What do you think?
Rate this book
A Taste of Romance
Nicole Vitarelli's local cable TV cooking show, A Taste of Romance has become very popular and gained a nice following. She finds herself in a quandary, however, when her executive producer suggests she have the boyfriend she talks about so fondly appear on the show. That wouldn't be such a problem, except for one thing he's imaginary! Nicole has to come up with someone to play the part, fast.
Jeremy Perez, Nicole's neighbor, is trying to keep a low profile and distance himself from his famous family. All he wants is to be accepted and loved for who he is. So when Nicole approaches him to play the part of her boyfriend, he's a little reluctant, though willing to oblige but only if Nicole agrees to make him some home-cooked meals.
Will their relationship and the TV show turn into a recipe for disaster? Or can the two of them put aside their fears and savor a tasty romance?
Jeremy Perez, Nicole's neighbor, is trying to keep a low profile and distance himself from his famous family. All he wants is to be accepted and loved for who he is. So when Nicole approaches him to play the part of her boyfriend, he's a little reluctant, though willing to oblige but only if Nicole agrees to make him some home-cooked meals.
Will their relationship and the TV show turn into a recipe for disaster? Or can the two of them put aside their fears and savor a tasty romance?
186 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2010
About the author
Roni Denholtz
47 books101 followersRoni Paitchel Denholtz is an award-winning author who has had stories, articles and poetry published in magazines such as Modern Romances, True Love, Baby Talk, Complete Woman, For the Bride and Women's Circle. She is the author of nine juvenile books, published by January Productions, an educational publisher. One of her books, "Jenny Gets Glasses" was ranked #7 of the top 20 favorites of first graders in a nationwide study by the Reading is Fundamental group.
Roni has six romances―five traditional contemporary romances and one traditional regency romance―published by AVALON BOOKS. "Marquis in a Minute" won the 2007 New Jersey Golden Leaf Award for Best Regency Romance. "Salsa with Me" was nominated for the 2009 National Reader's Choice Award for Best Traditional Romance; and was nominated for the 2009 Golden Leaf for Best Short Contemporary Romance.
Roni has six romances―five traditional contemporary romances and one traditional regency romance―published by AVALON BOOKS. "Marquis in a Minute" won the 2007 New Jersey Golden Leaf Award for Best Regency Romance. "Salsa with Me" was nominated for the 2009 National Reader's Choice Award for Best Traditional Romance; and was nominated for the 2009 Golden Leaf for Best Short Contemporary Romance.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 25, 2017
I had a hard time putting this book down, but work came first. However, today I was feeling crappy, so I put aside work and picked up this book again. I got sucked right in, like I did from the start. I love Nicole and Jeremy -- two very real characters I could relate to. I refused to stop reading until I got to the end, waiting to see if they got together. I wasn't disappointed in the ending. The book was so delightful that I'm not crabby anymore, but my mood has changed. Feeling good after reading such a gratifying love story. Loved the writing, too, and the food --well, that was a huge bonus. Pick this one up. You won't regret it!
November 17, 2013
Nicole Vitarelli needs a "boyfriend" for her cable show, A Taste of Romance. Handsome neighbor Jeremy Perez is all-too-eager to take the job!
There is an instant attraction for this duo and it drew this reader in from page one. Nicole and Jeremy are easy to identify with, and their romantic chemistry keeps them strong as they move beyond their past relationships and learn to recognize the great love that they have found with one another. Their journey is a sweet one, and the story's ending is satisfying in every way.
I definitely recommend taking a taste of this heart-warming romance!
There is an instant attraction for this duo and it drew this reader in from page one. Nicole and Jeremy are easy to identify with, and their romantic chemistry keeps them strong as they move beyond their past relationships and learn to recognize the great love that they have found with one another. Their journey is a sweet one, and the story's ending is satisfying in every way.
I definitely recommend taking a taste of this heart-warming romance!
January 20, 2015
Good story, poor writing
The writing was not great. Lots of unnecessary details that didn't matter to the story nor add to it.
Mostly too many wardrobe descriptions or back stories to relationships that weren't relevant.
Otherwise, it was a cute, fun story. I struggled through the bad writing in order to see what would happen next!
I could see this being a Hallmark or Lifetime movie.
The writing was not great. Lots of unnecessary details that didn't matter to the story nor add to it.
Mostly too many wardrobe descriptions or back stories to relationships that weren't relevant.
Otherwise, it was a cute, fun story. I struggled through the bad writing in order to see what would happen next!
