star in a book, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this novel to read in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 Stars

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book featuring the Briscoe Ranch Resort in the One Only Texas series. It can definitely be read as a stand alone novel but the characters and plots are so well done you will want to read the first book in the series. Knox Briscoe is out for revenge when he offers to bail out the financially strapped family resort. He is determined to get control and then sell it. However, he doesn't factor in the resort's head chef, Emily Ford. Emily has her own secrets and plans for the future. She is determined to open her own restaurant at the resort but Knox thinks that the only way to run a 5 star restaurant is with a top-notch famous chef. But just when you think you know how the romance will develop, Melissa Cutler throws in some very big twists.
This was a great contemporary romance with a few humorous elements including a haunted truck and a vengeful carp. From the first page to the last, I was hooked. Can't wait to see what's next for the Briscoe resort.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Kate Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out more of my reviews on at Home. Love. Books. - The best place to find your next book! http://www.homelovebooks.com

This book appealed to me because lately I have been missing home (Texas) and the heroine in the story is a chef, and lately I have been spending a lot of time in the kitchen trying to learn new things about cooking. I didn't realize it until I was a few chapters in, but the setting and some of the characters really seemed somewhat familiar to me, and that's when it hit me. I read the novella for this series a while back, I think sometime last year. Once I figured that out, I was actually pretty excited to see how things were going to turn out.

So Knox is basically coming back to his family's home, but not the family home where he grew up. His father was basically pushed out of the family and all the family money that went along with that, and ended up a bitter man. After his death Know swore to himself that he would make things right. Now a very successful businessman, he is set on getting back what his father lost, which means taking over the Briscoe Ranch Resort. I have to admit I could understand where Knox was coming from. Granted he didn't have all the facts, he didn't know why his dad was pushed out and no one would talk about it. His Uncle Ty, for the most part was pretty welcoming, but he was kind of a jerk, he doesn't think very much of a his daughter, and honestly made a whole lot of bad business decisions. It's no wonder it was so easy for Knox to set his plan in motion. I was actually pretty pleasantly surprised by Knox. I really thought he was going to end up being just a force for vengeance the entire time, but he really started to care about the family he had never knows, from Granny June to his cousins, and of course to our lovely heroine, Emily.

Emily has the kind of focus I could only wish for. She is obsessed with food, and tailoring food to each person. She has big dreams for where she can take her food here at the ranch too. And when it seems like Knox is just going to write her off, she really stands up for herself, which I loved. There is also a pretty funny scene with peach soup too. But I liked that she got Knox to agree to give her a chance, and how much she devoted herself to getting it right. Plus Knox and Emily have this kind of quiet chemistry, almost like the two of them calm each other while at the same time having a big case of the hots for each other.

A long goes on in this book, but Emily and Knox's romance is really nice to read, I liked it a lot. I liked Emily confronting her past, and well Knox doing the same thing as well. There is a lot of family in this book, and some of them aren't great, and some of them are, made it seem more real. I did think that perhaps the book was a tad too long for the story, but the pacing was pretty good, so I'll let that slide. I will say that I am really hoping Haylie is going to get a story soon, because that is one I definitely want to read.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One More Taste by Melissa Cutler is an engaging romance between a chef and a CEO with an agenda. This newest addition to the delightful One and Only Texas series easily stands on its own, but I highly recommend the previous installments as well.

Determined to right a thirty plus year wrong, Knox Briscoe has cleverly maneuvered himself into a position that will allow him to wrest control of the Briscoe Ranch Resort from his estranged Uncle Ty. Knox is part owner in a very lucrative investment company and he has carefully planned to take revenge on the branch of the family that cut his now deceased father off without a penny. With no idea what caused the rift in the family, Knox is finally getting to know his Granny June and assorted cousins, but his need to avenge his dad is the driving force behind his plans for the resort. While he begins to care for various relatives, Knox has no plans to alter his plans but when culinary genius Emily Ford begins to work her way into his heart, will he change his mind?

Having escaped her dysfunctional family when she was a teenager, Emily considers the resort her home and she has nothing but respect for the entire Briscoe family. She is on the verge of achieving her dream of opening her own restaurant on the ranch when Knox arrives and threatens to derail her plans. Using her incredible skills for reading people, Emily sets about proving that she is more than capable of owning a high end restaurant. What she does not count on is how far Knox is going to get under her skin once she figures out what makes him tick. Realizing she needs to face her past so she can have a future with Knox, Emily makes an impetuous decision that could destroy everything she has worked so hard to achieve.

