{Speed Date} Review: In the Raw by Eileen Griffin and Nikka Michaels

If you can't take the heat…

James Lassiter has had a crush on fellow culinary student Ethan Martin for three years, but has never had the guts to make a move. Putting himself out there is hard, especially when under the thumb–and wallet–of his overbearing parents. Now that bad boy chef Ethan–who is always vying with Jamie for best in class–is struggling with the pastry course, Jamie suddenly has a reason to reach out.

Ethan doesn't mean to be an ass–okay, so mostly he does–but even though he's secretly hot for Jamie, he sure as hell doesn't want help with pastry. Ever since his dad walked out, Ethan has been the one to hold things together and he's done fine on his own. Except that he can't get his cake to rise.

Jamie could be the answer to what Ethan's been missing his whole life–someone to depend on. But with the two competing for the same scholarship, things suddenly get too hot to handle. And if Jamie finds the strength to go for what he wants, he isn't about to settle for what he needs.

~ Goodreads

Source: Provided by Carina Press via Netgalley for review

Speed Date Review:

First Date: Wheeee! I love all the stolen glances, the awkward encounters in the supply room and the palpable longing between Jamie and Ethan. If they can just figure out if the other is gay and available we can this steamy romance off the ground!

Second date: One step forward. two steps back. Yup. They’re both gay and available but Jamies’s fear of coming out to his controlling parents and Ethan’s passive aggressive bullshit is kind of draining. But when it’s working….zomg these two are fantastic together.

And also, with all the talk of chocolate soufflés, cheesecake and omelets – I’m starving. I LOVE kitchen/chef romances. LOVE.

Third Date: Life is messy, and as their romance progresses,  I like how things are mostly good but with a dose of reality. This is more of a happy for now than a happily ever after but it rings true considering how hard they had to work to get together, the fact that they are just 22 years old, and on the brink of starting their career as professional chefs.

Jamie and Ethan could get frustrating at times (especially Ethan) but I really liked their well intentioned, fumbling romance and the culinary school setting.

In the Raw has a clear end but leaves enough room for a sequel (which I just learned comes out in November). I’m torn on that because I’m the kind of reader that NEEDS a HEA but I’m not sure if I could/want see them go through any more bad times. Ethan’s sister was hilarious and I rather she got a book and we got to visit with Ethan & Jamie. Win win!

*Speed Date reviews inspired by The Book Swarm