About the Book
A talented chef discovers how spices and scents can transport her—and, more importantly, how self-confidence can unlock the greatest magic of all: love—in this perfectly seasoned new novel by Samantha Vérant.
Kate Jenkins doesn’t believe in fate. She believes in a clear vision, meticulous planning, and hard work in order to achieve her culinary dreams. On the cusp of opening her own Parisian restaurant, Bistro Exotique, she isn’t even concerned when her standoffish—and annoyingly sexy—neighbor dismisses her as a crazy American tourist or when she meets the wildly eccentric Garrance, the self-proclaimed Spice Master of Paris, who ominously warns her of the previous owner’s failures.
Confident and optimistic, Kate keeps calm and cooks on. Until a series of unfortunate events derail her plans and her entire staff quits.
Kate is about to throw in the kitchen towel on her lifelong dream when Garrance offers to use her mastery of scents and spices to help her, but it comes at a price: Kate must work with Garrance’s son, Charles, a world-class chef and total jerk. After Kate hesitantly concedes to the deal, she slowly learns to open her heart and mind to new concepts, not quite sure if the magic she’s experiencing comes from Garrance’s spices, from within herself, or from the growing chemistry with Charles. One thing is certain, though: her kitchen is getting increasingly hot.
My Review
A gorgeous Parisian setting, mouth-watering recipes, and an enemies-to-lover storyline, this romantic foodie fiction novel has it all. Kate is thrilled to be opening her own restaurant, but it seems disaster is waiting around every corner as the opening is almost a reality. Unsure if she will be open as planned, she accepts an offer from her neighbor, Garrance, the self-proclaimed Spice Master of Paris. Unfortunately, Garrance also wants Kate to cook with her son, Charles, a world-class chef but also a complete jerk to Kate. The two both have different reasons for accepting the offer – but slowly start to work together instead of against each other, as their chemistry in the kitchen and beyond starts to sizzle.
A foodie fiction novel set in Paris has my name written all over it. I eagerly said yes to this review request and highly enjoyed my time getting to know Kate, Charles and the lively secondary cast. Kate’s mom was an absolute hoot, Garrance had me intrigued from the get, and Kate’s other neighbors were a sweet treat. With a dash of magical realism that is sure to entertain and transport readers to Kate’s kitchen, this is a great addition especially if you are a romance lover. Sometimes with enemies to lovers storylines it gets a little drawn out for me which did happen here, but between all the cooking, kissing, and the emphasis on self-love, The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique is a delight to read.
4 stars
