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jenafyre's review
5.0
"I'm Cara and I'm a perfectionist. I manage like noboby's buiness and I also happen to be related to Jake Kilroy
Cara DeLuca, the perfectionist, the cold, hard, "Lemon Tart" that everyone refers to her as, only appears perfect. But looks can be deceiving. One crazy night in Vegas at her cousins batchlorette party Cara does something wild, something crazy, something totatally not herself.....she marries a total stranger, Shane Doyle. Now back in reality land, she wants an annulment, but the more time that she spends with Shane, the more she gets to know him, the she begins to question her decision to end their sham of a marriage, and make it the real deal.
"I'm Shane and I'm an idiot. I make pasteries for a living, and I happen to be related to Jake Kilroy.
Shane Doyle, pastry chef, hot Irish hunk, cannot believe that after one night in Vegas he is married to Cara DeLuca. Shane has secrets that he has not shared with anyone, he has a plan. But when he is with Cara, he feels something that he has not felt in a long time. Being with Cara makes him want all of the things that have been missing in his life, a home, family, friends,......his wife. When the secrets come to light, Shane and Cara will have to make decisions about what is important and that their life, their love is worth fighting for.
Ok, All Fired Up by Kate Meader is the second book in the Hot in the Kitchen series. I have to say that I fell in love with the first book, and the second book makes me want to keep coming back for more. What I loved about this book you might wonder, well let me tell you.
The characters. I knew that there was more to Cara DeLuca than what meets the eye. But as this story unfolds you start to see her in a new light. Yes, on the outside she projects a cold, hard, "Lemon Tart" shell, a perfectionist who has expectations for herself and everyone around her, but on the inside, she is a scared, wounded soul, trying to make up for mistakes she made and secrets that she is afraid to share with her family. Not until Shane, does she start to open up, let someone see beneath the hard shell, to see the real person that she is.
Then there is Shane. He has held onto a secret that he has kept close for over 12 years. Beaten and abused by a drunk father, finding out that he has family that never knew he existed, he comes with a lot of baggage and a big chip on his shoulder. But at the story unfolds, Shane begins to realize that things are not what they seem, and that opening up might just be the salvation that he is so desperately looking for.
"Jack is the reason I walked into your life, Cara, but you are the reason I stayed.
There is a lot of humor, love, laughter, some heartbreak, but in the end, a WONDERFUL HEA. I would totally recommend All Fired Up, as well as the all of the other books in the Hot in the Kitchen series to anyone looking for a great story by a wonderful author. That is why I am giving All Fired Up 5 wonderful stars.
Cara DeLuca, the perfectionist, the cold, hard, "Lemon Tart" that everyone refers to her as, only appears perfect. But looks can be deceiving. One crazy night in Vegas at her cousins batchlorette party Cara does something wild, something crazy, something totatally not herself.....she marries a total stranger, Shane Doyle. Now back in reality land, she wants an annulment, but the more time that she spends with Shane, the more she gets to know him, the she begins to question her decision to end their sham of a marriage, and make it the real deal.
"I'm Shane and I'm an idiot. I make pasteries for a living, and I happen to be related to Jake Kilroy.
Shane Doyle, pastry chef, hot Irish hunk, cannot believe that after one night in Vegas he is married to Cara DeLuca. Shane has secrets that he has not shared with anyone, he has a plan. But when he is with Cara, he feels something that he has not felt in a long time. Being with Cara makes him want all of the things that have been missing in his life, a home, family, friends,......his wife. When the secrets come to light, Shane and Cara will have to make decisions about what is important and that their life, their love is worth fighting for.
Ok, All Fired Up by Kate Meader is the second book in the Hot in the Kitchen series. I have to say that I fell in love with the first book, and the second book makes me want to keep coming back for more. What I loved about this book you might wonder, well let me tell you.
The characters. I knew that there was more to Cara DeLuca than what meets the eye. But as this story unfolds you start to see her in a new light. Yes, on the outside she projects a cold, hard, "Lemon Tart" shell, a perfectionist who has expectations for herself and everyone around her, but on the inside, she is a scared, wounded soul, trying to make up for mistakes she made and secrets that she is afraid to share with her family. Not until Shane, does she start to open up, let someone see beneath the hard shell, to see the real person that she is.
