Want to Read saving…. Want to Read Currently Reading Read. Refresh and try again. Open Preview See a Problem? Thanks for telling us about the problem. Return to Book Page. When it comes to competitive cooking, Max Lunden is no stranger to winning A master chef-and major hunk-he's traveled the world, picking up new cooking techniques as well as beautiful women.
But when the prodigal chef returns home to his family's Greenwich Village restaurant, he discovers one too many cooks in the kitc When it comes to competitive cooking, Max Lunden is no stranger to winning But when the prodigal chef returns home to his family's Greenwich Village restaurant, he discovers one too many cooks in the kitchen-and she's every bit as passionate as he is Now a chef herself-competing in the biggest culinary contest in the country-Juliet will be cooking side by side with the one man she's always admired But despite their simmering attraction, Juliet is determined to keep her cool-no matter how hot it gets Paperback , pages.
To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about Too Hot To Touch , please sign up. Lists with This Book. Sep 27, Julie James rated it it was amazing. Sucked me in from the prologue, then I stayed up until 1am to finish it! Jan 11, Leah rated it it was amazing Shelves: I heard about Edwards not long before her first book-- Can't Stand the Heat --was published and bought it the day that it came out.
Since that first story I was in love. A freakishly devoted fan. I get disturbingly excited when a new book comes out, and that pattern continued when I found Too Hot to Handle on the shelves not even days after it came out. I couldn't wait to start it. And, let me tell you, the woman did not let me down with the start of this new series. It's possible that I could love it even more than the Recipe for Love series! We'll have to wait and see after a couple books because, really, can you top the Market crew? I don't know what it is about Louisa Edwards, but she has the propensity to create such blindingly fascinating characters that it's almost appalling that so much talent is centered in one woman.
Just look at the wonderful cast of this series: Max, the wanderer just looking for a place that feels like home. Jules, the woman who's afraid to let a man get too close, yet is inexplicably drawn to Max. Danny, the little brother that had to grow up too fast. Gus, the stubborn father who needs, in the words of Danny, a reality check. Nina, the mother of the group. Win, the friendly chef with a sunny, often exuberant, personality. Beck, the mystery chef we know practically nothing about.
Kane, the adorable foodie rock star. Claire, the exotic, French, magazine editor-in-chief attempting and failing not to be attracted to a man half her age. Eva, the heiress running the show. How could you pass up a book with such a variety of characters and personalities? I love the idea of the Rising Star Chef competition tying all the books of the series together, but what I love the most is the way Edwards intertwines so many romances into one book without making it seem overcrowded: The main romance is between Max and Jules.
Their romance begins when Max is called home from his travels to help his family's team through the RSC qualifiers. The way their romance progresses is interesting and, I think, flows well with the story. Despite the side romance, Max and Jules' relationship doesn't seem rushed.
By the end of the book, you get the sense that they actually know each other. Aside from some ridiculous self-sacrifice by Jules and obliviousness by, well, both of them. And, while Jules was not always my favorite person throughout the book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her and Max. The secondary romance is between Kane and Claire. Their romance begins when Kane joins the judging panel for the competition, along with Claire and Devon Sparks from Recipe for Love. Their romance doesn't go very far in this book, which leads me to believe that they are going to be a recurring secondary romance throughout the series, much like Frankie and Jess in Recipe for Love.
And, oh boy, don't think I didn't notice the two very brief and extremely subtle allusions to my love Frankie in this book! And Jess during the second one. I think part of it has to do with the frustration of not getting enough of them. The third, and perhaps less noticeable, romance is between Danny and Eva. Their romance begins when Eva flirts with Danny at the first qualifying round of the RSC competition. I mention this as one of the romances because Edwards is seamlessly introducing the main couple of the next book of this series, Some Like It Hot.
It's so subtle that some may not even realize it, but man, is it there. So, I guess what I've tried to get across with this review is that I loved this book, and Louisa Edwards has produced yet another wonderful novel. I can't wait for the continuation of the series; it doesn't seem like it can get here fast enough.
