Brand New Flavor by E.M. Lynley

BrandNewFlavorLGTitle: Brand New Flavor

Series: Delectable 01

Author: E.M. Lynley

Genre: MM / Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 21st, 2012)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: When artisan ice cream maker Jay Brown first meets food writer Cameron Clay at a charity tasting event, they get along like strawberries and chocolate sauce. Jay’s unique flavors thrill more than Cameron’s jaded palate, but after a delicious encounter in Jay’s delivery truck, where extra-creamy frozen treats are not the only delights sampled, Cameron loses Jay’s contact info—and any hope of a real date.

Desperate, Cameron convinces his editor to host an artisanal ice cream contest in hopes of drawing out the elusive genius. But more complications threaten to intervene. Will Jay even enter the contest? Or will the chance of a happily ever after melt away?

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3369&cPath=190

Review: How can an ice-cream sample test blow your mind? Well, it’s simple.  A secret recipe and a gorgeous man feeding that to you can make that happen.

Cameron is a food critic.  One of the best out there, but he finds it refreshing that the gorgeous giant ice-cream man doesn’t recognize him. He finds it even more enticing that the ice-cream offered is such a unique thing in a world of repetition and blandness. And when the food sample turns into the most intense intercourse he’s ever experienced, Cameron admits to himself that he’s into something good here.

But, first he has to clear the path. Get his ex-boyfriend, who’s come back of a second chance, out of his life for good and then have a proper date with J and see if there is something deeper than plain lust for them.

This book starts with a *grab a fan and cool yourself down* scene that combines ice cream and sex in the most delicious way ever. Admittedly it’s a very good way to grab your attention and thus it proceeds to do just so. Once there you simply can’t put it down, the very notion feels like a crime.

But, beyond that, this book is a mixture of past bad relationships, ex-boyfriends with alcohol and revenge issues and all set up in a world where competition doesn’t hesitate to become ugly and people easily steal other people’s dream away right out of their hands in a fit of pettiness.

Cameron is a delightful character and although he frustrated the hell out of me with his naiveté, I can’t hold it against him. How could he know, right? But, I admired most that persistence he showed during the whole book, even if it brought him troubles. And J, well Jay is practically a ghost.  Made so from past betrayal and his paranoia causes the other half of my frustration. He’s a very sexy character with a certain vulnerability that makes you want to shake him and hug him in the same time.

The blend really worked well.  The allure of putting these two characters together and then separating them for the duration of the plot created the appropriate amount of angst and anticipation. The wicked master plan of the bad guy was brilliant.  So easily achieved and played upon human emotions that it was totally credible making the read even more enjoyable.  And the other elements coming in the way of the two men’s reunion made this entire “chase” painfully good. I wanted to scream and punch something while never even thinking of putting the book down to take a breather.

In the end, with summer so close and the warm days knocking on our door, this book is perfect for opening your appetite and desires. Hot guys, sinful desserts, and an interesting and overwhelming plot are all the ingredients a book needs and Brand New Flavor certainly has them.