Can't Stand the Heat

August 31, 2009
The New York food world is startled and captivated when tart-tongued, no-holds-barred culinary critic Miranda Wake accepts innovative chef Adam Temple's dare to hold her own for a day in the kitchen of his fledgling Manhattan restaurant. Sparks are sure to fly-and they do, although not quite in the way everyone expects. A quirky cast of unconventional characters (an irrepressible rocker sous-chef and a young gay man are especially memorable) join a pair of prickly meant-for-each-other protagonists in a sexy romance. Verdict Exceptional culinary detail and page-singeing sexual chemistry combine with a fascinating group of characters to produce a sophisticated modern romance that ties into the current foodie craze. This debut-first in a projected "Recipe for Love" series-will win over most contemporary romance fans.-Kristin Ramsdell, California State Univ. Lib., East Bay .

September 15, 2009
Miranda Wake blames the aperitifs. The vodka and raspberry drinks served at the opening of Manhattan chef Adam Temples new restaurant looked deceptively sweet, and packed a potent punch. Which is the only reason why Miranda, food critic for Delicieux magazine, can rationalize accepting Adams challenge that she spend some time in his kitchen before critiquing his cuisine. Of course, working with Adam might just give Miranda the angle she needs to convince a publisher to finally accept her book proposal about the inner workings of a professional kitchen. The only problem is that when it comes to cooking, Miranda doesnt know a thing. Fortunately, Adam is more than willing to teach her what he knows, if she can stand the heat in the kitchen. In her wickedly entertaining debut, Edwards dishes up a captivating contemporary romance expertly seasoned with plenty of sizzling sexual chemistry and deliciously tart humor.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)