"A pleasant tale"

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

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 28, 2002

Summary

IF YOU CAN'T TAKE THE HEAT, GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN...

Mari Salazar risked everything to create her restaurant, Guilty Pleasures, and now she's willing to risk everything all over again to save it. Nick Avery is a supersexy chef looking for a second chance, since a longtime rival had him framed for theft. Soon, they're creating a sinful menu that offers them more opportunities than they could have ever dreamed of... including the delicious temptations each can offer that aren't on the menu!