Royal Chef's Kiss by Mandy Boerma Review

Royal Chef's Kiss by Mandy Boerma was an awesome romance set in a fictional European country of Nevive. I know I say I always want to read books in order, but I didn't have time to read book one before reading this sequel. And let me just mention that I really wish I had found the time to read the first book, Royal Runaway's Holiday first because there is so much back story that I seem to have been missing, plus the reader already knows how the romance in book one turns out. So, yes, I loved this book. But this has reminded me why I always read series in order. 

So, I don't know for sure, but I'm assuming some things I mention will be spoilers for book one. Just my normal warning.

Our main characters are Orlin, who is the uncle of the MMC from the first book, and Jamie, who was best friends with Orlin's late wife, along with the late queen of Nevive. I'm assuming I will discover more of their story by reading the first book. 

Orlin in the head chef in the palace of Nevive, and he is friends with the king. He has taken in three children whose parents are being searched for which is turning his ordered life a bit topsy turvy. Jamie has just lost her teaching job and is asked to accept a position teaching these children, which turns Orlins life completely upside down seeing as she is quite the opposite of his "ordered" life. So, things are a bit rocky for them. And complicating it more is that they have known each other for years, and the losses that they share make things even more tense.

And to make things even more fun, they don't realize that they have been in contact with each other for a year online, using only their screen names, Whisktaker and SeasonedChef. 

This was an amazing opposites attract story. I loved seeing Orlin and Jamie's relationship evolve. And I just loved getting to know the children and watch the relationships that developed between all of them. I was both hoping their family could be found, and dreading what it would mean for Orlin and Jamie if/when said family was found. 

And let me just say, all the food, and there was quite a bit of it seeing as Orlin was the palace chef, really sounded mouthwatering and intriguing, making my own cooking/baking abilities seem so ho-hum. 

I also loved that faith was important in the characters' lives. There was some amazing truths shared as they leaned on God. Here's a passage that really spoke to me:

"Faith isn't taking a step once you can see where your next one will be. True freedom happens when you step out, even when you don't know where your foot will land. Freedom is found in letting go of worry and fear and letting God take control of your life. Trust Him to have your best interests at heart."

Highly recommended, but make sure to do what I didn't, read book one first. I can't wait for book 3 to release. I don't know how many books the author is planning on writing in this series, but I can't wait to return to Nevive, and there are many characters I would love to see stories for. 

I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.