Spotlight & Giveaway: A Tasty Dish by Kelly Cain

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Kelly Cain to HJ!

Hi Kelly and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, A Tasty Dish!

To start off, can you please tell us a little bit about this book?:

Kasi Blythewood is the daughter of a famous filmmaker and she’s followed in his footsteps but wants to accomplish it on her own. She travels to Austin to South By Southwest to secure funding for her culinary series featuring food from around the world. She meets Chef Declan Everheart, whose father, a Michelin-star chef, provides her the needed funding, but the father wants Declan to produce alongside Kasi to protect his investment. Two problems: Kasi wants to do it on her own; and sparks fly whenever she and Declan are in the same room. She doesn’t mix business with pleasure. She can’t find funding elsewhere, so she takes the elder Everheart up on his offer to invest. Soon Kasi realizes Declan’s a star and wants him to be in front of the camera but getting him to stand up to his overbearing father is a challenge.
 

Please share your favorite lines or quote(s) from this book:

We walk in silence, but it’s so loud, I can barely think. I’m not sure I want to think, but I also need to access what I truly want. Besides the obvious. It’s not just about the sex anymore and although I still don’t think it’s a good idea for us to get involved until the film’s in the can, I also want him, plain and simple.

What inspired this book?

Watching Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted sparked the idea. This is book 2 of a series featuring 3 chef brothers so had to be food related in some way. I loved the idea of Declan breaking away from his overbearing Michelin-star chef father and doing something completely different than working in a restaurant but still using his chef training.

How did you ‘get to know’ your main characters? Did they ever surprise you?

Kasi Blythewood is a 28-year-old Black woman who’s tall and curvy, yoga on the beach being her exercise preference. She has brown eyes and auburn hair usually worn in braids or other natural styles. She’s sassy and blunt and doesn’t take anything from anyone. Her work as an independent filmmaker is the most important thing in the world to her because she needs to prove to her famous film-producer dad, and the world, that she can make it on her own.
Declan Everheart is a 34-year-old white man with dark hair, blue eyes, and a tall, athletic frame. He is outwardly confident and a bit standoffish, even scowling at times, and adventurous. Outward appearance hide that he craves his dad’s acceptance and has reconciled he will never be the favorite son or even favorite chef. That spot’s reserved for baby brother, Knox.
Kasi was born fully realized. She leaped from my mind to the page effortlessly. Declan surprised me by leaving his father’s restaurant. I didn’t expect that to be his path because he was closest with his father out of the 3 sons.

What was your favorite scene to write?

My favorite scene to write was the first action scene where they’re filming. Declan’s joy really presented in this scene and shaped the rest of the book.

