Take it away, Terri!
Hot Stuff In The Kitchen
I am NOT a foodie. In fact, I rarely cook anything that
doesn’t come out of a box. There are six or seven cookbooks on a bookshelf in
my kitchen, but I never open them. Heck, I don’t even know what the word mince
means.
And all of this could be a contributing factor for why I
keep writing heroes who can cook. Normally, I’d say writers are not putting
their own fantasies onto the page. In this case, that is exactly what I’m
doing. But the odd thing is, I didn’t even realize I was doing it.
Back in olden days, when I first sat down to put fingers to
keyboard (that sounds dirtier than intended – apologies), the hero who walked
into my brain was a former Navy cook turned chef. As you can probably guess, my
first thought was “What the fudge do I know about writing a chef?”
(Yes, I said fudge. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.)
Poor Bryan never did get his happily ever after, and I’ve
yet to write a chef hero, but of the three heroes in the Anchor Island series
so far, two of them are really good cooks. Ironically, my heroines rarely cook,
but they do spend a lot of time at the sweet shop on the island, partaking of
their favorite desserts.
So basically, through my highly-skilled-in-the-kitchen
heroes, I’ve realized that I am indeed putting my own fantasies into my books.
As for my heroines, well, that’s more my reality.
And speaking of my cooking heroes, the next book in the
Anchor Island Series, HOME TO STAY, goes
on sale in all formats on May 1. Very soon you’ll get to read about Randy
Navarro, my vegetarian, green tea drinking, adrenaline junkie, giant Teddy Bear
of a man who makes a killer fettuccini alfredo for his heroine, Willow Parsons.
Here’s the blurb for the book:
Willow Parsons’s two new best friends are getting married,
putting her squarely on the sidelines of romance—which suits her just fine.
After escaping the ultimate Mr. Wrong, she is more than happy to spend her days
slinging drinks in Dempsey’s Bar & Grill, and her nights alone. But her
Anchor Island refuge has just one catch: muscle-bound charmer Randy Navarro.
Everyone in town knows that Randy, owner of the local
fitness club, is a giant teddy bear. Everyone, it seems, except for Willow.
He’s convinced that her avoidance is more than just playing hard to get, and is
determined to uncover the secrets that keep her on edge. But when old fears are
dragged into the light, can Randy get Willow to stay and fight for their
love…or will she take flight, leaving both him and Anchor Island behind?
Home to Stay is a charming, romantic tale about
following your heart to find where you belong.
So what about you?
Good cook? Non-cook like me? Do you like a hero with solid kitchen skills? Know
one in real life? Got a favorite from a book? Starving minds want to know!
One lucky commenter today will win a signed copy of HOME TO
STAY along with some fun book swag. (US & Canada only.)
HOME
TO STAY
by Terri Osburn
Contemporary
Romance
ISBN:
1477818367
May
1, 2014
Buy
Links:
Kindle
> http://amzn.to/1g0U5W2
Twitter
> @TerriOsburn
I love heroes who can cook. Louisa Edward's cooking series is great. The last book is Hot Under Pressure and it awesome - this book is about a cookoff and the menu choices in the finale represents the hero and heroine's lives perfect. I cannot say enuf about this series and esp this last book.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Usen and Kate Meader wrote a few - enjoyed both of Amanda's and have to get my hands on Kate's (only read one of hers so far.
Patoct
OOOH, my grammar bad - meant to say "here and heroine's lives PERFECTLY.
ReplyDeletePatoct
Hello! You might want to look up Robin Kaye, too. She has a domestic gods series of all heroes who are great in the kitchen. Thanks for stopping by. :)
DeleteWelcome, Terri! My late husband was one of those alpha hero/giant teddy bears and a whiz in the kitchen. That man could cook up a storm. So wonderful to come home from a long day at work and find a delicious dinner waiting courtesy of your sexy hero. ♥
ReplyDeletePJ, you found a prize! I so need to find me one of those. And thanks for having me back. I love visiting the Dish!
DeleteHello and welcome back, Terri! I am like you in that I am not a foodie. Honestly? I don't like to cook. At all. I only do it because I have to so my kids can eat. LOL! My husband does some of the cooking and does it well. : ) I can't wait to pick this one up!
ReplyDeleteAndrea, since quitting the day job in December, I think I've cooked three or four actual meals. My teen is fine fending for herself, and recently decided she doesn't want meat. I barely know how to cook, and whipping up vegetarian dishes is not in my repertoire. LOL!
DeleteHi Terri, Your book sounds yummy.. I like to ciik, but I am not a good cook. I do simple fair, but I do like yo dress up a mesl , so I set a fine table. I always think food looks and taste good if you put in a nice setting...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathleen. I hope you'll give them a whirl. And I never got the table setting skill. I think it's because my family always ate in front of the television. Not something I'm proud of, but I don't even have a table in my house. The small dining room one had to be sacrificed so I could have a writing space. Sigh.
DeleteI like to eat, cook and bake. Robin Kaye has an older series out with guys that can cook and do housework I think too. Loved those books. Too Hot to Handle and Breakfast in Bed. Yum.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I just mentioned Robin to Anonymous above. LOL! I'm going down in order! And I'll admit, I do like to eat. :)
DeleteSo excited! My copy is on its way now from Amazon. (Boy, do I love PRIME!)
