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A Taste of Heaven
"Create one perfect bite." Good little widow Sophia Brown always follows the rules. When the producer of a cooking competition requests an amuse-bouche, the chefs stick with proteins. Sauces. A savory concoction. She has only one shot to impress the judges on A Taste of Heaven. But in a moment of defiance, she creates an extraordinary dessert, one that combines both the bitter and the sweet, just like her own life. That one bite changes everything. After a year grieving for her dead husband, forty-seven-year-old Sophia is finally ready to break out of her shell. Unfortunately, there is a large, angry obstacle standing in her way. Scottish chef Elliott Adamson has a chip on his shoulder the size of Loch Ness, and he's blocking her path to victory. Spurred by her daughters, she embarks on a poignant adventure that takes her from the wildflower fields of Vermont to the wind-swept vista of North Berwick, Scotland. Fear, courage, and inspiration from unlikely places will mark this journey, and Sophia is determined to persevere until the very end. A Taste of Heaven is a novel that includes a foodie romance, second chances, and a wee bit of haggis.
236 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2015
About the author
Penny Watson
12 books509 followersPENNY WATSON is a dachshund-lover, botanist, and award-winning author of quirky fiction. Titles include THE KLAUS BROTHERS SERIES, LUMBERJACK IN LOVE, APPLES SHOULD BE RED (finalist for the CoRWA Award of Excellence), and A TASTE OF HEAVEN (winner of 2016 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award).
She lives in Rhode Island with her Filipino-American family.
See updates at www.pennyromance.com.
She lives in Rhode Island with her Filipino-American family.
See updates at www.pennyromance.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
January 20, 2016
This one was a nice find. I have read a few other books by this author and have enjoyed them. "Older" woman! Well, at 47, she is younger than me but it is a treat to read about older characters in books.
Throw a sexy Scottish chef into the mix and we have and interesting story. A cookery competition, lots of food descriptions, floral references and all things Vermont. Yep, I really enjoyed it.
It's only a dollar. Well worth it.
Throw a sexy Scottish chef into the mix and we have and interesting story. A cookery competition, lots of food descriptions, floral references and all things Vermont. Yep, I really enjoyed it.
After a year grieving for her dead husband, forty-seven-year-old Sophia is finally ready to break out of her shell. Unfortunately, there is a large, angry obstacle standing in her way. Scottish chef Elliott Adamson has a chip on his shoulder the size of Loch Ness, and he's blocking her path to victory
What an insufferable bastard. So cocky and dismissive.
"Well, well, well. Pretty little garden fairy has a wee bit of a temper does she?"
It's only a dollar. Well worth it.
October 18, 2016
Another wonderful story by Penny Watson. She is quickly becoming my go to author for when I am looking for something lighthearted with a splash of romance.
Her pairing of characters is creative and one of opposites attract. In this one we have the sweet and playful Sophia and weary and testy Elliot. I guess you could say it was another version of the tale "The Beauty and The Beast".
If you have yet to read anything by this author you really are missing out. My first was...
then...
then this one. I've really enjoyed them all and I know you will too.
Her pairing of characters is creative and one of opposites attract. In this one we have the sweet and playful Sophia and weary and testy Elliot. I guess you could say it was another version of the tale "The Beauty and The Beast".
If you have yet to read anything by this author you really are missing out. My first was...
then...
then this one. I've really enjoyed them all and I know you will too.
Shelved as 'wrote-it'
June 23, 2017A TASTE OF HEAVEN is on sale right now for 99 cents (June 2017). Happy Summer Vacation!
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October 19, 2016
What I loved here is:
1) older hero and heroine.
Both Sophia and Elliott are 50 years old (he's 49, she 47). But what is amazing is the message that you don't need to be 30 to be able to love!
2) healing from loss.
Sophia is a widdow. She've lost her husband, who she loved dearly, suddenly and she's still mourning. She's depressed, she's lost...
Elliott is alone and lonely and angry and disappointed by life.
What's amazing is that you'll never believe that these two could fall in love, but that's exactly what happens and it's a joy to read!
3) cooking show.
I love watching cooking shows. And I'm sure I'd be a Taste of Heaven fan! I loved how the mood on the set was described and how Sophia reacted to each challenge.
4) enemy to lover.
As i already told Elliott is angry. Very angry. He's grumpy. He's arrogant. He's overbearing. He thinks he's the best there is.
Sophie, on the other hand, is a total opposite. She's calm. She's polite. She's gentle. She's sweet. She wants to prove to herself that she's worth something more than just one half of a couple.
So, when put together and forced to work as a team they clash spectacularly! Wonderful, simply wonderful!
All in all a very well written, fun, sweet book! I loved it!
Ms. Watson sure knows how to write!
1) older hero and heroine.
Both Sophia and Elliott are 50 years old (he's 49, she 47). But what is amazing is the message that you don't need to be 30 to be able to love!
2) healing from loss.
Sophia is a widdow. She've lost her husband, who she loved dearly, suddenly and she's still mourning. She's depressed, she's lost...
Elliott is alone and lonely and angry and disappointed by life.
What's amazing is that you'll never believe that these two could fall in love, but that's exactly what happens and it's a joy to read!
3) cooking show.
I love watching cooking shows. And I'm sure I'd be a Taste of Heaven fan! I loved how the mood on the set was described and how Sophia reacted to each challenge.
4) enemy to lover.
As i already told Elliott is angry. Very angry. He's grumpy. He's arrogant. He's overbearing. He thinks he's the best there is.
Sophie, on the other hand, is a total opposite. She's calm. She's polite. She's gentle. She's sweet. She wants to prove to herself that she's worth something more than just one half of a couple.
So, when put together and forced to work as a team they clash spectacularly! Wonderful, simply wonderful!
All in all a very well written, fun, sweet book! I loved it!
Ms. Watson sure knows how to write!
September 16, 2015
Reading a Penny Watson book is always a big treat. Every single one of her books I’ve read always makes me smile. Her past few books, thanks to self-publishing (with has unlocked an amazing creativity with Penny’s writing) has really flexed her creative juices. A Taste of Heaven is a perfect example of why self-published is amazing, mainly because traditional publishing can be blind to books that should be published and promoted heavily for the masses. A Taste of Heaven is such a book that should be on every romance reader’s lips because it’s unique in the sense because of the main characters. The hero and heroine are considered way past their prime (in some literary circles) in having a sexy, passionate love affair that engages all the senses. A Taste of Heaven does that, and more, not just because the hero and heroine love to cook and create to die for dishes. It’s mainly because the heroine is a 47 year old widow with two adult daughters. The hero is a near 50, bald, redheaded bearded, stubborn, three times divorced Scots. When these two characters come together, they not only heat up the kitchen in ways that will make readers lick their lips and cause their stomachs growl, but also in the bedroom where the hero shows the heroine the delights of his “Scottish Knob”.
