Happy Birthday, Julia!
This is a very nice birthday gift for Julia Rachel Barrett....her book Beauty and the Feast has been reissued with a new cover and a new publisher (herself)! It's been almost two years since I read this delicious story and "met" Julia on-line. Our "relationship" started with an email -- I sent her a note letting her know how much I enjoyed this book and introducing myself. Since then, we have become kindred spirits and I bug the crap out of her each day. And she puts up with me! So, I'm going to post my original review from 2 years ago...I haven't read the new, updated version yet, but I will. If you're looking for a sensual romance, I highly recommend this one!
Here is my original review from Sunday, May 2, 2010......
Review for Beauty and the Feast
I'm obviously someone who recognizes the sensuality of food...I made the hero and heroine of my first novel (Sweet Inspiration) pastry chefs. When I saw Mandi's review for Beauty and the Feast, I knew I had to read it. The heroine is a caterer and the hero falls in lust with her before they've ever met, just by tasting the incredible meal she has prepared for him. Holy Mother...the food descriptions in this book are to die for! Check out the first course...chilled melon soup: "...pureed honey melon, a tiny bit of sea salt, a few splashes of a light German Riesling, a squeeze of lime, half a seeded Serrano chili, cilantro and a bit of palm sugar..." Starving yet? You will be if you read this baby. Make sure you have a gourmet snack and a nice bottle of wine on hand. I am not kidding.
I love the fact that Barrett has these characters becoming interested in each other without them even meeting. Just the sound of their voices over the phone peaks their interest. Then, Gabe smells Eva's scent on his pillow and knows she's laid down on his bed. He starts falling for her after eating the sensual meal she has created for him. This is a great way to start the romantic tension in a book....using other senses to create an attraction between two characters.
Here's a quote that sums it up best...."His interest in Eva Raines had once again grown in direct proportion to the size of his erection, the erection induced by the images tasting her food brought to mind."
I really loved this sexy book...I loved the characters, the setting, the food descriptions (of course). It was adorable, right down to the recipes at the end. Bravo, Julia Barrett!
Grade: A-
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Beauty and the Feast is available on Kindle right now for FREE! So treat yourself to a delicious story and celebrate Julia's birthday. If you want to stop by her blog and wish her a happy day, here's the link to Julia Barrett's World.
Happy Birthday, Julia!
Now I want a cupcake,
Penelope
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