Sorry about that, but there's not much I can do about it. I'm not that into workplace romance, myself. View all 13 comments. This was just the right blend of chemistry, witty banter, and heart with a little bit of spice thrown in. As a bonus, there was no love triangle or drama on frustrating levels! The Lunden's are like family to Jules, they took her in when she was seventeen with nowhere to go. Jules and Danny, their youngest son and her best friend, work together at the restaurant This was just the right blend of chemistry, witty banter, and heart with a little bit of spice thrown in.
Jules and Danny, their youngest son and her best friend, work together at the restaurant, Danny as a pastry chef and Jules as the lead chef. Max, the oldest son, left just as Jules moved in. There was a falling out between Max and his father, Gus, due to differences in opinion on what direction the restaurant should go.
Since then, Max has been on the move, living wherever he could learn the latest and greatest cuisine all over the world. This is about to change when Max's mother calls and asks him to come home and help their restaurant win the Rising Star Chef competition. His mother doesn't explain why they need his help but he knows she wouldn't have asked unless it was really important.
Jules nursed a long-time, school-girl crush on Max before he left home but she's determined to keep things professional to win the competition. Plus, this is her kitchen, and she's the one in charge of leading them to victory. Jules wants no confusion when it comes to that. Max for his part, feels there's nothing wrong with seizing the opportunity if there's an attraction between them. He plans on leaving straight after the competition because of an apprenticeship that's just opened up, but feels they might as well have some fun while they can.
At least this is how he feels initially. Soon he finds that he wants way more. Here's a sweet quote from Max: And the last thought he had before he closed his eyes was that he'd stay forever, if she asked him to. He clearly learned so much about human nature and life from his travels abroad. Max was such a sweetheart to Jules, helping her to open up about the past, and work through some of her issues. Jules was an amazing character, as well. The concern and devotion she held for the Lunden's was touching.
The secondary characters were quirky and fun, too. At first, I didn't care for the switch to Claire's perspective but I didn't mind it once the story got going. That, and Kane was HOT! It was a cute little side romance of opposites. I recommend this book to anyone wanting a sweet, well-paced, drama-free romance.
Now I plan to get Danny's romance in the next installment! View all 19 comments. Aug 03, Amy rated it it was amazing Shelves: Originally posted at http: The more you have, the more you want. I must admit the cover alone grabbed me. I me Originally posted at http: I mean a hot shirtless man cooking up something scrumptious in a pan.
Edwards has captured the nostalgia as well as the current vibe of the city with a written a love letter to New York in this culinary series and I was more than ready to dig in with fork and knife in hand! Max, the oldest son of Gus Lunden is a progressive chef. The restaurant is a Manhattan institution that is known for grilling the best steaks in the city and has served some of the most famous Broadway stars and politicians for decades. Gus believes otherwise and is strong-minded in keeping tradition. After a major blow-up with his dad, Max leaves New York to venture overseas to learn hands on skills from some of the best cultures abroad.
What starts as one night results in a permanent arrangement both in the family business and the hearts of both Gus and his wife, Nina. Six years have passed and the restaurant is failing. The family and staff believe that the answer to their problems is winning the Rising Star Chef Challenge competition and in order to win, they need Max to come home and be a part of the challenge. Max reluctantly agrees to return home and help the staff through the qualifying round before embarking on his own adventure studying in Italy with the best Italian chef in the world.
Jules has had a crush on Max since high school so naturally she is vulnerable to his charm and flirtatious nature, but she knows she cannot allow her feelings to flourish, because Max never stays in one place for anything or anyone. Edwards has what it takes to pen an engaging, sexy contemporary romance that leaves your taste buds begging for more.
There are a lot of characters in the story, but Ms. Edwards incorporates each one into the overall setting so that you are not overwhelmed. Each character has individuality, humor and an engaging presence in the storyline that is intriguing and vital to the overall outcome of the competition as well as the series. Edwards also provides plenty of passionate encounters between Max and Jules. Edwards hits the issues that both Max and Jules need to face from their past.
