Thursday, September 5, 2013

Review: Taste Test by Kelly Fiore

Taste Test
by Kelly Fiore
Release Date: August 27, 2013

Description:
Love is heating up in this Top Chef-inspired teen romanceNora Henderson has been basting baby back ribs for as long as she could reach the counter of her dad's famous barbecue joint. When she's accepted to Taste Test, a teen reality cooking competition, Nora can't wait to leave her humble hometown behind. On set, run-ins with the maddeningly handsome and talented son of a famous chef, Christian Van Lorten, make Nora wonder if it's him or the win she really wants, but as she and Christian emerge as front-runners for the final prize, Nora can't ignore the mysterious accidents plaguing the kitchen arena. Someone is conducting eliminations of their own, and if Nora doesn't stop them, she could be next to get "chopped" for good.
With romance and intrigue as delectable as the winning recipes included in the story, this debut novel will be devoured by all.

About the Author:
Kelly Fiore has a BA in Creative Writing from Salisbury University and an MFA in Poetry from West Virginia University. Cooking and writing are two of Kelly's greatest passions; others include cupcakes, facials, and VH1 Classic. She lives in Maryland where she lives with her husband and son. Taste Test is her debut novel. www.kellyfiorewrites.com

Review:
I really love watching things like the Food Network, Master Chef, and any show of that nature so I knew this book was going to be right up my alley.  I've always wondered what happened behind the scenes and I thought this book was very sweet and adorable.  The characters were realistic and intense in their cooking and I really enjoyed that the book had recipes at the end of the book so I will definitely be giving them a try one day.

We meet Nora as she is about to embark in a contest where the prize is a trip to Paris to study with the best at the culinary institute there.  She's never been apart from her family but knows this is something she definitely has to do for herself.  She gets there and is in awe of the competitors and how big the whole Taste Test process is, very intimidating at first, but she is confident.  Throughout the competition she makes friends and semi enemies especially in the form of Christian Van Lorten.  The two of them are head to head throughout the competition.  They are always one and two in the competition both switching and winning challenges.

Things start going haywire and Nora believes there is a conspiracy going on with all the sabotages that happen, she thinks she knows who it is but then is quite surprised when she finds out who is really behind everything.  It was a little expected but not expected.  I totally figured it out because I'm just naturally suspicious of people in general and i had my suspicions.  But even with all this and the competition going on there are still strong vibes happening between Christian and Nora, it's so apparent to everyone and even though she is in denial in the beginning her feelings start to change.

Overall this book was totally cute and adorable, a very quick and fun read with a little mystery and love thrown in there.  Makes me want to watch even more food competition shows.  I love the cover because it's cute and hides their faces like their are hiding their relationship from the competition.  Adorable read.

Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley and Walker Books, so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

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