Deep, Dark, Delicious by Tina Donahue

Story: 8.5

Presentation: 9

Total: 17.5

Publisher: Ellora's cave

Contemporary Erotic

To Purchase

Blurb: A wickedly sensual feast…

Eden DeCarlo may have narrowly lost Miami’s best chef competition and the prize money she desperately needs, but she has caught the eye of dangerously virile Rafael Zayas, one of the judges and a wealthy restaurateur. Despite her vow not to let any man derail her life, Eden’s captivated by Rafe’s imposing masculinity, then challenged by the business deal he offers. He’ll invest in her new venture if, for one month, she can satisfy his culinary expectations and the sexual attraction they both feel.

Dominant and unashamed, Rafe knows what he wants when it comes to carnal pleasure and will spare no seduction to have Eden in all the ways he demands—naked, wanting, submissive.

Within thirty days, he will teach her the delights of yielding to passion, relinquishing all control to him and fulfilling her deepest, darkest and most delicious desires.

Review: This delicious tale did more than whet my appetite for Rafael Zayas, it made me want to sample the wonderfully described cuisine. Not only were the setting and characters richly portrayed, but I felt the Cuban culture come alive not only in Eden and Rafe, but also Rafe’s family. The catalyst to toss these two together was clever. Eden was so outwardly strong. Beneath the façade, she hid her vulnerability. Rafe stripped her defenses and he stripped off her clothes. And well, for most of the story she isn’t dressed. Oh so fun. Her initial reservations only added to her submission. This story isn’t your typical D/s book. It’s not overt. The submission for Eden is in trusting herself. Emotionally damaged, she doesn’t know how to trust what she feels, or believe in what anyone else might possibly feel for her. It was all so tragic yet beautiful when she finally risks her heart for Rafe. The ending is emotional and for this romance reader, was a tearjerker.