Relaying strong elements of forgiveness and acceptance in turn allows both characters to become free to love their family and each other. Too Hot To Touch provides a delicious dish to what I believe will be a savory series any food and romance lover will not want to pass up! Aug 11, Kathleen rated it really liked it. I really liked this book. I really enjoyed the story line of the cooking competition too. Also thrown into the story was family issue's and family love. I loved reading how every character grew and dealt with their own problems. The sexual tension in the story was very high and the love scenes on the steamy side and just enough to make me happy: I have already marked to I really liked this book.
I have already marked to buy the next book in this series, Some Like It Hot. It continue's on with where it left off in the competition but giving the Hero's brother his shot at love. View all 11 comments. Jun 10, Dee rated it really liked it Shelves: This series revolves around the Rising Star Chef RSC competition and we get to follow one of the teams through that competition and read about their characters as well as others that are connected to the competition.
I had read Ms Edward's previous series Recipe For Love and had really enjoyed them and wanted to read more hence moving on to this series. I did enjoy this book and was debating on what rating to give it as there are aspects of the story that I really loved and there are some that irritated me. I did also get a little annoyed with Max in that I felt that despite leaving home and spending quite a few years out in the big wide world he still sometimes behaved in a childish manor that you would expect from a teenager.
Because of these reasons I dropped from 5 to 4 stars. We met Eva in the previous series and she came across as a spoilt rich bitch. Sep 27, Michelle [Helen Geek] rated it did not like it Shelves: Okay, so I spoke too soon. I was on a good book roll until this one… I read this book, or tried to read this book for the following reasons: So, the stars were aligned — NOT. This book started off good. Gave a bit of bac Okay, so I spoke too soon.
Gave a bit of backstory. Characters seemed to be pretty straightforward, so all good. But, then it started. The dialogue went to shit fast. The romantic scenes could have been better written by a high schooler — lack of intimacy and just boring. I got half way through the book. If this is as polished as she can make it — her best effort, too bad. Much, much better out there. Very little cooking in it. Many kitchen scenes, but nothing meaty [pardon the pun].
The concept was really good. Who would like this book? Poorly developed primary characters. View all 3 comments. Feb 01, Hbeebti rated it liked it Shelves: How do I describe this book?? Hhmm, well for me it was fluff. But once Max came back home and met Jules it picked up. The problem for me was that Max through a lot of the book seemed selfish and almost immature. Max had the whole calm zen thing going on. No alpha male here at all. Then there was the way that he would loose his cool and then calm himself but only after he said something crappy to Jules.
She just took it like she understood which I guess she did How do I describe this book?? She just took it like she understood which I guess she did, but come on, one more comment about taking his family and I would have smacked him. I guess the best things about Max was he seemed like he was playful and flirty.
But that too seemed almost immature at times. The family drama was there and in fact I loved them more than Max. Even Beck who by the way I have a small crush on and you have to love Win, that kid cracked me up. How sad is it that I enjoyed the side characters more the the hero. It wasn't a bad book. Just he got on my nerves. Wasn't working for me.
I kept waiting for the two of them to come to this revelation but they didn't although he did realize she had slept in his room for about 6 months. The romantic scenes could have been better written by a high schooler — lack of intimacy and just boring. I did have several drooling moments due to the recipes and dishes involved instead of the cover. After I finished the book I started to look for some gourmet classes or something. A runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat are common….
The secondary side story was kinda lame. I just didn't see the point in it.
Maybe it was a filler. Ok so the good. I enjoyed Jules although her drama I was kinda hoping for more, but it was kinda light. Love Jule's attitude that she gave Max when he showed up. I like her playfulness and how eager she was to help the Lunden family. I enjoyed that her emotions for certain situations seemed true. The cooking was pretty cool. I enjoy cooking so hearing about the competition and the dishes that they were making was cool. Will I continue with this series? Yes because the next book is Max's little brother Danny's book.
