A huge thank you to Guilty Pleasures for hosting me at the start of my blog tour for my debut novel, DEEP AUTUMN HEAT. I’m thrilled to be here!
Given that most of my free time is spent reading, writing and hanging out with my family, I don’t watch much television. But when I do get to watch TV, I can’t resist the Food Network. I’m completely obsessed with all of the “challenge” cooking shows, as well as with Iron Chef. There’s just something about two (or three, or four) chefs going head-to-head in the kitchen that is super exciting…and hot! The focus and concentration required to create those incredible dishes under intense pressure is seriously inspiring.
Which leads me to wonder: Why are chefs so sexy?
For me, it comes down to three things: intensity, drive and passion – all of which are solid traits of an alpha hero.
Now think about that same intense, driven, passionate alpha male preparing food for you. Let that sink in for a moment. The idea of creating something edible and beautiful and presenting it to be consumed is amazingly sexy.
In DEEP AUTUMN HEAT, two impassioned chefs with very different personalities meet and fall in love – after lots of sparks fly, of course! When Sebastian Grayson, chef-owner of the New York hotspot Helena returns to his hometown of Star Harbor, Massachusetts to recharge, the last thing he expects is to find professional inspiration. But when he steps foot into the Lexie Meyers Kitchen and takes one bite of Lexie’s delectable coconut cake, he immediately gets hooked – on her.
Yet from the get-go, he challenges her – both in the kitchen and out – and she challenges him right back. It was wickedly fun to see which character was going to blink first. His arrogance and her feistiness were so much fun to write, as were all of the cooking scenes! Cooking (and in Lexie’s case, baking), is integral to who these characters are. Because Lexie works just as hard as Seb does, she’s not impressed by his entitled attitude. And when they fall in love, they fall in love with each other’s food as much as they do with each other.
One of my favorite scenes in the book is where Seb has just made breakfast for Lexie, and it causes them both to reveal a bit more about themselves:
“I like cooking for you. You appreciate everything about a dish, from the way it’s prepared to how it’s presented.”
“Let’s not forget the way it tastes.”
“The most important part, of course. So,” he said, a picture of male grace as he crossed his arms behind his neck and stretched his legs out under the table, “Why’d you choose to become a chef?” His gaze met hers evenly, and she didn’t look away.
“I love the idea of bringing things from land to table. I guess I was influenced by the sustainable foods movement, but really, I was always interested in cooking. My parents were really supportive of me. I remember one absolutely awful dish I prepared when I was eight—something involving acorn squash and mayonnaise. They told me it wasn’t one of my best efforts, but they ate it anyway.” She laughed. “I was lucky that they encouraged me to pursue my passion. What about you? Why’d you decide to go into this line of work?”
“Necessity,” he said flatly.
She cocked her head. “Really? I can’t believe that. You have such fire.” Both in the kitchen and out.
He shrugged and studied the ceiling. “Life wasn’t so easy for my mom once my dad died. With four boys to support and feed on her own, she was stretched pretty thin. I started cooking to help out around the house. Turned out I had a flair for it.”
“But that doesn’t explain why you kept doing it,” Lexie probed. “You dropped out of college to do this. Something was driving you.”
His gaze dropped back to hers, hot and fierce. “I’ll tell you what was driving me: payback. I wanted to make my mark on the world. To have everyone who said I’d never amount to anything sit up and take notice that Seb Grayson, hell-raiser, could raise some hell of his own—and make good doing it.” He swallowed. “I’ve never told anyone that before.”
“I’m glad you told me,” she said quietly.
He leaned forward in his seat. “I am, too. I used to be able to talk to my dad. He’d come home after a long day of fishing, crack open a beer, settle in on the couch, and tell us stories about the pirates who roamed up and down the Eastern seaboard. We all loved the legend of the Lorelei the best—even Val, though he was a couple of years older than us and he pretended like he was too cool to care. We hung on his every word. Then after our homework was done, he’d take us to the beach and we’d roughhouse and watch the harbor lights. He told me I could be anything I wanted when I grew up and I believed him. Then he died.” Seb’s voice was throaty now, and he swallowed. “I think Cole took his death the hardest, but I sure was a close second. I caused my mom all sorts of grief, and learning how to cook to make her life easier was just one way I tried to make amends. But I didn’t count on how it would make me feel. In the kitchen, I had control. I had power. I liked it.”
It’s more than just the food talking, don’t you think?