Then there is Shane. He has held onto a secret that he has kept close for over 12 years. Beaten and abused by a drunk father, finding out that he has family that never knew he existed, he comes with a lot of baggage and a big chip on his shoulder. But at the story unfolds, Shane begins to realize that things are not what they seem, and that opening up might just be the salvation that he is so desperately looking for.
"Jack is the reason I walked into your life, Cara, but you are the reason I stayed.
There is a lot of humor, love, laughter, some heartbreak, but in the end, a WONDERFUL HEA. I would totally recommend All Fired Up, as well as the all of the other books in the Hot in the Kitchen series to anyone looking for a great story by a wonderful author. That is why I am giving All Fired Up 5 wonderful stars.
jbarr5's review against another edition
4.0
All Fired Up
This audio book picks up where the first one left off: The wedding where we find Cari and Shane.
Pastry chef Shane is following Jack around and hopes to open his own place in London.
The men are brothers and Shane has to tread lightly before the news is broken to Jack. They both live above the restaurant, Cari and Shane and they are secretly married...
Steamy sex scenes.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
This audio book picks up where the first one left off: The wedding where we find Cari and Shane.
Pastry chef Shane is following Jack around and hopes to open his own place in London.
The men are brothers and Shane has to tread lightly before the news is broken to Jack. They both live above the restaurant, Cari and Shane and they are secretly married...
Steamy sex scenes.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
jaimejustreadsromance's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been feeling restless or not but I had a lot of trouble getting into this book. I did enjoy Cara and Shane’s story and I can’t say I minded how often Jack and Lily showed up but I just never felt fully invested in their story. I’m not even sure I can pinpoint why. Even though this wasn’t my favorite Kate Meader book I’m still really glad I went through and read every book in the series (out of order btw).
I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been feeling restless or not but I had a lot of trouble getting into this book. I did enjoy Cara and Shane’s story and I can’t say I minded how often Jack and Lily showed up but I just never felt fully invested in their story. I’m not even sure I can pinpoint why. Even though this wasn’t my favorite Kate Meader book I’m still really glad I went through and read every book in the series (out of order btw).
katmorrisey's review
4.0
Loved this one just as much as the first, but for different reasons. There was some angst here, at least a bit more for me than there was in the first, but it was more individual angst, with the MCs trying to deal with so many issues they each were dealing with. I loved, loved, LOVED Shane and Cara, though she wasn't my fave in the first book (esp. in the beginning though I warmed to her by the end), well, I understand (and like!) her a lot more now. Can't wait to read the next in this sizzling series!
I read the first in this series just yesterday and I am really digging this author's writing. I think it's really solid and she has a strong grasp on creating a fun yet real characters and weaving great stories around, and about, them.
*I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
I read the first in this series just yesterday and I am really digging this author's writing. I think it's really solid and she has a strong grasp on creating a fun yet real characters and weaving great stories around, and about, them.
*I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
4.0
*I received a free ARC of All Fired Up from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*
Oh, WOW! All fired up is an awesome contemporary romance, with characters that are worth to get to know, some wonderful hotness, and backgrounds that the readers need tissues for.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
Oh, WOW! All fired up is an awesome contemporary romance, with characters that are worth to get to know, some wonderful hotness, and backgrounds that the readers need tissues for.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
hoots222's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads Giveawyas.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun and sexy. I loved Shane and Cara together, they had great chemistry. The characters felt real and made mistakes and it felt like you could relate to them. I have read other books with the waking up in Vegas married storyline but Meader was able to keep it fresh. This is a standalone but you get more background about some of the other characters if you read the first book, Feel The Heat.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun and sexy. I loved Shane and Cara together, they had great chemistry. The characters felt real and made mistakes and it felt like you could relate to them. I have read other books with the waking up in Vegas married storyline but Meader was able to keep it fresh. This is a standalone but you get more background about some of the other characters if you read the first book, Feel The Heat.
textandtunes's review against another edition
2.0
Danke an NetGalley und den Piper Verlag, die mir ein Rezensionsexemplar zur Verfügung gestellt haben.
1,5/5 Sternen.
