I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. If you love a good romance and the cooking channel or Food Network, this might be the perfect read for you. Strong story and characters.

Cooking with Kandy is the first romantic suspense book in the Will Cook for Love series written by author Peggy Jaeger. Great secondary characters. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books/Lyrical Shine for the advance copy.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Kandy is successful, loving, loyal to a fault, and a very hard worker. She has created a huge conglomerate of cooking business – books, shows, e-books, etc. Not only does she have a very successful business, but she's taken her family along with her.

Josh is a hired bodyguard. He normally doesn't do person-on-person, but when the call came in, he was intrigued. He is considerate, cares, and loves how much Kandy cares and loves her employees.

There are a lot of mishaps, strange stalkerish behavior, and scares for Kandy and her family. Josh works tirelessly to figure out what is going on and who is trying to hurt Kandy and her business.

This is a cute story where family comes first, love conquers the scary, and the good always wins.

I can't wait to see what happens in book two.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed this book and am delighted that it is the start of a new series; there are, after all, plenty of side characters who could do with a happily ever after too!

Kandy is a human dynamo sweeping along everyone in her wake. This includes giving her family members good jobs working with her on her show, books, etc., and avoiding situations where she must cede control. Having seen what her father's departure did to her mother, she is most definitely not interested in love.

Enter Josh, PI and security detail, employed by her cousin/assistant following series of unpleasant events. And I have to say this plot was done really rather well – with sufficient false leads to make it a bit of a mystery. Now Josh is not a man to mix business with pleasure, so they should be perfectly safe from each other... but of course that pesky chemistry just won't leave them alone!

The layers in this book work well: peeling away her fears and rationale; uncovering the perpetrator of the threats; delving into family dynamics and loyalties; and the romance.

A very promising start to this new series, thank you Ms. Jaeger.

Kandy has worked hard to build a career, and kept her family with her in every step of the ladder. Now with a successful cooking show on television, a series of cookbooks, and a personality that draws people to her. The real question when it comes to her team is, who is in the circle – but wants her gone? Because someone wants that, and we can’t quite figure out just who. Could it be her mother with no boundaries and a need for male validation, or perhaps her sister and cousins who seem to find flirting with every man, even one that is clearly interested in Kandy, as the sport of the day. Oh the frenemies (or what would you call your family’s inability to behave appropriately around your current love interest) are strong in this story, and a large part of my struggles to rate it.

But, someone cares for Kandy, ostensibly, by hiring Josh to watch over her, and perhaps discover who is behind the threats. But, the threat for Josh is two-fold. He doesn’t have in interest in bodyguard work, and yet his body (and his brain) are screaming out for him to get closer to Kandy. There’s a mutual attraction, even as Kandy doesn’t believe in the danger, she’s going along with the bodyguard simply because her family is worried (or so they say) and she has a huge blind spot where they are concerned. For she has made sure that her success is their success, she’s often ignored or not dealt with the huge glaring issues – their lack respect and boundaries where she, her life and her new relationship are concerned.

So, we have an intriguing and clever romance between Kandy and Josh – both of them are solid characters with good intentions, solid emotions and a clear connection that builds and strengthens as the story progresses. But the secondary characters and the focus on their shortcomings as they aggressively pursue Josh despite the obvious (to everyone) lack of interest on his part made me want to scream. It was too much – too desperate and didn’t show Kandy as stronger with the repetitive missteps. When I ignore that, th story is clever and twists are fun – with plenty of empty drawers leading to nowhere in the search for who is truly behind the threats. But, when compared to the pieces that just rubbed me completely the wrong way, I’m stuck remembering what I didn’t like most in the story instead of what I preferred.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Josh has discovered the necessary ingredients needed to kickstart his entire body, and they're all contained in one package...his potential protectee, Kandy. It seems the famous, as evidenced by her best-selling cookbooks and hit show, chef, is in trouble, or so her cousin, Stacy, believes. Once Josh sees her in the flash, he realizes he's landed in his own sort of trouble, and though he usually doesn't take bodyguard assignments, instead dealing in investigations, he agrees to take on Kandy, err the job.

