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caseyc616's review against another edition
5.0
For some reason this book had perfect timing...I needed to read a book like this...
ldyluck's review against another edition
3.0
I was looking for a good read between books that were reserved but not quite ready. This one fit the bill in multiple categories: (1) a good story, (2) modern, (3) not super syrup romantic, and (4) had a dog in the plot (for a reason).
I found this book readable for a few reasons. First, I loved that it focused on food. Second, I loved that I learned more about the behind-the-scenes at a restaurant. I love learning about the stuff that can't be seen, so this book was right up my alley.
Next, I loved that the dog had a central spot in the plot. Dogs are important, and this book showed exactly why they are. Very nicely done.
The subplots were also tight and very well written. They contributed to the entire plotline, so brava to the author for pulling that off!
I found this book readable for a few reasons. First, I loved that it focused on food. Second, I loved that I learned more about the behind-the-scenes at a restaurant. I love learning about the stuff that can't be seen, so this book was right up my alley.
Next, I loved that the dog had a central spot in the plot. Dogs are important, and this book showed exactly why they are. Very nicely done.
The subplots were also tight and very well written. They contributed to the entire plotline, so brava to the author for pulling that off!
blueridgefae's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a beautiful story. Thank you Barbara O'Neal. Looking forward to reading more of your books!
mandyherbet's review against another edition
3.0
This is an easy-to-read love story with Spanish/Mexican recipes woven throughout the story. There's a touch of a ghost story and I liked the background and the way the writer told the story of Elena and Julian. I liked the idea of the recipes although sometimes the placement of the recipe seemed out of whack. I could see that they made a decision not to include the recipes in the middle of the chapters but it meant that by the time you got to the recipe, you couldn't always remember why it was there.
A well-written chick lit novel and a nice read to take my mind off of work!
A well-written chick lit novel and a nice read to take my mind off of work!
kleedc73's review against another edition
5.0
In this food lovers' novel, Elena Alvarez is an accomplished Santa Fe-trained chef with Mexican roots and a Southwestern flair to her elegant food. When she is offered the opportunity to become the executive chef at a new restaurant in Aspen, Colorado, owned by a Hollywood director who dabbles in the restaurant business, Elena jumps at the opportunity. But the process of opening the restaurant and developing the menu turns out to be more challenging than Elena expected. She must deal with Ivan, the surly former executive chef who has been demoted to her sous chef and who, despite his culinary brilliance is battled alcohol and personal demons. She also must deal with her intense attraction to Julian Liswood, her boss and, as a Hollywood hottie, someone Elena thinks is totally out of her league (as well as a father to a 14-year old troubled teen). In addition, Elena has physical and emotional scars from a catastrophic car accident from her childhood and both pose obstacles to her ability to realize her dream of running her own successful kitchen.
This is the first book I've read by Barbara O'Neal and I was surprised by how much depth and complexity there was to both the plot and characters. I adore books about food, cooking, chefs and the like so the book was a natural draw for me but I was expecting it to be more light-hearted and so its deeper, more complex approach was a welcome surprise. The characters, particularly Elena and Ivan, are deeply scarred but strong and passionate and determined. The book is filled with funny and insightful glimpses into professional kitchens and cooking in a way that is inspiring, rather than intimidating. Overall, a very impressive and enjoyable read.
This is the first book I've read by Barbara O'Neal and I was surprised by how much depth and complexity there was to both the plot and characters. I adore books about food, cooking, chefs and the like so the book was a natural draw for me but I was expecting it to be more light-hearted and so its deeper, more complex approach was a welcome surprise. The characters, particularly Elena and Ivan, are deeply scarred but strong and passionate and determined. The book is filled with funny and insightful glimpses into professional kitchens and cooking in a way that is inspiring, rather than intimidating. Overall, a very impressive and enjoyable read.
sjj169's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! I loved each and everything about it. The characters were written so that you grew attached to them and felt their stories.J The food was amazing. I could close my eyes and taste the food along with the story. The character of Elena was so real to me, I know how she couldn't let anyone in too close, because I was like that for years. Amazing book! Bravo Ms. O'Neal!
chirstenbahr's review against another edition
4.0
This book took me by surprise. I did not expect the story to take the route that it did but I enjoyed it. My one complaint is that the cover art does not represent the dog accurately 😉
booklovingfool's review against another edition
3.0
Good recipes, good characters. Too much sex. Sigh.
lisaeirene's review against another edition
1.0
Flat characters, kind of boring, didn't really care about it. Gave up
gracenow's review against another edition
5.0
This is just a wonderful book. It was long for the genre but it never, for even ONE page, felt too long, I wish it had been longer! The main characters were well drawn, although I would have liked some of the secondary characters to be more fleshed out. The main character is a chef and food plays an important part in the story. Just loved it!