Schon Band 1 der Hot in the Kitchen Reihe (Love Recipes - Verführung à la carte) war nicht unbedingt mein Fall. Da ich in dem Buch aber Cara sympathisch fand, hatte ich mich auf Band 2 (Love Recipes - Süßes Verlangen) gefreut.
Leider fand ich ihn noch schlechter als seinen Vorgänger...
Denn obwohl ich Cara in Band 1 sympathisch fand, bin ich hier nicht mit ihr warm geworden. Und auch Shane war mir die ganze Zeit über fremd.
Der Einstieg ins Buch ist mir unglaublich schwer gefallen, und dieses holprige Gefühl hat sich durch mein ganzes Leseerlebnis gezogen. Ab gut der Hälfte habe ich auch gar nicht mehr wirklich gelesen...
Die Sex-Szenen hier fand ich echt schlimm. Die Protagonisten haben sich und ihre Körperteile die ganze Zeit mit Essen verglichen. Darauf steh ich einfach überhaupt nicht.
Auch angesichts der "Probleme" der Protagonisten waren die Charaktere nicht gut ausgearbeitet. Beide tragen ihr Päckchen mit sich herum, und zumindest bei einer Person kenne ich das selber und irgendwie wurde das nicht realistisch dargestellt.
Das Familiendrama war für mich zusätzlich unnötig...
Ich glaube tatsächlich, dass mir das Buch besser gefallen hätte, wenn nicht die Perspektivwechsel so komisch wären, und der Anfang einfach besser an Teil 1 anknüpft.
1,5/5 Sternen.
Schon Band 1 der Hot in the Kitchen Reihe (Love Recipes - Verführung à la carte) war nicht unbedingt mein Fall. Da ich in dem Buch aber Cara sympathisch fand, hatte ich mich auf Band 2 (Love Recipes - Süßes Verlangen) gefreut.
Leider fand ich ihn noch schlechter als seinen Vorgänger...
Denn obwohl ich Cara in Band 1 sympathisch fand, bin ich hier nicht mit ihr warm geworden. Und auch Shane war mir die ganze Zeit über fremd.
Der Einstieg ins Buch ist mir unglaublich schwer gefallen, und dieses holprige Gefühl hat sich durch mein ganzes Leseerlebnis gezogen. Ab gut der Hälfte habe ich auch gar nicht mehr wirklich gelesen...
Die Sex-Szenen hier fand ich echt schlimm. Die Protagonisten haben sich und ihre Körperteile die ganze Zeit mit Essen verglichen. Darauf steh ich einfach überhaupt nicht.
Auch angesichts der "Probleme" der Protagonisten waren die Charaktere nicht gut ausgearbeitet. Beide tragen ihr Päckchen mit sich herum, und zumindest bei einer Person kenne ich das selber und irgendwie wurde das nicht realistisch dargestellt.
Das Familiendrama war für mich zusätzlich unnötig...
Ich glaube tatsächlich, dass mir das Buch besser gefallen hätte, wenn nicht die Perspektivwechsel so komisch wären, und der Anfang einfach besser an Teil 1 anknüpft.
shai3d's review against another edition
4.0
While I would never survive on a steady diet of Chick Lit, a small taste never hurts. And what a delightful taste. I was expecting a spunky heroine and a hot hero with witty dialogue but I got so much more. Ms. Meader delves into the touchy subjects of eating disorders and child abuse.
I found ALL FIRED UP to be wonderful and enjoyable way to learn more about subjects that are usually relegated to whispers and dark rooms. If more authors would bring knowledge to their readers in such an easily digestible fashion perhaps the sufferers would find it easier to ask for help or to even recognize that there is an issue at all.
I do recommend ALL FIRED UP and I will definitely be on the lookout for more of Ms. Meader's books. Both fun and educational is always a hit on my list.
I found ALL FIRED UP to be wonderful and enjoyable way to learn more about subjects that are usually relegated to whispers and dark rooms. If more authors would bring knowledge to their readers in such an easily digestible fashion perhaps the sufferers would find it easier to ask for help or to even recognize that there is an issue at all.
I do recommend ALL FIRED UP and I will definitely be on the lookout for more of Ms. Meader's books. Both fun and educational is always a hit on my list.
deamer26's review against another edition
4.0
I totally loved the book with it's mix of unconditional love & sexiness.
