Kindle Price: $3.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Follow the author

Kilby Blades
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Secret Ingredient: A Curvy Girl Small Town Culinary Romance (Hot in the Kitchen Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Kilby Blades (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 906 ratings
See all formats and editions
From USA Today bestselling author Kilby Blades, the first in the Hot in the Kitchen series...

TV chef Cella journeys to an idyllic seaside town to write an Italian cookbook. She's also mourning a failed restaurant project, dodging her predatory agent, and finding respite from soul-crushing fame. When she learns that her next-door neighbor, hot doctor Max, is the nephew of a late, famed Italian restaurateur, she convinces him to teach her authentic touches that will help her write the book.

This is a mixed blessing for guilt-ridden Max, who botched his own attempt to become a chef--a failure that's left his aunt's gorgeous restaurant sitting empty for years. No one has challenged Cella when it comes to her cooking in ages. Max's fiery disposition sparks her intuition and reminds her how to feel the food.

But the heat between Max and Cella may be hotter than the flames on the stove. Max's gentlemanly nature and Cella's professionalism stop being enough to keep them apart. With Max's vacation ending and Cella slated to return to L.A., how will they ever say goodbye?

“Blades delivers a saucy romance full of lovely characters who complement each other like a fine wine does a good meal, blending an inviting, homey locale with scrumptious descriptions of Italian cuisine. Romance-inclined foodies will love this contemporary.”

- Publisher's Weekly

“The Secret Ingredient was a slow-burn, highly developed, and impeccably detailed romance novel.”

- T. Rosado, Goodreads

“I absolutely loved this book. The writing was excellent and the characters well developed. But the thing that made me keep reading was how flawlessly the author told the story.”

- Karen, Amazon reviewer

“By the time I finished this book I felt as tho[ugh] I had taken a trip to Italy. It's not set there and I've never been there but the atmosphere created by this author was absorbing and real.”

- L_iam, Amazon reviewer

Awards and Accolades for The Secret Ingredient


    • 2021 Finalist. The RWA Vivian Award

    • 2020 Finalist: The HOLT Medallion

    • 2019 Quarterfinalist: Publisher’s Weekly BookLife Prize
 for Fiction

    • 2020 Finalist: National Readers Choice Award


    • 2020 Finalist: New England Reader’s Choice Award


    • 2019 Winner: I Heart Indie Contest 


    • 2018 Winner: Unpublished Stiletto Contest


    • 2018 Finalist: Sexy Scribbles Contest


    Previous page
    1. Book 1 of 2
      Hot in the Kitchen
    2. Print length
      336 pages
    3. Language
      English
    4. Sticky notes
      On Kindle Scribe
    5. Publication date
      March 25, 2019
    6. File size
      2433 KB
    7. Page Flip
      Enabled
    8. Word Wise
      Enabled
    9. Enhanced typesetting
      Enabled
    10. See all details
    Next page
    Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
    Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
    All 2 for you in this series See full series
    See included books
    Total Price: $7.98
    By clicking on above button, you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use
    More like The Secret Ingredient: A Curvy Girl Small Town Culinary Romance (Hot in the Kitchen Book 1)
    Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
    Previous page
    1. It Takes a Villa
      Kindle Edition
      $5.99
    4. Looks Good on Paper
      Kindle Edition
      $5.99
    9. Snapdragon (Gilded Love Book 1)
      Kindle Edition
      $3.99
    10. Aunt Daisy's Letter
      Kindle Edition
      $2.99
    28. Drawing Free
      Kindle Edition
      $4.99
    Next page
    Loading...

    Editorial Reviews

    Review

    "Blades delivers a saucy romance full of lovely characters who complement each other like a fine wine does a good meal, blending an inviting, homey locale with scrumptious descriptions of Italian cuisine. Snazzy Cella and sweet Max carry the story. Romance-inclined foodies will love this contemporary." ~Publishers Weekly

    Product details

    • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07PQ6916P
    • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Luxe Publishing (March 25, 2019)
    • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 25, 2019
    • Language ‏ : ‎ English
    • File size ‏ : ‎ 2433 KB
    • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
    • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
    • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
    • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
    • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
    • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
    • Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
    • Customer Reviews:
      4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 906 ratings

    About the author

    Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
    Kilby Blades

    Kilby Blades

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Kilby Blades is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She is an RWA Vivian Award finalist, a Publisher’s Weekly BookLife Prize Semi-Finalist, a HOLT Medallion finalist, and has been lauded by critics for “easing feminism and equality into her novels” (IndieReader) and “writing characters who complement each other like a fine wine does a good meal” (Publisher’s Weekly).

    During her fifteen year career as a marketing executive, she moonlighted as a journalist, freelanced as a travel writer and lived it up as an entertainment columnist. She has lived in five countries, visited more than thirty, and spends part of her year in her pied-à-terre abroad.

    When she’s not writing, Kilby goes to movie matinees alone, where she eats Chocolate Pocky and buttered popcorn and usually smuggles in not-a-little-bit of red wine. She is a cinephile, an oenophile, a social justice fighter and—most of all—a glutton for a good story.

    To hang out with Kilby online, check out her Facebook fan group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/kilbyskorner

    Please route any subsidiary rights or other inquiries through kilby@kilbyblades.com.

