I was really impressed by this book. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew that it would probably be cute, fun, and that it would involve cooking. It was all of those things, but also so much more. The characters seem real and they’re likeable, even when they’re acting like jerks. The competition is interesting, even for someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy cooking (I love eating though). There is also an undeniable chemistry between the two main characters and it gave me so. many. feelings. I do wish that there had been a bit more about Carter’s friends and family, because these parts seemed a bit rushed and I would have liked to know more about them. Carter and Reid are also a bit annoying at the end and I kind of wanted to slap them both, but I quickly got over it. I’d definitely recommend this novel!

Carter Lane is desperate to win a cooking contest that could net her a full ride scholarship to the cooking school of her choice. Problem is, so is everyone else in the contest, and Reid Yamada has her singled out from the start as the one he needs to get rid of...or so it seems. Fierce competition, fast friendships, and oddball challenges from the judges, whittle the group down week after week. And as the group gets smaller, Carter's respect for (most of) the others increases, even toward Reid. Is she good enough to compete with the others and win?

As much as this book is about delicious food, it’s also a really cute, contemporary YA romance. This book has a fun story, awesome, diverse characters, and a fresh, relevant writing style many readers will appreciate, especially teens.

Seriously, is there anything worse than a YA novel that reads like your grandmother wrote it?

This book starts with your typical love/hate start to romance but in an atypical setting. Think Master Chef. And it is really entertaining! One of the things I really love about this novel are the characters. There are teens representing from all walks of life and the diversity is wonderful.

If you love cooking shows, romance, and a little drama, you will really enjoy this book!

Rating… A