For What It's Worth


Monday, October 6, 2014

{Speed Date} Review: In the Raw by Eileen Griffin and Nikka Michaels

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If you can't take the heat…

James Lassiter has had a crush on fellow culinary student Ethan Martin for three years, but has never had the guts to make a move. Putting himself out there is hard, especially when under the thumb–and wallet–of his overbearing parents. Now that bad boy chef Ethan–who is always vying with Jamie for best in class–is struggling with the pastry course, Jamie suddenly has a reason to reach out.

Ethan doesn't mean to be an ass–okay, so mostly he does–but even though he's secretly hot for Jamie, he sure as hell doesn't want help with pastry. Ever since his dad walked out, Ethan has been the one to hold things together and he's done fine on his own. Except that he can't get his cake to rise.

Jamie could be the answer to what Ethan's been missing his whole life–someone to depend on. But with the two competing for the same scholarship, things suddenly get too hot to handle. And if Jamie finds the strength to go for what he wants, he isn't about to settle for what he needs.

~ Goodreads

Source: Provided by Carina Press via Netgalley for review

Speed Date Review:

First Date: Wheeee! I love all the stolen glances, the awkward encounters in the supply room and the palpable longing between Jamie and Ethan. If they can just figure out if the other is gay and available we can this steamy romance off the ground!

Second date: One step forward. two steps back. Yup. They’re both gay and available but Jamies’s fear of coming out to his controlling parents and Ethan’s passive aggressive bullshit is kind of draining. But when it’s working….zomg these two are fantastic together.

And also, with all the talk of chocolate soufflĂ©s, cheesecake and omelets – I’m starving. I LOVE kitchen/chef romances. LOVE.

Third Date: Life is messy, and as their romance progresses,  I like how things are mostly good but with a dose of reality. This is more of a happy for now than a happily ever after but it rings true considering how hard they had to work to get together, the fact that they are just 22 years old, and on the brink of starting their career as professional chefs.

Jamie and Ethan could get frustrating at times (especially Ethan) but I really liked their well intentioned, fumbling romance and the culinary school setting.

In the Raw has a clear end but leaves enough room for a sequel (which I just learned comes out in November). I’m torn on that because I’m the kind of reader that NEEDS a HEA but I’m not sure if I could/want see them go through any more bad times. Ethan’s sister was hilarious and I rather she got a book and we got to visit with Ethan & Jamie. Win win!

*Speed Date reviews inspired by The Book Swarm

13 comments:

  1. Amazing how foodie type novels seem to have caught on. I love the cover but alas this just doesn't appeal to me.

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    1. Yeah it does seem to be a thing right now. Years ago before blogging all I read were foodie travel/chef books - non fiction.

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  2. A foodie novel with a good, budding relationship sounds great to me. I'm very curious about Jamie and Ethan!

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  3. This sounds like a great romance. Oh I'm with you... need my HEA so I don't want to see them go bad into turmoil. :) Will wait to see what you think... *evil grin* I do think I will add this one to the wishlist.

    Btw, LOVE the costume pic! I dressed my sheltie once in a Xena costume. She looked perfect with the scowl that promised me death after... LOL :D

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    1. I read the summary for book two and it made me sad lol I'm not sure if I'm going to read it or just stop where I'm at.

      My dogs LOVE dressing up. They go trick or treating earlier and all the kids give them treats.

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  4. The stolen glances and awkward moments sounds great

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    1. I really liked them in the beginning. that will they - won't they dance.

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  5. Yeah, I really love a good HEA...and need to know that it happens, especially after going through the dance with the lovers! Fab date, girl!

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  6. Thanks for reading and reviewing. There's an HEA in book two (In the Fire). :)

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