Please welcome Louisa Edwards to the blog today. We’re chatting about, amongst other things, her latest release in her Recipe for Love series, JUST ONE TASTE and she’s coming bearing gifts. 😉

~**~**~

Please tell us about your Recipe for Love series and more specifically your new book, JUST ONE TASTE?
The Recipe for Love novels are all contemporary romances with a strong culinary theme. I have lots of hot chefs, restaurant critics, servers, and food writers! If you love “Top Chef” and the Food Network shows, and think Anthony Bourdain, Gordon Ramsay, and Tom Colicchio are weirdly sexy, this is the series for you!

JUST ONE TASTE is the third installment in the series, and it returns us to trendy Manhattan eatery, Market. The hero is Wes Murphy, ex-con artist, who left culinary school after falling for one of his professors, food chemistry genius Dr. Rosemary Wilkins. But Rosemary’s not through with him yet, and tracks him down at Market to enlist his help on the project they’d started together . . . a study of the sensual properties of foods reputed to be aphrodisiacs!

What is so sexy about a man who knows his way around the kitchen, like all of your heroes do?
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but I think that’s actually true for all of us. The sense of taste is one of the strongest for evoking emotion and memory . . . and there’s just something about the time and care it takes to produce something delicious. It’s a tangible outpouring of love. What could be sexier?

I loooove your website. Does it mean that your stories will always have something to do with professional cooking? If you haven’t yet been to Louisa’s website click here to check it out. It’s très gorgeous!
Thank you! I have a lot of fun with that site, posting excerpts and free reads, contests and giveaways. There’s always something going on! And I’ll keep writing culinary romances as long as people keep wanting to read them—I absolutely love it. Food and romance are the perfect combo for me!

You worked for Berkley as an assistant editor. How well (and in which way) did that prepare you for writing your own book?

Editing books was great experience, and I think it gave me some good insights into the craft of storytelling, and how to construct a novel. Mostly, I received great mentoring from the more experienced editors there, and a good foundation of understanding the parts of the industry that lots of authors never see.

When did you decide you’d rather write your own stories than edit them? Was there a trigger? Perhaps a scandalously horrible manuscript? Or were you inspired by some of the greats you worked with like Nora Roberts and Jayne Ann Krentz?
I actually always had it in the back of my head that I’d like to write my own stories. I’m a reader, first and foremost, and have been in love with romance since I was 11 and discovered The Shadow & the Star by Laura Kinsale. Getting to read early drafts of Nora and Jayne’s wonderful books, and seeing how their editor (my boss) worked with them to come to the even more wonderful final product only cemented my desire to write. I loved editing, but writing is stimulating and challenging in a whole different way.

Can you give us your “Call Story”?
My fantastic agent, Deidre Knight, called me at the nonprofit kids’ nutrition program where I was working, and I shrieked so loudly, I scared all the other ladies in the office! I had to take my cell phone out back so I could dance around and jump for joy and not get hauled away by the guys with the white coats. Such a great, unexpected-but-very-anticipated moment! And the fact that it was St. Martin’s making the offer was just the butter on the popcorn. They were and are my dream publisher.

You obviously have a passion for cooking. When and/or how did this come about? Is this a love from childhood?

My parents both love to cook, and are very adventurous eaters, so they brought my sister and me up to try anything and everything. I’ve always loved eating, but I didn’t really cook on a regular basis until we moved away from New York (where my kitchen was approximately the size of an airplane bathroom) to a small town in northern Ohio, where I quickly realized that if I wanted something exciting and interesting for dinner, I had to make it myself. So I did!

Can readers expect more books in your Recipe for Love series? If so when is the next book set to appear?

CAN’T STAND THE HEAT, ON THE STEAMY SIDE, and JUST ONE TASTE make up the Market trilogy, and while the next trilogy will be set in the same world (readers can expect to see some familiar faces!) it will have a slightly different bent.

The newly titled  TOO HOT TO TOUCH will kick off the new trilogy in August 2011, followed quickly by SOME LIKE IT HOT and HOT UNDER PRESSURE. They follow a team of talented chefs in a high-stakes culinary competition!

What do you have planned after you’ve completed this series? Can you tell us anything about your next book?
I’m in the middle of TOO HOT TO TOUCH right now, and it’s shaping up to be one of my favorites. The hero, Max Lunden, left home after culinary school to wander exotic locales and learn obscure cooking techniques, but he’s forced to come home to NYC when his family’s restaurant enters a high-stakes culinary competition. The team is run by Juliet Cavanaugh, a self-taught chef with a lot to prove, and a deep desire to repay the generosity of the Lunden family. She and Max strike sparks right away, and the tension of the competition ignites the passion between them in a way that’s been tons of fun to write!

Will your next trilogy feature recipes, like the Market trilogy does?

Yes! All of my books have three recipes from the story in the back, and it’s one of my favorite things about writing this series. Even if the process of developing and testing the recipes is lengthy and time-consuming, it’s usually a lot of fun, too. And my husband is very sweet about eating the mistakes and failures without complaining. : )

Thanks so much for having me on The Season for Romance—I have a complete set of my Recipe for Love novels (autographed, of course) for one of your readers!

contemporary
By Authors, Giveaways, Interviews, St. Martin's Press58 Comments on Louisa Edward gives us JUST ONE TASTE

58 Replies to “Louisa Edward gives us JUST ONE TASTE”

  1. I have seen these books and been curious about them. My husband is a good cook and we both enjoy cooking. Unfortunately, with our busy lives we don’t do as much as we used to. These sound like witty, contemporary romances and enjoyable reads. With recipes added in, we can’t lose.

  2. Hi Louisa!! Nice to see you here at the Season Blog! Your new book JUST ONE TASTE (and series) looks so enjoyable and fun! I love books with food references and recipes in them. The only thing wrong is I always get hungry when I read them!
    Good luck with your new release! 🙂

  3. Your books look great. I love finding new authors on this blog. I especially like dipping into new genres of romance.

  4. Librarypat, Louisa’s a great writer. I’ve only read CAN’T STAND THE HEAT so far, but it’s very sexy and fun. I’ve got JUST ONE TASTE waiting for my vacation in a couple weeks, when I can stay up all night reading.

    So glad you’ve started the next series, Louisa!

  5. wow autographed books would be awesome! I hadn’t heard of your series so I’m glad you were the guest since they sound good. I’ll have to add them to my to be read list. I’ve only read a few cooking based romances & they were All always great.

  6. Oh when I read the first book in this series, I was practically drooling by the end of it! Made the hubs take me out to eat afterward. Nom nom!

  7. Welcome, Louisa! I just finished reading JUST ONE TASTE and loved it! Now I’m excited about getting the first two books in the trilogy. I love to cook, am a Food Network junkie and enjoy stories set in that world.

    You recently moved to Texas. Will any of your future books have a southwestern culinary flair?

  8. I have been wanting to start this series and I cant wait to do so. Please enter me into the contest. And thank you once again for the opportunity

  9. Hi Louisa,
    I’m sorry to say that I haven’t read the books yet but truly look forward to it. I love food and who doesn’t love romance. 🙂 What a great and unique combo.
    Carol L.
    Luicky4750@aol.com

  12. I’ve read Can’t Stand The Heat and loved it, I can’t wait to read the other two. I can’t wait for your new trilogy.

  13. I’m so looking forward to this book. I’ve read the others in the series and I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds.

    And I swear, I will organize a potluck party one of these days around the recipes in the back of the books. They sound delicious!

  14. I’ve been reading a lot on the web about Louisa’s trilogy and I have to say they sound very interesting and something I think I would enjoy reading. I’m not big on cooking but my favorite TV channel is Food Network and I also enjoy America’s Test Kitchen. I can actually say I’ve learned a lot from watching all of these cooking programs.

  15. Thanks again to The Season blog for having me here–what a fun set of questions that was! But if there’s anything else you want to ask me, feel free. I’ll answer just about anything!

    librarypat – Thanks! If you like to cook, but don’t always have the time, my books might be perfect for you–instead of armchair travel, they’re armchair cooking!

    Sandra Lynne – My books have been known to cause mouths to water–but the good part about them is that they’re 100% calorie free. ; )

    Stephanie M – What a coincidence! I love readers who are on the lookout for new authors! This blog is a great place for us to find each other.

    Katrina – Aw, thanks! You’re making me blush. I’m so glad you enjoyed CStH, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of the other two!

    Kandace – Good luck with the drawing! I’m curious, which other culinary romances have you read?

