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All Is Fair in Food and War
It all started with a competition.
If he won, I’d agree to go on a date with him.
If I won, he’d leave me alone.
Miles Sexton was the kind of guy I avoided at all costs. The man’s confidence and good looks screamed heartbreaker, and I’d had enough of that for a lifetime..
But it wasn’t easy to avoid someone when they parked their food truck right outside the upscale restaurant you worked at as the executive chef. Or when they constantly came in, asking to borrow ingredients because they failed to be prepared.
Miles got under my skin in more ways than I could count, so when he proposed the stupid cook-off, I figured it would be an easy way to get rid of him. Quick. Easy. Done.
But luck wasn’t on my side when my nosey boss found out about it and offered to not only host the event, but to let him work there every day to prepare for it.
Having Miles constantly in my space was even harder than I imagined. It was more than the heat in the kitchen that set things ablaze between us. There was a chemistry there, sizzling beneath the surface, ready to explode.
With my reputation at stake and a heart to protect, I couldn’t afford to lose.
May the best chef win!
If he won, I’d agree to go on a date with him.
If I won, he’d leave me alone.
Miles Sexton was the kind of guy I avoided at all costs. The man’s confidence and good looks screamed heartbreaker, and I’d had enough of that for a lifetime..
But it wasn’t easy to avoid someone when they parked their food truck right outside the upscale restaurant you worked at as the executive chef. Or when they constantly came in, asking to borrow ingredients because they failed to be prepared.
Miles got under my skin in more ways than I could count, so when he proposed the stupid cook-off, I figured it would be an easy way to get rid of him. Quick. Easy. Done.
But luck wasn’t on my side when my nosey boss found out about it and offered to not only host the event, but to let him work there every day to prepare for it.
Having Miles constantly in my space was even harder than I imagined. It was more than the heat in the kitchen that set things ablaze between us. There was a chemistry there, sizzling beneath the surface, ready to explode.
With my reputation at stake and a heart to protect, I couldn’t afford to lose.
May the best chef win!
- GenresSpicy
131 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2022
5 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Baca
60 books1,067 followersSamantha lives in the southwest with her husband and two children, where she enjoys writing, drinking iced coffee, and watching the greatest show of all time—Friends. With over 30 books published, Samantha enjoys writing across several different genres, from steamy romantic suspense to laugh-out-loud spicy romantic comedies. She also has a sweet spot for holiday stories, so grab a blanket and get ready to binge some of the sweetest—yet spicy—holiday romance your heart can handle!
Samantha loves connecting with her readers, so here’s a list of where you can find her:
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Goodreads:
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Books2Read:
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Samantha loves connecting with her readers, so here’s a list of where you can find her:
Facebook Reader Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/29457...
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamant...
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/author_samantha...
Webpage:
www.samanthabaca.com
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/authorsamant...
Books2Read:
https://books2read.com/ap/RQAYK9/Sama...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 4, 2023
Another fun, steamy, novella from Samantha Baca! I loved this book. It was short, spicy, and I didn’t feel like anything was lacking. I loved how ambitious Kat was and how she got over the preconceived notions she had about men and learned to love. Her dreams changed and I liked that her character was able to recognize that. Miles. What can I see about him except that he was so swoon-worthy. In this book the MMC falls first and while you may think because of that he’ll be a pushover when it comes Kat that’s not the case. He was equally as strong and I loved how perfectly matched these two were. This was a standalone novella, but I’m hoping Baca writes a book on Clarissa and Luka because there’s a story there, I know it.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 26, 2025
Cute fun story, left me wanting more! I really love the main male character Miles he is hot and humble caring silly fun. I just really enjoy him. He has the body of a bad boy and the soul of a cinnamon roll.
I seriously wanted the sous chef from San Antonio to get fired or at least reprimanded for her horrible behavior.
I think this is my new favorite of this author. Such a cute fun story, i actually wanted it to be longer. Was sad it ended
I seriously wanted the sous chef from San Antonio to get fired or at least reprimanded for her horrible behavior.
I think this is my new favorite of this author. Such a cute fun story, i actually wanted it to be longer. Was sad it ended
January 2, 2023
nothing special, at first it was fun and the sexual tension was great, but then it seems that their relationship had developed off-page, and i didn't enjoy it :(
October 21, 2022
Ever since they met a few months ago when he started parking his food truck outside the upscale Seattle restaurant where she works, Miles Sexton has made no secret of his interest in executive chef Kat Elliott. Something about him reminds her of her deceitful ex-fiance, however, so she's turned him down every time he's asked her out. He finally decides to try getting her attention in a different way: by challenging her to a friendly cook-off. If he wins, Kat must agree to go on a date with him, but if he loses, Miles will never ask her out again. The stakes get higher when Kat's boss finds out about the competition, offering to host it at the restaurant with local celebrities, including Kat's personal cooking idol, acting as judges. With Miles working in the restaurant's kitchen every day to get ready for the competition, Kat can't help getting to know him better, and the slowly simmering attraction between them begins to heat up. Could Kat have been wrong about Miles all along?
