A Pinch of Passion (A Recipe for Love #2)

by Kelly Collins

Blurb:

She leads a privileged life. He has a chip on his shoulder. Can the very thing that divides them be what draws them together?

Allie Parks lives life in the fast lane—literally. As a partner in Luxe Resorts, she’s learned that if her money won’t open a door, her looks will. So when she’s pulled over for speeding, Allie’s shocked to discover neither her charm nor her cash will work on Officer Marco Rossi. She winds up in court where she’s handed down thirty hours of community service, on top of running her resort and renovating her new condo. She wants to despise the man who put her in this position, but the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore.

Since the death of his parents, Marco Rossi has resented the entitled, wealthy residents of Aspen who race their way through the streets, believing they’re above the law. He’s dedicated his life to helping the less fortunate and protecting a community that rarely appreciates his efforts. When Allie speeds into his life, he’s sure he has her all figured out. But when she’s ordered to perform community service at his soup kitchen, he can’t help but see her sweet side. He falls for the wrong woman, for all the right reasons.

Will mixing two opposites be the perfect recipe for love or will they end up getting burned?

Themes: Contemporary

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating:

Review:

Once again we are reminded that not everything is as it seems and we should never judge a book by its cover or a person by first impressions. I found this series by chance and have enjoyed the first two stories immensely for their sweetness and the way they tackle some deeper issues that often plague a relationship. Ms. Collins is able to handle the drama in her hero and heroines love story with loving aplomb and bring them through the pain and heartbreak to their HEA beautifully. Allie is having a really bad week: ticketed, facing losing her license, then forced into community service with the cop that ticketed her and judge her lacking on first sight. She doesn’t want to be attracted to him but Marco Rossi pulls her like no man she has ever met, despite his grumpy and often nasty –to her at least—demeanor. Marco knows too many people like Allie, rich and entitled, and he doesn’t want to deal with her and certainly doesn’t want to like her, but the more he gets to know her the more he begins to questions his opinion. As they spend time together and work to improve the Community center he runs, Marco and Allie’s relationship begins to bloom into something way deeper than either of them could have imagined and soon the undeniable attraction turns into an irresistible love. Marco was definitely the most loveable grumpy bear character I have read in a while, with the way he offered his time and devotion to so many in his community and cared for them, and eventually did the same for Allie. He is sweet, caring, strong, and determined to make a difference in his little corner of the world and I loved him for it. Allie has her hang ups for sure, but as she begins to see others around her in a different light, she begins to understand the difference she could also make in the world. While she has never set out to be a bad person, she is enlightened to her own neglect of her fellow man making her into a better person. I enjoyed seeing her grow in this way, even though it came with some pain and loss until Marco finally stepped up. The passion between them was certainly there from the first time their eyes met and sparked and it only deepend as they got to know one another. I am really looking forward to the next story in the series for sure as these characters continue to intrigue me. Just might have me a new author for my “favorites” shelf.