Toni's Review of Recipe for Desire by Cheris Hodges ***3.5 Stars***

A Party Girl's Work Is Never Done. . .

At twenty-seven, Marie Charles is still Charlotte's number one party girl. But when she adds a DWI arrest and a totaled Jaguar to her list of tabloid news-making escapades, her daddy is done bailing her out. Sentenced to five hundred hours of community service at My Sister's Keeper, a homeless shelter for women, Marie won't have much time left for partying. . .

Renowned chef and TV star Devon Harris volunteers at My Sister's Keeper. And he's not happy Marie is joining him. He may be single--and she may be gorgeous--but the last thing he's interested in is a superficial southern belle. But as Marie outgrows the selfish girl she was, Devon is turned on by the woman she's becoming. . .

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Mix one spoiled brat with a hidden big heart and one strong hunk of a man that knows what to do in a kitchen and what do you get? - A finger lickin’ good romance that is hot and steamy. 

Devon Harris has it all.  He has his own TV cooking show, a huge group of loving friends, and a cause he believes in.  The cause close to his heart is My Sister’s Keeper, a homeless women’s shelter.  For six months he has enjoyed teaching the women how to cook.  For personal reasons all his own, this simple act of volunteering has filled a place in his heart.  He never knew that agreeing to supervise non-violent female offenders doing their community service at the shelter would change his life forever.

Marie Charles has a reputation and it’s not for being quiet and demure.  But she needs to be on her best behavior tonight.  Her company has organized a large event for a major client and she can’t afford a scene.  Then in walks her fiancé and on his arm is his ex-wife.  Let’s just say Marie doesn’t take this laying down and by the end of the night, she is behind bars.

These two strong willed personalities clash from the very first conversation.  They are like oil and water.  Marie sees a whole new world during her community service.  She begins to realize that her former way of life may not be the best for her and begins to make changes.  Devon really likes the woman that he sees emerging. 

I have to say first off that this is written like a standalone, but after a bit of research, it turns out Ms. Hodges has written other stories involving this circle of friends.  I was rather disappointed.  I love series and I really love reading them in order.  Even though this is a standalone story, I felt jilted that I missed the rest of the friends’ blossoming relationships.  I hate arriving late to a party.

I did rate this story on its merits alone.  It is a very sweet yet sizzling read.  It is a comforting kind of read.  The plot is straightforward with no real twists or turns, just good old fashioned romance.  But it is missing something for me that would have made it a great story.  Maybe I like my stories with a touch of angst or a few hurdles that the couple needs to jump over.  Recipe for Desire is very fairytale like.  It definitely has a “feel good” feel to it.

This book is as tasty as the desserts that Devon is famous for.  Recipe for Desire would make a perfect poolside/vacation read.  It keeps you engaged, but doesn’t monopolize your thoughts.  It just fills your heart with joy all the way to the brim.  So sit back and take a bite out of this rich decadent treat.  

Thanks for reading - Toni