ReplyDeleteHello, you! Are they shipping already? Good to know. Hope you enjoy it. And don't ding me if I get a food thing wrong, foodie that you are.
DeleteIs this a print copy? Forgot to ask. If so, count me in for the contest.
ReplyDeleteYes, ma'am. This one is print. Good luck!
DeleteTerri, I really enjoyed the first 2 books in this series!
ReplyDeleteI am a pretty good cook. I am intrigued by the idea of a MAN who is a good cook because those don't exist in MY world! :-)
Thank you, Cheryl. And they don't exist in my world either. Which is why I have to make them up. :)
DeleteMy son barbecues better than my husband, who taught him. (Shhhh. You didn't hear that from me!) Other than barbecuing, that's it for their culinary skills.
ReplyDeleteI am the one who does the majority of the cooking and I actually enjoy it. I like having friends over for good conversation, a meal with lots of leftovers for later in the week, and a round or two of cards/board games (before and/or after the meal). What makes my day, though, is when various people ask for my recipes.
Laney4, I've always found that amusing. The idea that cooking on a grill is manly, but heaven forbid they stand in front of a stove. I think it's an open fire thing, which goes out the window these days as most fancy grills are gas. Just like stoves! I love card and board games. I want to come hang at your house!
DeleteI've always done all the cooking but it sure does sound appealing lol. I have two grown daughters and although one will do some cooking, they both have men that do most of it. I guess they figured out they didn't want to have to do it all like me lol.
ReplyDeleteCatslady, I would love for them to tell me where to find these men. Though I'm guessing it might be a generational thing. As moms went to work, kids learned to fend for themselves, both male and female. Worked out well for a lot of kids, I think. Made them much less dependent for these sorts of things.
DeleteIf I started cooking and you said" lets go out to eat". I would put it in the fridge and go...lol That's the kind of cook I am and if I cook its simple meat potatoes and a veggie. I have a friend who cooks soup, salad, big dinner and dessert every day...told her she is nuts they laugh at her and dont' appreciate it. (she ended up at mcd's for thanksgiving since she had a fight with her husband and no one cooked the turkey).... I am like you I just cook simple...
ReplyDeleteThank you, deerdoe69. This makes me feel so much better. I only add a side veggie because kiddo eats them. I don't eat any vegetables. (I know. I'm weird! And unhealthy.)
DeleteI am actually a very good cook and used to cook often, but our schedule just does not allow it anymore. I hate the clean up part though. My husband is a good cook and basically feeds himself due to his schedule. He is a keeper for sure and does laundry and goes to the grocery too. :)
ReplyDeleteSharlene, for me, it's not the schedule but the fact that I now cook for one that's derailed my enthusiasm for it. Every now and then I get the bug and cook up a storm but it's not the norm anymore.
DeleteDefinitely a keeper, Sharlene. Hope things settle down soon so you can enjoy some time in the kitchen.
DeleteBeen finding more books that I like that indeed, include cooking and such, Barbara O Neal comes to mind (thanks PJ, yet again) ...But I like even the cook that goes awry as well as the one that is awe inspiring. What I like about your books and characters? They are so identifiable. I can see myself on Anchor Island, I can see Willow, Randy, ALL of them...I can find the bar/restaurant and have a beer or Green Tea with Randy! ....I love this one and its "suspenseful' moments. I LOVED Randy so much!!! (the tux scene? SO priceless) Great character! Anyway, it was a great great great read, cannot say that enough. You have now become an auto buy Terri! Can you talk about the next one at all? It is another anchor one correct? Sigh....I feel like I am by the beach when I read these books.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoying our book suggestions, Hope! I agree with you on Anchor Island. I'd like to book a trip for summer vacation just so I can meet all the wonderful characters! :)
DeleteThank you thank you thank you! I'm still humbled every time someone says they love these characters. They're like friends to me at this point. The fourth book features Sam Edwards, the owner of the Anchor Inn, and a newcomer to the island. A woman with whom he shares an interesting and complicated past. And there's a talking parrot with a huge personality. I can't wait for readers to meet Cecil. :)
DeleteI'm in love with Randy! I have a particular affection for big, gentle heroes, and all the unexpected pieces of who Randy is, such as his green tea drinking, his vegetarianism, and his cooking skills make him all the more wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a natural or creative cook, but I do pretty well at following a recipe. I think you may be right about the generational connection, Ter. My dad cooked, and he also helped with housecleaning and child care to a degree that was rare in his time. Most of the men I know in my generation limit their cooking to grilling or to special dishes like a mean chili. The men in my church cook breakfast a couple of times a year, but they always ask the women to supply the biscuits.But three of my nephews cook: one is a decent cook, the firefighter is constantly improving since he gets constant practice at the station and at home, and #3 is good--better than his ex-wives. I wonder if sons of single mothers are more likely to learn to cook.
I'm in love with Randy! He's a pretty special guy, isn't he?