And that poor guy is just to overwhelmed and stressed. Then book three is about Beck who I am looking forward to the most. Lets face it I feel like I need to know more about Papa Gus and how he doing as well. View all 16 comments. May 06, Erin rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: I do so love when I come across a steamy romance novel that is actually more than just hot sex scenes! Too Hot was one of those, with a well thought-out plot, engaging characters, plenty of tugs at the heart, and of course some serious chemistry!
I loved these characters, Jules with her saucy spunk and Max with his sexy cockiness that just made me melt. I definitely prefer the romances where the characters have a past that comes into play Marriage Bargain and Tempting the Best Man were both GREAT examples of that , it just makes the emotions much more believable.
With Max being Jules' long-time crush, it made his return that much more exciting. I could have used 2 or 3 more sexy scenes between them Edwards did a phenomenal job working up the sexual tension and giving it her all with that one scene I even liked the subplot with the judges, there was definitely some steamy chemistry there, but I could have easily taken more Max instead!! He was just sizzzzzzlin'!!! View all 9 comments.
The cover is hot, hot, hot! Unfortunately, it's the only thing that is hot about Too Hot To Touch. Everything else was under-cooked in my opinion. I don't think I'm going to continue with the series for many reason. For starters, the characters are immature. There were parts where I wonder if I'm reading a YA novel or a contemporary romance with the way the characters were behaving. It certainly doesn't help when the dialogues themselves were immature.
Everything was just too much but the sizzlin The cover is hot, hot, hot! Everything was just too much but the sizzling chemistry between the main characters. Or in this case, lack of chemistry. Underneath all the cheesiness, there's a nice story lurking but it's too little too late. Let this be the first and only book by the author I'm reading. View all 4 comments. Feb 16, Splage rated it liked it Shelves: Cover is definitely hot, I want a chef with biceps like that. Unfortunately I think I am bored with the Chef story line, they just aren't alpha enough for me. Jul 25, Tori rated it really liked it Shelves: I enjoyed this book a lot overall.
As a foodie, I enjoyed the kitchen talk and thought the food challenge was a fun side story. I like that this author uses metaphors that match the personality of her characters because it's a pet peeve of mine when they don't. However, I wish that she wasn't so enamored with them.
I would have enjoyed the story a lot more if she had used them maybe half as often as she did and maybe just showed us what was going on in the scene instead. Nina Lunden might look like a cream puff, but she was filled with sterner stuff than vanilla flavored pastry cream, for sure. Danny hunched over the board and sped up his knife cuts, turning a peeled apple into julienned strips so thin they looked like the translucent fringe on a Moulin Rouge dancer's costume.
Jules jerked away from him, her blood going the temperature and consistency of boiling tomato paste Really!? Come on, no one thinks like that. And every time I read these little gems, it took me right out of the story. Also, I have to admit that for a romance, that aspect of the story was sorely lacking. The initial attraction was good, and the love scenes were good, but, we kind of jumped from the cute meet to to love scenes with very little interactions outside of the kitchen in between.
It made the story feel rushed and made me question the validity of their feelings and their possibility of that elusive HEA. What saved this book however, was the characters. They were fun and well fleshed-out, and a pleasure to read about. It made me want to get a job working in a kitchen someplace. I hope to see the supporting characters all get their own books in the future, too.
He was especially promising. May 29, Carrie rated it liked it Shelves: Overall this is a light, enjoyable way to spend some time. Nothing deep but generally entertaining. Some people are going to love this book but while it was good, it's too much of the "same old, same old" to be memorable. When I read the first book by Edwards, I was impressed with the writing and the multi-layered plot. Can't Stand the Heat would have been a great novel if it wasn't for the unlikable heroine, Miranda.
Due to the excellent writing in that book, I read the second in the series and Overall this is a light, enjoyable way to spend some time. Due to the excellent writing in that book, I read the second in the series and enjoyed it, giving it 4 stars. But with each new book I've seen a trend away from complexity of characters and plotting, and toward more predictable romance. The only complex topics in Too Hot to Touch were about food and cooking. I don't mind food-themed books, but I admit I'm not a foodie. RSV infection is caused by a virus that presents symptoms similar to those of the common cold and occurs most frequently in children.
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