Sophia lost her beloved, absent-minded husband a few years ago. They were married for over two decades, and now that Sophia is a widow, she feels adrift with no real purpose. Her two daughters are very supportive of their mother, but they worry for her. The only joy Sophia has now is cooking. One of her daughters sends in an application on Sophia’s behalf for a reality cooking show in the area called Taste of Heaven. Sophia decides to go on the show to appease her daughters. She finds out that a professional chef will team up with an amateur chef. These duos will have to impress three judges big time in order to win the $50,000 prize and a chance at stardom. Since Sophia is an amateur, she teams up with Elliott, who at first glance annoys her immensely. Elliott is boorish, rude, and a bit of a food snob. He’s not happy he has to compete with stay at home mommy chefs like Sophia. He’s there for a very specific reason, and he aims to win. No one will get in his way, not even Sophia, who he nicknames a garden sprite. But he has no choice but to work with Sophia, who is his complete opposite in every way.
It’s definitely not smooth sailing for these two. Sophia may seems prim and proper, but she’s no pushover. She refuses to bend to Elliott’s dictates. Eventually as they cook together and get to know one another, they come to agreement and will compromise. Once they do, that’s when things get very interesting, because their original disdain for one another has changed into something very special that involves flirting, mainly from Elliott, who enjoys ruffling his adorable sprite’s feathers.
A Taste of Heaven is exactly what the title says. This story is a succulent taste of fiction heaven. This one is going in my top 10 for 2015. There’s so much to enjoy about this novel. The behind the scenes reality show aspect is great, especially all the incredible mouth watering dishes Elliott and Sophia come up with (can Penny publish a cookbook as a companion guide?). Elliott and Sophia sparkle, more so than any other couple Penny created. This is also Penny’s steamiest novel to date. Elliott is a smooth talker, a Lothario who seduces Sophia with his sexy accent and words. The chemistry between these two is top notch. Elliott is also a big old teddy bear when it comes to Sophia. He allows Sophia to see a side of him no one else has seen.
The ending is everything a HEA should be. The aww factor is high here, not only with the way Elliott and Sophia fall for one another, but the relationship with her daughters. The way the girls welcome Elliott in heir mother’s life is very sweet.
A Taste of Heaven will quench your appetite for all things romance, especially one with such heart. A winning romance, and slice of fiction that gave me so many feels while I read.
Sophia lost her beloved, absent-minded husband a few years ago. They were married for over two decades, and now that Sophia is a widow, she feels adrift with no real purpose. Her two daughters are very supportive of their mother, but they worry for her. The only joy Sophia has now is cooking. One of her daughters sends in an application on Sophia’s behalf for a reality cooking show in the area called Taste of Heaven. Sophia decides to go on the show to appease her daughters. She finds out that a professional chef will team up with an amateur chef. These duos will have to impress three judges big time in order to win the $50,000 prize and a chance at stardom. Since Sophia is an amateur, she teams up with Elliott, who at first glance annoys her immensely. Elliott is boorish, rude, and a bit of a food snob. He’s not happy he has to compete with stay at home mommy chefs like Sophia. He’s there for a very specific reason, and he aims to win. No one will get in his way, not even Sophia, who he nicknames a garden sprite. But he has no choice but to work with Sophia, who is his complete opposite in every way.
It’s definitely not smooth sailing for these two. Sophia may seems prim and proper, but she’s no pushover. She refuses to bend to Elliott’s dictates. Eventually as they cook together and get to know one another, they come to agreement and will compromise. Once they do, that’s when things get very interesting, because their original disdain for one another has changed into something very special that involves flirting, mainly from Elliott, who enjoys ruffling his adorable sprite’s feathers.
A Taste of Heaven is exactly what the title says. This story is a succulent taste of fiction heaven. This one is going in my top 10 for 2015. There’s so much to enjoy about this novel. The behind the scenes reality show aspect is great, especially all the incredible mouth watering dishes Elliott and Sophia come up with (can Penny publish a cookbook as a companion guide?). Elliott and Sophia sparkle, more so than any other couple Penny created. This is also Penny’s steamiest novel to date. Elliott is a smooth talker, a Lothario who seduces Sophia with his sexy accent and words. The chemistry between these two is top notch. Elliott is also a big old teddy bear when it comes to Sophia. He allows Sophia to see a side of him no one else has seen.
The ending is everything a HEA should be. The aww factor is high here, not only with the way Elliott and Sophia fall for one another, but the relationship with her daughters. The way the girls welcome Elliott in heir mother’s life is very sweet.
A Taste of Heaven will quench your appetite for all things romance, especially one with such heart. A winning romance, and slice of fiction that gave me so many feels while I read.
April 3, 2016
Penny's books are always pleasing. I love her unconventional protagonists. The books I've read by her contain heroes and heroines who have lived a lot of life but still have a lot of life to live. In this book, the hero was supremely abrasive at times. But I like that type of surly, grumpy jackass hero. He also happened to be Scottish, which somehow made all the growls and bossy moments reminiscent of a kilted, wounded warrior. This one just happened to be a chef. The heroine is a widow with two grown daughters who just can't seem to find herself after losing her husband. The story ended up being beautifully told.
February 20, 2016
This book is made of unexpected win. And really, everything about it is unexpected, from the age of the characters to the short timeframe to the details of the setting. It shouldn't have worked, but it did a whole lot more than simply work, it blew me away.
Sophia is my age (or the age I will be in a couple months) and 47 is pretty unexplored territory for romance. Watson does a fantastic job depicting her difficult recovery from losing her husband and regaining her hold on her world through her love of cooking. I must admit that I fell for her almost immediately and a lot of that is Watson's deft hand with characterization. Grief is hard to write because it's easy to overdo and as dangerous to underdo. Watson avoided both and made her appealing on top of that.
Likewise, a beloved hobby/skill/profession can go the same route. In this case, it's cooking. Moreover, setting the book in a cooking reality show means the book is in a lot of ways centered on this one topic and, again, that's easy to overdo and dangerous to underdo. Watson struck the perfect balance and then took it to the next level by making it engaging on top of that.
Bear in mind that I kind of hate cooking, personally, so a book that is steeped in it was going to have a tough sell with me. Watson made it work by keeping it about the characters and showing us what they'd find engaging to talk about without getting so technical as to become boring to a non-insider. I have no idea how someone with a love of cooking would find this, but I found it interesting without feeling like I was being proselytized or pandered to.
And I'll be honest, I didn't find Elliott that engaging. He's blustery and opinionated and Sophia practically has to take a two-by-four to get through to him, sometimes. That said, he grew on me, though that's probably at least partially in sympathy with Sophia.
I wish I could convey better what it was about the book that prompted the five stars. None of the above is anything I haven't said about many four or even three star reads. All I can say is that it sparkled from the first with believable, fun dialogue, lovely characters, and a subtle charm that blended perfectly with my mood. It was a lovely surprise and I'm still basking in the glow of finishing.
A note about Steamy: A pretty standard modern romance-genre two explicit sex scenes (and a little extra beside) put this in the middle of my personal tolerance, though truthfully, on the low side as they're relatively short and focused.