 “So,” she said, “does this mean you’re taking the job?” - Stacy
Josh realized he’d made the decision the moment he’d met Kandy face-to-face.

Kandy doesn't believe a bodyguard is necessary, brushing off any situations as things easily explained, though she wouldn't mind the sexy Josh guarding her. *wink* She knows her family is worried, and as they're her weakness, she agrees. Kandy's entire life has been centered around cooking, yet lately she's had this feeling she's missing something, and though she's tried to push it away, she can't for long.

But as Josh and Kandy spend time together while she continues her life, it's easy to see their attraction is mutual. Both feel the connection, one that is getting harder to resist with every passing minute, however, as more incidents arise, Kandy can no longer deny someone is targeting her, and Josh is determined to stop the attacks, ensuring Kandy's safe once and for all.

How long will Josh and Kandy be able to resist temptation? Who is behind the attacks, personally and professionally, on Kandy? Is it someone in her family? An employee? Or someone close, but not in the inner circle? Can Josh keep Kandy safe? Can Josh and Kandy, both prone to workaholic tendencies, maintain a relationship? Will Josh and Kandy get their HEA?

One-click now and follow along as two people meet due to mysterious occurrences, and discover a love neither ever expected to find.

On a purely personal note, there were four things, people, that bothered me in this book and therefore lowered my rating. I'm listing then in order of least to highest irritant. First, and this covers two at once, would be Kandy's two aunts and there flirting with Josh. I'm sure it was intended to be humorous. It was not. Second, the numerous references to Kandy's Mom and her cougarish always hunting for new prey behavior, which included some flirting with Josh. No. Too much. Lastly, is Gemma, Kandy's sister, and her behavior toward Josh. There was blatant flirting, innuendo, a flat out statement to Kandy, after knowing she and Josh had been intimate, and that Kandy was falling for him, that she'd sleep with Josh if he asked, and at the halfway point which just about ruined the book for me, Gemma "greeting Josh with a bewitching kiss full on the lips" and Josh grinning. Tacky and unnecessary.. This was done after Josh and Kandy almost made love, no, Gemma didn't know that, but she did know beforehand "how Josh looked at Kandy with longing," because she later mentioned to Kandy that fact. There is a line you don't cross and Gemma gleefully strutted across it and that made me dislike her with a passion. And she freaking did it again at the end. I had moved past the other instances because there were no more, and then, right in front of Kandy, kisses him on the mouth, again. Why? It bugs me. This may seem nitpicky, but I do not like reading about any kind of physical contact between the hero, regardless of how innocent it may be on either party's part, and a woman not the heroine. If it wasn't for the things I just mentioned, I would've adored this book so much more.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

The story is built from three components. There are the love and passion Kandy has for cooking and everything culinary. There is the attraction and fascination Kandy has with Josh. And then there is the suspense, the kind of creepy suspense where you know that the culprit has to be someone who is close to you, someone you trust, someone who has a possibility to hurt you deeply, even deadly. And they violate your own space, your own safe harbor, your home, and that is the kind suspense that gets to me every single time.
I liked how the harassment case was built and plotted. The escalating attacks and the tension heightening brought a different kind of energy to the story. The intensity escalated, the threats being severe, and with so many people around Kandy, the guilty was kept hidden amongst the crowd till the end.
I love when food and romance are mixed together, my two favorite things! The author knew what she was talking about when it came to Kandy's actions in the kitchen. It was a joy to read about her creations and prep work. The story showed the sensual and intimate side of cooking while Kandy was in the kitchen working with Josh, I enjoyed how those details were highlighted.
The details are plentiful throughout the story, and maybe the escalating tension from the suspense would have been even more intense if Kandy and Josh wouldn't have been cleaning the kitchen so often with every move listed. It was a bit distracting to know every time when they were setting or clearing the table, and when doing the dishes, and where they put the plates...
The attraction between Kandy and Josh was evident to everyone around them. I enjoyed the fervor and fire that was in the air when they were in the same space. Josh was a great wounded hero. He had a past of disappointments and hurt, yet he was driven, confident, and kind. His bossiness was equal to Kandy's, and the clashes between their power struggles brought up the passion to another height. There were times I wished Josh could have communicated more clearly to save others around him from unnecessary hurt and turmoil, but his intentions were never harmful, more like honorable.
Kandy was as driven as Josh, they were a lot alike, but Kandy's personal character development was noticeable in the story. She learned to see people around her in a new light, from a different point of view, and she took a note and corrected her fierce and dominant actions.
Cooking With Kandy is an entertaining, fun, flirtatious story where family matters above anything else, where love hits you like a lightning and changes your life. There is danger, there are threats and a big family meddling. There is cooking, great food, passion for love and life, and to everything that really matters in life. A marvelous mix of chilling mystery, frightening threats, joie de vivre, enthusiasm for life, love, and devotion.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