Knox and Emily are both surprised by how much they enjoy each other's company. Emily's past relationships have convinced her that sex and love are overrated so she is determined to ignore her attraction to her boss. Knox has enough going on in his life so he is not looking for any type of distraction. He throws out the challenge for Emily to prove herself without thinking things through and he is quite shocked at how much he looks forward to spending time with her. Their sizzling hot attraction leads to a unexpected romance but will their unexpected feelings for one another change their plans for the future?

The reason behind the Briscoe family estrangement is a closely guarded secret that no one will talk about. Knox's father died an embittered man who never forgave his family for turning their backs on him. Knox is merciless as he sets his plans in motion and although he feels a twinge of doubt as he moves forward, he refuses to back down. When the ultimate revenge is within his grasp, an unexpected betrayal threatens to destroy his family's legacy. With his Uncle Ty feeling threatened, he turns on Knox and his shocking revelations turn Knox's world upside down. Will this newfound knowledge alter Knox's plans for the Briscoe Ranch Resort?

One More Taste is an absolutely delightful romance that beautifully illustrates how love can soften even the hardest of hearts. This latest addition to Melissa Cutler's One and Only Texas series is a wonderful journey of healing for Knox, Emily and the Briscoe family that old and new fans are sure to love.

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briscoe Ranch brings in a long lost family member in hopes of taking the family business out of its financial rut. Knox Briscoe is rich enough and definitely qualified enough to do the job. This Briscoe has big plans to turn Briscoe Ranch into a money making pit and make it something beyond everyone’s expectations. Unfortunately, his plans will be derailed by several issues including “The Riff”, a generations-old family feud, a temperamental Chef that he can’t seem to shake off, and feelings he can’t seem to control.

Chef Emily Ford has plans of her own and a vision that will put Briscoe ranch on the map for being one the top culinary restaurants. Unfortunately, the new CEO may not have her in the books for his future plans. Emily will have to fight for what she wants and deserves.

Love, love this book. The mixture of foodie romance with the small town background was a delightful read. Cutler put in equal parts humor, romance, and heat into the story but what got me the most is the character build up. From the beginning, I just wanted to know more about Knox and Emily. I thought the foodie theme was a good highlight of the story. Though the cover is hot, I wish it depicted a bit of foodie to represent Emily’s character.

I was sucked into Emily’s background story. I found her to be a strong character who defeated her past and made something of herself. I love how she took her profession personally and put care in every meal she prepared. She was also funny though intense most of the time and very passionate at everything she does.

The romance, well, was romantic. Knox is your typical cut-throat businessman who could not avoid falling for the very animated chef. Once he knew what he wanted, he just went for it. And I will admit Knox and Emily were very sexy together.

The drama with the Briscoe's gets a bit deeper in this installment. A family feud that has affected the whole clan is about to surface and it involves Knox more than he knows. It was very interesting to see the old feud unfold and trickle down to all of the Briscoes.

I love seeing all the characters from the previous installment and honestly, I would love to see a book for each of them including Granny June. The guys at the gym would also be a nice addition to the series, maybe a spin-off. Doesn’t matter, I just want more!

*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Angela❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Ford has worked at Briscoe Ranch Resort for 10 years. Over the years, she has risen in the ranks and is now the Special Event Catering Chef. Her dream is to open her own restaurant at the resort. That dream is put in jeopardy with the arrival of Knox Briscoe, who has his own set of plans for the resort. Knox wants to get the resort back in the black and then sell the resort out from under his uncle Ty’s nose, to exact revenge on him and his grandfather for kicking his father out of the family and the family business.

Knox and Emily get off to a messy start when he challenges her ability to run the upscale restaurant he’s envisioning. The two strike a deal for Emily to cook dinner for him for a month so that he can actually get a feel for her cooking ability. They’re equally surprised when the romantic magic of Briscoe Ranch strikes them. Over the course of the book, the two will have a battle of wills and unsuccessfully fight the attraction they feel for each other. In the end, they not only learn to trust and rely on each other, but also fall in love.

I should say that One More Taste is a standalone read. With that said, I’ve read all the books in this series. None of them come close to One More Taste. I loved this book from beginning to end and the characters of Emily and Knox were the best. There’s a lot going on with this story. Melissa Cutler has managed to write this incredible story that’s filled with love and humor. She’s thrown in quite a few surprises, revolving around secrets, betrayal, revenge, and abuse. Not since her Bomb Squad series has Melissa put so much emotion into a book.

**I received an early copy of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.**

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

review to be on joyfully reviewed

[Dísir · Rating 4 out of 5]

The quirky humour starts it all off, with almost slapstick rom-com scenes rolled into a montage playing to constant background music belted out by the latest indie rising stars. Throw in a massive fish hell bent on tormenting Knox and a supposedly haunted truck, and ‘One More Taste’ quite forgivably makes you think this is going to be a fun romp whose biggest challenge is the getting the combination of gastronomic delights perfect. Yet what starts out as Knox Briscoe’s challenge to Emily Ford’s demand to run her own restaurant suddenly barrels down a winding road of familial conflicts, revelations and heartache that I never saw coming, all of which written so seamlessly in by Melissa Cutler that I couldn’t tear myself away from the last quarter of the book.

It’s Cutler’s vision and portrayal of Knox however, that had me on his side from page one; a romantic lead so well fleshed out (and thankfully without the shenanigans of typical male leads that we face these days) and so nuanced that it wasn’t difficult to like him despite the hypocritical family (whom I hated) that he had. I found myself slightly less enthused by Emily, whose outward bravado couldn’t always conceal the inner cowardice that didn’t have her fighting for the actual things she should have been fighting for.

But even as the house of cards both parties built collapsed with the slightest puff of air, ‘One More Taste’ stands out for all the culinary that’s been written into it and the great writing that buoyed and lifted the accompanying drama throughout.

*ARC by netgalley
(always grateful, mind)

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

One More Taste is indeed the perfect title to this stunning new release by Melissa Cutler. Inside, readers will find a story about passion, food, and family. The words create sensual yet exotic tale woven beautifully for all to enjoy. Yet, something dark and secretive is inside as well. Abusive relationships both present and the past are woken. A young woman ran away from her abusive family. But now, after meeting one man. She learns that she can't hide any longer. Love and safety need to happen on her terms. Worked her life as a chef for one wonderfully rich family gave her the security and safety she needed. Until Knox. He brought out the truth. But Emily isn't the only one trying to figure her life out...Knox has no idea what really happened that caused his father to break away from the family. But now, living and working with the big family, more questions than answers pop up...

One More Taste creates an irresistible need to know what happens. It dragged me into its depth. I was fascinated. A family was torn over an incident, and a woman hiding from abusive parents. But then fate has a funny way of bringing together those who do not seek it. Love, chemistry, and something deeper conspired in this magnificent read. I couldn't help but follow the interesting characters. Their troubles and dramas became my own as I continued turning the pages. Absolutely loved reading another of Melissa Cutler's finest novels. Overall, I highly recommend this romantic story to readers everywhere.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just Wow!
This book is number two in a series and not having read number one I was afraid I would be lost. What I can tell you is that not only was I not lost but I was pulled in hook, line, and sinker. Once I started it I couldn't put it down.
This author is so good. She pulls you into the story of Briscoe Ranch Resort and introduces you to the family and some of the employees.
You meet Emily Ford who is the Chef with plans to open her own restaurant at the resort. Then you meet Knox who has plans of his own for the resort. You kinda meet his dad Clint as he haunts his truck. His mom Linda who has a dark secret that the whole family has kept from Knox.
The main story is about Emily and Knox finding and falling for one another but there is so much more to the story. There is a truth to be told, a past to be faced, a baby to be born and a marriage that can't be fixed.
The secondary characters are so well written that they bind the book together.
I would highly recommend this book!

I received an ARC for an honest review and I am so happy that I did. I will read Melissa Cutler's books again.

~A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection~

[Linda Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Briscoe ranch everybody there and in this story Emily the chef who works there has no one so she unofficially adopted the Briscoe's. Emily's goal in life is to be a chef on the ranch serving over the top food but here comes Knox Briscoe the estranged cousin of the family and he is gonna make changes. Emily figures her time here is done but after a very heated meeting with Ty Briscoe and Knox, Knox tells her to cook for him for a month and then he will decide. Emily has always tried to match the person with the food and the more she gets to know Knox the more she sees in him. Knox is only here to defend his fathers honor and destroy the ranch and bring his uncle Ty down and make him suffer. Knox is only thinking of revenge but what he finds on Briscoe ranch is so much more. I liked how strong Emily was and also how adaptable Knox was and it made for really enjoyable reading even though sometimes it brought tears to your eyes.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Briscoe Ranch Resort books are absolutely worth the read if you like your stories packed with angst, mystery, dastardly deeds, simmering passion and loads of laughs too!

This second story in the One Only Texas series can definitely be read as a standalone, but to really appreciate the background and character plots, you’d be remiss not to start at the very beginning; and don’t forget there’s a prequel!

Knox Briscoe starts out as the underhanded nephew with an anterior motive for his offered financial help, while Emily is trying to secure her future as a chef and eventually open a restaurant of her own. Both have secrets and no desire to embark on romance, but as with all Ms Cutler’s stories, don’t count your chickens before their hatched.