Sophia is my age (or the age I will be in a couple months) and 47 is pretty unexplored territory for romance. Watson does a fantastic job depicting her difficult recovery from losing her husband and regaining her hold on her world through her love of cooking. I must admit that I fell for her almost immediately and a lot of that is Watson's deft hand with characterization. Grief is hard to write because it's easy to overdo and as dangerous to underdo. Watson avoided both and made her appealing on top of that.
Likewise, a beloved hobby/skill/profession can go the same route. In this case, it's cooking. Moreover, setting the book in a cooking reality show means the book is in a lot of ways centered on this one topic and, again, that's easy to overdo and dangerous to underdo. Watson struck the perfect balance and then took it to the next level by making it engaging on top of that.
Bear in mind that I kind of hate cooking, personally, so a book that is steeped in it was going to have a tough sell with me. Watson made it work by keeping it about the characters and showing us what they'd find engaging to talk about without getting so technical as to become boring to a non-insider. I have no idea how someone with a love of cooking would find this, but I found it interesting without feeling like I was being proselytized or pandered to.
And I'll be honest, I didn't find Elliott that engaging. He's blustery and opinionated and Sophia practically has to take a two-by-four to get through to him, sometimes. That said, he grew on me, though that's probably at least partially in sympathy with Sophia.
I wish I could convey better what it was about the book that prompted the five stars. None of the above is anything I haven't said about many four or even three star reads. All I can say is that it sparkled from the first with believable, fun dialogue, lovely characters, and a subtle charm that blended perfectly with my mood. It was a lovely surprise and I'm still basking in the glow of finishing.
A note about Steamy: A pretty standard modern romance-genre two explicit sex scenes (and a little extra beside) put this in the middle of my personal tolerance, though truthfully, on the low side as they're relatively short and focused.
September 19, 2015
A book about 2 older people falling in love! And more. But omg, older people! And with old I mean they are not old, they are just not you know 26 ;)
Sophie is 47, a widow with two kids. She loves her garden, to cook, and she was all in all a really nice and sweet woman.
Elliott was 49, a grumpy Scot with a chip on his shoulder. He was all traditional food that looks like crap is the thing! So yes he took some getting used to, Sophie felt that too. And as she started to like him, I started to like him...but maybe a few minutes later.
The book takes place during a cooking contest with a twist. As always it made me hungry. Ohh maybe a few recipes would have been nice. Anyway, they meet, they annoy each other, they annoy each other some more, they slowly start to like each other a tiny but, then a tiny bit more.
It was different. A foodie romance that develops. Two people that are perfect for each other, but can't see it. So, a nice light short romance, that you can just eat up.
I must mention, her daughters seem nice. They need to have a book. I am thinking..more Scots. Maybe a grumpy sheepfarmer and a ohh a grumpy fisherman. Lol.
Sophie is 47, a widow with two kids. She loves her garden, to cook, and she was all in all a really nice and sweet woman.
Elliott was 49, a grumpy Scot with a chip on his shoulder. He was all traditional food that looks like crap is the thing! So yes he took some getting used to, Sophie felt that too. And as she started to like him, I started to like him...but maybe a few minutes later.
The book takes place during a cooking contest with a twist. As always it made me hungry. Ohh maybe a few recipes would have been nice. Anyway, they meet, they annoy each other, they annoy each other some more, they slowly start to like each other a tiny but, then a tiny bit more.
It was different. A foodie romance that develops. Two people that are perfect for each other, but can't see it. So, a nice light short romance, that you can just eat up.
I must mention, her daughters seem nice. They need to have a book. I am thinking..more Scots. Maybe a grumpy sheepfarmer and a ohh a grumpy fisherman. Lol.
October 13, 2016
Penny Watson’s foodie romance A Taste of Heaven is a smorgasbord of delicious sounding treats combined with a fun and adventurous plot. Sophia Brown, a 47-year-old widow, lost her husband the previous year and hasn’t quite adjusted to being on her own. Her two adult daughters, proud of her cooking skills and worried about her state of mind, enter her in a reality cooking contest. The concept of the show is a secret until the participants all meet on the first taping, at which point it’s revealed that each amateur chef will be paired with a professional and the duo that can merge their styles and successfully wow the judges will win the contest. As luck would have it, Sophia ends up paired with a grumpy, thrice divorced, opinionated Scottish chef named Elliot Adamson. Elliott’s on the show for one thing and one thing only – to win. He needs the prize money to keep his latest restaurant in an isolated part of Scotland afloat. Can this unlikely pairing deliver the goods to win the contest and get something even better out of the bargain?
This story really appealed to me. I appreciated the age of the main characters. As people in their late forties, there’s a depth of understanding and knowledge of life in general that makes them feel realistic. While grief may have knocked Sophia down, she’s still a strong and capable woman. She has a backbone, and she’s not afraid to show it when Elliott is blustering his way around their kitchen. Dealing with Elliott is a bit like dealing with a recalcitrant child (at first anyway), and she is able to smooth his rough edges and convince him that the only way they’ll win this contest is to have a partnership that is equal.
The concept of the story is timely. Reality cooking shows are very popular as evidenced by their proliferation on television and I liked the unique idea of pairing an amateur and a professional chef together. It makes for lots of variety in the secondary characters (plus an opposites attract romance) and a clear storyline to follow as the show moves from one episode to the next. There are lots of interesting challenges for the participants of the show to overcome, paralleling the challenges facing Elliott and Sophia as their relationship progresses. Plus, the meals they prepare all sound delicious!
The romance between Sophia and Elliott is a slow one, as they are at first somewhat antagonistic partners. But behind Elliott’s bluster is a lonely man who struggles with his failures – in his previous restaurant attempts and his failed marriages. To say he’s stubborn would be an understatement. But Sophia is able to bring out the positive sides of his character. He’s willing to admit his mistakes when confronted with them. He’s loyal. He’s committed to always doing his best when cooking and just needs to translate that to his in-person relationships. Sophia standing by his side, encouraging him and commiserating with him goes a long way to showing him how he can be a better man. They share some steamy scenes together as the attraction between them develops, even with the knowledge that when the show is over, no matter the outcome, he’ll be going back to Scotland and she’ll be staying in Vermont. I won’t spoil the ending and tell you who wins the cooking show, but I will tell you that we get a happy ever after for this couple that is very satisfying. 4 stars.
This review appears as a blog post at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
This story really appealed to me. I appreciated the age of the main characters. As people in their late forties, there’s a depth of understanding and knowledge of life in general that makes them feel realistic. While grief may have knocked Sophia down, she’s still a strong and capable woman. She has a backbone, and she’s not afraid to show it when Elliott is blustering his way around their kitchen. Dealing with Elliott is a bit like dealing with a recalcitrant child (at first anyway), and she is able to smooth his rough edges and convince him that the only way they’ll win this contest is to have a partnership that is equal.