This was the first time I've read something written by Peggy Jaeger and I've enjoyed it so much.

I was attracted to this book as soon as I've seen the cover and the title.
Cooking with Kandy was such a good read,the story unfolds page after page keeping me glued to my reader in order to solve the mystery.

Kandy and Josh are two workaholic brought together by some upsetting events that urge our heroine's overbearing family to hire a PI.
I really liked them,their chemistry is clear since their first encounter but they have other priorities and they try to fight their sexual attraction at all costs.
There are a lot of supporting characters but the author made a good job to introduce them not confusing the reader.

Ah the recipes at the end of the book left me with a dreamy look and
an incredible craving for comfort food.

I can't wait to read Gemma's story.

Jaeger has done a nice job writing a romance novel that has a couple- Kandy and Josh- who actually have responsible positions, good relationships with their relatives, and a case of chemistry! The tension between the two of them is palpable but you'll have to wait for the sex scenes. This is also a book about food (yummy) and the food business> you'll learn a bit about how a food empire is built. THanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I didn't especially like the title of this, which makes it seem just a little something but ignore that and try it.

Kandy Laine is a very successful 28 year old woman. She has a cooking show and best-selling cookbooks. Recently, she has had a few mishaps; sliced brake line, someone breaking into her apt., stolen wallet, falling lighting on her set. Kandy is a control freak in its finest glory. Cooking is her outlet and base of control. She wants to brush these incidents aside, but her cousin/assistant is insisting she get help.

Josh Keane is a former cop turned private investigator who takes on the occasional bodyguard job. When he shows up to Kandy’s studio per her cousin’s request, he is immediately taken with her.

Kandy is not happy about anyone intruding on her routine/schedule. She runs a tight ship and has no time for interference of any kind. Kandy employs most of her family in some capacity. They all have lucrative careers thanks to her. She can’t imagine anyone in her tight circle being out to get her.

Josh is determined to keep their relationship platonic while he is working for her, so he can stay focused. After a few stolen kisses and a couple heavy make-out sessions, he pushes her away without explaining himself. A quick conversation would have put an end to her misunderstanding and hurt, but when he tries to talk to her, she runs off making unfounded assumptions.

The suspense is mild and we are given three possible suspects, rotating throughout the book. Kandy’s sisters, aunts, cousins and mom are quite the interesting characters in their own right. This is a book about family coming first and love (family and relationship) conquering all.

The ending felt too rushed. Did Kandy continue her cooking show? How do she and Josh work out their different schedules? Why isn’t Cort going anywhere? Since this is the beginning of a series, I would assume these questions will be answered in the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley.

Cooking with Kandy is the EBC’s number one food show, making Kandy Laine a highly successful woman, and apparently a target. Kandy is self-driven with high standards and an incredible work ethic. While she is extremely busy, family always comes first; she is giving, caring, and would do anything for those in her inner circle. So when threats on Kandy’s life grow more serious, she’s honestly perplexed that it could be coming from someone close to her.

Josh Keane was hired to protect Kandy and get to the bottom of the threats. While he has always put his job first, his instant attraction to and growing friendship with Kandy messes with his head and heart. Will getting to the bottom of the danger signal the end of his time with Kandy… or will it start the beginning of something more?