Many laughs, a haunted truck and a story steeped in revenge, first page to the last, One More Taste will keep you captivated and intrigued, while contemplating what is next for the residents of the Briscoe Resort.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book. The second in the series but easily read standalone. It's filled with humor, romance, revenge. All the good stuff! Knox and Emily are great characters and I thought they worked perfectly together.

Knox has one thing on his mind when he arrives at Briscoe Ranch Resort. Revenge! His now deceased father was cut out of the family fortune so making the rest of the Briscoe family pay is his one goal. What he doesn't expect is meeting the fiery and passionate Emily Ford and developing feelings not only for her but the rest of the Briscoe Clan. Turns out his father may not have been completely honest in his retelling of events. Will the secrets be too much for Knox to handle?

Definitely a book I recommend!

[Reader's Lust]

Emily is a chef that has a job at a family resort and looking to start toward setting up a restaurant that she would be responsible for. In comes Knox he has bought into this resort with his investor friends and he is part of the family that owns the resort. But he has been estranged from the family due to an issue with his father. Knox goes into this with one thought in mind and that is not to like his family and find love.

I found this book charming as I loved bot the main characters and the secondary characters. I didn't feel the love of the two main characters I see the connection and the attraction but I not the love. I haven't read the first book in this series but I would definitely go and seek this title out based on this book.

[Shanda Rader · Rating 5 out of 5]

One more taste makes you want more than just a taste. What a great read. With twist and turns at every way I'm happy that I read this book. What is Chef Emily bidding from her loved ones and then you have Knox what is he up too. Will you have to read to see and what happens will knock your hats off.. Love the one before this book but you do t need go read before. But I would read each one can't wait for the next book. Thank you Melissa for your great book. Shanda Rader BOC review team

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily has the talent, dedication and confidence to make a name for herself in her chosen field. Nothing will stand in her way, not even the opinionated, arrogant CEO. Knox and Emily were like a tornado, the tension had the ability to consume everything in it's wake. When dealing with passionate immovable forces, casualties are usually a forgone conclusion. One More Taste is a blend of sensual flavors that permeates the taste buds while appealing to the heart.

[Donna Was A Scandal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunny strongly encourages us to read this author and this particular series. Take a look at her very insightful review over on Scandalicious Book Reviews:

http://bit.ly/2dn5TFz

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and has as much fun and emotional turmoil as the first book (One Hot Summer). Emily is the brilliant chef at the Briscoe ranch. She has been there for ten years, working her way up from night shift line cook to head chef for events. She has plans for her own restaurant at the resort, plans that have already been approved by Ty. She's stunned when a new investor in the resort makes it clear that his plans don't include hers.

Knox Briscoe is Ty's nephew, the son of Ty's brother. A family feud cut Knox's family out of any involvement in the ranch. Now Knox has the funds to rescue the ranch from ruin - and carry out the revenge he's been planning for years. He will turn the ranch around and then sell it out from under the family that disowned his. He didn't count on a chef that challenges everything he believes.

I really liked both Emily and Knox. Emily is strong, passionate, and intuitive. In the first book, she came across as prickly and a loner. In this book, we learn more about her background and what has made her the person she is. The strength of will and determination she had to overcome her past and make something for herself was incredible. Those same trials she experienced made her extremely intuitive when it came to reading people, and I loved the way that it enhanced her ability to match food with people. Past experience has also convinced her that love and relationships are something she doesn't need or want. Knox is determined and angry, yet he loves his family. He has come to Briscoe ranch with one goal, and he doesn't plan to let anything change his mind. He also has a soft side that makes its appearance at surprising times.

I loved the development of the relationship between Emily and Knox. It started with a confrontation, as Knox and Emily clashed over his plans for a five-star restaurant and her plans that had already been approved by Ty. Emily had gone all out in preparing a meal for Knox, and his attitude of "food is fuel and that's all" made her mad and determined to show him otherwise. I loved his challenge to Emily that she become his personal chef for four weeks to convince him. It was especially satisfying because he hadn't taken into account the sparks that flew between them. Emily cooking for him put her in a position to create all kinds of distractions. I loved Emily's determination to convince him, and her belief that to do it properly she had to get to know him. I loved the effects that her meals had on him, and the way that Knox began to look forward to those meals. While their attraction continued to simmer and build, they also grew closer and began to share things they'd never shared with anyone else. I loved seeing how his time with Emily filled a need that Knox hadn't realized he had. Emily also changes, becoming more willing to take risks in her personal life. The attraction between them became explosive and intense and made it more difficult to keep private and professional lives separate. I ached for Emily when she realized that there were issues that made it impossible for her to continue as they were. While her fears made her run, they also motivated her to confront her past. I hurt for Knox also and loved that he cared enough to give her the space she needed. I loved the scene at her apartment building, between Knox and Murphy, and what it showed about both Knox and Emily. Her return came at the same time as more family drama. I loved the way she was there to support Knox through it. Their big moment together was emotional and romantic.