We stand at the bottom of a thirteen-hundred-foot cliff, everyone looking up.
Declan turns to me and claps his hands, the biggest smile on his face I’ve ever seen. “This is going to be incredible.”
“If you say so.” When I came before, I walked the Sacred Valley but stayed on the floor of the valley between the mountains. The view down here is incredible, and the altitude is tolerable. Because this area is known as the Peruvian Highlands, we’ve chosen to film in Scotland too, for purposes of contrasting and comparing. I’ve not been to Scotland, but I can’t imagine it being as beautiful as here.
“I don’t know why you won’t climb with us.”
I bark a laugh and finish loading the RC quadcopter with the cameras. “Because I’ve never hiked the side of a mountain before, that’s why. My whole exercise routine consists of yoga on the beach and the free weights in the guest bedroom with some occasional disc golf thrown in for pleasure.”
He does the thing where he scans my entire body unashamedly. “As cut as you are, those free weights must be bearing the brunt of your workout.”
“You can’t even see me.” Even though it’s May, the winter season is upon us down here south of the equator. Which is perfect because the mid-sixties temperature in the day with no rain expected makes for ideal filming conditions. It’ll be helpful for their climbing too. I’d hate for Declan to fall off a cliff from a slippery handhold. The insurance company would be livid.
“I’ve seen plenty of you.” He follows that up with his sexy smirk.
And dammit, for the life of me I can’t keep myself from physically reacting. My nipples pebble. Just once, I’d like to be on the receiving end of that grin and shrug it off. At least my windbreaker covers the evidence.
I direct my attention back up to Renzo on the top of the hill. When we first video-chatted with Renzo to hire him for the shoot, Declan was friendly enough to him—as friendly as Declan gets—but kept switching his gaze to me. I can’t bet that’s what he was doing for sure, but to me, that’s what it looked like. When I asked him about it later, he said I was flirting. Renzo lives up to the Peruvian meaning of his name, masculinity, but I certainly was not flirting. And even if I was, which would be highly unprofessional, it’s not like it’s Declan’s business. Renzo fits our needs with his talent, but more importantly, all that brawn is coming in handy to get the shots we need.
I look over at the discarded crane and frown. Waste of money because trying to put a tripod on it didn’t do anything to capture the angles we need. Instead, we put a sling on one end and Renzo is balancing it against his hip. When Declan climbs, he’ll swing it out over him and get the good shots. I’ll use the drone I’m outfitting to get aerials from another slant.
“Are you sure your harness it tight enough?” I nearly giggle but catch the sound right before it leaves my mouth. The local climbers stand next to Declan in their equally tight harnesses. It’s not really an issue for Brigida, but for Declan and the other man, Ignacio, the gear basically puts their junk all on display.
Declan moves closer to me and pretends to help me with the drone. “Like what you see?”
“I’ve already seen it, Dec. The Jacuzzi didn’t leave room for doubt about what you’re packing.” I thump his blue climbing helmet. “Cute hat though.” He’s been complaining about it since he put it on.
“I hate it, but I also don’t want you to run that thing into my head.”
“This is a very intelligent aircraft, Dec. And your helmet is in case you slip and take a nosedive into the ground.”
“If that happens, this won’t do me any good.” He knocks against the hard plastic.
A panicked breath lodges in my throat. “Wait, could that happen?”
He shrugs and strides back to the others, readying themselves to step on the first rung of the ladder.
No, it couldn’t happen. They’re all strung together, then attached to the mountain. Even if one of them slips, they’re anchored to the rock.
Before I launch the drone, I review the video screen and start recording, aiming my shot right at Declan’s dick. If he knows what I’m doing, he doesn’t give it away. Instead, he rotates that firm ass my way, and steps onto the ladder, making me think he knew exactly what I was filming.
“You’re supposed to wait until I yell action.”
He waves his hand in dismissal, and climbs.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

The most difficult to write was the scene with Kasi and her father near the end of the book. Kasi had grown but I hadn’t quite yet and still held on to some of the anger towards her dad. I had to get over that and let Kasi move on too.

I take a couple of deep breaths, then make my way back to the hostess and smile at her, then point Dad’s way.
He spots me on my trek over and offers a toothless smile, but his wariness broadcasts through his eyes. I fix my face hoping to not reflect the same back to him. He stands when I reach the table and leans ever so slightly before pulling himself back and offering a small wave in greeting.
My heart sinks when I realize that the way I’ve treated him has him acting like he can’t even offer his daughter a hug. Not that he hasn’t done a bunch of stuff to deserve my cold treatment, but maybe not as much as I thought now that Tariq has clued me in. I pat him on the shoulder, my touch a bit awkward, then sit down across the square table that usually seats four. “Hi, Dad. Thanks for meeting me for lunch.”
“You’re my daughter, Kasi. Why wouldn’t I meet you?”
Okay, so we’re delving right in I see. “Well—”
The waiter comes over with two glasses of lavender lemonade, freshly squeezed. “Are you ready to order or do you need some more time?”
My skin heats and I take a sip of the cool drink, then speak under my breath enough for Dad to hear me but not the waiter. I do have some home training. “I’m surprised you haven’t already ordered for me.”
He doesn’t address me. Instead, he turns to the waiter. “We’ll need a couple of minutes. Thank you.”
That puts a damper on my rising anger. “Did you just thank the waiter?”
He releases an exasperated breath. “Good God, Kasi. I thought the teenage years were over.”
“I just. What?”
“I’m happy you’re ready to speak to me again. To work out our differences, but I was expecting to have a mature conversation.”
Anger flairs deep in my soul, but I refuse to rise to the bait. Lashing out will only prove his point. “You’re right. I’m not a teenager anymore. I do want to address our differences. Hopefully we can work them out, but my major complaint is you trying to control my grown life.” I take another pull of the lemonade and eye him over the glass. “Maybe I overreacted about the drink, but don’t you see how ordering for me is a symbol of the bigger things you want to run?”
He throws up his hands in surrender. “Excuse me for ordering you something cold to drink. Since you were running late, I figured you’d be overheated rushing here.”
“Late?” I check my cell phone again just to confirm. “I was right on time.”
His shoulders tighten. I imagine he’s holding back a casual shrug. “Fifteen minutes before the appointment is on time, on time—”
“Is late. Yes, I recall you saying that.” He only said it a bajillion times my entire life. “Look, Dad, let’s start over. We have plenty of other mess to talk about. More important things, don’t you think?”
He nods, then glances at his menu. “Do you know what you’re having? The waiter will probably be back in a moment.”
Defeated, I scan the menu. “I’ll have the chef’s salad.”
“That’s it? What about a side of steak?”
I have to smile then as the memory of my last parental lunch invades my thoughts. Mom wanted me to have the chef’s salad like her, but I was too stubborn even though I wanted it too. Mostly because she was hinting I needed to watch my weight. Here Dad is encouraging me to pile it on.
“Yeah, that’s it. It really looks good, and I’ve been wanting one for a minute.”
Once Dad has ordered, he turns his gaze on me. His eyes are serious, but kind. “You have something to say?”
“Why are you trying to ruin me?”
He blinks.
“Don’t look so surprised, Dad. You sabotage me at every turn. I got financing for my documentary series in spite of you. Who treats their child that way?”
“Listen, Kasi. There’s no reason for you to be out there running around begging people for money. Blythewood Productions has a development deal with a major streaming service. That’s all you need.”
“That’s all you need, Dad. It would be different if you allowed me my own space to make moves within Blythewood, but you don’t. Everything has to be under your supervision, and you make all the decisions.”
He huffs and crosses his arms across his barrel chest. “Because my name is on the door. Ultimately I’m on the hook to get projects greenlit.”
“I get that. That’s why I left to do my own thing. You’d think someone like you would get it.”
He flinches at my mention of his humble beginnings. Mom brought a ton of family money into their marriage, but he’s done well without relying on it. “What I get is that you have a leg up. Why not take advantage of it?”
“I’d happily plunge face first into Blythewood Productions and take advantage of all that means, but I need to have some control over what I do. I can’t be smothered. That’s why it’s better I go it alone.”
“Do you have complete control now?”
And therein lies the rub. All roads lead back to Declan Everheart. “No, not completely. Everheart’s son is coproducer.”
“I believe I heard something about that. How’s that going?”
Oh, fuck me. How’s it going? I’ve made a total and complete mess out of everything. That’s how it’s going. “We’ve had some bumps, but the footage has been incredible.”

