Just a Taste (New York Blades) [Paperback]

Deirdre Martin (Author)

Book Description

Series: New York Blades | Publication Date: May 5, 2009

For delizioso pasta, go to Dante’s. For a sumptuous Cordon Bleu, go to Vivi’s. To really heat things up… get them together.

Since his wife’s untimely death, Anthony Dante has thrown himself into his cooking, making his restaurant, Dante’s, a Brooklyn institution. So far, his biggest problem has been keeping his retired hockey star brother out of the kitchen. But now, a mademoiselle is invading his turf. And you know what they say: too many chefs spoil the neighborhood…

Stunning Vivi Robitaille can’t wait to showcase her tastebud-tingling recipes in her brand new bistro, Vivi’s. Her only problem is an arrogant Italian chef across the street who actually thinks he’s competition. The table is set for a culinary war—until things start getting spicy outside of the kitchen…

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Absolute delight.”
—The Best Reviews

“Exceptional romance.”
—Booklist

"[Martin] can touch the heart and funny bone."
—Romance Junkies

"Ms. Martin always delivers heat and romance."
—CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE REVIEWS

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (May 5, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 042521897X
• ISBN-13: 978-0425218976
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #518,835 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

New York Times Bestselling Author Deirdre Martin currently lives in Ithaca, New York, with her husband Mark Levine, who is also a writer. She's had the same best friend since she was ten, and the only sport she can stand watching is ice hockey. In her spare time she likes to read, hike, and perform with the local improv group.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must have, January 25, 2008

By 

Judy "book reader" (Cincinnati, ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Just a Taste (New York Blades) (Paperback)

Deirdre Martin pens an emotional, tender and sexy story in Just A Taste.

Chef Anthony Dante is still mourning the sudden loss of his policewoman wife over a year ago. He visits her every Sunday for a chat at her grave. His family thinks he needs to move on but Anthony isn't sure if he is ready just yet. Moving in across from the family restaurant is a new little bistro called Vivi's. At first Anthony is worried that this new place will cut into his clientele. But upon meeting Vivi Robitaille and her sister Natalie his worries are put somewhat to rest. Vivi stirs in Anthony a feeling he thought was long over for him.

Vivi Robitaille chef at the new bistro Vivi's has come to America for a fresh start for her and her sister. She really didn't want or need any type of romantic entanglement while trying to get her bistro up and running. Vivi is drawn to Anthony's quiet strong ways. Their bickering over who the better chef is turns into really steaming up the kitchen.

Anthony is slowly warming up to the idea of finding love the second time around. But when Vivi gets scared will he be willing to wait for her? Plus Anthony's extended family has to put in their two cents worth on what he should do with his love life as well as the restaurant.

Anthony and Vivi are two peas in a pod, their squabbling is just a step in their dating ritual and its fun to watch. Their chemistry is fun and exciting and is put to the test when old ghost come to haunt them.

Just A Taste is everything I have come to expect from a Deidre Martin book. It makes me laugh, cry and sigh. These characters become like family and you hate to say goodbye.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!!!!!!!!!, January 2, 2008

By 

Sunny Galoupers "Sunny" (Utah, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Just a Taste (New York Blades) (Paperback)

I've read all the NY Blades book, and you really want to keep on reading about them ( Is Natalie's story coming next?). Anthony and Vivi represent all you can ever imagine about chef... they are both crazy yet really lovable. I'd really recommend this book :)

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just A Taste-A Joyfully Recommended Title!!, January 31, 2008

By 

M. Nix - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Just a Taste (New York Blades) (Paperback)

Vivi and her half-sister Natalie have just moved to the US from France
in search of a dream. Vivi, a chef, wishes to open a bistro in New
York and hopes to make a huge success of it. Natalie is running from a
scandal caused by a relationship gone bad and has come along to start
a new life and fund Vivi's dream with their father's inheritance.

Anthony, a widower, runs an Italian restaurant across the street from
Vivi's. She's intrigued by him and his wonderful hands. As both are
chefs, they clash from the beginning on how things should be prepared
and made But while they are clashing, something bigger is building
there. And while Anthony may not be ready for another woman in his
life yet, sometimes a person can't avoid love even with the best laid
plans.

The stepsisters find they have issues to work through in their
relationship with each other and many problems to overcome in setting
up a new restaurant in a country fairly new to them. Both Vivi and
Anthony go through cold feet phases in the mating ritual they go
through. But in the end love overcomes all. I completely enjoyed Just
A Taste and how Deirdre Martin made this romance realistic. Everything
from arguments over whether something contained butter or shortening,
to making up over the kitchen island was completely delightful in this
story. I Joyfully Recommend Just a Taste as I loved Vivi and Anthony's
quest for love and think you will too.


Raine
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed