Lovin' los libros

Taste The Heat (Love and Games #1)
  by: Rachel Harris

Publication Date: July 8, 2013
Publisher: Entangled: Bliss
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received from publisher and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 220 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Now that the initial giggly, big cheesy grin phase is over- I can finally write my review! I think I might have even squealed out loud a few times in this book. I am a new member of Rachel's Flirt Squad (Wooo!) and when I saw that she had a form to sign up to read this one early- I couldn't resist! I loved reading Rachel's teasers for all of her novels, so I already knew I liked her writing style. If you are looking for a good, sweet romance- this is definitely the book to pick up.

I've never been to New Orleans, but let me tell you- Rachel does an incredible job with the setting of this novel. I felt like she described Magnolia Springs perfectly and I could visualize the small town feel that it gave off. When I can actually picture my surroundings, I know the author has done a great job of pulling me in.

I LOVE the characters. Colby, a big time chef in Vegas, returns home to help her brother and sister out at their family restaurant. Colby hasn't been back home in years because of some things that happened in the past. I instantly liked that Colby was able to push aside her personal demons to help out her siblings. It just shows you that no matter how painful her memories are, she would drop everything to help them out. And I think that shows a lot of character. Colby used to be a dreamer- she believed in fairy tale endings and everlasting love. After being burned by love and being betrayed by the one person she never thought would hurt her, she has sworn off the whole idea of it. Ever since she was younger Colby has harbored a secret crush on Jason Landry, her older brother's best friend. Upon her return to Magnolia Springs, Jason does not immediately recognize her, but finds himself completely attracted to this woman. Upon later discovering who she is, he knows he should back off and stay away, yet he can't.

Sigh. Jason. He is completely dreamy. Yes, I said dreamy. I have said it once and I'll say it again- Good guys always win for me. And Jason is a GOOD guy. He is an amazing father to his daughter, he is loyal to his friends and family, and is a responsible adult. As a single father, he has done a great job of raising his daughter Emma, but as she gets older he is finding she really needs a female figure in her life. The only problem? Jason loved his wife. He knows no one can ever replace her and he is unsure that he will ever find love again. This is partly the reason that he ends up agreeing to a no strings arrangement with Colby. Both are attracted to one another and there's definite chemistry between them. What could it hurt? However, the more time the two spend together, the more they realize that what was just supposed to be a summer fling, is turning into a whole lot more.

Emma is Jason's 11 year old daughter and is adorable. She adores her father and for an 11 year old kid is pretty intuitive. She wants him to be happy and find love again and Emma just so happens to bond with Colby. Colby says she could not be a surrogate mother, yet her nurturing tendencies are so natural for her. She can't say no to Emma when she invites her to family events and makes Colby feel like a part of the family. Emma playing matchmaker is TOO cute.

I really liked Cane and Sherry, Colby's brother and sister too. Sherry is a fun character- she's that nosy little sister who loves to be up in your business, but really has a good heart and wants what's best for her sister. Cane is your overprotective big brother. He comes across as a bit of a tough guy, but once you hear about him and Emma, (who is his goddaughter) he's a big old teddy bear! I cannot wait to read his story next! Cane makes it very clear to Jason that he does not want his sister hurt and best friend or not- he will come after him if he does. :D (I always wanted a big brother for that reason!)

Taste The Heat is a beautiful love story about two people who aren't looking for love at all- but realize their feelings for each other are anything but casual. Add in the small town feel of Magnolia Springs, a little Cajun cooking, and a whole lot of steam- you've got yourself an awesome summer read!

Oh. Once you finish the book, this will be you: :) :) :) :) <3 <3 <3 <3 <3


Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cook Time: 25 min.
Level of Difficulty: Easy



1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
2. Meanwhile, to make sauce, in a large nonstick skillet over medium-hi heat, cook sausage, stirring and breaking up meat with back of a wooden spoon, until cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes; remove to a plate.
3. Heat oil in same skillet. Add yellow pepper and onion; cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are lightly colored and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add wine and garlic to skillet; cook until most of liquid evaporates, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes, crushed red pepper, salt, and browned sausage; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender and sauce is heated through, about 10 minutes.
5. While sauce simmers, add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions. Drain pasta; return to pot. Add sauce and basil; toss to mix and coat.


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