The concept of the story is timely. Reality cooking shows are very popular as evidenced by their proliferation on television and I liked the unique idea of pairing an amateur and a professional chef together. It makes for lots of variety in the secondary characters (plus an opposites attract romance) and a clear storyline to follow as the show moves from one episode to the next. There are lots of interesting challenges for the participants of the show to overcome, paralleling the challenges facing Elliott and Sophia as their relationship progresses. Plus, the meals they prepare all sound delicious!
The romance between Sophia and Elliott is a slow one, as they are at first somewhat antagonistic partners. But behind Elliott’s bluster is a lonely man who struggles with his failures – in his previous restaurant attempts and his failed marriages. To say he’s stubborn would be an understatement. But Sophia is able to bring out the positive sides of his character. He’s willing to admit his mistakes when confronted with them. He’s loyal. He’s committed to always doing his best when cooking and just needs to translate that to his in-person relationships. Sophia standing by his side, encouraging him and commiserating with him goes a long way to showing him how he can be a better man. They share some steamy scenes together as the attraction between them develops, even with the knowledge that when the show is over, no matter the outcome, he’ll be going back to Scotland and she’ll be staying in Vermont. I won’t spoil the ending and tell you who wins the cooking show, but I will tell you that we get a happy ever after for this couple that is very satisfying. 4 stars.
This review appears as a blog post at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
November 4, 2015
I really, really liked this. It's 4.5 stars all day and doesn't quite get to five because it just lacks that little bit of the undefinable quality necessary to get the full set, but I'll likely re-read in a few months time and rethink the decision. This is the book version of a Nancy Meyers film and I mean that as an enormous compliment. The whole book is warm and comforting and beautifully descriptive. I raced through it (admittedly, it's not that long). We have an older hero (49) and heroine (47): praise be! And the age difference isn't a big thing, because, guess what? Older people have sex lives too and you can write about it without the world coming to an end. The heroine, Sophia, is newly widowed and struggling to move on with life as an individual who previously defined herself as part of a couple. She's a caregiver who focuses on taking care of everyone else. Her daughters enter her into a reality tv cookery show (I may also have loved this book because I am one of those people who cannot cook but is obsessed with cookery shows) and suddenly she finds she wants something - to win the competition. The catch is that she has to be paired with a professional chef and she winds up with Elliot Anderson, a grumpy Scottish chef who has raced through three wives and three restaurants because he is intransigent and belligerent. You can, perhaps, see where this is going. Sophia breaks Elliot down with charm and strength and amazing cooking. They learn to work together and they fall in love and it's just great. The dialogue is lovely. The sex scenes are relatively brief but they're chatty and very believable.It's also nice to have a Scottish character without having to wade through dialogue written to mimic the accent. Simply put: this book made me happy and you should read it.
December 31, 2015
A Taste of Heaven was really great. The leads are a widow who finds her own identity after her husband's death when her young adult children enter her in a cooking reality TV show and the grumpy Scottish chef who makes her realize that she's no pushover. I loved this mature couple romance and the heroine and her daughters were utterly charming. This was wonderful and I stayed up way too late reading it.
May 7, 2016
I enjoyed A Taste of Heaven and devoured (no pun intended) this short novel. It's a chick-lit type read with some funny moments and great characters. The author captured the settings and cooking contests nicely. She also included succulent descriptions of all the delectable foods. I wish the author would have included a few recipes.
October 17, 2016
Warning:
Consumption of the product can lead to overindulgence.
Delicious, light and entertaining story.
I liked that it featured older protagonists: recently widowed, grief-stricken 47-year- old amateur cook from Vermont and 49-year-old burly, blustery and grumpy professional chef from Scotland.
I liked the premise of the story- a cooking competition reality show. It gave the author a chance to highlight her culinary knowledge. And what a gastronomical feast this was! Truly a mouth-watering "taste of heaven".
The plot was fast-paced, maybe just too fast creating some hard to believe situations for me. And maybe it's just me over-analyzing things...
Overall good "comfort" book, exactly what I needed to get away from the world events.
Delicious, light and entertaining story.
I liked that it featured older protagonists: recently widowed, grief-stricken 47-year- old amateur cook from Vermont and 49-year-old burly, blustery and grumpy professional chef from Scotland.
I liked the premise of the story- a cooking competition reality show. It gave the author a chance to highlight her culinary knowledge. And what a gastronomical feast this was! Truly a mouth-watering "taste of heaven".
The plot was fast-paced, maybe just too fast creating some hard to believe situations for me. And maybe it's just me over-analyzing things...
Overall good "comfort" book, exactly what I needed to get away from the world events.
November 19, 2015
4 let's-stop-being-a-good-little-girl stars
This book was such a nice read : simple and refreshing.
Nothing over the top, no angst but a simple and honest woman right there at the center.
Looking back, there was a lot of food talk (which was fine for me) but food was not what mattered ...
There was a TV show and quite some talk about it, but fame, or even winning, was not what mattered ...
There was a romance with an utterly improbable Scot (or maybe a typical one ... after all I am no expert ! ), but even that was not what mattered most.
What mattered, in my opinion, was a woman discovering that she had the inner strength to forge ahead with her life after losing her husband, to live it fully, to stop being a good little girl and take her decisions.
To stop being part of David and Sophia and become Sophia with dreams of her own and the will to pursue them .
This book was such a nice read : simple and refreshing.
Nothing over the top, no angst but a simple and honest woman right there at the center.
Looking back, there was a lot of food talk (which was fine for me) but food was not what mattered ...
There was a TV show and quite some talk about it, but fame, or even winning, was not what mattered ...
There was a romance with an utterly improbable Scot (or maybe a typical one ... after all I am no expert ! ), but even that was not what mattered most.
What mattered, in my opinion, was a woman discovering that she had the inner strength to forge ahead with her life after losing her husband, to live it fully, to stop being a good little girl and take her decisions.
To stop being part of David and Sophia and become Sophia with dreams of her own and the will to pursue them .
August 9, 2017
Who knew that Scottish food could be so sexy?
This is the heartwarming story of two adults (47 and 49 years old respectively) working together, doing what they are best at, and falling in love. It is by no means perfect; they work way too well together after only 5 days and... Scottish men need condoms too! But the story is soothing and made me happy.
Also, it takes until chapter 3 for the story to take flight, so don't give up before you get to the cooking contest.
This is the heartwarming story of two adults (47 and 49 years old respectively) working together, doing what they are best at, and falling in love. It is by no means perfect; they work way too well together after only 5 days and... Scottish men need condoms too! But the story is soothing and made me happy.
Also, it takes until chapter 3 for the story to take flight, so don't give up before you get to the cooking contest.
September 16, 2015
Originally posted at SmexyBooks- http://smexybooks.com/2015/09/review-...
Favorite Quote: “Team Scottish Grumpy Bastard.”
