Lumi Santana is a chef with the gift of synesthesia—she can perceive a person’s emotions just by tasting their cooking. Despite being raised by a single mother who taught her that dreams and true love were silly fairy tales, she decides to take a chance and puts her heart and savings into opening a fusion restaurant in Inwood, Manhattan. The restaurant offers a mix of the Dominican cuisine she grew up with and other world cuisines that have been a source of culinary inspiration to her.
When Lumi’s eclectic venture fails, she is forced to take a position as a sous chef at a staid, traditional French restaurant in midtown owned by Julien Dax, a celebrated chef known for his acid tongue as well as his brilliant smile. Lumi and Julien don’t get along in the kitchen–to say Lumi is irritated by Julien’s smug attitude is an understatement, and she secretly vows never to taste his cooking. Little does she know that her resolve doesn’t stand a chance against Julien’s culinary prowess.
As Julien produces one delectable dish after another, each one tempting Lumi with its overwhelming aromas and gorgeous presentations, she can no longer resist and samples one of his creations. She isn’t prepared for the feelings that follow as she’s overcome with intense emotions. She begins to crave his cooking throughout the day, which throws a curveball in her plan to save up enough money and move on as soon as possible. Plus, there’s also the matter of Esme, Julien’s receptionist who seems to always be near and watching. As the attraction between Lumi and Julien simmers, Lumi experiences a tragedy that not only complicates her professional plans, but her love life as well…
Release Date: May 19, 2020
Heat Level: Hot
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon Impulse
Price: $3.99
Lumi Santana is hitting a rough patch. Her dreams of owning her restaurant has finally closed on her. With little money coming and no patrons, she has to shut the door of her restaurant. Bills still have to get paid so she takes a job at Dax as a sous chef. The only issue is the owner, Julien Dax, doesn’t step out of the box and he is a bit of a jerk. It also doesn’t help that Lumi finds his attractive.
Warning! Please do not read this book while hungry. The author really dives into the culinary world with actual recipes, vivid and mouth watering descriptions of the food. Of course, I’m a big foodie so this is up my alley. In fact, I wanted some of those dishes that Lumi created.
The book picks up in the second half where more secrets are exposed. The characters feel good with one another. Julien is a character you have to warm up to but he is a bit guarded and he has his own issues. Once you get past it, he is sensual, deep and actually likeable.
There is minor drama with another character from the restaurant which threatens to compromise Julien and Lumi’s newfound relationship. The author kind of drop the ball with this one as I think it could have been developed more. Even though readers will see what is going on a mile ahead of the actual events it could have been tighter.
As I mentioned earlier, I really enjoyed the recipes shared throughout the book. The fact that the heroine is Dominican and not ashamed to dish out flavor and diversity in her work setting makes me happy to experience in romance where diversity can be lacking. The hero being French is a nice compliment as well.
Overall this is a delightful romantic story with a few minor issues. You can really get absorb in the story from start to end. I look forward to more by the author.
~ Samantha
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