In fact it was better than 1st book in the series
In My words - A control freak salty and Bella Donna sexy sweet romance ;)
In fact it was better than 1st book in the series
In My words - A control freak salty and Bella Donna sexy sweet romance ;)
witandsin's review
4.0
4.5 stars - My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2015/01/review-all-fired-up-by-kate-meader.html
A sensual pâtissier with an Irish brogue, an events planner who doesn’t let anyone or anything distract her, weddings, secrets, and a drunken night in Vegas… It’s a recipe for a whole lot of fun. Kate Meader’s All Fired Up isn’t just a foodie’s delight – though her descriptions of Shane’s creations will make your mouth water – it’s a sexy, heartbreaking, complex romance that’ll leave you smiling.
I absolutely loved Cara – she’s one of the most “real” heroines I’ve read in a long time. She’s rough-around-the-edges, a perfectionist, and a recovering anorexic. It’s hard for her to feel like she belongs and she can come off as distant because of this. Put simply, she’s not perfect and it was my favorite thing about her. Ms. Meader doesn’t pay lip service to Cara’s problems, specifically her recovery from anorexia, but rather shows knowledge and respect for the battle Cara fights each day. I loved how well-drawn Cara was and if nothing else, she would have kept me hooked on All Fired Up because I so wanted to see her get the happily ever after she deserves. Shane is the first person to truly see past Cara’s mask and he’s a great fit for her. His Irish charm and talented hands (in and out of the kitchen) make him a sexy hero, but he’s got issues of his own. Shane grew up in an abusive household and, like Cara, is searching for a place to belong. I wasn’t immediately attached to Shane like I was Cara, but he definitely grew on me over the course of the story. He and Cara have fabulous chemistry and I was rooting for them to overcome the obstacles in their path.
All Fired Up is the second book in Ms. Meader’s Hot in the Kitchen series, but for the most part it can be read as a standalone. The beginning of the book did feel like I was dropped into the middle of the plot, but after a few chapters the rhythm smoothed out. I’m not sure if reading the first book, Feel the Heat, would have helped, but regardless I’ll be picking it up because I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes with Lili and Jack in All Fired Up. In fact, both Feel the Heat and book three in the series, Hot and Bothered, are waiting for me on my Kindle because I truly liked the DeLucas and Kilroys and cannot wait to read more about them!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A sensual pâtissier with an Irish brogue, an events planner who doesn’t let anyone or anything distract her, weddings, secrets, and a drunken night in Vegas… It’s a recipe for a whole lot of fun. Kate Meader’s All Fired Up isn’t just a foodie’s delight – though her descriptions of Shane’s creations will make your mouth water – it’s a sexy, heartbreaking, complex romance that’ll leave you smiling.
I absolutely loved Cara – she’s one of the most “real” heroines I’ve read in a long time. She’s rough-around-the-edges, a perfectionist, and a recovering anorexic. It’s hard for her to feel like she belongs and she can come off as distant because of this. Put simply, she’s not perfect and it was my favorite thing about her. Ms. Meader doesn’t pay lip service to Cara’s problems, specifically her recovery from anorexia, but rather shows knowledge and respect for the battle Cara fights each day. I loved how well-drawn Cara was and if nothing else, she would have kept me hooked on All Fired Up because I so wanted to see her get the happily ever after she deserves. Shane is the first person to truly see past Cara’s mask and he’s a great fit for her. His Irish charm and talented hands (in and out of the kitchen) make him a sexy hero, but he’s got issues of his own. Shane grew up in an abusive household and, like Cara, is searching for a place to belong. I wasn’t immediately attached to Shane like I was Cara, but he definitely grew on me over the course of the story. He and Cara have fabulous chemistry and I was rooting for them to overcome the obstacles in their path.
All Fired Up is the second book in Ms. Meader’s Hot in the Kitchen series, but for the most part it can be read as a standalone. The beginning of the book did feel like I was dropped into the middle of the plot, but after a few chapters the rhythm smoothed out. I’m not sure if reading the first book, Feel the Heat, would have helped, but regardless I’ll be picking it up because I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes with Lili and Jack in All Fired Up. In fact, both Feel the Heat and book three in the series, Hot and Bothered, are waiting for me on my Kindle because I truly liked the DeLucas and Kilroys and cannot wait to read more about them!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.