Customer Reviews

Just One Taste (Recipe for Love)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Just One Taste by Louisa Edwards
Contemporary- Aug 31st, 2010
3 1/2 stars

Wes Murphy, a chef want-to-be, has to take Food Chem 101. Unfortunately, it looks like passing the class is going to be a challenge, until the Academy hires Dr. Rosemary Wilkins as one of the new substitute teachers. Serious, geeky Rosemary is attracted to Wes, a bad boy with a loveable mutt, but tries to resist this alien feeling. When they partner up to conduct experiments on aphrodisiacs as part of Wes's final project, the attraction between them sizzles and burns... As they fall in love, can Wes overcome his past and accept Rosemary's love? Can Rosemary overcome her own personal issues and let herself be loved?

This romance novel's main star is Wes Murphy, and he comes with a lot of personal baggage. If you are interested in characters and their growth, you will enjoy Wes as he learns to overcome his personal doubts and horrible upbringing. Rosemary is cute and sweet, but she is not in the limelight for huge chunks of the time. To me, her character is as good as she can get, which is not necessarily a bad thing. She's like Han Solo - set in her ways and interesting enough that we don't care about character growth. Together, they complement each other. The other 2 main stars are Jess and Frankie, a gay couple. So much time was devoted to them that it felt like there were two full romance novels packed in one, instead of a sub-plot attached to the main plot. That's not a bad thing if you like a plot packed with substance, plus the characters are whole and unique enough to add flavor to the entire package.

For me, this whole novel never really clicked together - it felt like there's too much going on and too much emotional drama unfolding at a really leisurely pace. My favorite romance novels are always full of decisive people, and Wes is a little bit too wishy-washy for my taste. Rosemary, on the other hand, is my kind of girl. She's so unabashedly geeky that she reminds me of Leslie from Big Bang Theory. I'm also actually pleasantly surprised by the depth of Edward's research - how many people can catch the "Browncoat" reference in the book?

As a fellow geek, I am glad that Edward is writing about a female geek and playing up her geek factor. Too bad, Rosemary and her crew just didn't do it for me. I can feel the passion Edwards poured into the book, but the pacing of the novel and Wes's indecisiveness just drags the book down for me.

Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

With the third installment in the "Market" trilogy, Louisa Edwards is fast becoming my favorite contemporary romance writer. This author's clever combination of food and romance, with a dash of humor and a heavy dose of steamy sex, is flat out adorable. Rosemary and Wes are my favorite heroine and hero so far (and you don't have to read the books in order, but there is a building secondary romance that is really fun and different) because I'm a sucker for "opposites attract." In this book, they actually ignite. The whole aphrodisiac theme is such a perfect way to highlight the food science geek vs. the bad boy chef conflict and made for pages and pages of smiles, chuckles, and sighs. This is easy, fast, fun, light reading that, surprisingly, sticks with you after you close the book. Witty dialogue from beginning to end, smooth writing, three-dimensional characters, and the author's obvious in-depth knowledge of food make this one a keeper. Highly recommended.

This is the final book in the Market trilogy. It was a satisfying end, wrapping up the relationship between Frankie and Jess quite nicely. Much like the first book, "Can't Stand the Heat," the best part of this book was the story of Frankie and Jess. They were nicely developed and never felt like the secondary plot. I liked that they were consistent through the entire series and were by far my favorite part.

The same cannot be said for the main characters of Rosemary and Wes. For vast portions of the book, the two were never together. I didn't understand why they were together aside from their "chemistry." Their interactions were very superficial and I was never sure why they were attracted to each other. And why they couldn't just be together.

In the beginning it was hinted that Wes and his con artist father were trying to pull some kind of con on Rosemary's mother in Las Vegas. That was never fully explained, nor was the reason for keeping Wes's dad a secret from Rosemary. It was disappointing that this plot point never turned into anything more than a brief mention.

I liked Rosemary. I enjoyed the descriptions of her T-shirts and her knowledge of all things geek was endearing, though at times I found it a bit much and it took me out of the story. I didn't like the way she spoke, She reminded me of Dr. Temperance Brennan from "Bones" and while that kind of dialogue works on TV, it didn't translate well into reading. It was distracting and at times I found myself skipping over portions of Rosemary's dialogue because it was taking me out of the story.

I also liked Wes. I liked that his background was explored and his character was quite complex and showed growth. Not only in how he overcame his childhood, but how he overcame his trust issues and insecurity at Market.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and found it enjoyable enough. However, if it were my first Louisa Edwards novel, I would seriously question whether or not to read another one. It was a good end to the Market series and did a good job of wrapping up all of the characters. I wish Devon Sparks had made an appearance, but we can't have everything.

I am not a regular romance reader, but I know the author so I read this trilogy, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed all three of the books and most especially this one. It's a lot of fun, charmingly written and the characters jump off the page, and the romance is remarkably satisfying. Even more surprisingly, I found the book actually very insightful to a degree that I think is fairly remarkable for any book, genre fiction or not. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes stuff that's good. But I'd definitely say, start with Can't Stand the Heat and read all three!

I picked this up at the library and could not make myself finish this travesty. The author used every insulting geek-stereotype imaginable when creating the Rosemary character. It is possible to have a female genuis who doesn't live in the Star Trek/Star Wars fantasy misfit world, fantasizinf about Vulcan sex or channelling every sci-fi scenario possible. I shut the book not long after the "by the power of Grayskull" quote. and Wes came across as plain old dumb. Too damned insulting toward intelligent women. If a zero star rating were possible that's what this would have earned.

My Review:
The absolute PERFECT end to this wonderful trilogy. These books blend the perfect combination of fun quirky characters, wonderful insightful story lines, mind-blowing heart-wrenching emotions, and absolutely wonderful food and recipes. It is such a fun combination. All three of the books have been set in the New York restaurant, Market, and have centered around the characters that work there. Like any good restaurant needs good ambience to be successful, these books have used this restaurant's ambience for a lush background and setting that creates a warm and homey mood for the entire series. And it's homey feeling because the crew that work there are really family. They spend very long stressful days together, go out and let off steam together after hours, and are there for each other when one of them has a problem.

Latecomer to the family is Wes, the extern from the Academy of Culinary Arts, who first showed up in book #1. In this book, we get to see him come fully into the fold and love of this "family." And he needs this family because he was raised by a father who was a con-man. He raised Wes teaching him the art of the con so that he would benefit his father until Wes got caught pulling a con for dear old dad at the age of 15 which got him sent to Heartway House. It was here that Wes found a love for food and hopes for a different lifestyle rather than running a constant con. But being raised as a con, Wes is pretty comfortable in his own skin and fairly relaxed and laid-back in pretty much any situation...or at least able to cover it if he's not.

The complete opposite of Wes is Rosemary. She is a complete and totally socially awkward geek. She graduated from high school at age 12, graduated from college at age 14, and has an IQ of 180, but is totally clueless as to how to interact with others. She is also completely obsessed with Star Trek, chemistry, and has a total recall of every single thing that she has ever heard or read. She's so totally out of her element with simple conversation, but she makes these little statements or thoughts which are flipping hilarious. She has a totally unique view on the world and Wes adores her.

I loved their love story- so perfectly written and in the background, we are finally gifted without the final chapter of Jess and Frankie's romance. This gay romantic story has played in the background of all three novels in this trilogy and it has been gorgeous. I have really enjoyed their love story- so much emotion- LOVED IT!

I may be biased because I worked in a restaurant throughout college, but this has been an amazing trilogy and it's not over yet. There is a brand new cooking trilogy coming from Louisa Edwards and I hear that some of these familiar faces from Market are going to show up again...Yippee!

Louisa Edwards is a new author for me and I have to say I really enjoyed the 3 books I've read so far. My favorite is Just One Taste. Wes is a really easy character to get into! He tries hard to be a good guy and he is so sweet! Rosemary at first seemed like she might be hard to get close to but that wasn't the case. I loved them together and enjoyed seeing the characters from past books! Also enjoyed learning about the background scene of a restaurant! I wont sit at my table from now on without thinking of everything that goes on before I get my food!!I hope you check out this series I don't think you will be disappointed!!

A fun read with "delicious" writing.

Wes isn't a "bad-boy" in the way that you might think as a playboy type. His "bad" history comes from a childhood on the "scam" with his con artist dad until the scams landed him in a halfway house. Which was really a good thing because it turned Wes around and gave him a goal for the future with his love of cooking.

When Wes first spots his geeky but sexy teacher (you know the kind hiding behind the frumpy lab jacket, hair pinned back and wearing thick glasses) he thinks maybe he can con...ah no, make that charm... his way into a good grade. Then things get hot in the lab and they both jump from the pan into the fire, so to speak.

Rosemary has an IQ off the charts but is naive on friendships and relationships having lived her whole life set apart from normal people and in the standoffish presence, or more often absence, of her wealthy, brilliant parents. She views most things in scientific black and white. Unfortunately the bubbly emotions that come with Wes take a fast plunge when Wes runs off.

Wes takes off to try to protect Rosemary's reputation. But leaving a note saying "I'm off to the job I always dreamed of" isn't exactly brave or kind. When they meet again he is thrilled to have a second chance but prideful Wes is going to hide his background at all costs, even if it means lying to Rosemary and losing her. This is really idiotic since it seems she could handle the truth. But where would the betrayal and story be?? So with two strikes behind him, is there any chance Rosemary will trust him again?

Behind the primary story there is a strong secondary story involving the relationship trauma between the gay couple, Frankie and Jess. As in the first book of the series, this was nicely handled with good characterization and natural heartache and angst.

I enjoy the smooth writing with the very natural, true to life, presentation of the characters. There are lots of apropos cooking phrases, like: "Drawn to her like butter melting toward the hottest spot in the pan....", which are peppered throughout and add flavorful fun to the story. I thought the ending was a little weak and would have liked an epilogue to tie up loose ends instead of leaving unanswered questions since this is the end of the series. All in all this is a sumptuous and satisfying romance.

One caution: The language is very strong and scattered throughout so be forewarned.

I really enjoyed the first two books in this series and was looking forward to Wes's story. Unfortunaltey, I thought that the book was pretty slow and boring. I did not care for Rosemary at all and thought that Wes seemed boring in this story. If it had not been for Frankie & Jess' characters I probably would not have finished at all.

Wes Murphy spent his formative childhood years grifting and conning with his Pops. They were a bunko team - swindling to get by and make a buck. But that all changed when one con too many landed Wes in a halfway home, where he discovered and nurtured his love of cooking.

Years later and Wes is making good on his talents, studying at the acclaimed Academy of Culinary Arts. He's in his second-to-last rotation, with high hopes of gaining an internship at Adam Temple's infamous Market restaurant in NYC. The only thing standing in Wes's way is a little chemistry class, and a much sought after passing grade. If Wes doesn't pass chemistry 101, he doesn't get his dream placement. But when the geekishly adorable Dr. Rosemary Wilkins takes over the class halfway through the semester, Wes thinks he has found a way to gain extraordinary new insights into the art of chemistry . . .

Rosemary Wilkins was a child prodigy. The daughter of an infamous novelist and respected lecturer, Rosemary was bound for greatness. But being a Mensa member isn't as fulfilling as some may believe. Rosemary has felt used and flaunted her entire life. It seems everybody wants her genius, not her. And she's not entirely sure that her new student, Wes Murphy, is any different. All this talk about an aphrodisiac science experiment is all well and good, but does he want the grade or the woman handing them out?

`Just One Taste' is the third book in Louisa Edward's ridiculously delicious `Recipe for Love' contemporary romance series.

We first met Wes Murphy back in second book `On the Steamy Side'. Wes was introduced as the new Market intern (after the last one went bonkers!) and he came with a shady back-story about an illicit student-teacher romance and a broken heart pining for him back at culinary academy. In `Just one Taste', Edwards backtracks and gives fans the full explanation to Wes's back-story . . . and boy, is it good!

Wes falls for his chemistry teacher, Dr. Rosemary Wilkins. Rosemary is actually at the academy conducting research for a scientific journal she's writing, and her presence is a real coup for ACA since she is so infamous in the science world. Rosemary was my favourite thing about this book. She is adorkable - and I feel the best way to describe her is to say she's just like Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler from `Big Bang Theory' (but blonder, and with a pert ass). Seriously, she wears Wookie and Browncoats t-shirts (I loved her the moment she revealed herself to be a `Firefly' fan!). Rosemary doesn't say "For God's sake!" she says "For Buffy's sake!". I found my girl-crush cemented after Rosemary awakens from a particular sex dream about Wes and role-play. . .

Wes, by contrast, is a saucy delight. He's all tan and sinewy, with a smirk to die for. I definitely got the reformed bad-boy vibe from him . . . but even though Wes and Rosemary are polar opposites, it was never hard to believe that Wes would fall for her and vice-versa. Their research into aphrodisiacs aside, these two just fit. Rosemary needs to lighten up, and Wes needs someone to believe in him. These two were precious, and I loved them!

If I had any problems with this book it has to be the rather convoluted story about Wes being an ex con-man. Edwards sets this story up to be the big obstacle for Wes and Rosemary and for a little while you hold your breath expecting Wes to fall into his old, scheming ways. But this story never felt fully fleshed-out, and it just seemed a little too tangled and frayed to pose as a real, pivotal hurdle for the romance . . . which, incidentally, meant there wasn't all that much tension in the relationship, no `will-they-or-won't-they' juiciness.

One of the things I L-O-V-E about the `Recipe for Love' series is the ongoing story of Jess and Frankie. Frankie is Market's sous-chef, and Jess is a part-time waiter at the restaurant. Frankie is Jess's first boyfriend since coming out to his sister and being honest with himself. They got together in `Can't Stand the Heat', but hit a few major bumps in `On the Steamy Side'. I love Frankie and Jess together, so I had my heart in my throat regarding their broken relationship in `Taste' (seriously, they are the Qhuay of the `Recipe for Love' series!). I love (and appreciate) that Edwards offers Jess and Frankie's romance as the one continuous side-story of the series. It means that fans can get really invested in their story, and caught up in the melodrama. I don't want to give anything away about the status of their romance in this third book, but I will say I look forward to where they go from here . . .

Edwards's writing is a sumptuous delight. I love just how committed she is to her series theme - everything begins and ends with the food, the restaurant atmosphere and the hectic cooking that goes on in the kitchen. Edwards remains true to her theme in every aspect of the novel. It's very subtle, and never over-cooked, but if you look for it you can read just how much Edwards has imbued her series with flavour . . . whether she's using a food simile to describe someone's emotion, or infusing a romantic declaration with food parallels.

I have said it once and I'll say it again; the setting of an infamous NYC restaurant is genius for a contemporary romance series! Edward's has given herself boundless opportunities to write about juicy relationships and smouldering hook-ups. Forget hot-under-the-collar, it's what's heating up in the kitchen that counts!