Just A Taste

NY Blades Series - Book 7

By Deirdre Martin

Berkley - January 2008

Contemporary Romance


Anthony Dante had known love, and then lost his wife. He now dedicated himself to the restaurant he co-owned with his brother Michael. He had no intention of finding a new woman. And if he did, it certainly wouldn't be a French chef who was moving into his neighborhood, across from his restaurant, and becoming his competition.

Vivi Robitaille had come to America to open her own little bistro. She was excited about her new life, her new neighborhood, and especially, finally having her own restaurant. She eagerly seeked out her neighbor Anthony, hoping to share in the good will of being chefs in the same neighborhood. Instead, she challenges his cooking, and has to be literally dragged away.

Thus begins a thrust and parry courtship of two chefs competing for business and for each other's love. Anthony and Vivi continually question what ingredients are in foods, and challenge each other's recipes. They even have a cook-off. Yet there are still emotional challenges that they must overcome. Anthony had loved his wife, and they must both put her firmly into the past.

It was unexpected to learn of the hero for Just a Taste. After all, we had seen Anthony fall in love during his brother's story - Fair Play. Plus, we had seen him in later books, and knew that he was married and trying to start a family. Learning that his wife had been killed was shocking, and as a romance reader who always wants the HEA, it was a bit disconcerting to start reading this story. However, since we never really got to know Angie, it wasn't too difficult to overcome that hurdle.

I have not read a Deirdre Martin book that I haven't liked. She has created a fantastic cast of characters that pop in and out of the various stories. Each book has been tied to her New York Blades hockey team. It is enjoyable to be able to see the other characters again. In particular, Just a Taste shows Michael after he is retired, and trying to survive as a stay-at-home dad. I look forward to additional NY Blades stories.

Kathy Andrico - ReaderToReader.com