About Deep Autumn Heat
In this sexy new Star Harbor romance series, featuring the too-tempting Grayson brothers, a celebrity chef turns up the heat for a local café owner—and things start to sizzle.
Lexie Meyers decides there’s nothing sweeter than watching Sebastian Grayson’s perfect, wicked mouth devour her coconut cake. He’s hot, he’s hungry, and he’s sizing her up like she’s the best thing on the menu. But she’s been burned in the past and flings just aren’t her thing. Too bad Sebastian can’t resist a challenge.
Worldly, famous, and notorious with the ladies, Seb had planned a weekend of fishing and relaxation with his brothers. Until Lexie, with her kissable lips and frosty “get lost” attitude, makes him want to forget his culinary empire and create some magic with her. After he fires up his charm—including challenging her to a televised cook-off to break through her resistance—it’s now hotter in the bedroom than it is in the kitchen and Lexie isn’t sure whether she’s lost her mind . . . or just her heart.
About the Author
You can connect with Elisabeth on her Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.
Who is your favorite celebrity chef, and why?
One lucky commenter will win an ebook of DEEP AUTUMN HEAT. Contest ends July 8th at midnight (EST).
Thank you for stopping by Guilty Pleasures!
36 comments
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Brunette LIbrarian
June 19, 2012 at 9:06 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Hmm…It used to be Paula Deen, but I’m not too attracted to her
I do like Bobby Flay, handsome and if you met him it seems like he’d be really nice.
Congratulations on the new release, it looks amazing.
Taryn
June 19, 2012 at 10:18 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
WOW! Sounds like a great book. I love the idea of reading about a chef…I haven’t done that yet. My favorite chef would have to be Ina Garten. She has a very traditional way about her and her recipes are always what I’m looking for. I wish she still had her gourmet shop open in the Hamptons, I would have loved to go to it since it’s not too far from me. Thanks!
Shelly
June 19, 2012 at 11:34 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Love to watch the cake boss, but Emirl is great as well. Watching the cooking shows amaze me, what they can make, makes you wonder if it really tastes as good as it looks
Elisabeth Barrett
June 19, 2012 at 12:01 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
If you like the Cake Boss, you should try Ace of Cakes. Gotta love Duff!
erinf1
June 19, 2012 at 11:53 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I don’t really have one. I don’t cook at all and I don’t watch a lot of TV either. But I like to eat
and read about chefs.
This book sounds awesome and I would love a chance to read it.
Congrats to the author on the new release
Elisabeth Barrett
June 19, 2012 at 12:00 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Thanks for all the great comments. I love Ina Garten, and Bobby Flay has definitely grown on me over the years. Emeril doesn’t do it for me, and I think it’s because I’m not in love with his food. Still, he seems like a really fun, real person, and he has the perfect television personality!
Maria D.
June 19, 2012 at 12:58 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Congratulations on your debut release! Good guest post. As for my favorite celebrity chef – I am torn between Bobby Flay and Jamie Oliver.
Francesca @ UTCBookBlog
June 19, 2012 at 2:04 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Congrats on the release!!! Hmmmm Celebrity chef… I guess my favorite might have to be either Nigella Lawson or Giada De Laurentiis.
Elisabeth Barrett
June 19, 2012 at 3:27 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I LOVE Nigella Lawson. Very earthy and real. Plus, her food’s great!
Michele S
June 19, 2012 at 2:34 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Congrats on the book which I am anxiously waiting to read
. I love Bobby Flay and Giada DeLaurentis.
Jess
June 19, 2012 at 3:09 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I would say Bobby Flay.
Becky C
June 19, 2012 at 3:51 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I totally agree with previous comments – Bobby Flay! I love stories that involve chefs so this guest blog is great!
Kanya Chhet
June 19, 2012 at 4:36 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Hi Elisabeth,
About a week ago, I was looking for a romance with chefs in it. I’m so glad I found yours!
My favourite chef would be Giada De Laurentiis. I looove italian food!
I’m definitely adding DEEP AUTUMN HEAT to my TBR List!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Kanya
Sophia Rose
June 19, 2012 at 5:54 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
This story sounds like a fun read. My favorite is Emeril.
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the story.
Sophia Rose
June 19, 2012 at 5:56 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Oh, I forgot to say why I like Emeril. I like the spices he uses.
