Taste

Melanie Harlow — 2022

The last person on earth I want to be stranded with is Gianni Lupo. But thanks to the blizzard of the century, I’m trapped in a roadside motel room with that cocky bastard for two straight days. With one small bed. Some women might thank Mother Nature for delivering a polar vortex that maroons them with six feet of solid muscle, those deep blue eyes, that sexy grin--but not me. I’ve known Gianni Lupo all my life, and he’s never brought me anything but bad luck and trouble. So when the tension between us explodes with enough fiery heat to melt my icy defenses, I should have known what the disastrous end result would be-- A big fat plus sign. After the snow melts, I’m left with more than just memories of the night we spent keeping each other warm. And he might be a rising star on the culinary scene, but he’s got no idea how to handle this bun in the oven. He says he wants to do the right thing, but I’m not about to spend the rest of my life feeling like someone settled for me. But just when I think I’ve got Gianni Lupo all figured out, he gives me a taste of the man he could be, of the family we could become, of the way he could love me if I let him. I’m terrified of falling for him. But one taste might be all it takes.

Reviews

Nialani Thompson@nialanireads

Dec 14, 2023

This was a really good book. I was super excited to read Gianni and Ellie’s story! Their romance in the cabin was super great to read and I loved watching them try to figure out their feelings at the same time. The surprise was so cute and I knew the graduation picture would mean something when we were introduced to it; I love that idea. Gianni panicking about the baby and his little emotional burst was cute too. The only part I didn’t like was Ellie constantly pushing that Gianni was a terrible guy and that she kept it from his for multiple days. I do like that she sat on it first, but she wasn’t even planning on telling him on the tenth day; she only did because he went and found her. The ending was perfect though, I loved it

Corey’s Books@coreysbooks

Aug 16, 2023

one bed

enemies to lovers

suprise pregnancy

Olivia Sekelsky@livsek

Mar 17, 2023

Love the story! Another great addition to this series

celene@recluseperformer

Jan 23, 2023

3.7

Andrea Rodriguez@dreareads

Sep 9, 2022

When I read Ignite I knew that I would love Gianni and Ellie's story. It was cute, funny, and had so many good tropes. Also, I got emotional towards the end, which I wasn't expecting at all. My rom-com loving ass was very happy lmao. I think I might circle back and start from the first book in this series. While I don't think it's necessary, as I feel like the author does a good job recapping any pertinent information, I kinda liked knowing the characters just a little bit prior to starting this one. Definitely recommend this book if you're looking for an easy, fun, and spicy read.

Logan Chisholm@loganslibrary

Apr 19, 2022

4.5 ★ I've said it before and I'll say it again, there is nothing better than enemies to lovers combined with forced proximity! Mia's parents have been best friends with Gianni's parents since before they were born. Despite all the love between their families, Mia and Gianni can't stand each other. They constantly butted heads growing up, and now they're back in the same town working at the same winery. When a blizzard causes them to take cover at a tiny motel hours from home, all their pent up frustrations and lust for each other can no longer stay hidden. One bed + too many bottles of wine + a game of truth or drink leads to a very wild night. The walls they've put up to keep each other out for so many years finally start to crumble. I really loved this book! Ellie and Gianni had crazy chemistry, the tension between them was amazing. Ellie had some trust issues when it came to Gianni, and Gianni never stayed in one place for very long. I love his grand gestures in proving he could be the man Ellie wants in her life. Ellie was a little hot tempered and quick to jump to conclusions at times, but ultimately there was low miscommunication and drama which I always appreciate! I loved seeing more of Mia & Lucas and Nick & Coco, and it's fun to see what characteristics they got from their parents. Really enjoyed this book, highly recommend!

Molly Morgan@sarcasticlive

Mar 24, 2022

** spoiler alert ** The banter in this book is alot of fun, the steam and spice is there and detailed. Overall a fun read! After reading almost 250 books in the past year I was finally caught by a surprise baby trope. Wasn't into the third act drama being pregnancy, but it was handled okay.