Throughout the book, there was also the question of what caused the rift between Knox's father and the rest of the family. Having been brought up by his dad, whose bitterness over it was a constant in Knox's life, it was no surprise that Knox's desire for revenge was so strong. The more time he spent at the ranch, the more he got the feeling that some things didn't add up. I loved seeing him get closer to Granny June and his cousins. His belief in Haylie was important, even though it started with less than noble intentions. Knox began to question himself about his plans but was determined to stay the course. I understood more about his feelings as more information about the resort and its condition came to light. In the first book, Ty was shown to be a manipulative man. In this book, his actions are even worse, making him thoroughly unlikeable. There were some surprising twists and turns, both with Knox's plans for the resort and with the truth about the rift. The emotional turmoil of it all was incredible and I ached so much for Knox as it all came out. Knox's feelings about the resort itself also underwent some changes and created some unexpected drama. The issue had a somewhat surprising resolution, but one that was quite satisfying.

As in the first book, there were some laugh out loud moments in this one. I especially enjoyed the unusual element of Knox's haunted truck. The headaches that truck caused him were pretty funny, as were the times of watching Knox's conversations with his father via the truck. I also had to laugh at the contests between Knox and the giant carp that he named "Phantom."

[Janet Rodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[Once Upon a Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Robyn
Sexual Content: Sensual
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content: None
Violent Content: None

Chef Emily Ford has the talent to make it big, even if she hasn’t worked at all the ‘in’ places in the culinary world. So when the new CEO of Briscoe Ranch Resort, Knox Briscoe, tries to demote her in his new plans, she won’t give up without a fight. He wants to bring in a celebrity chef to the resort but she has plans for a restaurant of her own. Nothing is going to stop her—not even Knox.

Knox was cut out of the Briscoe fortune by an old family feud. He’s spent his whole life dreaming of revenge on the Briscoe family and owning the ranch instead of his uncle. He won’t let anything get in the way of that, especially not a chef or the sizzling attraction between them.

Knox should come across as a total jerk, but something about him exposes the vulnerability of his hot-shot executive self. A spark of the kid who never felt good enough seems to shine through and made me like him, even when he was being a jerk. He’s got a big chip on his shoulder, but as he learns more about his family, he starts to see that he might be wrong about some things. When Emily challenges his thinking, he’s not too happy. I loved his challenge for Emily to cook for him for 4 weeks to earn her restaurant on the property. Even though he really didn’t intend to let her win, it gave her a chance to show what she’s made of and how well she can cook. The intimacy fostered during that time was electrically charged and it really built the sexual tension between them.

Emily is an awesome girl, but my heart ached for her the whole time. It was obvious she was running from her past. Even not knowing the details, my heart ached for her and wanted to see her find true happiness. I was hoping she could also have resolution from the demons of her past. I noticed her strength of character and her ability to see what others truly need and try to give that to them. I wished over and over again that she was my friend, because she’s the person you want in your corner.

Overall, I loved the book. The smidgeon of intrigue in several arenas was perfect. I thought the characters were well developed and the plot was solid and kept reader interest. It was fun to ‘reconnect’ with characters from the previous book and I look forward to seeing everyone again in the next one.

-- ROBYN

[Connie N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

#2 in the One and Only Texas romance series

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, this cover is gorgeous. As with many romances, there's an attractive couple on the cover, but the colorful sunset background really draws the eye. And not only is the couple attractive to look at, but they're also strong and confident and very appealing within the story. Knox starts out bent on revenge against his estranged family by setting up a business deal to bring down the family ranch. (There's a hilarious "haunted truck" incident within the first few pages that really set a fun tone for the book.) But as he gets to know everyone (and becomes involved with Chef Emily), he starts to change his mind and wonder about the long-held family secrets. Speaking of secrets, Emily has a big one of her own, but I liked how she and Knox shared their thoughts and doubts with each other--their relationship was complicated by the outside world, not through lack of conversation between them. I loved their developing relationship--they fit together perfectly and were open-minded enough to listen and support each other. Granny June didn't have as big a role in this book as with the previous one. Secondary characters of Haylie, Carina, Decker, and others added to the fun. All in all, a very enjoyable book, and I look forward to continuing with this series sooner rather than later.