I really enjoyed most of this book. I really liked the characters, but found the arguments a bit contrived. I guess though, that many arguments seem silly when looked at impartially.
If you like fun romances with strong characters, this is a good book to try. ( )

Marlene Bennett is the pastry chef at Chameleon, a restaurant owned by her childhood friend, Olivia. When Olivia’s husband Keith is caught in the cold room with his pants down and fired, Marlene thinks this is her chance to take over the line operation. Instead, Olivia brings in hunky chef Joe Rafferty. Marlene and Joe strike sparks from the beginning but they both have issues with trust and it takes some time for them to connect. Marlene resents his being at the restaurant and Joe judges her by her easy- going relationships with other men at the restaurant.
When several things go wrong in the restaurant, Joe thinks Marley is still trying to undermine him, but eventually they realize that something more serious is happening. Olivia cannot seem to get it together and waffles about whether she should bring Keith back or sell the restaurant. Joe and Marlene have to work together (other than just in bed) to achieve their hearts desire.
I always enjoy a book about foodies. There is so much that goes on in the back that we do not ever see and it is a lot of work for the staff to keep it that way. Marlene and Joe are both dedicated to their work and very similar in their personal life. It is interesting that Joe denigrates Marley for being sexually active when he is the same. On the other hand, Marlene gives him grief about his relationship with his father and she has a terrible one with her own father. Both characters have to let go of the baggage if they want to be together. External issues add to the stress on the relationship but the ending is satisfying and realistic. This was an enjoyable book and I look forward to future offerings by Ms. Usen. ( )