Review originally posted in August of 2015 on Fiction Vixen by Angela.

A Taste of Heaven by Penny Watson
Contemporary Romance
September 15, 2015- Self Published

I’ve always enjoyed Penny Watson’s books, they make me smile and laugh and are always original. But I have to say, I think this is my favorite of them all. When she mentioned on Twitter a few months back that she was writing a romance with older characters I was pretty excited. Even though I am a fan of some NA books, reading the second chance love story of two people closer to my own age had a lot of appeal. So when this gem hit my inbox I wanted to jump right in, but then I looked at the release date, then my review list and thought maybe I ought to read something closer to publication. Then I said screw it and dived in any way.

I feel like I should warn you… don’t start reading too late at night because you won’t want to stop. Also, it will make you hungry. This book is delicious in many, many ways.

Sophia Brown is a 47-year-old widow who is trapped in grief over the sudden loss of her dear husband. She’s basically going through the motions from day-to-day. Her world is colorless and tasteless and more often than not her daughters find her simply sitting and staring out at nothing. After being part of a couple for 20 years, she doesn’t know what to do with herself now that she is alone. Her daughters are worried and want to find something that might create a spark and bring her back to life. So they sign her up for a reality TV cooking show that they are convinced she will win. After all, Sophia is an amazing hostess and cook. Not really wanting to go at first, she ultimately gives in to make her daughters happy. Thinking it’ll be a show full of amateurs, she’s a little surprised to find out that she will be paired with a professional chef and they have to work as a team in order to win. Unfortunately for her, she’s paired with a big, brutish, loud-mouthed, bald, bearded Scotsman. How in the world did she get into this mess?

Elliott Adamson is the Scotsman paired with Sophia and at first they do not think much of each other. He’s a 49-year-old professional chef who has owned several restaurants, attended the best schools and won awards. He’s also a bit of a food snob and has no use for an amateur who has no real professional experience whatsoever. But he needs to win. He needs that $50,000 prize money desperately. So he lays down the law first chance he gets. He is the team captain and Sophia needs to follow his direction when in the kitchen. Period. This is when Sophia decides she has had enough and will absolutely not be run over anymore.

I think I fell in love with Sophia from the first page. She’s a little lost at first, but quickly finds her strength and doesn’t let anyone push her around. She and Elliott do butt heads, but once they find common ground and begin to work together their chemistry in and out of the kitchen simply shines. He’s moody and difficult, but also charming in his own way. His rough accent seduces her right alongside his talent with food. Together they create amazing dishes that compliment each other and realize that they work well together in other aspects too. Including the bedroom, where Sophia revels in her big, brawny Scots lover. While at first Sophia’s need for a fresh start is more apparent, it soon becomes clear that both of these characters need to rediscover themselves.

I would also like to add, that I simply adored Sophia’s daughters and admired their support for their mother. You could feel the love between the Brown family with every word and touch. Which is why I found the HEA to be the perfect icing on the cake of this romance. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending.

A Taste of Heaven made me smile. And sigh. And stay up half the night reading. Definitely recommend. Final Grade- B+

Favorite Quote:

This competition was her chance for a fresh start. And if she had to bully the Scot to get there, so be it.