I could see this being a Hallmark or Lifetime movie.
July 11, 2011
Cute little romance book. You really know what is going to happen, but it doesn't stop you from reading and wanting that romance yourself. There was nothing that makes it a "great" book, but I really enjoyed the quick read.
December 15, 2016
The story itself had a lot of promise,but the voice of the story didn't captivate me. Most of the story is written from either of the main character's perspective in the past tense describing what happened. It was too easy to put down.
January 2, 2020
The ending was very predictable but it was still well written and held my interest to finish it.
December 23, 2019
Books are meant to communicate ideas and feelings.
I wanted to read this book because I needed a relaxing, happy ending, fun book (which includes cooking - my interest) to read. Life can be way too serious at times. I enjoyed reading this book and read it in huge chunks. Although there is a predictable final outcome and predictable thoughts and actions of the characters, it did fulfill its promise - a relaxing, hope filled, fun read. The only thing that made it a tad bit less enjoyable was that the characters explained everything they thought, said, and did, less like a story and more like a news report, back and forth. Nevertheless, it did communicate the authors intentions. I am also a fan of the happy ending and this delivered. Plus it has a cute story line.
Note - further thoughts on happy endings: If I read a serious fiction, non-fiction, or memoir where there are tremendous difficulties, hardships, discrimination, people die, there is abuse, etc. - I always love a hopeful, positive transformation to occur, a way for myself and other readers to grab onto hope and go forward, at the end - something encouraging. If you look at my Biography/Memoir shelf, you will see what I mean. Of course, not all life stories are like that, but then, it is possible to find something positive to add on, to hope for or work for, no?
I wanted to read this book because I needed a relaxing, happy ending, fun book (which includes cooking - my interest) to read. Life can be way too serious at times. I enjoyed reading this book and read it in huge chunks. Although there is a predictable final outcome and predictable thoughts and actions of the characters, it did fulfill its promise - a relaxing, hope filled, fun read. The only thing that made it a tad bit less enjoyable was that the characters explained everything they thought, said, and did, less like a story and more like a news report, back and forth. Nevertheless, it did communicate the authors intentions. I am also a fan of the happy ending and this delivered. Plus it has a cute story line.
Note - further thoughts on happy endings: If I read a serious fiction, non-fiction, or memoir where there are tremendous difficulties, hardships, discrimination, people die, there is abuse, etc. - I always love a hopeful, positive transformation to occur, a way for myself and other readers to grab onto hope and go forward, at the end - something encouraging. If you look at my Biography/Memoir shelf, you will see what I mean. Of course, not all life stories are like that, but then, it is possible to find something positive to add on, to hope for or work for, no?
March 5, 2022
Concept=Adorable.
Execution.... let's not talk about it.
I loved the concept and the storyline, the characters were cute, I could feel myself from time to time getting into their lives, but then the childish writing style, misspellings, and wrong grammar just cut the legs right out from under me.
I find it hard to believe that this author has had six books published- this had the feel of a beginner writer, trying to write their first chapter book.
Execution.... let's not talk about it.
I loved the concept and the storyline, the characters were cute, I could feel myself from time to time getting into their lives, but then the childish writing style, misspellings, and wrong grammar just cut the legs right out from under me.
I find it hard to believe that this author has had six books published- this had the feel of a beginner writer, trying to write their first chapter book.
September 20, 2023
A light hearted romance.
This story flowed as I've read it over the past two days. I really needed to read a good wholesome romance and this story filled my needs. I was able to visualize this small town in New Jersey with the lake, older homes, the school and a train ride to and from NYC. Of course, the cooking show was the best. Seeing the characters in my mind pulled everything together in my minds eye. I will look into other books by this author.
This story flowed as I've read it over the past two days. I really needed to read a good wholesome romance and this story filled my needs. I was able to visualize this small town in New Jersey with the lake, older homes, the school and a train ride to and from NYC. Of course, the cooking show was the best. Seeing the characters in my mind pulled everything together in my minds eye. I will look into other books by this author.
July 26, 2020
Absolutely loved this book! Couldn’t put it down!