    Customer reviews

    4.4 out of 5 stars
    4.4 out of 5
    906 global ratings
    Hot in the Kitchen Indeed! 🔥
    5 Stars
    Hot in the Kitchen Indeed! 🔥
    This book was excellent!!! I shouldn’t be surprised, because Kilby Blades is an amazing author, but I can’t believe it took me so long to read this!!! This book made me swoon and hungry in equal parts. Fantastic read!!
    Hide
    Thank you for your feedback
    Sorry, there was an error
    Sorry we couldn't load the review

    Top reviews from the United States

    karen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great romance
    Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely loved this book. The writing was excellent and the characters well developed. But the thing that made me keep reading was how flawlessly the author told the story. I absolutely loved that the main characters took their time getting to know each other and becoming friends first. This was no insta-love or even insta-lust even though they certainly were attracted to the other. The story and the friendship came first. We got to go along for the ride as Max and Cella worked together on her new cookbook, discovering new recipes and improving on the old ones. When they finally decided to act on their attraction, the love and emotion between them was apparent. This book is definitely a recipe for a great romance novel!
    13 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
    Pamela R Mitchell
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic small town culinary romance!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A fantastic small town curvy girl culinary romance with relatable characters and a beautiful story that had me totally immersed in all that was happening from the first page to the end. I loved the instant attraction, undeniable chemistry and slow burn romance between TV chef Marcella Dawes who is in the idyllic seaside town of Longport, North Carolina to write an Italian cookbook, and Max Piccarelli, a hot doctor and nephew of a late famed Italian restauranteur. This is a must-read for fans of this genre. I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
    Lynn (newhat@msn.com)
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delicious!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I devoured this book in one evening! I especially enjoyed the interaction between the two main characters. Cella was successful, had agency in her life and was not intimidated by the "hero." Max was interesting and sensitive to Cella's feelings and wasn't trying to save her. They were both concerned about each other. The supporting characters in the town were fleshed out enough that I'd look forward to hearing more about their stories. And, the food...well, just don't read this when you are hungry! Looking forward to the next "Hot in the Kitchen" book!
    Helpful
     Report
    Celtic Lady
    3.0 out of 5 stars Sexually explicit & sprinkled with profanity. Otherwise, the story is pretty good.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The storyline and writing were pretty good. The characters were very likeable. About a quarter to a third of the way into the book, the F-Bombs and other random and completely unnecessary profanity that the characters began to use seemed like a cheap shot effort to make the characters what, more edgy? Cool? It just didn't fit and served no useful purpose. For me, this was a major distraction and disappointment. And in case anyone is wondering, I'm no prude and use profanity myself at times. (We all get mad, right?) I just felt the author almost forced it in just for the sake of having it there.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
    LSG
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unique, well written story
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I thought this was an excellent book. Max was an amazing, sexy character. He was a doctor who loved cooking and had inherited his aunt’s well-known, highly rated and sought after restaurant which had been closed since her death. Cella was a down to earth hardworking chef who had terrible past relationships. Their chemistry was hot. The secondary characters in the book were also well-written. The storyline was unique.

    I read this book straight through in one sitting. I am now going to look up the next book in this series as I enjoyed how the author tells a good story.
    Helpful
     Report
    Goth Gone Grey
    4.0 out of 5 stars Slow, simmering romance
    Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Start with a famous chef, add a much-needed traveling doctor. A sprinkling of an adorable dog with an ironic name. A dash of small town and side characters, with zest of subterfuge and an enemy to add spice to the recipe. Let simmer slowly until done.

    Something about the above recipe isn't quite perfect, though. The lead characters are lovely, but feel a little off. Cella's paranoia about being spotted feels excessive. Mac's self-doubt, overwrought. The drawn-out court battle doesn't blend with the rest convincingly. Not awful, but it falls short of five star cuisine...er, reading.

    An example of the writing:

    "Though she exhaled shakily, she relaxed. She liked the way her substantial figure fit into his, the way one of his hands had fallen to her hip. For what seemed like minutes, they stirred. She found herself lost in his scent, in the heaven of their bodies so close, in the intimacy of their shared breaths. Though they kept their pace steady, some energy was building between them, working them towards something more, something she’d begun to want more fiercely with every minute they spent together."
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
    l_iam
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delectable and quite satisfying
    Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    By the time I finished this book I felt as tho I had taken a trip to Italy. It's not set there and I've never been there but the atmosphere created by this author was absorbing and real.
    I found the pace was perfect. I actually felt the passing time. (days, weeks) The relationship developed like it would in life. A plus. Lots of humor and a sharing of lifestyles, thoughts and dreams.
    All said, this was an extremely satisfying read. I finished it about a month ago and I still feel as though I had actually participated, on the sidelines.
    Helpful
     Report
    S Davis
    5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I loved Max and Cella's story!! I highly recommend this book. It is very well written and grabs and keeps your attention!
    Helpful
     Report

    Top reviews from other countries

    Brian Sidney Pound
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Secret Ingredient
    Reviewed in Canada on December 24, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The best love story I have ever read. I couldn't put it down and just wanted it to go on for ever. I loved the book and take my hat of to a fabulous author.
    Report
    Christina Stewart
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 27, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A fun easy read with likeable characters and an uncomplicated story line. A perfect vacation read that can be put down and picked up again but one you will want to finish.
    Report
    jenny melrose
    5.0 out of 5 stars A GREAT READ!
    Reviewed in Australia on June 4, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    WOW! What a great story that was. Just spent all Sunday afternoon reading a story l had not read before ..... which is unusual after 30 years of reading. Great plot, excellent writing skills, interesting characters. What more could you ask? I'm off to buy another of your books and if this book was anything to go by, it will be another great read.
    Report
    Aline Lundquist
    5.0 out of 5 stars Kitchen magic.
    Reviewed in Canada on December 16, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This was a page turner. Very well written with the end of the chapter leaving you wanting to carry on in the next chapter. Wonderful romance with such a lovely ending
    . Congratulations.
    Report
    Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 27, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    A nice story with some excellent characters. The story line was quite convoluted, so it kept moving on. Nice romance without lots of sex.
    Report
    Report an issue

    Does this item contain inappropriate content?
    Report
    Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
    Report
    Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
    Report