Guilty Pleasures

Nick Avery was a four star chef, destined for chef-stardom, when his unscrupulous business partner falsely accused him of embezzlement. No longer employable, he finds himself applying to "Guilty Pleasures," an unknown restaurant in the slum section of town. Nick hopes to resurrect his reputation, but is unaware that Mari Salazar's restaurant is running in the red and in imminent danger of closing. Having nothing to lose, Mari decides to overlook the supersexy chef's reputation and hire him. But only under the condition that he works for base pay for 3 months and understands that he has no say in the business or the menu. But the instant attraction between the two soon finds them having an affair. Hoping to revive "Guilty Pleasures" Mari decides to change the entire menu. Inspiration for the menu comes during their most ardent times together and they come up with "Foreplay" for appetizers, "Afterglow" for desserts...to name a few. Along with their loveable crew, they decide to enter a national cooking contest. There are too many interesting plots in this book to cover them all. The characters become very loveable and the plot is so good the book becomes hard to put down. It's hot and steamy and I loved the surprise ending.

I really like Nick. He is the kind of man that cares for the needs of the woman he is with and takes pride on satisfying them. He is sexy, determined and tender. My type of man! The heroine of this story, Mari, is no less that the hero. She is a confident, determined woman at peace with her own sexuality. I recommend this book and Nancy Warren's Whisper.

Her San Francisco restaurant Le Pome failed because Mari Salazar lacked the confidence to adhere to her convictions on the menu. Thus the meals by committee led to a public flogging by a disingenuous reporter seeking a name. Her Nob Hill parents blame Mari. They demand she leave the kitchen to lowlifes and return to her upper crust lifestyle. An angry Mari walks out on her unsympathetic parents vowing she will make all the decisions on her next restaurant.Seven years later, Nick Avery learns how far and fast the mighty can fall when whispers and innuendoes accuse a person of wrongdoing. He was recently the head chef at the four-star Le Chapeau Noir. Now he begs Mari for a job of second stringer at the chaotic GUILTY PLEASURES. Though she tells him his credentials are too high she hires him due to a common reference, but warns him that she controls the menu alone. As he offers advice and begins to fit amidst the motley crew, Mari and Nick fall in love. However, she knows that he is a super chef that New York will be calling on soon.This is a pleasant tale starring two likable characters and a group of eccentric secondary players who provide the tasty dessert for the audience. Though this may be a Blaze, readers will feel that Mari and Nick kiss too quickly and jump into bed too fast for two individuals who have no reason to trust one another. Still, the main course is fun and the delectable restaurant ensemble adds the finishing touches to a heated seven course reading experience.Harriet Klausner