February 7, 2021
Th writing was not good enough said DNF
April 11, 2011
Nicole Vitarelli is a pretty young school teacher with her own cooking show called, “A Taste of Romance.” She’s single, living with her sister, and recently out of a bad relationship (her ex-boyfriend was rich and privileged and was using Nicole to make his society girlfriend jealous). When the producer of her show tells Nicole that she needs to produce a boyfriend to increase her ratings, Nicole looks to her cute electrician neighbor, Jeremy, to play the part. He’s willing, and the two hit it off so well they decide to make their relationship official. Unfortunately, Jeremy has also been hurt in love (his mother is a famous actress and his last girlfriend used him to try and further her career), and he’s reluctant to tell Nicole about his famous family. When the truth comes out, Nicole is furious at Jeremy’s deception, and the couple must work out their differences and through the hurts of the past before their relationship can really thrive.
While the cooking show angle is an interesting plot device, the characters and writing are flat and dull. A Taste of Romance reads like a Dick and Jane book for adults. This might be useful for adult literacy classes, but I found it overly simplistic (language and plot-wise) and repetitive.
While the cooking show angle is an interesting plot device, the characters and writing are flat and dull. A Taste of Romance reads like a Dick and Jane book for adults. This might be useful for adult literacy classes, but I found it overly simplistic (language and plot-wise) and repetitive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2015
This book was free from a trial of Kindle Unlimited. That's why I picked it.
The story isn't that compelling.
Nicole needs a fake boyfriend for her cooking show.
Lucky for her, there's a hunky electrician across the street who needs feeding.
Nicole is afraid people only date her for her looks.
Jeremy is afraid that people only date him for his rich and famous parents.
Hmmm....maybe Nicole is just using Jeremy to become a Food Network Star.
And maybe Jeremy is only interested in Nicole's lasagna, cookies and figure.
Of course, a big misunderstanding will happen to potential ruin this 3 week old romance.
The writing was just ok. It rained almost day in New Jersey in October. Was that supposed to be a theme in the plot? I don't know. It just meant the characters ran to and from their cars or just got inside before the rain came.
I also didn't like how the characters "went to exercise" instead of "worked out" or "went to the gym." Maybe that's a New Jersey way of phrasing it?
This counts as a book you can finish in a day for the 2015 PopSugar Reading Challenge.
9/52
The story isn't that compelling.
Nicole needs a fake boyfriend for her cooking show.
Lucky for her, there's a hunky electrician across the street who needs feeding.
Nicole is afraid people only date her for her looks.
Jeremy is afraid that people only date him for his rich and famous parents.
Hmmm....maybe Nicole is just using Jeremy to become a Food Network Star.
And maybe Jeremy is only interested in Nicole's lasagna, cookies and figure.
Of course, a big misunderstanding will happen to potential ruin this 3 week old romance.
The writing was just ok. It rained almost day in New Jersey in October. Was that supposed to be a theme in the plot? I don't know. It just meant the characters ran to and from their cars or just got inside before the rain came.
I also didn't like how the characters "went to exercise" instead of "worked out" or "went to the gym." Maybe that's a New Jersey way of phrasing it?
This counts as a book you can finish in a day for the 2015 PopSugar Reading Challenge.
9/52
March 31, 2011
Very cute, quick little book.
March 16, 2011
Really lame romance. Sorry I read it.
August 1, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet, quick read.
August 14, 2011
Predictable but a great feel good story. Perfect for a quick escape into a romance.
October 15, 2012
A good fast predictable read if you want something quick that you know will end happily. :)
October 6, 2013
What a wonderful heartfelt romance..... I loved it, I couldn't put it down.... Had my mom get a copy for her kindle to read
October 17, 2013
Flat, premise was cute...writing was simplistic, execution dull.
November 27, 2013
Very sweet and clean. This was a modern romance with celebrity. The misunderstandings are classic and sweet. I really enjoyed it!
January 31, 2014
It was a fun read. I felt the author referenced the ex boyfriend too much and it seemed repeditive.
April 28, 2014
A completely predictable read.
An easy read.
Badly written...but for $.99 it was fine.
An easy read.
Badly written...but for $.99 it was fine.
February 3, 2014
Cheesy and thoroughly predictable, but I was reading it on a plane and that's what I was looking for, so it was still quite enjoyable.
April 22, 2014
Short, fun read. In the mood for books with cooking :0)
July 9, 2014
A little sweetness
very sweet love story but very predictable...still a,nice quick read for a hot summer's day...not too full of sex either which icons refreshing
very sweet love story but very predictable...still a,nice quick read for a hot summer's day...not too full of sex either which icons refreshing
April 13, 2011
Good read. Over use of a few words. Kind of annoying. Great story, though.
January 1, 2014
short and sweet. enjoyed the story even if it was predictable.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews