Samantha Vérant is a best-selling author who lives in Toulouse, southern France. She’s a determined, if occasionally unconventional, at home French chef. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her trekking from Provence to the Pyrénées or embracing her inner Julia Child! Her latest book is a sizzling romance set in Paris…
The Spice Masters at Bistro Exotique – Summary
A talented chef discovers how spices and scents can transport her – and, more importantly, how self-confidence can unlock the greatest magic of all: love – in this perfectly seasoned new novel by Samantha Vérant.
Kate Jenkins doesn’t believe in fate. She believes in a clear vision, meticulous planning, and hard work in order to achieve her culinary dreams. On the cusp of opening her own Parisian restaurant, Bistro Exotique, she isn’t even concerned when her standoffish – and annoyingly sexy – neighbor dismisses her as a crazy American tourist or when she meets the wildly eccentric Garrance, the self-proclaimed Spice Master of Paris, who ominously warns her of the previous owner’s failures.
Confident and optimistic, Kate keeps calm and cooks on. Until a series of unfortunate events derail her plans and her entire staff quits. Kate is about to throw in the kitchen towel on her lifelong dream when Garrance offers to use her mastery of scents and spices to help her, but it comes at a price: Kate must work with Garrance’s son, Charles, a world-class chef and total jerk. After Kate hesitantly concedes to the deal, she slowly learns to open her heart and mind to new concepts, not quite sure if the magic she’s experiencing comes from Garrance’s spices, from within herself, or from the growing chemistry with Charles. One thing is certain, though: her kitchen is getting increasingly hot.
Review
Samantha’s book should come with a warning- not to be read on an empty stomach! Her books are addictive and hook you from the start. Each chapter leaves your imagination churning, and I found I couldn’t wait to find out what happens next. I found myself creating my own scenarios, only for that thought to be whisked away and turned into something even more delicious and wild.
The connection between Kate and Charles is just magical and with Samantha’s brilliant writing, you feel like you are part of their budding relationship. Every character has such strong personalities – this really pulls the book together, and will take you away into your own little dream to a beautiful corner of Paris.
I loved the drama, the passion, the food and trepidation of the book – but most of all the way that Kate persevered and strived to come out on top despite all the mystery and the challenges she faced. I hope there will be a follow up book, I look forward to reading about Kate and Charles’ next spice adventures…
Available from Amazon and all good book shops…