Sophia Brown has lost her husband and her passion for life. An accomplished cook and gardener, her daughters enter her in a cooking contest hoping it will help to wake their mother up from her grief. The contest is a televised show that pairs an amateur and professional together with weekly eliminating cook offs. Sophia sees this contest as a chance to start a new chapter of her life. The only problem is her partner. Elliott Adamson
Elliott Adamson is an arrogant, cantankerous, rude Scotsman who thinks Sophia and her ideas are ridiculous. A professional chef who has burned just about every bridge he has crossed sees this contest as his last chance to dig himself out of debt. And he refuses to let a little Vermont nobody hold him back.
As Sophia fights and charms her way to victory, she learns that life often hands us no more and no less than we can handle. Fear, grief, love, and courage, when combined together, can create a taste of heaven.
A Taste of Heaven is a delicious bite of romance and humor as a grief stricken widow finds herself competing in a culinary contest with a grumpy Scotsman. Well written and throughly drenched in humor, romance, and a touch of bittersweet emotions, I found this story to be simply delightful and utterly refreshing.
Penny Watson has a talent for creating stories that appeal to the romantic in all of us. Strong, personable heroines, grumpy redeemable heroes, and a sexy emotional love story that is steeped in humor and realism. Writing of older heroes and heroines, she invites readers to see that love and sex is not just for the young and beautiful. Sophia and Elliott are both in their late 40s, well versed in the highs and lows that life holds in store for us. They have both loved and lost; Sophia is a widow and Elliott is a thrice divorced. Yet they still retain their sexuality and desires. They are older-not dead.
Watson does a fabulous job of introducing and building our protagonists, using the contest and their personality differences to highlight their amusing antagonistic relationship. Humor, infectious banter, and a touch of the whimsical blends effortlessly throughout the story as we watch this delightful couple spar and quibble with one another. Elliott is loud where Sophia is quiet. Elliott pushes where Sophia cajoles. Sophia may be small and fragile looking but she is no pushover. While she is not a professional chef, she has an innate sense of what people like and she butts heads with Elliott time and time again to force him to see what his ego blinds him to.
This competition was her fresh start. And if she had to bully the Scot to get there, then so be it.
Elliott made me laugh as well as wanting to smack him around. A very talented chef, his controlling nature and inability to delegate is his achilles heel. Large, bald, and over-brimming with sarcasm and arrogance, he is unsure what to do about the little “fairy” who refuses to bow before his obvious God like stature. He is a bit of a food snob and seems to be single-handedly spearheading a challenge to make the world like haggis. *shudder*
Let’s get something perfectly clear. This is the Elliott Adamson show. I’m the professional chef. I’m the one with the experience. I’m the one who has everything on the line. Not you. I bark orders. You follow them like a good little girl.
Their antagonism soon turns to compromise, respect, and much more as Sophia and Elliott find a pleasant rhythm together in and out of the kitchen. Light flirting on Elliott’s side slowly stokes the fires of attraction and this couples’ chemistry begins to blaze out of control. Elliott is quite the charmer when he chooses to use his powers for good with his sexy accent and smooth moves. The sexual tension is outstanding as are the actual scenes.
Sophia found himself studying his lips. She wondered what it would be like to be kissed by Elliott Adamson. His lips looked firm and decisive. Nestled within a luxurious beard. Would i tickle? Would he be selfish and seductive?
Enjoyable behind the scenes look at the cooking contest and the small insights into everyone involved gives the story a healthy balance against the romance and keeps it flowing along steadily. From other professional chefs, to temperamental judges, and overly effervescent promoters, Watson captures the frenzy and desperation that always seems to envelop these reality shows perfectly.
A Taste Of Heaven is just that and more as Watson delights and entertains readers once again with her enchanting characters, energetic story lines, and swoon worthy romances.
RATING: B+
Favorite Quote: “Team Scottish Grumpy Bastard.”
Sophia Brown has lost her husband and her passion for life. An accomplished cook and gardener, her daughters enter her in a cooking contest hoping it will help to wake their mother up from her grief. The contest is a televised show that pairs an amateur and professional together with weekly eliminating cook offs. Sophia sees this contest as a chance to start a new chapter of her life. The only problem is her partner. Elliott Adamson
Elliott Adamson is an arrogant, cantankerous, rude Scotsman who thinks Sophia and her ideas are ridiculous. A professional chef who has burned just about every bridge he has crossed sees this contest as his last chance to dig himself out of debt. And he refuses to let a little Vermont nobody hold him back.
As Sophia fights and charms her way to victory, she learns that life often hands us no more and no less than we can handle. Fear, grief, love, and courage, when combined together, can create a taste of heaven.
A Taste of Heaven is a delicious bite of romance and humor as a grief stricken widow finds herself competing in a culinary contest with a grumpy Scotsman. Well written and throughly drenched in humor, romance, and a touch of bittersweet emotions, I found this story to be simply delightful and utterly refreshing.
Penny Watson has a talent for creating stories that appeal to the romantic in all of us. Strong, personable heroines, grumpy redeemable heroes, and a sexy emotional love story that is steeped in humor and realism. Writing of older heroes and heroines, she invites readers to see that love and sex is not just for the young and beautiful. Sophia and Elliott are both in their late 40s, well versed in the highs and lows that life holds in store for us. They have both loved and lost; Sophia is a widow and Elliott is a thrice divorced. Yet they still retain their sexuality and desires. They are older-not dead.
Watson does a fabulous job of introducing and building our protagonists, using the contest and their personality differences to highlight their amusing antagonistic relationship. Humor, infectious banter, and a touch of the whimsical blends effortlessly throughout the story as we watch this delightful couple spar and quibble with one another. Elliott is loud where Sophia is quiet. Elliott pushes where Sophia cajoles. Sophia may be small and fragile looking but she is no pushover. While she is not a professional chef, she has an innate sense of what people like and she butts heads with Elliott time and time again to force him to see what his ego blinds him to.
This competition was her fresh start. And if she had to bully the Scot to get there, then so be it.
Elliott made me laugh as well as wanting to smack him around. A very talented chef, his controlling nature and inability to delegate is his achilles heel. Large, bald, and over-brimming with sarcasm and arrogance, he is unsure what to do about the little “fairy” who refuses to bow before his obvious God like stature. He is a bit of a food snob and seems to be single-handedly spearheading a challenge to make the world like haggis. *shudder*
Let’s get something perfectly clear. This is the Elliott Adamson show. I’m the professional chef. I’m the one with the experience. I’m the one who has everything on the line. Not you. I bark orders. You follow them like a good little girl.
Their antagonism soon turns to compromise, respect, and much more as Sophia and Elliott find a pleasant rhythm together in and out of the kitchen. Light flirting on Elliott’s side slowly stokes the fires of attraction and this couples’ chemistry begins to blaze out of control. Elliott is quite the charmer when he chooses to use his powers for good with his sexy accent and smooth moves. The sexual tension is outstanding as are the actual scenes.
Sophia found himself studying his lips. She wondered what it would be like to be kissed by Elliott Adamson. His lips looked firm and decisive. Nestled within a luxurious beard. Would i tickle? Would he be selfish and seductive?
Enjoyable behind the scenes look at the cooking contest and the small insights into everyone involved gives the story a healthy balance against the romance and keeps it flowing along steadily. From other professional chefs, to temperamental judges, and overly effervescent promoters, Watson captures the frenzy and desperation that always seems to envelop these reality shows perfectly.
A Taste Of Heaven is just that and more as Watson delights and entertains readers once again with her enchanting characters, energetic story lines, and swoon worthy romances.
RATING: B+
October 3, 2015
4 ½ stars. I really enjoyed this all the way through.
I like the characters, the conflicts, the journey, the resolutions. Elliott is an abrasive grumpy beast. Sophia is wounded from the death of her husband and comes out of her shell - through the story. I’m not into cooking, but I enjoyed the cooking.
Author does not use stupidity, contrivances, big misunderstanding, and other thoughtless things that so many other authors use.
The two main characters are ages 47 and 49. The sex scenes are short with not much detail. It’s 2/3 the length of a regular novel. The ending was good and complete.
OTHER BOOKS:
I’ve reviewed the following Penny Watson books.
4 ½ stars. A Taste of Heaven (236 pages)
4 stars. Apples Should Be Red (86 pages)
4 stars. Lumberjack in Love (114 pages)
2 stars. Sweet Inspiration (Klaus Brothers #1) (164 pages)
(not read) Other Klaus Brothers books
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 236 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words but not often used. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Setting: current day Vermont with some Scotland. Copyright: 2015. Genre: contemporary romance.
I like the characters, the conflicts, the journey, the resolutions. Elliott is an abrasive grumpy beast. Sophia is wounded from the death of her husband and comes out of her shell - through the story. I’m not into cooking, but I enjoyed the cooking.
Author does not use stupidity, contrivances, big misunderstanding, and other thoughtless things that so many other authors use.
The two main characters are ages 47 and 49. The sex scenes are short with not much detail. It’s 2/3 the length of a regular novel. The ending was good and complete.
OTHER BOOKS:
I’ve reviewed the following Penny Watson books.
4 ½ stars. A Taste of Heaven (236 pages)
4 stars. Apples Should Be Red (86 pages)
4 stars. Lumberjack in Love (114 pages)
2 stars. Sweet Inspiration (Klaus Brothers #1) (164 pages)
(not read) Other Klaus Brothers books
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 236 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words but not often used. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Setting: current day Vermont with some Scotland. Copyright: 2015. Genre: contemporary romance.
November 19, 2015
Sophia Brown is trying to get through life. After the death of her husband, she is lost and only a ghost of her old self. Her daughters sign her up for a reality cooking show where she is paired up with Elliot Adamson, a chef from Scotland. Chef Adamson is arrogant, loud and obnoxious. He thinks he can push mousey Sophia around so he can win the contest. Sophia finally finds her backbone and pushes right back and eventually they make a great team.
I really enjoyed this refreshing, short read. All the foodie talk surprisingly didn't bother me. I thought 1 week romance was a little ridiculous, but sometimes you just go to go with the flow.
Thanks Laura Elizabeth for the buddy read. This was a great choice and definitely something different for me.
I really enjoyed this refreshing, short read. All the foodie talk surprisingly didn't bother me. I thought 1 week romance was a little ridiculous, but sometimes you just go to go with the flow.
Thanks Laura Elizabeth for the buddy read. This was a great choice and definitely something different for me.
November 6, 2015
4.5 Stars!
Wonderful and Sweet - Loved it!
Wonderful and Sweet - Loved it!
September 26, 2015
Review posted on Got Fiction?
4.5
This author has a way of making me smile throughout the whole book.
Grumpy Scottish chef, and a middle aged woman on a cooking show? Yes please!
Full Review:
This is an author who doesn’t get enough credit. Her books are happy. Like not sickeningly sweet give you cavities happy, but just…fun. I smiled throughout the whole book! Her book Lumberjack in Love was like that. A completely delightful surprise.
Sophia’s husband died a year ago, and although she’s grieved, she still feels…stuck. Colors have lost their shades, food has lost its taste, and she just can’t pull herself out of the rut. She feels empty.
Her grown daughters decide to enter her in a cooking contest/reality show.
The good thing about feeling empty, though, is the chance to start from scratch. She’s no longer part of “David and Sophia.” She’s just plain Sophia. But who is Sophia? Maybe this show is a chance to figure that out?
Elliot Adamson is a grumpy Scottish chef. He’s on the same show as well, because the producers, they lied. It’s not just amateurs, it’s not just experienced and famous chefs. It’s a contest with both. And they have to pair up. Well grumpy Elliot doesn’t play well with others.
Sophia isn’t going to be meek and quiet little Sophia anymore, she takes Elliot, and she whips him into shape! This book was fun, and interesting, and addictive. You can’t put it down!
If you haven’t read Penny Watson, do so! Don’t let the cover fool you, this is a sweet romance with plenty of spice to even out the taste.
***ARC courtesy of the author
4.5
This author has a way of making me smile throughout the whole book.
Grumpy Scottish chef, and a middle aged woman on a cooking show? Yes please!
Full Review:
This is an author who doesn’t get enough credit. Her books are happy. Like not sickeningly sweet give you cavities happy, but just…fun. I smiled throughout the whole book! Her book Lumberjack in Love was like that. A completely delightful surprise.
Sophia’s husband died a year ago, and although she’s grieved, she still feels…stuck. Colors have lost their shades, food has lost its taste, and she just can’t pull herself out of the rut. She feels empty.
Her grown daughters decide to enter her in a cooking contest/reality show.
The good thing about feeling empty, though, is the chance to start from scratch. She’s no longer part of “David and Sophia.” She’s just plain Sophia. But who is Sophia? Maybe this show is a chance to figure that out?
Elliot Adamson is a grumpy Scottish chef. He’s on the same show as well, because the producers, they lied. It’s not just amateurs, it’s not just experienced and famous chefs. It’s a contest with both. And they have to pair up. Well grumpy Elliot doesn’t play well with others.
Sophia isn’t going to be meek and quiet little Sophia anymore, she takes Elliot, and she whips him into shape! This book was fun, and interesting, and addictive. You can’t put it down!
If you haven’t read Penny Watson, do so! Don’t let the cover fool you, this is a sweet romance with plenty of spice to even out the taste.
***ARC courtesy of the author
December 14, 2020
I was a little hesitant to read this based on the description (not another cooking book :) However the read was fantastic. I love Penny's writing style, she puts enough description in to set the scenes without overwhelming the reader. Sophia and Elliot are wonderful characters, superb chemistry and the supporting cast was great too.
I'd definitely recommend this book and it's going on my keepers/will re-read in future list :)
Reread on the weekend and finished with such a warm glow and smile on my face. For those of u interested, kindle version on sale for ~$1.
I'd definitely recommend this book and it's going on my keepers/will re-read in future list :)
Reread on the weekend and finished with such a warm glow and smile on my face. For those of u interested, kindle version on sale for ~$1.
November 18, 2015
3 1/2 "Beauty and the Beast" Stars!!
Although I think the "falling in love" took place at warp speed, I found this story to be utterly charming and sweet. It didn't happen fast in the book, but considering Elliot and Sophia only actually spent about a week together, it was fast.
I enjoyed reading Elliot and Sophia's story very much. I even enjoyed all the food talk and description. Happy reading!
Although I think the "falling in love" took place at warp speed, I found this story to be utterly charming and sweet. It didn't happen fast in the book, but considering Elliot and Sophia only actually spent about a week together, it was fast.
I enjoyed reading Elliot and Sophia's story very much. I even enjoyed all the food talk and description. Happy reading!
November 21, 2015
4 THAT MAN SURE LOVES HIS HAGGIS STARS!!
TPAM buddy read
Loved this book and the only reason it didn't get a full 5 stars was there was too much cooking and not enough of the other in my opinion.
TPAM buddy read
Loved this book and the only reason it didn't get a full 5 stars was there was too much cooking and not enough of the other in my opinion.
November 18, 2015
This was a great little story. My only complaint is it was just too foodie.....not enough nookie. I love second chance romances. Especially ones with older couples. This was a fun quick read.
November 30, 2015
An absolutely delicious romance.
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-taste-...
I’ve always enjoyed Penny Watson’s books, they make me smile and laugh and are always original. But I have to say, I think this is my favorite of them all. When she mentioned on Twitter a few months back that she was writing a romance with older characters I was pretty excited. Even though I am a fan of some NA books, reading the second chance love story of two people closer to my own age had a lot of appeal. So when this gem hit my inbox I wanted to jump right in, but then I looked at the release date, then my review list and thought maybe I ought to read something closer to publication. Then I said screw it and dived in any way.
I feel like I should warn you… don’t start reading too late at night because you won’t want to stop. Also, it will make you hungry. This book is delicious in many, many ways.
Sophia Brown is a 47-year-old widow who is trapped in grief over the sudden loss of her dear husband. She’s basically going through the motions from day-to-day. Her world is colorless and tasteless and more often than not her daughters find her simply sitting and staring out at nothing. After being part of a couple for 20 years, she doesn’t know what to do with herself now that she is alone. Her daughters are worried and want to find something that might create a spark and bring her back to life. So they sign her up for a reality TV cooking show that they are convinced she will win. After all, Sophia is an amazing hostess and cook. Not really wanting to go at first, she ultimately gives in to make her daughters happy. Thinking it’ll be a show full of amateurs, she’s a little surprised to find out that she will be paired with a professional chef and they have to work as a team in order to win. Unfortunately for her, she’s paired with a big, brutish, loud-mouthed, bald, bearded Scotsman. How in the world did she get into this mess?
Elliott Adamson is the Scotsman paired with Sophia and at first they do not think much of each other. He’s a 49-year-old professional chef who has owned several restaurants, attended the best schools and won awards. He’s also a bit of a food snob and has no use for an amateur who has no real professional experience whatsoever. But he needs to win. He needs that $50,000 prize money desperately. So he lays down the law first chance he gets. He is the team captain and Sophia needs to follow his direction when in the kitchen. Period. This is when Sophia decides she has had enough and will absolutely not be run over anymore.
I think I fell in love with Sophia from the first page. She’s a little lost at first, but quickly finds her strength and doesn’t let anyone push her around. She and Elliott do butt heads, but once they find common ground and begin to work together their chemistry in and out of the kitchen simply shines. He’s moody and difficult, but also charming in his own way. His rough accent seduces her right alongside his talent with food. Together they create amazing dishes that compliment each other and realize that they work well together in other aspects too. Including the bedroom, where Sophia revels in her big, brawny Scots lover. While at first Sophia’s need for a fresh start is more apparent, it soon becomes clear that both of these characters need to rediscover themselves.
I would also like to add, that I simply adored Sophia’s daughters and admired their support for their mother. You could feel the love between the Brown family with every word and touch. Which is why I found the HEA to be the perfect icing on the cake of this romance. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending.
A Taste of Heaven made me smile. And sigh. And stay up half the night reading. Definitely recommend. Final Grade- B+
Favorite Quote:
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-taste-...
I’ve always enjoyed Penny Watson’s books, they make me smile and laugh and are always original. But I have to say, I think this is my favorite of them all. When she mentioned on Twitter a few months back that she was writing a romance with older characters I was pretty excited. Even though I am a fan of some NA books, reading the second chance love story of two people closer to my own age had a lot of appeal. So when this gem hit my inbox I wanted to jump right in, but then I looked at the release date, then my review list and thought maybe I ought to read something closer to publication. Then I said screw it and dived in any way.
I feel like I should warn you… don’t start reading too late at night because you won’t want to stop. Also, it will make you hungry. This book is delicious in many, many ways.
Sophia Brown is a 47-year-old widow who is trapped in grief over the sudden loss of her dear husband. She’s basically going through the motions from day-to-day. Her world is colorless and tasteless and more often than not her daughters find her simply sitting and staring out at nothing. After being part of a couple for 20 years, she doesn’t know what to do with herself now that she is alone. Her daughters are worried and want to find something that might create a spark and bring her back to life. So they sign her up for a reality TV cooking show that they are convinced she will win. After all, Sophia is an amazing hostess and cook. Not really wanting to go at first, she ultimately gives in to make her daughters happy. Thinking it’ll be a show full of amateurs, she’s a little surprised to find out that she will be paired with a professional chef and they have to work as a team in order to win. Unfortunately for her, she’s paired with a big, brutish, loud-mouthed, bald, bearded Scotsman. How in the world did she get into this mess?
Elliott Adamson is the Scotsman paired with Sophia and at first they do not think much of each other. He’s a 49-year-old professional chef who has owned several restaurants, attended the best schools and won awards. He’s also a bit of a food snob and has no use for an amateur who has no real professional experience whatsoever. But he needs to win. He needs that $50,000 prize money desperately. So he lays down the law first chance he gets. He is the team captain and Sophia needs to follow his direction when in the kitchen. Period. This is when Sophia decides she has had enough and will absolutely not be run over anymore.
I think I fell in love with Sophia from the first page. She’s a little lost at first, but quickly finds her strength and doesn’t let anyone push her around. She and Elliott do butt heads, but once they find common ground and begin to work together their chemistry in and out of the kitchen simply shines. He’s moody and difficult, but also charming in his own way. His rough accent seduces her right alongside his talent with food. Together they create amazing dishes that compliment each other and realize that they work well together in other aspects too. Including the bedroom, where Sophia revels in her big, brawny Scots lover. While at first Sophia’s need for a fresh start is more apparent, it soon becomes clear that both of these characters need to rediscover themselves.
I would also like to add, that I simply adored Sophia’s daughters and admired their support for their mother. You could feel the love between the Brown family with every word and touch. Which is why I found the HEA to be the perfect icing on the cake of this romance. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending.
A Taste of Heaven made me smile. And sigh. And stay up half the night reading. Definitely recommend. Final Grade- B+
Favorite Quote:
This competition was her chance for a fresh start. And if she had to bully the Scot to get there, so be it.
January 3, 2016
Dulce y sencillo.
Quizás esperaba algo más de este romance…algo más profundo, más memorable, por eso de que se trata de dos personajes maduros, que fue exactamente lo que me atrajo de esta historia.
Ha estado (sólo) bien. Me gusta la cocina así que el hecho de que el trasfondo de la historia sea un concurso culinario ha sido un extra.
He encontrado un poco apresurado los cambios de actitud de los personajes. El romance ocurre muy rápido y el dolor de la viuda ha sonado exagerado cuando en dos días en el concurso ya ha olvidado a su marido y comienza una nueva relación.
La actitud de él ha sido mucho más realista y sincera.
Todo demasiado perfecto, demasiado dulce y demasiado fácil. Me hubiese gustado ver a los personajes luchar para conseguir lo que quieren y la sensación que me queda es que todo les pasa demasiado fácil.
En fin, no puedo culpar a la historia por no cumplir mis expectativas, así que es justo decir que es una buena historia, entretenida y recomendable si estás de humor para leer un romance dulce y sencillo.
Sweet and simple.
Perhaps I expected something more of this romance... something deeper, more memorable because of the maturity of its MC´s that was exactly what attracted me to this story.
It has been (only) well. I like to cook so the fact that the story´s background has been a culinary contest has been an extra.
I have found a little hasty the changes of heart of the characters. The romance takes place very quickly and the pain of the widow has sounded exaggerated when in two days in the contest she has already forgotten her husband and start a new relationship.
The attitude of him has been much more realistic and sincere.
All too perfect, too sweet and too easy. I would have liked to see the characters fight to get what they want and the feeling that I have is that everything happens too easy for them.
All in all, I can´t blame the story for failing to meet my expectations, so is fair to say that it is a good story, entertaining and recommendable if you are in the mood to read a sweet and simple romance.
Quizás esperaba algo más de este romance…algo más profundo, más memorable, por eso de que se trata de dos personajes maduros, que fue exactamente lo que me atrajo de esta historia.
Ha estado (sólo) bien. Me gusta la cocina así que el hecho de que el trasfondo de la historia sea un concurso culinario ha sido un extra.
He encontrado un poco apresurado los cambios de actitud de los personajes. El romance ocurre muy rápido y el dolor de la viuda ha sonado exagerado cuando en dos días en el concurso ya ha olvidado a su marido y comienza una nueva relación.
La actitud de él ha sido mucho más realista y sincera.
Todo demasiado perfecto, demasiado dulce y demasiado fácil. Me hubiese gustado ver a los personajes luchar para conseguir lo que quieren y la sensación que me queda es que todo les pasa demasiado fácil.
En fin, no puedo culpar a la historia por no cumplir mis expectativas, así que es justo decir que es una buena historia, entretenida y recomendable si estás de humor para leer un romance dulce y sencillo.
Sweet and simple.
Perhaps I expected something more of this romance... something deeper, more memorable because of the maturity of its MC´s that was exactly what attracted me to this story.
It has been (only) well. I like to cook so the fact that the story´s background has been a culinary contest has been an extra.
I have found a little hasty the changes of heart of the characters. The romance takes place very quickly and the pain of the widow has sounded exaggerated when in two days in the contest she has already forgotten her husband and start a new relationship.
The attitude of him has been much more realistic and sincere.
All too perfect, too sweet and too easy. I would have liked to see the characters fight to get what they want and the feeling that I have is that everything happens too easy for them.
All in all, I can´t blame the story for failing to meet my expectations, so is fair to say that it is a good story, entertaining and recommendable if you are in the mood to read a sweet and simple romance.
January 13, 2016
I truly enjoyed this one. I think it came across light and fluffy with a hint of heavy but it wasn’t all wrapped up in it. It was
literally about fresh and new.
It wasn’t perfect for me, I would have like more development between the two characters. It felt as if Elliott turned on his good switch and that was that. It was very light on the steam and heavy on the moody-my-way-or-the-highway-Scot-chef (which I loved) I wanted a little less constant cooking and more on them but it soothed my palate for a sweet and awe type read.
I loved that when Elliott did move from his dark side he was very sharp and playful, especially with Sophia’s girls. They also were just like their Mom and didn’t let the Beast have any power. I liked there wasn’t any major love thrown down but they admitting they were falling. I like that there wasn’t this heaviness over her being a widow, just that she wasn’t going to shrivel up and stay in a corner. Plus, at .99 I’d say I got a full read in!
literally about fresh and new.
It wasn’t perfect for me, I would have like more development between the two characters. It felt as if Elliott turned on his good switch and that was that. It was very light on the steam and heavy on the moody-my-way-or-the-highway-Scot-chef (which I loved) I wanted a little less constant cooking and more on them but it soothed my palate for a sweet and awe type read.
I loved that when Elliott did move from his dark side he was very sharp and playful, especially with Sophia’s girls. They also were just like their Mom and didn’t let the Beast have any power. I liked there wasn’t any major love thrown down but they admitting they were falling. I like that there wasn’t this heaviness over her being a widow, just that she wasn’t going to shrivel up and stay in a corner. Plus, at .99 I’d say I got a full read in!
September 19, 2015
**edited 9/19. Changing this to five star. After reading certain parts again, there were some subtleties that I missed that made the hero's behavior more acceptable. I can't really describe it, but it made me want to hug this big, burly beast.:) I see what Sophia sees now. I like it that the author makes you experience these feelings instead of telling you.
--------------------
Loved this one! I absolutely adored Sophia and I loved how she stood up to the grumpy Elliot and yet showed compassion for the stubborn Scot. As a lover of food, I must say this book captured the pride, essence, and passion of the craft of cooking. This was a scrumptious read and I enjoyed the whole cooking competition. I also loved Sophia's daughters. The ending wasn't exactly what I expected and I was hoping for more from Elliot, but all in all another great book from this author.
--------------------
Loved this one! I absolutely adored Sophia and I loved how she stood up to the grumpy Elliot and yet showed compassion for the stubborn Scot. As a lover of food, I must say this book captured the pride, essence, and passion of the craft of cooking. This was a scrumptious read and I enjoyed the whole cooking competition. I also loved Sophia's daughters. The ending wasn't exactly what I expected and I was hoping for more from Elliot, but all in all another great book from this author.
September 11, 2015
Loved, Loved, LOVED this story. The characters in this book were so authentic I was able to empathize and identify with them before my page count hit double digits. Fun, quirky but also poignant read about a widowed Vermonter who clashes with a burly, Hell's Kitchenesque Scottish chef. The food and cooking are a major component, hell, I might even call this a menage with the food being the third in the relationship! Great read. Local New England author.
Full review (as alter ego) here: http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
Full review (as alter ego) here: http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
February 26, 2017
Very sweet romance. Sophia has been a widow for a year and her daughters are worried about her so they enter her in a cooking competition to get her out of her rut. Elliot is desperate to win the competition to save his restaurant in Scotland. They get off to a rocky start and the story begins.
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