Miles really was a good guy, and it's a shame that Kat didn't get to see that side of him at first. I loved his efforts to help the homeless, which he did partially to honor his late father but also because it was just the right thing to do. He had incredible chemistry with Kat, and it was a lot of fun to cheer them on to their HEA. Also, all of their talk about food and cooking made me HUNGRY and everything they made sounded delicious! I'd like to volunteer as a judge for their next friendly competition so that I can sample some of it. ;-)
I very much enjoyed "All Is Fair in Food and War" and recommend it for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to Samantha Baca's next release.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Miles really was a good guy, and it's a shame that Kat didn't get to see that side of him at first. I loved his efforts to help the homeless, which he did partially to honor his late father but also because it was just the right thing to do. He had incredible chemistry with Kat, and it was a lot of fun to cheer them on to their HEA. Also, all of their talk about food and cooking made me HUNGRY and everything they made sounded delicious! I'd like to volunteer as a judge for their next friendly competition so that I can sample some of it. ;-)
I very much enjoyed "All Is Fair in Food and War" and recommend it for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to Samantha Baca's next release.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 23, 2022
ALL IS FAIR IN FOOD AND WAR By Samantha Baca
Miles owns a food truck right outside an upscale restaurant where Kat works. To get Kat's attention Miles suggests a cook off between the two.
😊What i liked -
✔ Chef Romance/He Falls First
✔ Hey Hey Hey am here sitting with a binocular looking for Miles. Gosh this guy is so dreamy, he is sweet, caring, hot and oh so sexy. (He is giving tough competition to my McDreamy from Grey's Anatomy)
✔ Oh my the Chemistry between the two is just soooooooo hmmmmm (guess the word). The sexiest was when she cuts her finger and he takes care. Uffffff the slow burn spiciness is just just just (loss of words here).
✔ I absolutely loved the nosiness of their friends/colleagues.
✔ It's cute, fun, heartwarming and steamiliciously spicy.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ Lol the chef in me went like I love that scene but ewwww Dudes Hygiene please. I kept saying to myself - It just happens in a book over and over again.( please tell me am correct, or i won't be able to eat at a restaurant ever again🙈)
✔ Oh how i wish i could just bring Miles out of those pages. Uhhh Samantha instead of thendless supply of drinks on my holiday how about you send me a Miles for my holiday. What say?.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lovers
👳Kitchen Romance
📈My Rating : 4.5/5
Thank you Samantha Bacca for a copy.
Miles owns a food truck right outside an upscale restaurant where Kat works. To get Kat's attention Miles suggests a cook off between the two.
😊What i liked -
✔ Chef Romance/He Falls First
✔ Hey Hey Hey am here sitting with a binocular looking for Miles. Gosh this guy is so dreamy, he is sweet, caring, hot and oh so sexy. (He is giving tough competition to my McDreamy from Grey's Anatomy)
✔ Oh my the Chemistry between the two is just soooooooo hmmmmm (guess the word). The sexiest was when she cuts her finger and he takes care. Uffffff the slow burn spiciness is just just just (loss of words here).
✔ I absolutely loved the nosiness of their friends/colleagues.
✔ It's cute, fun, heartwarming and steamiliciously spicy.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ Lol the chef in me went like I love that scene but ewwww Dudes Hygiene please. I kept saying to myself - It just happens in a book over and over again.( please tell me am correct, or i won't be able to eat at a restaurant ever again🙈)
✔ Oh how i wish i could just bring Miles out of those pages. Uhhh Samantha instead of thendless supply of drinks on my holiday how about you send me a Miles for my holiday. What say?.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lovers
👳Kitchen Romance
📈My Rating : 4.5/5
Thank you Samantha Bacca for a copy.
August 5, 2024
A really great and satisfying novella by Samantha Baca.
Elizabeth Benincasa narrates the audiobook which is a fantastic listen,and she does an excellent portrayal of all the characters.
This may be a quick listen but it doesn't lack in content and steam.
Kat and Miles are Rivals.
Kat owns a restaurant and Miles has a food truck they are sort of competitors but Miles is blatantly attracted to Kat....Which he tells her at every opportunity trying desperately to get a date with her.