Cooking with Kandy is an enjoyable combination of sweet romance and light mystery/suspense. As the first title in Ms. Jaeger’s new Will Cook for Love series, readers are introduced to Kandy and her entire extended family, ninety percent of which seem to work for her in some capacity. The author has created a warm, genuine environment, which should serve well for the series setting.

Kandy and Josh are two peas in a pod (food reference intended!); both are driven individuals who have their own fair share of baggage. While each has found success and happiness with their career paths, it isn’t until they are put together that they truly see some holes and loneliness in their lives. Although they are forced by circumstance to be together, they develop a genuine bond, and the nature of the events surrounding their pairing lends itself to a rapid opening up and sharing of innermost thoughts and desires. Josh and Kandy are sweet together. They are like the couple that finishes each other’s sentences. And while it took a little while for the steam to build, once the couple allows themselves to indulge in desire, the heat factor raises quickly.

Kandy’s world is full of characters, and at times it was difficult to remember who was who. This is important because not only is the book a romance, there is a pretty serious mystery which gives way to a bit of suspense. Ms. Jaegar establishes a solid problem, complete with clues and red herrings. I enjoyed piecing together the puzzle and trying to discern which clues were real and which I could toss out. I had one small complaint about the unveiling and the perpetrator, but I can’t share it without being a spoiler. Nevertheless, it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the title, which overall was an exciting ride.

At its heart, Cooking with Kandy is a lovely sweetheart romance with an engrossing whodunit plot. Kandy and Josh are both intense yet joyful, making them a great match and tender pairing. Although each had a few hiccups in their behaviors that bothered me, overall I enjoyed how they took time to work out problems, no matter how personal or painful, together. I look forward to reading more stories set in the Will Cook for Love series.

My Rating: B, Liked It

I have to be honest the title through me off but then the blurb pulled me in so I was like why not give it a shout and I was pleasantly surprised by this great book by Jaeger!

a good read with a strong lead. Love the books about cooking shows.

Kandy Laine is everything a man could want but can one handle her? She has too much to do and men are a distraction. She is climbing #1 in every chart available and strives to please. So why does she feel like something is missing?

Josh Keane is getting a new job to defend a gorgeous chef who doesn't want his help. She doesn't feel she needs his help. He is hired in to be a bodyguard not his line of work, which is a private investigator. He knows this job will be big shoes to fill but what he doesn't expect is exactly what he gets!

Having keen perception of everything going on around him is what Josh's strength is so he doesn't plan on letting his wayward thoughts get the best of him. He knows this job requires a lot of focus and swift action and he wants to get the job done.

Kandy is used to having the very thing she loses when Josh is around, control. Never having a bodyguard or anyone be able to keep up with her schedule, Kandy isn't happy to be under the watchful eye of Josh and is reminded of his presence at all times. She doesn't even think any weird happenings have anything to do with her. They are all just coincidence.

This book is very exciting and fun! It is a heart wrencher and laugh until you cough delight of turns and twists. The author captivated a great story in this novel, which has you wanting to read a novel about the characters in a later book, hopefully soon to come. This one was icing on the cake!

I loved this book and just adored Josh and Kandy the chemistry between them was smoking hot.This is a fantastic read that i did not want to put down a super read and i would recommend this book looking forward to trying more from this author

What starts out as a simple protection/investigative job quickly turns into a twisting and turning thrill ride, with cooking and romance thrown into the mix. The author has successfully combined mystery and intrigue with contemporary romance for a winning combination.

The chemistry between Josh and Kandy is quite striking...thunderbolt striking to be exact. Their attraction is instant, yet with priorities as the focus, their attraction has a push/pull dynamic that makes for interesting, enjoyable entertainment. The personalities of the characters are what captured my attention early on, as the cast of characters grew, it was easy to see the different voices each had. There was definitely an overall dimension to the story that was unique and will keep me coming back for more from this author...especially since there are seven sister in Kandy's family, the potential for more thrill rides are hoped for.

This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.