Applewood, 2
Can a sunny protégé get a grumpy chef to simmer down?
Aiden was a star chef on the cusp of greatness, but after an incident that gets him blackballed from the culinary community, he needs financial assistance from his old mentor to get back in the game. In exchange, Aiden must train the man’s beautiful daughter to be a chef, an endeavor that becomes even more inconvenient as his attraction to her grows.
Nicole is determined to become a chef and show her father once and for all that she’s capable of doing something he can be proud of, but studying under Aiden, a chef she’s crushed on since her teens proves to be more than she can handle.
As their relationship evolves from mentor and student into so much more, will Aiden and Nicole cook up something wonderful, or is their relationship nothing more than a flash in the pan?
Excerpt:
The private jet her father chartered was as glamorous as Nicole remembered from the last time she flew in it. Dark wood veneer and white leather covered the walls and large plush chairs sat surrounding a dark wood table on one side while a long, micro suede couch sat on the other. The door that led to the back cabin was open, giving her a peek at the large bed that took up most of the space.
Nicole’s mind started to race with some of the fantasies she’d been banishing since the moment she saw Aiden again, so she quickly plopped herself down in a chair facing the opposite direction, fidgeting with the lap belt to distract herself. The man flying with her looked as cool, calm, and collected as anyone she had ever seen. The only thing amiss about him was that his suit had gotten increasingly rumpled as the day went on, no doubt from the long day he’d been having followed by what would be an even longer night.
It would be nearly midnight by the time they arrived in Applewood, her new home for the next few months at least. Aiden had said he would train her, not hire her. Nicole was smart enough to know there was no way he would do the latter if he didn’t think she would be useful in his new restaurant. Staring across the table, she studied her new…teacher? Mentor? Boss?
Aiden wasn’t really her boss since he wasn’t technically paying her, but he was the one who would make or break her ability to transition from student to practitioner. Even so, Nicole found it difficult to think of him as anything other than someone who had shown her a tiny bit of kindness at a time when she’d felt fairly invisible all those years ago.
The pilot announced that the plane was cleared for takeoff, so Nicole settled back into her seat, the cool leather a lovely distraction from her heated skin. She peered across the way, surprised to see Aiden looking tenser than usual, something she hadn’t thought physically possible.
The man was more strained than a dinner between her and her dad. “Are you alright?” she asked.
Their ride to the airport had been silent, though Aiden had always been very mindful of her comfort, asking if the air conditioning was too cold, if her seat needed adjusting, or if she needed help with her luggage. It was touching, though it didn’t help matters as far as her crush was concerned. Now he was no longer this younger guy she’d gone gaga for as a teen, but a handsome and considerate man that she was trying not to lust over.
“Fine,” he bit out. Apparently, his kindness only extended so far.
Gone was the thoughtful gentleman from earlier and here was the Grumpy Gus she’d read so much about. Usually Nicole would leave someone to their stewing, but something about the tightness in his upper body, the way his fingers dug into the arms of his chair so deeply that she was almost sure he tore the leather that softened her a little.
Nicole scoffed lightly. “You don’t look fine. In fact, you look a little sick to your stomach.” She flicked her eyes to make sure there was an airsick bag nearby. Nicole was a little squeamish, so if Aiden lost his dinner, so would she.
Aiden shook his head tersely. “I’m fine. Just not a fan of flying.”
His voice was low and rough, something she would normally find delightful, but Nicole was too taken aback by his words to go there. His willingness to admit to what some might see as a weakness was refreshing for someone who seemed to project such a wholly confident aura, and even though she told herself she wouldn’t catch feelings, Nicole couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for him. The plane was just starting down the runway when she unbuckled herself and jumped to the seat directly next to Aiden.
One of his eyes flew open and zeroed in on her. “Just what do you think you’re doing?”
Nicole smiled brightly as she secured herself. “I won’t bite,” she promised. She definitely would if he asked her to, but that wasn’t something she was about to admit to out loud. Noticing his labored breathing, she tried to stay focused on making him more comfortable and not assaulting him with her mouth. “I’m just going to help you a little. Are you okay with that?”
His other eye opened and he studied her for a moment. The aqua shimmered like a pool of some otherworldly water she wanted to wade into, but as the plane kicked forward and the engine revved, the color dimmed. “Fine,” he finally agreed.
The gruffness of the concession nearly had her rolling her eyes, but she refrained. It was a bad habit she’d gotten into in response to her dad, teachers, other kids, or pretty much anyone who commented on her clueless nature. “Okay. I’m going to place your hand on my heart, and I’m going to place mine over yours,” she instructed.
