Kate Jenkins rejects the idea of fate. To fulfil her culinary ambitions, she believes in having a clear vision, doing extensive planning, and working hard. When she meets the wildly eccentric Garrance, the self-proclaimed Spice Master of Paris, who ominously warns her of the failings of the previous owner, or when her standoffish?and annoyingly sexy?neighbor dismisses her as a crazy American tourist, she isn't even concerned. She is about to open her own Parisian restaurant, Bistro Exotique. Kate continues to cook while being calm and upbeat. Up until a slew of misfortunes throw her plans for a loop and her entire crew quits. Kate is about to throw in the kitchen towel on her lifelong dream when Garrance offers to use her mastery of scents and spices to help her, but it comes at a price: Kate must work with Garrance?s son, Charles, a world-class chef and total jerk. After Kate hesitantly concedes to the deal, she slowly learns to open her heart and mind to new concepts, not quite sure if the magic she?s experiencing comes from Garrance?s spices, from within herself, or from the growing chemistry with Charles. One thing is certain, though: her kitchen is getting increasingly hot.