An Acquired Taste by Cheri Ritz is a delightful romance for people who love competitive cooking reality shows.
Ashley Castle’s reality show is on the rocks, since her divorce from her husband has Queen of the Castle fans changing the channel. Her agent has an idea: Ashley should go on a cooking competition show and prove that she’s just as great at homemaking in her new life as an out and newly single lesbian as she’s always been. If only Ashley knew how to cook, which the world definitely does not know…
Even worse, when Ashley arrives on set, she finds herself face to face with Elle, her former crush who had also been in the running for TV role that defined Ashley’s acting career.
Elle Bissett needs to get her face on TV screens again after a gig falls through. The last thing she expects is to see Ashley Castle on set. Elle is still a little annoyed that Ashley stole that role from her all those years ago, but it doesn’t hurt that Ashley is distractingly beautiful.
Elle and Ashley have a whole lot of history, chemistry, and competition between them. Now they just have to see who will win the contest (and maybe get the girl, too).
Pros And My Favourite Parts
I’m a sucker for reality show romances, especially ones about competitive cooking shows. I especially loved that this story has an extra layer of awesome because it has actors cooking in a reality show. How great is that?!?! I initially thought there might be a little more rivalry than we actually get, given Elle and Ashley’s history, but I didn’t mind being wrong when I saw how stunned they are by how attracted they are to each other.
I also really enjoyed seeing how Ashley goes about learning how to cook, so she doesn’t get booted off the show immediately. No details, because I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s perfect! Also, it makes me want to know which real-life celebrities have gone for special training before competing in a reality show, because this story reminded me that it must happen quite a lot.
The character work in An Acquired Taste is solid. I particularly liked learning that Elle is a single mom with a teenage daughter, since that isn’t mentioned in the official blurb. So… surprise! Another fun trope! For real, though, I enjoyed getting to know who each character is and seeing the way the relationships build between Ashley and Elle, as well as between Ashley and Elle’s daughter Luci, so that, by the end, we get a perfect happily ever after that goes beyond just the core romantic relationship.
Speaking of the romance, I was also very happy to learn that this is a very gentle one. There’s definitely some conflict, but I appreciated that the story isn’t packed with angst or a big ol’ betrayal between Elle and Ashley, because sometimes you just need a warm and comfy story to sink into. This is a perfect choice for those times.
Cons And Heads Up
A big revelation comes out in the back half of the story, which throws some of Elle’s version of her personal history up in the air. While I was riveted by the revelation, especially as it was coming out, I would have appreciated seeing Elle go back to the people who told her. Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this book, especially with all of its tropes, but that loose end has been nagging at me for the last week.
The Conclusion
An Acquired Taste is very cute! I appreciated how sweet the romance is and I enjoyed spending time with these characters and watching them fall in love.
I recommend reading this one all snuggled up with your favourite blanket and some snacks. Between the characters, the relationship development, and all the cooking, you won’t want to put it down once you start.
Excerpt from An Acquired Taste by Cheri Ritz
“Everyone comfortable with the lay of the land?” Kelly asked, drawing Elle’s attention back to the task at hand. She was the one-woman welcoming committee giving them the grand tour. “You’ll use the refrigerators and freezers on your own side of the set, but the community pantry area in the back is fair game for all. Yes, sometimes you will have to share items with your competition.”
“No way, man. I’m in it to win it,” said the boy-band guy.
The producer smiled and clapped her hands delightedly. She was a little too chipper for an early Friday morning, or any morning, really. “Mason, of course we want you to want to win, but we also like to stress that this is a friendly competition. Let’s keep it light and happy. Speaking of light and happy, are you ready to meet the host of our show?”
Before anyone could answer, the quick click-clack of high heels at the back of the set made the whole cast turn. A gorgeous woman with big blue eyes and shiny pink lips waved well-manicured hands in the air as she rushed to the only workstation left. The one directly opposite Elle.
“Sorry, everyone,” the blonde said as she positioned herself behind her counter and smoothed her floral print pleated dress with her hands. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
She didn’t really look sorry she was late. She didn’t look like she was sorry much about anything. Everything about her, from her bright, long-lashed eyes to her hot pink toenails peeking out from her open-toed Jimmy Choos looked completely unrepentant. She stood with her back ramrod straight and beamed at the others, sweetly batting those beautiful eyes. Like they could officially begin now she had arrived.
Elle had never actually met the woman, but she sure as hell knew who she was: Ashley Castle.
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Series
Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 978-1642474626
Publisher: Bella Books
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