Would you say this book showcases your writing style or is it a departure for you?

My brand is writing multicultural romance with determined women directing their own fates, and the swoon-worthy men who adore them. A Tasty Dish falls in line with my brand. This couple proved to be steamier than I usually write though.

What do you want people to take away from reading this book?

Besides having fun on this around the world adventure, remember that you can forge your own way even if others, like a parent, have their own expectations.

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

I’m currently working on book 2 of my new series with Tule tentatively called Arrangements. The series centers around an adoption support group so all the main characters are adoptees. All 3 books of that series will be out in 2023.
After A Tasty Dish releases March 8th, the next release is book 3 in The Everheart Brothers of Texas series, Tastes So Sweet, which is about middle brother Weston.

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

Giveaway: An ebook copy of A Tasty Dish & 3 Tule ebooks

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: Declan struggles with finding his own path away from his father even though he knows the one he’s on doesn’t suit him. Do you think it’s difficult to defy expectations and strike out on your own or should it be easy to do what you want with your life?

 
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Excerpt from A Tasty Dish:

The club is dark and the music loud, the beat reverberating through my bones. Indieknot is on stage playing a vaguely familiar alternative pop/rock tune. It’s not my normal music scene, but it’s catchy so maybe I’ll check it out later. Weed still isn’t legal in Texas like back home, but I recognize the sticky, musky smell as soon as I step through the door. I guess anything goes during South by Southwest.
I crowd Joy’s back as she weaves through the tightly packed throng toward the band on the center stage. This is absolutely the opposite of my idea of fun, but I’m not here for fun. I need financing for my next project and this is where the woman is who can give it to me. Sometimes you have to sacrifice.
We round the stage and Joy shows her backstage credentials when we’re met with a wall of security in the form of a tall brick of a man. He scans it and lets her through, but when I try to follow, he stands in my way.
Joy backtracks. “She’s with me.”
“No such thing. Everyone needs a pass to get back here.”
I cross my arms and give him my meanest stare, straightening my spine. It usually works for me because I have the height and defined arms to back it up. This guy though? Nah, he’s not phased. Not even a little bit. Matter of fact, his lips twitch begging off a smile.
“Everyone. And I mean every single one, needs a pass to get back here.”
I frown and lean against the wall. This asshole.
Joy peaks around the security guy. “Stay there. I’ll be right back.”
“Yup.” I mean, I guess I could leave but what would be the point? I’m beginning to run out of options. I only need one yes, but I have to be able to ask the question first.
I stand there a few more minutes when my phone buzzes in my back pocket. I wore jeans because South by Southwest is mostly casual and that’s typically my wardrobe anyway. Either that or shorts or sweats depending on if I’m shooting or not. One of the things I love most about this film business is the casualness of it. When shooting, it’s almost like the grubbier, the better. You’re working long days and doing all sort of dirty tasks either on set or location, so it’s better to be comfortable than not. That’s even on a big production like the ones I worked on for my father. Definitely true on my little indie films. Or will be if I get this financing.
The text from Joy holds no joy for me. She’s not here but is expected soon.
Okay. What should I do?
She responds right back. Do you want to wait? I think she’ll be able to get you back here, but I don’t know anyone else.
Yeah, I guess so. What choice do I have?
I’m sorry, Kasi.
I tap out: NP.
Going to my father isn’t an option. Not after what happened last time. I’m not sure I’ll ever talk to him again. Definitely won’t ever trust him. Tariq said the loss of his investment wasn’t a big deal, but letting down my friend since elementary, especially over some bullshit, hasn’t set well with me. I need this next gig so he gets his back in spades, and I restore my reputation.
So, for now, I’ll manage this musty club and see what’s what. Because Joy has been loyal and earned my trust, I’ll follow her anywhere. She dreamed of becoming a lawyer since forever. Tariq and I are lucky our best friend decided to become our agent too.
I scrub my hands across my face. I’m not wearing makeup tonight, so no need to worry about smearing anything thankfully. I look down at my worn Chuck Taylors and am grateful they’re comfortable for standing. Not so much for walking long distances, but we took a rideshare from the hotel, and it dropped us off fairly close.
When I look back up, there’s a guy staring at me. Pretty good-looking but also pretty full of himself. I can tell these things. I’ve had plenty of experience the way I grew up. This guy is dressed to impress. Who? I’m not sure. He’s wearing an expensively cut light-beige shirt that screams tailoring just for him, and brown trousers fitting around his trim waist.