But she refuses to engage with him and tries to ignore his constant pursuit for a date with her...So to get a date with her he challenges Kat to a cook off.
If he wins the contest he gets to go on a date with her ,and if she wins then he will leave her alone and never ask her out again.
But the competition gets blown up into this huge publicity thing..and in the meantime Kat and Miles get closer and a friendship forms between them...they are Friends who do other things too,sexy things..
What will happen to them once the cook off is over?....and they no longer have to work together in the same kitchen to prepare for the contest?..Will their new understanding be over?..
This is a very steamy hot little story that will keep you entertained until the end,for those readers that love a short sexy book then this is for you,
I loved it .
5 Stars
Elizabeth Benincasa narrates the audiobook which is a fantastic listen,and she does an excellent portrayal of all the characters.
This may be a quick listen but it doesn't lack in content and steam.
Kat and Miles are Rivals.
Kat owns a restaurant and Miles has a food truck they are sort of competitors but Miles is blatantly attracted to Kat....Which he tells her at every opportunity trying desperately to get a date with her.
But she refuses to engage with him and tries to ignore his constant pursuit for a date with her...So to get a date with her he challenges Kat to a cook off.
If he wins the contest he gets to go on a date with her ,and if she wins then he will leave her alone and never ask her out again.
But the competition gets blown up into this huge publicity thing..and in the meantime Kat and Miles get closer and a friendship forms between them...they are Friends who do other things too,sexy things..
What will happen to them once the cook off is over?....and they no longer have to work together in the same kitchen to prepare for the contest?..Will their new understanding be over?..
This is a very steamy hot little story that will keep you entertained until the end,for those readers that love a short sexy book then this is for you,
I loved it .
5 Stars
October 18, 2022
4.5/5 stars
All is Fair in Food and War was absolutely heartwarming and adorable. This spicy contemporary novella about two competing chefs was a really lovely light read.
Kat is the executive chef of a restaurant. Miles, chef and food truck owner, keeps asking her out, but she refuses to give him a chance. The two decide to battle it out in the kitchen. If he wins, she will go on a date with him. If Kat wins, Miles will back off.
Both Kat and Miles’s characters really shine in this story. Kat thinks that Miles is going to be done with her after they bang, but he really likes her. Kat is career-minded and works hard towards her goals. Miles is the human equivalent of a golden retriever. He is loyal to his family and his commitment to help the community is so endearing. However, he has a secret dirty side. I especially loved his dirty talk and wanted much more of it! I would have liked this to have had a tad more spice, but the scenes we get are really good as is the build up to them.
I can’t wait to see what this author puts out next! I’m not sure if I enjoy her sweet or suspenseful novels more!
All is Fair in Food and War was absolutely heartwarming and adorable. This spicy contemporary novella about two competing chefs was a really lovely light read.
Kat is the executive chef of a restaurant. Miles, chef and food truck owner, keeps asking her out, but she refuses to give him a chance. The two decide to battle it out in the kitchen. If he wins, she will go on a date with him. If Kat wins, Miles will back off.
Both Kat and Miles’s characters really shine in this story. Kat thinks that Miles is going to be done with her after they bang, but he really likes her. Kat is career-minded and works hard towards her goals. Miles is the human equivalent of a golden retriever. He is loyal to his family and his commitment to help the community is so endearing. However, he has a secret dirty side. I especially loved his dirty talk and wanted much more of it! I would have liked this to have had a tad more spice, but the scenes we get are really good as is the build up to them.
I can’t wait to see what this author puts out next! I’m not sure if I enjoy her sweet or suspenseful novels more!
October 26, 2022
Kat and Miles seem like opposites. She is an executive chef in an upscale restaurant. He is a self-taught chef who owns a popular food truck. They have a love/hate relationship with a lot of sexual tension. When Kat’s boss decides they should have a “cook-off”, it opens up the door to new opportunities for both of them. But taking that step forward forces them to go their separate ways. Can they find their way back to each other?
I really liked the characters in this book, especially Miles. He has a good heart and knows what he wants and doesn’t want.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I really liked the characters in this book, especially Miles. He has a good heart and knows what he wants and doesn’t want.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 21, 2022
Kat is a chef at an upscale restaurant. Miles parks his food truck outside of Kat’s restaurant. Almost immediately, Miles wasn’t to date Kat. Kat has definite reservations about Miles. Her track record with men has not been the best.
After some back and forth, they agree to a cook off. One where the winner gets what he or she wants. If Miles wins, he gets a date with Kat; if Kat wins, Miles has to leave her alone. Interesting, is it not??
This book was amazing and funny to read!
After some back and forth, they agree to a cook off. One where the winner gets what he or she wants. If Miles wins, he gets a date with Kat; if Kat wins, Miles has to leave her alone. Interesting, is it not??
This book was amazing and funny to read!
December 29, 2022
Crackling chemistry with lots of steam
Kat and Miles have electrifying chemistry. Miles is pining for Kat, but Kat is very guarded and pushes him away at every turn.
During one of their verbal sparring matches Miles challenges Kat to a cooking challenge. The stakes for the competition heighten and so does their draw towards one another.
This is a pretty fast paced story, and the characters are well developed.
Kat and Miles have electrifying chemistry. Miles is pining for Kat, but Kat is very guarded and pushes him away at every turn.
During one of their verbal sparring matches Miles challenges Kat to a cooking challenge. The stakes for the competition heighten and so does their draw towards one another.
This is a pretty fast paced story, and the characters are well developed.
October 21, 2022
Another witty novella from Samantha Baca! This book was such a fun read, especially if you love cooking, or cooking competitions like I do! The little side stories were so heartwarming also, and the story of Miles and Kat was so steamy and they just couldn't ignore the passion that was ignited between them. I loved this book and it was such an enjoyable read that you just can't put down!
December 11, 2022
Another good story from this author
Another enjoyable book by Samantha Baca.
The chemistry between Miles and Kat was so hot you'd think you were in the kitchen at Ambrosia.
The book probably could've done with a bit more padding out of the story but it was really enjoyable just the same.
Another enjoyable book by Samantha Baca.
The chemistry between Miles and Kat was so hot you'd think you were in the kitchen at Ambrosia.
The book probably could've done with a bit more padding out of the story but it was really enjoyable just the same.
May 10, 2023
This was my first book by this author .I fell in love with the story of Kat and Miles .This reminded me of a hallmark movie but with spice of 2.5.It was a quick read and flow of writing was done perfectly.I am excited to see that she has other books that are in a series .This is a must read contemporary romance . Ofcourse they fight their attraction but love conquers all .
October 11, 2022
This was such a fun read. I loved Kat and Miles and their chemistry. The competition was so fun to read. Miles dedication to get the girl was so sweet. If you’re looking for something short with a dash of spice look no further.
October 30, 2023
This was a fun and delightful listen. Loved the characters, the banter and the fun story.
Elizabeth Benincasa is a great job with the narration - she gave the characters perfect voice, emotion and personality.
Elizabeth Benincasa is a great job with the narration - she gave the characters perfect voice, emotion and personality.
November 17, 2023
A fun and steamy enemies to lovers novella. Miles and Kat are both accomplished chefs with different goals she wants success he wants to live life to the fullest. Finding their HEA was bumpy and with listening. Such a fabulous adventure to read.
September 7, 2024
The spice was done very well. This novella is a really good story but would be even better fleshed out and made into a full length novel. The MMC is such a good person but the FMc has some room to grow. I’ll be looking forward to more from this author.
October 11, 2022
Such a fun book to read!!
October 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read that I flew through. The chemistry between Kat and Miles was off the charts, leaving me wanting more.
October 16, 2022
ARC Review
5 star read
This book was so good. Samantha Baca is an amazing author and has a great way with words. The chemistry between Miles and Kat is great. I really enjoyed this book.
5 star read
This book was so good. Samantha Baca is an amazing author and has a great way with words. The chemistry between Miles and Kat is great. I really enjoyed this book.
October 21, 2022
A fun quick read. The chemistry between Kat and Miles is undeniable. A sweet story with lots of spice, especially in that kitchen!
October 21, 2022
A fun almost opposite grumpy sunshine story.
Enjoyed the banter between the 2 main characters.
Enjoyed the banter between the 2 main characters.
October 21, 2022
A very fun and quick read! Miles (MMC) that def know what he wants and Kat (FMC) in denial. Everything surely worked out in the end and I love it <3
January 5, 2023
Cute quick book read.
October 10, 2022
Miles Sexton is the yummiest MMC ever! He's so perfect, that I'm not sure there is a woman fictional or otherwise that is worthy. Read this book for laugh out loud moments, swoon worthy romantic gestures, and for Miles...definitely for Miles.
October 16, 2022
Kat and Miles are what reality cooking show dreams are made of. With a bet on who is a better chef with a date on the line these 2 bring out all the stops to see who is the better cook.
Despite their intense chemistry, Kat is leary of food truck owner Miles. All Miles is interested in is giving Kat the time of her life. Their bet becomes something of a competition with the community getting involved to see who reigns supreme. I love Miles desire to help and please while Kat is trying to prove herself. A fun read for some steam with a great plot.
Despite their intense chemistry, Kat is leary of food truck owner Miles. All Miles is interested in is giving Kat the time of her life. Their bet becomes something of a competition with the community getting involved to see who reigns supreme. I love Miles desire to help and please while Kat is trying to prove herself. A fun read for some steam with a great plot.
October 16, 2022
I read this the other night, just a great way to unwind after a long day at work. I love what started out as a little bet turned into to so much more. There was defiantly some heat in the kitchen. Miles has defiantly been added to the book boyfriends list 💕
May 9, 2023
3.5 stars. First read from this author & overall wasn't disappointed. The novella altogether was good but found that after the "food war" so to speak, it kind of plateaus a smidge to where I almost lost interest but forged on. Side characters added depth & laughter. The ending could've maybe been fleshed out more but this is good palate cleanser after reading a heavy story or if you're looking for a quickie to brighten up your day. Will definitely read from this author again.
April 15, 2023
This is a light and refreshing quick read with all the spice! *insert salt meme guy*
Kat and Miles add steam to the kitchen in more ways than one. I loved how I could read this novella over a few days and it still felt complete, like a full length novel. This novella might be short, but Samantha Baca doesn't leave anything out of it.
I love how this book shows you that not all dreams are meant to come true. Kat thought she knew what she wanted for year's, but what she really wanted was a different version of it.
Kat is a chef at a fancy restaurant and Miles owns a food truck that happens to be parked in front of Kat's restaurant. Miles often comes to Kat looking for spare ingredients and flirting. Kat thinks Miles is into her for only a hookup, but Miles proves to her that he wants more than what she thinks. Kat comes up with a friendly cooking competition between the two of them. Will it bring them closer or will the competition drive a wedge between them?
LOVED: Miles and his caring heart.
BEST SPICY SCENE: When Miles helps Kat after she cuts herself.
QUOTE: Why did being twenty-eight feel so similar to being in my eighties. Girl - SAME!
THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You are looking for a cute, no fluff, fun, quick read.
Kat and Miles add steam to the kitchen in more ways than one. I loved how I could read this novella over a few days and it still felt complete, like a full length novel. This novella might be short, but Samantha Baca doesn't leave anything out of it.
I love how this book shows you that not all dreams are meant to come true. Kat thought she knew what she wanted for year's, but what she really wanted was a different version of it.
Kat is a chef at a fancy restaurant and Miles owns a food truck that happens to be parked in front of Kat's restaurant. Miles often comes to Kat looking for spare ingredients and flirting. Kat thinks Miles is into her for only a hookup, but Miles proves to her that he wants more than what she thinks. Kat comes up with a friendly cooking competition between the two of them. Will it bring them closer or will the competition drive a wedge between them?
LOVED: Miles and his caring heart.
BEST SPICY SCENE: When Miles helps Kat after she cuts herself.
QUOTE: Why did being twenty-eight feel so similar to being in my eighties. Girl - SAME!
THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You are looking for a cute, no fluff, fun, quick read.
December 9, 2024
So Stinking Cute!
This book is cute and fun and flirty with a few slices of dirty put right on top lol
It starts off with wonderful banter between Kat and Miles that continued and ramped up until it exploded between them.
The desire to help people in Miles is lovely. The ambition in Kat is a nice thing to see also. I’m glad she found her way to fulfill her professional dream even if it wasn’t what she truly wanted by the time it came true.
They are so good together and I’m happy with where the story ended but I’m now off to read the extended epilogue 😍
Adding in my audio review —5/25/2024
This book was so much fun to listen to!
It would have been better with two narrators since it was very much in dual POV.
However the story was cute and the narrator did a great job overall!
The narrator is new to me Elizabeth Benincasa. She has a lovely speaking voice and is wonderful narrating the females. Her male voice could use some work but wasn’t unpleasant
This book is cute and fun and flirty with a few slices of dirty put right on top lol
It starts off with wonderful banter between Kat and Miles that continued and ramped up until it exploded between them.
The desire to help people in Miles is lovely. The ambition in Kat is a nice thing to see also. I’m glad she found her way to fulfill her professional dream even if it wasn’t what she truly wanted by the time it came true.
They are so good together and I’m happy with where the story ended but I’m now off to read the extended epilogue 😍
Adding in my audio review —5/25/2024
This book was so much fun to listen to!
It would have been better with two narrators since it was very much in dual POV.
However the story was cute and the narrator did a great job overall!
The narrator is new to me Elizabeth Benincasa. She has a lovely speaking voice and is wonderful narrating the females. Her male voice could use some work but wasn’t unpleasant
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews