Some Like It Spicy (Perfect Recipe, #1) (Entangled Edge)

by Robbie Terman

[Angie]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

I use to be really addicted to Top Chef, Hell's Kitchen, and Master Chef, so I figured I'd enjoy Some Like it Spicy. I was expecting a quick and fun romance set against the backdrop of reality TV, but I wasn't expecting to fall madly in love with it! I became so immersed in Ashton and Ty's romance that I actually cried tears of joy at the end, even though I'm typically annoyed by the cliche engagement type endings. This was just an amazing book. It has great characters (although it took me a bit to warm up to Ashton), a great premise, a super fun plot, and a sexy romance! There's also plenty of scandal and real life problems, too, but surprisingly those didn't take away from my enjoyment, which sometimes happens.

Some Like it Spicy follows Ashton as she competes on a popular Top Chef-like reality show. She was hesitant to sign on, but her business partners convinced her that she'd be doing it for all them, since her restaurant is sinking. There she meets the host, and head judge, Ty Cates. It's an instant attraction, but there's also some antagonism there, since Ashton is quite the strong personality and very defensive. Of course, their attraction is only heightened by the fact that it's illegal for them to be involved while the show is filming. They have to sneak around, or at least get creative with the time they're allowed alone together. I love forbidden romance, so I loved Ashton and Ty! Their sexual chemistry is through the roof and they find themselves in some sticky situations.

In addition to the romance, I absolutely loved the whole reality TV set up. Some Like it Spicy takes us on set, back stage, and beyond! It was a lot of fun seeing the inner workings of so-called "reality" television. I never thought about it much, but this seems like how it probably works. I felt like I was actually watching The Next Top Celebrity Chef along with the outtakes specials. We get to see all of the challenges which made my tummy rumble, and the grueling long hours of reshooting and interviews. Then we follow the contestants back to their house, and really get to see all of the different personalities. There are a couple of stereotypes, but they were clearly there to fill a specific role on the TV show, so that didn't bother me. I grew to absolutely adore Jolene and her mission to make health food tasty!

Some Like it Spicy was a very welcome surprise. It's probably snagged the position of my favorite Contemporary Romance. I just loved everything about it, except that it made me really hungry and I wanted to climb into the pages to steal some of the food! I laughed, I cried, I swooned! This romance really does have it all!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.