Prying his grip from the armrest was difficult, but she managed to do it. The sight of deep grooves where his nails had damaged the leather gave her a little thrill as she imagined the same lines appearing on her hips, back, and shoulders. Wincing, Nicole expelled the sultry thoughts and tried to focus on helping Aiden.
“I’m not sure—” Aiden started, but he stopped the moment she touched his chest. It was firm beneath the cotton of his shirt. Nicole had gotten a brief glimpse earlier when he came to the house. The top two buttons of his shirt being undone gave her a peek at light skin and dark hair sprinkled beneath. While the desire to pop a few buttons and take a peek for confirmation was so very tempting, the feeling of his heart beating rapidly against his rib cage and her palm reminded her of why she was really there.
“Just breathe with me,” she instructed. Placing his hand slightly higher than her heart, she didn’t want to sexually harass her boss by placing his hand so close to her breast after all, at least not without his express permission, she recalled the exercise that had helped her in the past whenever missing her mom became unbearable. “When you feel my chest rise, breathe in slowly. When it falls, exhale at the same pace. Okay?”
Aiden nodded once again and as the plane picked up speed down the runway, the two of them breathed together, slowly inhaling and exhaling, the air between them smelling like mint and licorice. The sweet smell of candy was all her, so the mint must have come from him. Suddenly, she wanted to taste it directly. Shaking her head, Nicole tried to keep all of her focus on their mutual breathing, but as they lifted off into the air, she couldn’t help but find herself staring at Aiden’s profile.
Her stomach seemed to drop as she gazed at him. Her rational mind reminded her that it was the G-force creating the floaty feeling in her body, but Nicole couldn’t think rationally when she was gazing at such a man. Aiden’s nose was slightly larger up close, but it didn’t detract from the beauty of his face, and he was beautiful. There was no other way to describe someone who could double as an elf king with the smooth ivory skin of his face and the slightly pointed ears that were barely hidden under thick, nearly black hair.
Nicole moved her eyes down to his lips, and she allowed herself a moment to linger there. His lips were thin, but that made them no less kissable than if they had been plump or juicy. Instead of feeling like she was biting into a peach, Nicole would have to lick and suck her way into his mouth to get a taste of him. It was a challenge she would gladly accept, and the reward of tasting him would be that much sweeter for it. The idea of kissing Aiden had Nicole so turned on that she felt herself drifting closer to him.
Thankfully, before she could make an utter fool of herself as well as blow her best shot at becoming a chef, the steward came out and asked if they’d wanted any drinks. Nicole smiled politely at the man who looked to be about her age even as her neglected vagina shouted a string of curses at him.
I've read several books written by Sydney Scott; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books. This is the second book in the Applewood Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Nicole & Aiden.
This is Aiden and Nicole's story. Aiden is hot tempered which causes him problems, but what will happen when he has to train Nicole? Can He tutor her or will his temper get in the way? Nicole is sweet, but she also wants Aiden? Can they be come more than just tutor and student?
Aiden and Nicole have a really beautiful relationship. I liked how you could "see" it right from the beginning and they made the plunge to follow their feelings. I enjoyed this story.
This was a very good book--sweet story--characters were so sweet together too. The story did take me a little bit to get into but then it just clicked. The story then started to flow and I really was hooked. Give the book a chance and you definitely won't be disappointed.
What a wonderful book. The characters are one one's we come to care about, both the FMC, MMC and the supporting cast. This is the second book in the series, but you can definitely read it as a standalone. I did and had no trouble following the storyline, but it was so good, I'm starting the first book, Playing with Fire immediately. Aiden is a prominent young chef whose temper and lack of patience causes him to lose his job at a high-end restaurant in Chicago. The person bearing the brunt of his displeasure is a lazy intern who unfortunately happens to be the owner's son. Airen not only gets fired but is blacklisted as chef around the entire culinary world, even beyond Chicago. So he decides to return home to Applewood to start his own business. This business requires financing, and he goes to his mentor for support. The popular chef is a highly popular TV personality with mega bucks. He agrees to finance Aiden's venture under the condition he agrees to teach his daughter, Nicole, how to cook. Nicole has ADHD and this challenge proves difficult to overcome when trying to focus under traditional training methods. All Nicole wants is to be a chef like her father and has begged for years for him to teach her. He continually deflects her and while not thrilled that Dad can't make time, she agrees to work with Aiden. The writing is clear and concise. The reader feels the instant physical attraction between the two but also the tension as they both try to keep things professional. Aiden is focused on his business and his gruff personality is off putting at the best of times. Nic has such a positive view on life and everyone around her warms to her sunny disposition. It's this contrast between the two, Aiden's exacting nature but kind heart can't help but fall for Nic. And Nic starts to gain traction slowly in cooking with Aiden's expertise. The slowish burn between the two is organic and realistic. Aiden's family is a delight, and all the characters are people I would love to have as friends. I was immediately invested in the plot and the town of Applewood. A testament to this writer's skill in engrossing the reader. The steam is hot. Aiden and Nicole are young vibrant people who have healthy sexual desires and needs. However, it is never gratuitous and flows well with the storyline. A wonderfully sweet with spice and character growth for both Aiden and Nic. A nice, pleasant read, with all the components that go into a good book.