Shannon
June 19, 2012 at 8:32 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
My favorite celebrity chef is still Paula Dean – even after her diabetes outing, etc. I just think she is down to earth and funny. I love when she flirts with tv personalities and catches them off guard (Matt Lauer for example).
bas1chsemail at gmail dot com
Suz T
June 19, 2012 at 8:35 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I love Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson. Oh I wish I were Nigella Lawson and could hold a whisk the way a dominatrix holds a whip. Can’t wait for your book!
Landry
June 19, 2012 at 8:49 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I love to watch Ina Garten. She is so confident & her recipes are always terrific!
MaryC
June 19, 2012 at 9:06 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I love watching Masaharu Morimoto in action – his passion for food and mix of east and west
are wonderful to watch.
Elisabeth Barrett
June 19, 2012 at 11:03 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I LOVE his passion … and his cooking.
Kathleen O
June 19, 2012 at 9:26 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Great book and one that is going on the tbr list.. I love Bobby Flay… love to watch all his cooking shows. I like Emeril too… BAM… He makes cooking look so easy and fun.. Paula Deen is another fav che and Rachel Ray too.. They all make me want to cook and I don’t really do much cooking…
Timitra
June 19, 2012 at 9:58 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Congrats on the release of your debut novel!
taccb_1981@yahoo.com
Sharon
June 19, 2012 at 10:14 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Elisabeth, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing today. Looking forward to reading this story. My favorite is Guy Fieri. I find him so funny!
Elisabeth Barrett
June 19, 2012 at 11:02 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I’m seeing a lot of Bobby, Giada, Nigella, and Emeril. Very surprised no one’s mentioned Curtis Stone (the take-home chef).
Jen B.
June 20, 2012 at 9:08 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Ok, so my favorite celebrity chef is “sexy” in my opinion not because he is buff and built. I love a smart man. I love a passionate man. I love a man that can teach me something and not make me feel stupid because I didn’t know it in the first place. I L-O-V-E Alton Brown. Sigh! He is so amazing and watchable and darn it, his recipes work every single time. That is my kind of man!
Rebekah k
June 20, 2012 at 7:41 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
My favorite celebrity chef is Michael Simon…im totally in love with iron chef america and he is just my favorite. He seems so down to earth and is a total hottie.
Elisabeth Barrett
June 21, 2012 at 5:10 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I like him, too! He’s *very* down to earth, plus he laughs a lot – always a bonus!
Jolene A
June 21, 2012 at 4:34 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I have to go with Paula Deen, I think everything she makes looks really good and it’s stuff I can make for my family and they will eat it. Not fancy food, just really good food. She’s not very attractive though lol but she is my fav
Mel Bourn
June 21, 2012 at 4:39 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Love the cover! my favorite chef is Guy Fieri. I love him!! I also love Alton Brown!
Mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com
Melissa
June 30, 2012 at 12:06 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
My favorite chef is Gordon Ramsay!!! I love him! He is loud and opinionated and I love everything about him!! LOL
Lisa G
June 30, 2012 at 6:59 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
My favorite chef is Guy Fieri. He is so much fun to watch. He puts a new twist on foods but bringing that playfulness into the kitchen.
Vanessa
July 1, 2012 at 2:04 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Congrats on the book! I adore Alton Brown, he is just so quirky and fun. He explains everything and makes it so interesting plus he really enjoys food!
bn100
July 1, 2012 at 7:14 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Curtis Stone for the accent.
Debbie Ellis
July 2, 2012 at 8:37 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I really love to watch Chef Ramsey
Elisabeth Barrett
July 3, 2012 at 11:23 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
The comments are still coming in and I finally got a Curtis Stone! Also, some Ramseys, too! Love it!
Kim Matlock
July 3, 2012 at 12:10 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
We watch ALOT of Food Network in my house. My husband has actually learned how to cook better… He pretty much watches the shows to learn things… I watch the shows, because I like looking at the food and wishing I could taste some of the dishes.
I think my favorite chef would be Bobby Flay… Why… Because he has fun. But at the same time, he knows when to put on the serious face and get the job done. He doesn’t always that things too seriously. He makes mistakes at times and he doesn’t like them get him down.
Author Events | Romance at Random
July 9, 2012 at 1:35 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
[...] Romance @ Random, “Love at First Taste” 6/19/2012 – Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews, “Chefs are Sexy” and a Five-Star Review & RomCon, “Kitchen Disasters” and a Five Crown Review [...]