The first book of the series has set the tone of M.J. O’Shea and Anna Martin’s collaboration into something that is maybe a hit or miss for both authors’ fans. These two are in my top 10 favorite authors from this genre and for some reason; their partnership doesn’t quite equate into something spectacular as a fan of both (moi!) would expect. That’s not to say the book was awful though, it’s actually far from that.
Soufflés at Sunrise is a cute story – two guys who found each other in the midst of a reality cooking TV show. Kailua Chin is a chef who left Hawaii and settled in California to try out for the show. He’s confident and very intense and sees himself already winning the top plum in the show. Country boy Chase Christensen grew up in a farm and has his own Ice-cream business in Wisconsin. He’s shy, sweet and very easy in the eye. At the show, they were pitted against each other with the producer orchestrating a mock rivalry for the viewers. But behind the scenes and off cam – they can’t seem to get their hands off each other.Things went wrong when their personal involvement started to get in the way of the competition. And then Chase discovered something that may change their plans for the show…and change things with Kai.
The first half of the story was a bit dull for my taste. I thought it was repetitive until Chase and Kai spent their days off at Kai’s loft (If I remember it right, it was during chapter seven when things started to pick up. Thank gawd!) The sex scenes between them were hot but there’s not too many of it. I thought the D/s tinge in those scenes was such a treat but I’m glad that the authors didn’t overdo it. I would’ve been mad if they did. It was already out of character from Chase and if they went beyond those verbal “domination” then I’m totally refunding this book!
I think it’s safe to say that anyone who’s into cooking / baking desserts would have an orgasm reading this oh-so-sweet story. The chemistry between Chase and Kai was incredible and the oh-so-many desserts in the story was almost info overload for me since I didn’t care one bit about it.
Needless to say, the story has its moments and just like the first book in the series – there are some things that’s still lacking (I want excessive romancing from the MCs next time please!) but overall, it’s still an enjoyable read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Published February 23rd 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
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About The Authors
Anna Martin is from a picturesque seaside village in the south west of England. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English Literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.
Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.
Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.
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M.J. O’Shea has been writing romance since algebra class in sixth grade (when most of her stories starred her and Leonardo DiCaprio). When she’s not writing, she loves listening to nearly all types of music, painting, reading great authors, and on those elusive sunny days in the Pacific Northwest, she loves driving on the freeway with her windows rolled down and her stereo on high.
She can be contacted at mjosheaseattle@gmail.com
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