Recipe for Romance by Jerry Cole

Recipe for Romance Reviews

• 
  Gigi

  
  http://curds-and-wheyface.tumblr.com/...
  
  
• 
  Manfred

  This worked pretty well for me, I immediately liked the blurb and I definitely enjoyed this story about an FBI agent and a celebrity chef.
  Don't get me wrong, there would be a lot to complain about, from the pretty predictable plot, to a conclusion that really completely ignores reality, also the falling in love part is not really convincing especially from the side of the supposedly heterosexual FBI agent.
  So, yes, I did have several doubts about how this story evolved. But the important thing for me was, that I had a good time reading it, I liked both main characters and I had a lot of fun reading this. Will it go on my favorite shelf? Certainly not but who cares, it was fun while it lasted and that is the most important thing, so I 'll give this 3.5 Michelin stars.
• 
  Denise H.

  *** Out of the gate, these two men do not like each other, but there's more to it. The book moves smoothly, it's sleek, fun, interesting and intriguing. The characters are mysterious and unique, and we want to know what makes them tick.
  Martin is ex-military, an FBI agent,
  
  and in his care is Timothy, a celebrity chef
  
  who has witnessed a murder. The bad guys do not want the man to testify. While in the safe house, the guys get to know each other.
  
  As they bond with food, they also tell their life stories. Martin has been briefly exposed to M/M in fleeting acts of ménage in his past.
  
  But no other man has ever drawn his attention as the British chef, Timothy has.
  I truly loved this well written plot. We love the guys, the storyline, and their gradual sexy times.
  We get action, suspense and the bad guys causing mayhem. This is a single tale, no cliffhanger and an HEA.
  ENJOY !
  =============
  Thank you Darlene for the rec !
  =============
• 
  T.J.

  Currently, the top MM book on Amazon under Kindle Unlimited.
  
  
  http://curds-and-wheyface.tumblr.com/...
• 
  BWT

  (Alleged) Plagiarizer
  
  
  http://curds-and-wheyface.tumblr.com/...
• 
  Marte - Thunderella

  
  http://curds-and-wheyface.tumblr.com/post/145366697506/jerry-cole-plagiarism-masterpost
• 
  Adrienne -kocham czytać-

  Screw this-->plagiarism alert!
  
  
  http://curds-and-wheyface.tumblr.com/post/145366697506/jerry-cole-plagiarism-masterpost
• 
  Candice

  Damn, read this before I saw this was plagiarized. :(
• 
  Darlene

  Jerry brings us another great story. About a federal agent’s mission to guard a world known Chef, a Chef with a cranky personality, or at least that’s what he gives off to the world.
  
  Agent Martin Kowalski had been first enlisted in the army and fought in a war and came back to join the FBI. His ten-year marriage ended with both of them still being best friends. There’s more to it than that when you read the book.
  
  Now Martin is living on his own which he hasn’t done since before he joined the army. Living alone is not what Martin had envisioned for his life to be and it would be nice to add something that made it more exciting.
  
  That was before Martin had met Timothy Covington a British-born celebrity chef. Timothy has many famous successful restaurants throughout the world and that night he was opening his newest one called “Yasemin” on the north side of Chicago’s Gold Coast. Everyone famous and important people were attending his grand opening.
  
  Everything has to be perfect to open and the moody cankerous celebrity let’s his people know what has to be done and done now! As busy as Timothy gets keeping an eye open for anything that isn’t served or presented properly he’s onto in an instant, but the man does have to play the role of host at the same time.
  
  Timothy is summoned to a table where a politician and his guest sat. Alderman Richards had wanted to thank the Chef personally for having invited him and to serve such a fantastic meal. Richards had also decided to host his re-election party there next month and Covington was most gracious thanking him for the honor and offered another bottle of champagne on the house.
  
  Meeting people was the least favorite of the things that Timothy had to do and was relieved when he could get back to his sanctuary – the kitchen. The night had been another success and the staff had been absolutely perfect all night. Now it was closing time and everyone was really to go home to rest, tomorrow was another busy day.
  
  Bruno, Timothy’s right hand man was the last to leave and told his friend/boss to go home and get some sleep. Timothy went around one more time to make sure everything was locked up after Bruno left. When Timothy came back into the kitchen there was a chilly draft and discovered Bruno’s had not shut and locked the door after himself and it was wide open.
  
  Unfortunately, when Timothy went to close the door he overheard voice in the back alley. Carefully peeking out Timothy witnessed the murder of Alderman Richards by two men one named “Bobby”. Timothy had made a noise after he witnessed Richard’s murder and the two men came into the kitchen to see if anyone was there. Lucky Timothy had hid and was left unharmed. Terrorized, Timothy called 911 to report the murder.
  
