WINE, TARTS & SEX

Author: Susan Johnson ISBN: 0425215407 7/2007 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: BERKLEY SENSATION

World-renowned chef Jake Chambers could have had any ingenue he wanted in California... because the kitchen isn't the only room in the house where the hard-bodied hunk has special talents. Still, when he realized there might be more to life than glitz and silicone, he left for Minneapolis to buy a local joint—and try to clear his head. But even though he's no longer serving the glitterati, that doesn't mean he's about to compromise quality and serve a Minnesota wine. However, local vintner Liv Bell—with curves even more delicious than his tapas—has other plans once she lays eyes on this Adonis. Determined to promote her vineyard's juicy bounty, this sun-kissed goddess might just bring Jake around to at least tasting what she has to offer.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I actually really like this book. It is a fun, entertaining story I read in one sitting. I'm not sure why I'm a little surprised that I like the book—or maybe it's that I'm surprised at how much I like it.

The story centers around a former model and a celebrity chef who have both left the lime light for a slower, calmer pace in Minneapolis. Liv has bought a vineyard outside the city, and Jake is re-vamping a restaurant to his exact specifications. When Liv delivers wine from her vineyard to the restaurant, the two meet and sparks fly.

This book takes off fast and never stops. Both of these people have a refreshing attitude about relationships and sex—or refreshing in that it's not the same thing re-told one more time. Neither one of them is looking for a relationship, and they are both very up front about what they want and expect —though what they both want and expect evolves and changes from their first encounter. There is also a bit of turmoil when an old friend in trouble calls for help. When she comes to stay with Liv, the turmoil follows, but it also brings along some great secondary characters.

I think part of what I like about this book is that the characters are very matter-of-fact. They say and do things that I think real people might say and do. to a certain extent. Going into the relationship, they both think it's going to be a one night thing—neither character goes into it thinking the other might be THE ONE. There's also a bit of role reversal that I found very refreshing. Another thing I like about this book is the chemistry between the lead couple—they sucked me in from the first meeting and didn't let go.

The only thing I can say that didn't quite work for me was how quick the lead couple started their relationship, but it works with the storyline. I just like the build up and the tension that goes along with it.

Overall, I think this is a great book. If you're looking for a contemporary story with very modern thinking characters—and lots of sex—this book is a winner.

April Luth