We’ve all heard of genetically modified (GMO) crops and many people say the acronym in hushed tones as though it’s something awful. And sometimes it is. But maybe not always.
Wilde Temptation by K.M. Fawcett takes another look at genetic modification and unintended consequences. An apple to turn people on? Much more natural than viagra or love potions. And the lady who turns Sam’s apples into a… very interesting… chutney is a fortune teller, a witch. There you have it – the scientist and the psychic. A match made in… I’m not sure.
This story sounds like a lot of fun.
Plant geneticist Sam Wilde has spent his life savings engineering a unique apple variety that increases happiness. But when fortune-teller Faith Shields mixes Sam’s new apples into an Old World recipe, the result does more than make people happy—it makes them hot for love!
As the small town of Candlewood Falls hungers for the forbidden fruit, Sam and Faith experiment with their arousal hypothesis and soon discover their test subjects aren’t the only ones tempted by desire. Is the impassioned pair’s attraction a byproduct of the aphrodisiac or do they have true chemistry?
Add into the equation the only investor who could save Sam’s orchard from foreclosure—Faith’s jealous ex-boyfriend—and Wilde Orchards is about to live up to its name.
Here’s an excerpt…
Sam knocked on Faith’s door half an hour before his normal tutoring time, as requested. What did she want to discuss in person that she couldn’t over the phone or in front of Lily?
She opened the door, breathless, her cheeks pink and glowing. Wisps of long brown hair that didn’t make it into her braid curled around her face. She wore the same pretty floral shirt she’d had on in the shop that morning.
Did she have any idea how beautiful she was?
The tightness in his chest reminded him to breathe. “Hi—”
Faith grabbed his wrist and pulled him into the apartment. “I’m glad you’re here. There’s something awkward yet important I need to tell you.”
Was she interested in him? Did she want to tell him she liked him? He bit down on a smile and repressed the urge to confess his feelings before she did.
“It’s about the chutney.”
As if stuck in mud, his body suddenly grew heavy. Of course, it was. Beautiful women weren’t interested in lanky, redheaded apple nerds. He was an idiot for even entertaining the thought. “What’s wrong? Are you ill? You look a little flushed.”
“No. I’m fine. Come with me.”
He followed her into the kitchen, pausing at the refrigerator to check out Lily’s artwork and homework stuck to it by glass stone refrigerator magnets. Something spicy permeated the air, making his mouth water. “Smells delicious.”
“I’m cooking chutney.”
“Great. Everyone at Wilde Orchards Market wants more.”
“That’s not all they want,” she muttered.
“What do you mean?”
She flitted around the room, getting out a small bowl and a spoon, and ladling a scoop of chutney. She didn’t meet his eyes when she blurted, “They’re all horny.”
“What? Who?”
“The customers. They’re all horny. It’s an aphrodisiac.”
Did he miss a part of the conversation while distracted with her beauty? “What is?”
“The chutney. It’s an aphrodisiac. That’s why it’s such a hit. People are eating it and getting turned on.”
He laughed. “That’s ridiculous.”
“That’s what I thought at first, but it’s true. Did you eat any?”
“Not yet.”
She thrust the small bowl and spoon into his hands. “Try it.”
“Uh, okay.” He slid a heaping spoonful into his mouth. Delicious sweet and spicy flavors danced across his taste buds, without a trace of bitterness. He swallowed and licked his lips. “This is really good.”
“Thanks.”
“I mean it. Nice texture and taste.” He took another spoonful. No wonder it sold out at the market. It was a flavorful product and a welcome change from all the sweet goods they made at the orchard.
Her hands clasped in front of her mouth, she watched intently, as if waiting for him to turn into the Hulk or something. “How do you feel?”
“I feel fine.”
“I mean, are you turned on?” Her brown eyes sparkled with anticipation, and his mouth dried.
If he wasn’t before, he was now. “I, uh. Is this a trick question?”
“No, it’s a straightforward question.”
It was forward all right. She was a unique woman, but this was odd, even for her. “I don’t understand what’s going on here. Are you… flirting with me?”
Her head flinched as if he’d jumped out of the closet yelling surprise. “Of course, not.”
Too bad. A little flirting could’ve been fun.
“I told you. It’s the chutney. It makes people horny. Are you horny?”
Well, damn, when a woman you have a crush on asks—with breathy eagerness—if you’re horny, your penis can’t help but answer the question for you.
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