  Now that Timothy was a witness in a crime syndicate-related murder and his testimony was crucial in court against Robert “Bobby” Murray. The poor man was swiped off to a safe house that same night. That’s when Martin enters Timothy’s life.
  
  Martin was not happy about “babysitting” the world renowned personality that he had never heard of until that night and their two personalities would clash. It only got worse with Timothy’s continuous obnoxious persona pushed Martin over the edge and the agent put his foot down and made his demands known.
  
  It’s best to read it for yourself because it’s quite humorous at what Timothy whines about and Martin trying his best to stay pleasant. The bantering back and forth being the two men I loved. It went on until Martin became strict about the whining wealthy chef to behave himself. It’s just what Timothy needed. Through their time together Martin learned what would calm Timothy down. Put the man in the kitchen to cook and he was in heaven. But so was Martin, because he got to eat what was cooked as well as his partner that took over at night.
  
  It’s such a sweet story the way the two MCs came together. There’s more to Timothy’s past then meets the eye and Martin becomes sensitive to it which brought the two closer together until the sparks start flying. Of course as the book goes on, Timothy goes to court to testify and all hell breaks loose. Its action packed during the trail and a murder out to get Timothy.
  
  I can’t say enough about this story in particularly. I really loved everything about the book and I would highly recommend it to anyone. I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
  
• 
  Line

  Heads-up for possible plagiarism:
  
  
  http://curds-and-wheyface.tumblr.com/...
• 
  Ottilee B.

  Friends first.
  
  Not bad but not memorable either. Good sex scenes. Bit surprised as Cole's books are mostly sex but Lotta emotions here.
• 
  Unsolicited Reviews

  I saw this in the top in Gay Romance and since I have KU I gave it a go...
  Chef book + FBI sounds good, right?
  Unfortunately, it fell short for me.
  In the beginning it was a little slow but quickly picked up the pace-- I started to enjoy it. Then both MC's are introduced and while I liked them both, I didn't feel very invested in their characters. Sure we got to see cooking, as expected. But the whole relationship aspect wasn't very prevalent in my mind. They felt more like friends with a flirty nature here and there. I did like the banter. I did like the concept as a whole. It was the execution that had me not hating the book but not loving it either. It was kinda flat.
  The writing is in Third person-- and in such a way it wasn't easy to connect with the characters. The hotness was almost nonexistent aside from tons of kissing.
  That being said, it wasn't horrible. It was edited nicely. The flow was good. The author does know how to write albeit not in a way I personally prefer, that's on me, not the author.
  It hit smack dab in the middle for me.
  Decent but not Great.
  
  Plot- 4 Stars
  Characters- 4 Stars
  Humor- 2 Stars
  Romance- 3 Stars
  Spice- 2.5 Stars
  Editing- 4 Stars
  
• 
  Ann

  Martin is a divorced FBI agent who is assigned to protect Timothy Covington, a celebrity chef with a fierce temper. Timothy witnesses a gangland killing in the alley outside the back door of his new Chicago restaurant on opening night. They spend some time together and Martin begins to break down Timothy’s walls to discover the man behind them. When Martin goes back to Timothy’s apartment to retrieve his chef’s knives, he finds some photographs and realises that Timothy is married but no signs of another person are there. He later finds out what happened and understands why Timothy behaves the way he does. When Martin makes a slip-up he puts both their lives in danger so will they survive for Timothy to testify in court?
  This is an amazing story which will keep you on the edge of your seat right to the end. We find out what happened to Timothy’s husband and the reasons why Martin got divorced. There are some heart-stopping moments in the story which are really well written and it is hard to guess the outcomes. It is well balanced with love and laughter, sadness and suspense right to the very end.
  
• 
  Megan

  Absolute favorite from this author. Usually I like his stuff, sometimes I really like it, never have I loved it. This book, however, changes things for me. From start to finish I was engaged, feeling, and interested.
  
  I liked the prissy yet vulnerable Timothy. I loved the no-nonsense yet tender Martin. Together they balanced one another and ignited passion as well. They were hot together and could also find the humor in so many things. The plot moved well, no surprises that seem out of place solely to increase the drama, just the kind that complicate things enough to make the MC's ponder on and value what is building between them as well as bring the dramatic events to some kind of resolution.
  
  The resolution was simple and effective. Romantically it took a bit more but the confessions were sweet, direct, and hopeful. I really loved these characters and felt excited for their future. Honestly, I would have loved for this to be longer, not just because I like the book, but also because Martin's future was still a bit unresolved.
  
  Overall this book was absolute win! I read and happily reviewed this ARC from the author.
• 
  Barbara

  Jerry's new book starts off with a bang with a witnessed murder by Timothy, a lauded chef whose opening night at his new restaurant "yasmin." Now under protection by the FBI Martin, a short but dynamic man enters the picture. Timothy is a man who has a temper, not afraid to have tantrums in front of people and afraid for his new restaurant and staff as he is taken and hidden away in a safe house. Martin is a man who has learned long ago to observe people and how to stay calm and be calming in the presence of a person with a lot of angst. Timothy is gay, but Martin was married for ten years to a woman, but is open to just about anything, including men. Friendship between the two men begins and possibly more. The author writes these men's stories so that you want to keep turning pages. Violence and fear adds excitement to the story to keep the reader on their toes. An excellent story and one I would highly recommend to others. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
• 
  Julie

  
  
  This is a wonderful story following two diverse characters of Timothy a top chef and Martin a FBI agent. Being assigned to watch and protect Timothy, Martin get more than he bargained for.
  It is well written, with humour, love and the characters have a warmth to them that made me smile along with them.
  Jerry Cole has written a steamy story with beautiful aromas from the cooking! A non stop pace from beginning to end, I didn't want to put the book down.
  The two characters are so endearing and the setting makes this story an exciting read.
  A worthy 5 stars and I highly recommend this book.
  I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest & unbiased review.
  
  
• 
  John-Torleif Harris

  This was another excellent offering from Jerry Cole. Both Timothy and Martin felt like real characters with realistic responses to the choices that they are presented with.
  
  Being only 5'3" myself, I loved how Martin was portrayed; he didn't have a Napoleon complex, nor was he overly submissive, but he was confident in himself and his abilities. It was great to see how that confidence played off against Timothy's over-the-top angry chef facade to show the true nature of each man.
  
  This book had excitement, a great enemies to lovers theme, and some terrifically sweet moments. I would definitely put this in my top 3 Jerry Cole books.
  
  I voluntarily reviewed a ARC of this book.
• 
  Coral Mitchell

  MM. Such a great read. Timothy's life as a celebrity chef is turned upside down after he witnesses a murder and is placed in protective custody. Martin's job is to protect Timothy and Timothy is surprised Martin has never heard of him before. The time they spend getting to know one another is priceless and the extreme circumstances places together two men who would have otherwise never met. Martin is good at reading body language and people, and does not let Timothy get away with his on camera persona. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
• 
  JLOluvsbooks&dogs

  Very engaging
  
  I very much enjoyed the book. It had a good plot as to why they were thrown together. Even though it place place over a short period, when you are with someone for so many hours in a day in the same environment you really are forced to get to know one another. I really felt like I got to know both men and truly liked both, especially Martin. His deal with it head-on , no b.s. personality was refreshing. The chemistry and sexual tension was very well written. Good read!
• 
  Lara

  Funny and sweet
  
  I love it when an author can make me laugh or cry. This was funny, with great dialog, with just enough tension to keep it interesting but not suspenseful. An entertaining love story with real, imperfect characters. I recommend this book to any lover of a story with MM romance, interesting story lines, and good sex. Add in some gangsters, murder and deadly danger and you've got a very fun read.
• 
  Kasey

  Note to self:
  - Dual POV (third person)
  - Both men have been married (Martin to a woman and Timothy to a man - Timothy's husband died)
  - Some parts were quite boring to get through
  - Martin is shot
  - Martin does not seem to have a problem with his newly discovered sexuality and easily accepts how hes feeling about Timothy
  - Book ends with more of a HFN (Martin decides to retire from the FBI saying he wants to spend his life with timothy)
• 
  Kirbie

  Oh man this was good I mean it was hard to put down
  
  Wow is all I can say I mean this book had me on the edge of my seat I felt bad for Timothy and how he had to go in to hiding because he saw a murder go down and I love how Martin came to be is own person and how he would do anything to keep Timothy alive and how they fell in love with each other it was very sweet
• 
  Jennifer

  Loved it!
  
  The last time I read A book by this autho r I was disappointed to the point that i quit following him on goodreads and Amazon, but this book was suggested after I read something else and I thought why not. I'm so glad I took a chance. This was a surprisingly great book. I really enjoyed it.
• 
  Paisleyrowan

  This story had all the right elements. The right characters, the chemistry, the storyline, the flow....it all just came together perfectly. And I love how the idea of something other than either gay or bi was introduced finally.
  I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
• 
  Julie

  👍 Another REALLY GOOD BOOK By Jerry Cole
  
  😀 Jerry Cole is a talented​ writer. This book is another example of this author's ability to create books that readers can count on to be enjoyable and worthwhile reading material.