He walks right up to me, a cloudy brown drink in his hand. “Hey, what’s up?”
Not the greatest opening as pick-up lines go. I’ve had plenty of experience with those too. I think the worst one was, “Here I am, baby. What were your other two wishes?” Yeah, okay, bruh. Hold on while I drop my panties. I give him a flat smile. “Hi. Nothing much.”
Doesn’t leave him a lot to work with. The truth is, he may be smoking hot, but I have other business to attend, and I don’t have time for a one-night stand type of situation this trip. There’s too much riding on me getting this funding.
“You here for South by or do you live here?” He takes a sip of his drink and his eyes take me all the way in now that he’s moved closer. He’s seeing a hazelnut-brown-skinned Black woman with long, auburn cornrows and intense brown eyes. If he dares to venture lower, he’ll take in a curvy figure with plenty of top and bottom. I’m a stone-cold smokeshow and he need not apply. He’s fine, but not fine enough to temp me away from by business. I have plenty of men barking up that particular tree, and I don’t trust a one of them.
I look into his alarmingly blue eyes, the color of the salty depths of the ocean, even in this low-lit club. “I don’t live here.”
“I do.”
I nod because what else is there for me to do? Does he want a gold star? Next, he’ll ask where I’m from.
“You here for business or pleasure?”
Okay, got me on that one. “Business. All business.” I offer a slight smile and raise my eyebrows.
He takes a sip of his drink. “Okay, I got the message. It was nice to meet you.” His spine is straight, and his head held high when he turns away from me. He’s not worried about finding someone else tonight. I like his confidence.
I open my mouth to say, “You too,” when he pulls out his backstage credentials and takes a step toward my old friend, brick wall. Instead, I say, “Hey, not so fast. I’m sorry for being rude. What’s your name?”
He looks around like I couldn’t possibly be talking to him.
Yeah, I know. Complete one-eighty. I can’t miss an opportunity though.
He blinks.
“I’m Kasi Blythewood.” I hold out my hand.
“Declan Everheart.” He moves his drink to his left hand and reaches out to take my hand in a strong shake. Yeah, this guy has confidence like nobody’s business. And why shouldn’t he? Taller than my five foot ten inches. I’d say around six one or two. Midnight-black hair, cut into an expensive disconnected undercut with a matching perfectly trimmed beard. Clear olive skin and those eyes. He’s not wanting for dates, I’m sure.
“I’m an indie filmmaker in from LA.” There, I saved him the need to ask.
“Cool. Are you related to Reggie Blythewood?”
“Um, yeah. He’s my father.” Dammit to hell. Is there nowhere I can go without that man following? Time to change the subject. “So, what do you do here in Austin, Declan? You in the business?”
He leans on the wall next to me and turns his whole body into me. There’s a foot between us, but it’s an intimate move. “No, not at all. I’m a chef at my father’s restaurant. Everheart Bar and Fine Dining.”
Now it’s my turn to ask because I’ve heard of that restaurant. You can’t be planning a documentary about food and not know about the Michelin-starred restaurants. “Your dad is Flynn Everheart.”
“One and the same.” He downs the rest of his drink like a champ, and smirks. Clearly, he’s a lot prouder of his pedigree than I am of mine.
“That’s a bit of a coincidence. My documentary is about global cuisine.”
He quirks a perfectly shaped eyebrow.
I take a moment to ponder if he gets them threaded or waxed. Probably waxed.
“That is a coincidence. Can I get you a drink?”
“What are you having?”
He looks at his empty glass. “It was peach-mint kombucha. They brew it here locally.”
“So, like kombucha and vodka?”
He smiles and shakes his head. “No, just kombucha.”
I wonder if there’s a story there. Plenty of my childhood friends are on the wagon, and they don’t drink at all. If they do, they fall off. Then again, maybe he only wanted kombucha tonight. “If you’re getting another one, I’ll take one too. I’d love to taste locally brewed kombucha.”
“Be right back.”
He’s gone maybe thirty seconds before Joy comes from behind the security guy. “Sorry, my stomach is not agreeing with me. What did we eat?”
Ha, what didn’t we eat? There’s a goddamn food truck on every corner down here. Multiple ones. “Maybe it was the Maine lobster truck. Or the Peruvian food. Perhaps the South Philly cheese steaks.” The longing in my voice is obvious. That Peruvian food truck was everything. I intend to make Peru my first stop when we film.
“Don’t remind me.” She holds up one hand and presses the other over her stomach. “Seriously. I don’t want to remember.”
I chuckle to myself. “I know, girl, it’s hard to pass up all this deliciousness. Yolo, right?” I wince at the saying that I never use. What’s gotten into me? “You ready to go home? I can try to meet Melissa another time.” I need this meeting, but my friend means more to me.
“I don’t want you to miss her, but I’m not sure I can stay too much longer without causing a scene. I’ve already spent way too much time in the restroom. I’d tell you to stay, but you won’t be able to get back there without me talking to her first. Ugh.” Joy bends over and takes several breaths.
“Don’t worry about me. If you can make it back to the hotel by yourself, I think I may have an in.”
“Are you sure, Kasi? I can stay if you need me.”
“A hundred percent. I’ll see you later. Text me if it gets worse.”
She pecks me on the cheek then heads for the exit. I sure hope this Declan guy can do something for me. I know what Melissa looks like if I can just get back there.
As if I conjured him, the man himself returns carrying two capped bottles of the same cloudy liquid he had before plus large glasses. He hands one to me, and I pour it into one of the glasses. He then waits expectantly.
I take a sip. “Yeah, it’s really good.” It is, but no better than any I can get in LA. California is the produce capital of these here United States. You can’t beat it. But this is good, and I take a deeper drink. Very sour, but somehow still smooth. “Thanks, by the way.”
“You’re welcome. I’m happy you like it.”
“If you’re a chef, what are you doing up here exactly? Are you a big Indieknot fan?” I point at the band walking back out to the stage for another set.
“I wouldn’t say big, but they’re cool. I really like their song, ‘Mad to Cook.’” The twinkle in his eye brightens and he grins.
I try not to roll my eyes. “Ha, that’s cute.”
“I’m actually here with my dad. He’s backstage talking business with some folks.”
I take another taste of my drink and grimace a bit at the bite. “If you’re both here, who’s running the restaurant?”
A shadow passes over his face, but he recovers quickly. “My brother, Knox. He’s in charge when Dad isn’t there.”
“Oh, well I hear older brothers can be a pain.” I’m an only child so I have no idea.
“I’m actually the oldest so let’s hope not. Knox is the youngest. Weston’s my middle brother, and he’s the pastry chef.” He leans back against the wall and takes a long pull of his drink.
Silence sort of sits there between us. I have no idea what to say, but the fact that his baby brother is second in command has to be a sore spot. That explains the shadow earlier.
“It’s not a big deal. Knox is the more talented chef. He’s keen with business too, but that’s my strong suit, which is why I’m here with Dad.” He shrugs.
I’m not sure if he’s trying to convince me or himself.
“I’m sure your father values your opinion which is why you’re here instead of your brother.”
He draws his lips into a thin line. “Look, I don’t want you to get the wrong impression. My brothers mean everything to me. We’re very close, and I always want the best for them. Matter of fact, Knox just got accepted into a cooking challenge. He needs me and Weston on his team and we’re going out to San Francisco next month to compete.”
“Oh cool. What’s the competition? Maybe I’ve heard of it.”
“It’s called Restaurant Family Feud. It’s a television show.”
“Yes, I know. I love that show. I’ve binged both seasons. The presenters are the best. They make it really interesting plus I love seeing the chefs compete. I like the home cook shows too, but the professional chefs take it to another level. That’s really awesome.”
To say he’s stunned would be an understatement. His eyes are like saucers and those beautiful full lips of his are parted into an O shape. He shakes himself to recover. “I had no idea. Although maybe I should have considering the prize. I probably need to watch it myself before the competition.”
I can’t help but sound slightly incredulous. “You’ve never watched? You were just going in blind?”
“Like I said, it’s for my brother. He wants his own restaurant away from Dad, although my father doesn’t realize that yet. It’s complicated.”
I nod because this sounds like the same family drama I’ve been dealing with. “Yeah, I know about complicated family stuff.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
I release a mirthful bark. “Not even a little bit.”
“Okay, I understand. We just met like five minutes ago. Doesn’t matter that I poured my heart out to you.” He flashes a toothless smile and bats his lush eyelashes.
I observe him another moment. “You’re not as cute as you think you are.” I take another sip.
He moves a little closer and looks down at me over my raised glass. “We both know that’s not even a little true.”
I can’t do anything but laugh. This dude is tripping, but he’s not wrong. “Whatever.”
“You never said why you’re hanging out against this wall.”
“I’m supposed to be meeting a possible financier here, but this guy”—I shoot a thumb the big man’s way—“won’t let me back there.”
“Why didn’t you say so?” He takes his pass out and holds in it the hand with his drink, then reaches for my hand with his other.
“I don’t think it’ll work. My friend’s…”
The guard moves aside and doesn’t give me a second look.
“Okay, never mind. I guess you have more clout than my friend.”
“It’s not me, darling. But what I’m really wondering is why you weren’t able to do the same thing. Given who your father is.”
I purse my lips and think about how I want to answer. “I don’t like to use Dad’s name for anything. I plan to make it in this business on my own merits.” Especially since he’s already sabotaged me. Proving him wrong will be the ultimate revenge.
“Well, that’s just—”
The look I give him freezes his mouth, mid-sentence. “Be very careful, Declan. You don’t know me like that.”
“You’re right. I’m sure you have your reasons. Meanwhile, let’s see if we can find your contact.”
I’m glad he corrected himself. Even though I have no interest in him, it would have been a shame to cuss him out after I finally got back here.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

The show must go on…

Kasi Blythewood has spent most of her life in the shadow of her famous film producer father who’s deliberately kept her under his thumb with tough love. Ready to make a name for herself, Kasi secretly heads to Austin for a film conference to rustle up some financing for her dream project—an indie series that showcases cuisine from around the world.

When Kasi meets chef Declan Everheart, it’s instant lust spiced with an intriguing business opportunity. Declan’s father, a Michelin star chef, is interested in funding her film, but there is a sexy string attached—Declan must be a producer on her series. Not ideal. Kasi craves independence, and she knows business and pleasure never mix well, but she’s exhausted all other options.

Declan’s more than just eye candy and Kasi’s not blind. She immediately discovers Declan’s not just a natural producer and talented chef, he also shines on camera as the host. Can Kasi convince Declan to break away from his father and build the life he wants…with her?

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Meet the Author:

Kelly Cain is a native Californian but has spent the last couple of decades in Texas, currently residing in the live music capital of the world, Austin. Consequently, most of her books are set somewhere between those two locations.

Kelly writes multicultural romance with determined women directing their own fates, and the swoon-worthy men who adore them. She loves reading most genres but please don’t ask her to pick just one. However, she can pick her favorite book boyfriend – Will Herondale.

When she isn’t reading or writing, Kelly is most likely using a genealogy site to research her extended family, both old and new. Or cooking/baking something delightful.

She has two adult daughters, and a new granddaughter. Visit her website kellycainauthor.com for more info.
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