Mary Ralston has finally made the break from a dying marriage. During the separation, Mary moved to Toronto on her own, worked hard to learn all she could, studied and tested literally hundreds of recipes. Down to the very bottom of her savings account, she knows the chef's position at Magma is what she's been working towards, the perfect platform for her hard earned skills. This just has to happen, and happen right now.

I love the way Mary is coming into her own, both in her career and her self confidence. Her determination to make Kegan view her as the perfect candidate for the job shows that the all years her husband had shot down her dreams of a culinary career are over. Kegan, on the other hand, is trying to learn to tone down while Mary is gearing up. After a personal epiphany several months before, he is working hard to change his controlling ways, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. It's always good to have a man who is good looking, sexy, and masculinely confident in their life yet still trying to be a better person at the same time.

I would skip the Prologue. It's more confusing than helpful and gives too much away. Reading the story from Chapter One gives you a much better feel for the characters and their growing relationship. Ms. Wardell brought the restaurant business to life for me, the details, the hours, the small emergencies and clashes of personalities. It was a wonderful blend of information without the factual overload some writers add. If you're a fan of the Food Network, or just dining out, you definitely want to add this one to your reading list.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Kathy F.
April 7, 2011