    MinnChica – Awesome–I love being the excuse for a night out on the town! Hope you find the rest of the series equally as delicious. : )

    pjpuppymom – Thank you! And interesting question about Texas…in fact, I’m writing a hero right now who’s from Austin, and I have big plans for him. We’ll have to see where they go!

  16. Jen Geary – I hope your wait is almost over! Good luck with the drawing.

    jcp – Hmm, my husband’s favorite recipe…well, he likes the way I mix a Manhattan! ; ) He also loves it when I make roast chicken with root vegetables, which is a perfect fall dinner. Can’t wait for the weather to be right for that again!

    Marlene Breakfield – My books satisfy cravings! Scout’s honor!

    Linda Henderson – Thank you, and I hope you enjoy On the Steamy Side and Just One Taste.

    Jeannie Lin – Hey, missy! Thanks for stopping by. And if you ever organize that potluck, I hope you invite me!

    Karen H – You’re not alone–I think there are lots of people who don’t cook, themselves, but enjoy food and enjoy watching other people prepare it. Hopefully you’d enjoy my books in the same way!

  17. I like the names of your books and the covers. I have yet to read them and would like to have the chance to see how “tasty” they are.

  18. Louisa, I’m sad to see the Market series is coming to a conclusion, but I can’t wait to start reading your next trilogy! I have been watching hot chefs on TV for years, so there’s nothing better than reading about them too. 🙂

  19. Welcome! Your books sound interesting. I love to eat so reading about food and romance is also a plus with me. It is so cool that you have recipes in your books. I love trying new dishes whenever I have time to cook them. I even keep a scrapbook of recipes. They come in handy too.

  20. Wow, these look amazing! Great interview. I am intrigued with the relationship between your characters in your new book. I just love it when there is a history between the two main character. Plus food. Sold. Congrats on the release. I look forward to reading your books.

  21. Joye – Thanks! The titles were fun to come up with.

    Janel – Mmm, me too….who’s your favorite hot chef? I think mine is Eric Ripert. That accent!

    Samantha – Developing the recipes in the backs of the book are almost the hardest part of the whole process…but it’s fun, too.

    Danielle – I love it when the hero and heroine have a history, too! It gives the whole story so much depth and interest. Very fun to write!

  23. All right, Louisa. You know I’m a fan, so this is a must-read series for me.

    So here’s my question. It’s too hot to cook, so you open your fridge looking for munchies and you find…?

  24. Hi Louisa, I’ve heard of your books before but hadn’t really checked them out. So I really enjoyed the interview. I love to watch cookery shows & read cookery books but am not such a great chef myself. I chased a guy away with my cinnamon potatoes. They were meant to be potatoes sprinkled with smoked paprika but I grabbed the wrong can and well, it doesn’t go so well with it. So I’m still dreaming of meeting my prince charming that knows his way round the kitchen and into my heart. Would love to read your books for they seem great. Best, Kirsten

  25. Hi Louisa,

    Welcome! I have two of your books in my TBR pile and will be digging into them shortly.

    I do so love a hero who knows his way around the kitchen so this series is totally up my aisle. Now you have me looking forward to the trio you have coming next. More heat in the kitchen I can definitely stand.

    Congrats on your release and looking forward to many more hot chefs. 😉

  26. Maribeth – Good luck in the drawing!

    Sela – I usually have some fun jars of pickled stuff on hand, like green beans and okra. Also olives! And I loooove cheese, so we always have some crazy varieties of chevre, feta, blue, and triple creams on hand. Faves include St. Andre, Epoisse, and Manchego…

    Kirsten – Your cinnamon potato story made me giggle! Yes, cinnamon is not usually considered a great substitute for paprika. Good luck finding your Prince Charming of the Kitchen! And in the drawing, as well.

    Beverley – Can’t wait to hear what you think of the 2 on your TBR pile!

  27. I’ve read On The Steamy Side and loved it!! Would love to read the other two books in the series!

  30. Hello Louisa,

    Congrats on the new book! I have read the first two in the trilogy & look forward to reading the final installment. I do have a question for you. I was curious – do you find yourself applying your editing skills from your previous career to your stories while you’re writing them? Do you think your background makes it easier or harder for you to work with your own editor on your book? I’m not a writer, but the subject interests me because I always thought writing and editing (while both creative) require a different perspective.

  31. Hi Louisa! I have loved each of your books within this trilogy and finished “Just one taste” last night and LOVED LOVED LOVED it. One question I had was about the ending of the book and since i don’t want to include any spoilers for those who have not finished the book, is there a forum for readers such as I to ask you questions about particular story lines in your book(s)? Thank you and congratulations on such an amazing series 🙂

  32. Hi Louisa! 🙂
    Thank you for the interesting interview! Unfortunately I still haven’t read any of your books. Months ago I ordered two, but they never arrived. I am still waiting for my packet. 🙁 Your books sound really great! I hope I can read them soon!

    Giada M.

    fabgiada (at) gmail (dot) com

  36. I loved Can’t Stand the Heat. Not going to lie but I have a bit of a crush on Adam. I love Jess and Frankie! You said that some of familiar faces are going to be popping up in the next series… any chance that we can get more of Grant?

    Congrats on your release!

  37. What, there’s a third book out already? Congrats! But I’m falling behind! I loved “Can’t Stand the Heat” and now I have to catch up. 🙂

  38. Contemporaries are not usually my first choice of genre but your books sound like fun and I love the theme!

  40. I absolutely love contemporaries & also discovering new to me authors. Your books have been on my massive TBB list. I have to catch up because I never want to start in the midst of a series.
    Love & Hugs,
    Pam

  44. I read Can’t Stand the Heat and loved it. I’m looking forward to reading the others. Thanks for the giveaway!

  45. runner10 – Thanks! I’d love to hear what you think of the other two books.

    CrystalGB – Thank you for commenting!

    Donna S – Thanks for the congrats!

    Jennifer D – Very perceptive–you’re right, editing and writing are very different (although related) skills. At first I found it really hard to turn off my inner editor for the first draft process, but now it’s mostly an asset, especially in the revision stage. My editor at SMP is great about telling me her opinion and what works/doesn’t work for her, and letting me come up with a way to fix it that works for me and my story. I feel very lucky to have such a great working relationship with her!

    Giada – Oh no! I hope they show up soon! : (

    Karyn – Thanks for your comment!

    Maria – Thank you! The titles were fun to brainstorm. But you know I love that!

    Maureen – You and me, both! I’m obsessed with Top Chef. Can’t get enough!

    Jamie – There’s quite a bit of Grant in OtSS and JOT! And there are a few deleted scenes with him that I plan to put up on my website, so check back at http://www.louisaedwards.com in a few weeks. We may see more of him as the next trilogy shapes up….

    Cories – That’s right! You’d better read fast. LOL

    catslady – Oooh, a challenge! Maybe I can make a contemporary romance fan out of you. : )

    Estella – Thanks!

    Pam Keener- I’m strict with myself about that, too. But now that all three are out, you have no excuses! LOL

    Loretta C – There are recipes in all my books, and recipes on my website (http://www.louisaedwards.com/recipes.html) but the ones on my site are all from my monthly newsletter!

    Susan C – Thank you! I look forward to hearing what you think of them.

    chey – Thanks for commenting!

    Lori – Thanks for trying the first one…hope the other two live up to it!

    Corinne – Wow, thank you so much! That means a lot to me. I don’t have a reader forum, but you can contact me through my website or just email me at louisa@louisaedwards.com. I’d love to answer your questions. : )

  51. Hi Louisa! Congratulations on your latest release “Just One Taste”. I have heard so many great things about your Recipe for Love series, and can’t wait to read them. I have never read a book with a culinary theme before, so I’m excited to read something new and plus I love books that are part of a series.

  52. Hi Louisa, You are a new for me author. i would really like to have the chance to read your books ! And this trio sounds GREAT !

  55. I read OTSS and had a enjoyed it a lot between the food & romance I ended up happy & hungry!

  56. Marjana – Thanks for commenting!

    Sherry T – Thanks. Hope you get a chance to try them. : )

    Kimmie – Thank you!

    Sue – The recipes are fun to develop…

    Chelsea – Thanks so much!

  57. Amber E. – Interesting that you mention the connected series…that’s actually what I’m talking about at a different guest blog today. : )

    Mariska – Thanks for being ready to try a new author! Readers like you make me happy.

    JenM – Exactly right…and my books are fat free, too. ; )

    Amanda – If you try any of the recipes, I hope you’ll send me a photo of the results!

    Scorpio M – Aw, thanks! I hope you like Just One Taste as much.

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