This is book 2 in the series and I was so excited to read it. I love reading books by Sydney Scott. Aiden and Nicole’s book is so good. Aiden is going to teach Nicole how to cook but she has severe ADHD and struggles to focus. This is a slow burn book but we can see Aiden and Nicole’s chemistry. This a feel good read for me. I love how the author writes about the struggles of ADHD. Definitely recommend!
This was a sweet read, and I kind of fell in love with both characters. I wasn’t sold on Aiden at the start, but Nicole was a sweetheart. I liked the representation of a neurodiverse character, and while I disliked her father, the way that his inability to approach her was pretty accurate. Nicole really needed support, and I’m happy that Aiden pulled his head out far enough to recognise her, and then she found a family with his family. Aiden had some growing up to do, despite being a bit older - it felt natural and his self reflection was kind of spot on. A great read, a quick read and really enjoyable.
Aiden was an arrogant grumpy chef who had been black balled in his industry. Nicole was his mentor’s daughter. Through some negotiations Aiden ended up becoming Nicole’s tutor. There are some bitter sweet moments, Nicole and Aiden have to work past all the road blocks in their way to get to something real. This book was adorable and I can’t wait for the next books in this series.
I've read several books by Sydney Scott and she keeps getting better and better! She writes beautiful, emotionally layered stories with realistic characters who face believable problems and resolve them like mature adults. Oh, and they get very, very frisky! Aiden is a master chef who has fallen on hard times because of his exacting professional standards and unforgiving work ethic, which has put him at odds with coworkers, got him fired and ultimately blacklisted from haute cuisine restaurants. Now he's back in Applewood, his home town, trying to open his own restaurant. He also secretly wonders if anyone, even his loving family, will ever fully understand and accept him, grouchy warts and all. Nicole is the daughter of Aiden's former mentor. Aiden is supposed to teach her how to cook, but it's going terribly because Nicole has severe ADHD, which imbues her with boundless energy, but is a major hindrance in a profession like cooking. Nicole tries really hard to develop her craft because she craves the approval of her absentee father. These two are wonderful together, the evergreen grumpy/sunshine pairing. Nicole is such a lovable heroine, warm and open and exuberant. She has a great eye for design, and is also excellent with people, observant and empathetic. She sees beyond Aiden's prickly exterior and into his heart, which in turn helps him soften toward her and others. Aiden sees Nicole's many admirable qualities, believes in her, and pushes her to identify her true strengths and pursue her real interests. The two have excellent on-page chemistry and the slow buildup in their sexual tension is very nicely done. When they finally get together, it's explosive, and their sex life is hot, frequent, and filled with orgasms. I really appreciated ADHD representation in this novel. We don't often see it discussed in women, or how medications are not a panacea so one can still struggle even when on meds, or how severe ADHD truly makes certain careers out of reach. There is another ADHD-related aspect that I really appreciated, which is Nicole's being extremely high libido, so high that it was a deterrent to her past partners. In romance, the MMC is often responsible for the FMC's sexual awakening, but Sydney Scott gives us a heroine who is already confident in her sexuality, and is in fact so libidinous that past lovers, owing to their own insecurities about keeping up, tried to put her down. Women's very high libido is underdiscussed in general, but is a real issue for a significant portion of women, and I applaud Sydney Scott for giving us a wonderful heroine like Nicole in all her randy, ebullient glory, and for giving Nicole a confident partner who is up the challenge and who revels in her appetites. I also enjoyed meeting Aiden's brother Felix and his roommate/best friend Autumn, whose story I am really looking forward to! And I can't wait to read about the ultimate unraveling of Aiden's brother Nate, who keeps protesting a bit too much about the irreverent Lottie. Overall, Recipe for Romance is a lovely, emotional, passion-filled novel with relatable characters who grow into their best selves when they are together. Highly recommended!