DeleteThe hubby and I started teaching my youngest brother to cook when he was four. He's now a better cook than I am!
Thank you for the kind words, Janga. (And PJ!) Randy is larger than life in several ways, but at the same time he's sweet and subtle. I loved writing his story. You might be right on the sons of single mother's thing, but it's hard to tell. My grandmother was a talented cook, but she had no patience to teach. Which is why both my sister and I are clueless in the kitchen.
DeleteIf he can cook, fine -- but more to the point... can he clean up after himself..
ReplyDeleteAh, yes. Cleaning up is a very necessary skill!
DeleteRandy's place is spotless. So yes, he's a cleaner, too. :) Now my teenager? That's another story. She can feed herself, but then I find a kitchen that's a wreck.
DeleteLOL... I"m definitely a non cook so he's gonna have to! But strangely, I do enjoy reading "foodie" books :)
ReplyDeleteGuess you're destined to be a foodie fan instead of a participant. Nothing wrong with that! ;-)
DeleteIsn't it weird, Erin? I even love cooking shows. Have never missed a season of Top Chef. Have no idea what they're making, but I can't stop watching.
DeleteBefore I was married and had children I had no interest in cooking. But I knew that cooking meals for your family was the healthy way to go so I started cooking. Once my kids were past the picky stage then we could try different recipes that often work out but occasionally aren't great. Now, after all these years of cooking, I enjoy putting together a nice dinner, especially if it comes out really well.
ReplyDeleteNecessity is the mother of invention. *grin*
DeleteMaureen, I know it's more cost effective to cook at home. And healthier these days. But I just don't like it. Which means we eat out way more than we should. Good on you for sticking with it.
DeleteTerri, congrats on your new release! Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteI can usually follow a recipe if it doesn't include arcane terms like "reduce" that make my head hurt. I survived until I got married by knowing how to fix 5 things and find the nearest Wendy's. The dh, however, worked as a cook when he was in school. He loves cooking. So I eat much better now. :-)
I have one hero who truly loves to cook, and one of my heroines (not his) also loves to cook. The others are competent in the kitchen.
Nancy, you're lucky to have a real-life hero who's a magician in the kitchen. When he retires from the day job maybe he should consider starting a catering service for your single friends. I'd pay! :)
DeleteI'd pay too! But I'll have to move closer. I wouldn't mind that. :) Thank you and thanks for reading the books. Looking forward to your next one!
DeleteThank you, PJ and Andrea, for having me here today. I do love these visits! And thank you to everyone who stopped by. Hope you had a good meal this evening. (I had a cookie for dinner.) LOL!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting with us, Terri. Best wishes for much success with HOME TO STAY!
DeleteHi Terri! My husband & I both muddle through with cooking. I can make sauce & he cooks on the grill sometimes on the week-end. As for great books with chefs, Laura Florand's chocolate series books have chefs, pastry chefs & chocolatiers who are all hunky guys. Looking forward to your new book! Loved the first two!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book recommendation, Sharlene. I haven't read Laura Florand yet but I've heard good things about her.
DeleteI started at the beginning, with the Kiss the Bride anthology & have read every one so far. I think you will really like them.
DeleteI love to cook and have taught all our children, 2 daughters and 1 son, to cook. They are all pretty good at it. My husband is a good cook and was one well before we got married. His mom was widowed when he was in high school. She worked full time to support her two boys. She once told me it was heavenly to come home from a tiring day at work, pull into the carport, and open the door to the smell of baking bread. We have gotten into a rut lately and cooking the same old things. We have gotten busy and don't take the time to try new recipes or fix things that tai a bit more time. Hopefully things will settle down and I can start experimenting. I have hundreds of cookbooks and would really like to try some of the recipes they have to offer.
ReplyDeleteI hope the release of HOME TO STAY is a big success.
My guy does pretty well at cooking, but gosh - does he make a mess doing it. But he does clean up after so it's a win-win for me!!
ReplyDeleteMy husband does cook and it is a welcome relief. I don't always have time since I also work. And I do love heroes who are good in the kitchen. Agree with good books by Louisa Edwards and Robin Kaye. Especially loved the last hero in the last Edwards book. Pat has good taste. LOL.
ReplyDeleteNatalie's Mama
I'm an average cook. I was happy to take a break after cooking for 6 people for 20 years. I like to look for new recipes and I will try new things . I love to read cooking magazines and to watch cooking shows. My husband (since he retired) likes to cook in the evenings. He does a pretty good job. However it's so easy to get in a boring routine. All 4 of my children know how to cook. My 3 sons actually enjoy cooking and making creative dishes. They like to invite friends over for impromptu parties.
ReplyDeleteI do like to read about cooks in books. heroes and heroines. Louisa Edwards TOO HOT TO TOUCH Max was a fantastic cook. Nora Roberts SAVOR THE MOMENT Laurel's story catering weddings. She also Had Summer a bakery chef in Summer Desserts. Tara cooked in Jill Shalvis' The Sweetest Thing. She also had a chef, Jacob, in ROOM SERVICE. Susan Mallery had the three sisters SWEET bakery series and the Marinelli wine series. Nicole in SWEET SPOT.