Grumpy Billionaire Chef

by Lea Vaughn

A billionaire chef wants my recipe.
But he’s a grumpy TV celebrity with a carrot up his ass.

When he barges into my farmer's market stand, I have no idea who he is. I don’t own a TV.

But he’s tall, blonde, hot as hell, and built like he means business.

So, I agree to cook for him.

Little do I know he doesn’t just want my cooking. He wants me.

It turns out this sexy older man knows what he’s doing in the kitchen and the bedroom. And since his dessert tastes like something I’ve never experienced before, I can’t help but go back for more.

But there are demons brewing in his stock pot. And I have a whole lot of drama in mine.

I just hope I can stand the heat, because I do not want to get out of this kitchen.

A Grumpy Boss Age Gap Romance

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2023

Reviews

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a grumpy boss age gap romance.

This was a sweet and steamy story. I loved how supportive Silas was and how he helped her become more confident in herself. Would recommend!

Michele Chel Serrano moved to Van Nuys from the Midwest 5 months ago with her Chorkie dog Gordie. She has always had to be self reliant. Her dream is to open a cafe or restaurant. Her mother was emotionally abusive. Her ex-boyfriend was physically, emotionally and mentally abusive. She studied to be a chef and is selling salsa verde, nut butters and jams at the Brentwood farmers market to support herself.

Silas Harvey is a chef, restaurateur and philanthropist. He has dyslexia. His father is a Mafioso. He was in an on again off again relationship for 6 years.

Chel rents part of the living room in an apartment with two stoners. Her roommates had threatened to kick her out if she doesn't pay the rent she owes. At the farmers market she is having a terrible day and not selling much product when she is approached by Silas. He offers her $500 for 10 bottles of her salsa. She then runs into her ex who demands she pay for her car loan or it will be reposessed. Back home she gets into an argument with her roommates and is kicked out. After posting her situation on Facebook, her friend Lane offers to put her up at her place. When Chel delivers the salsa Silas offers her an apprenticeship at his Mexican restaurant. They also hook up but agree it won't affect their working relationship. Gordie gets sick so she rushed him to the vet only to have her ex and mother show up. Silas sends a bodyguard to protect her. He also offers her an assistant chef position. Lane helps Silas get rid of his father and other toxic people on his payroll. Chel and Silas get their HEA and she gets her dream cafe.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chel left home to follow her dreams of having her own cafe. She left behind an abusive boyfriend and mother who told her she would never make it happen. After struggling for the last several months she almost ready to give up and believe they were right. When out of nowhere she is confronted by someone who heard her salsa was the best anywhere and he wanted to pay her to make it for him. She also gets an offer to move in with a new friend she made when she got to town, and she desperately needs a place to stay.

When she goes to deliver her order of salsa she finds out the person who is paying her for it is a world renowned chef and he gives her an apprentice offer to learn from him in his restaurant kitchen. Can her luck get any better? She still has to struggle with threats from her mother and her ex, but her life takes a new turn when she becomes romantic with Silas, the chef.

Silas has always been a great chef and made a huge name for himself. Later when he came to America to try and start new ventures he allowed his father who was tied to the mafia to be his investor. Little did he know that his father was ruling every aspect of his life and the reason he was not getting anywhere with his new restaurant. He was hoping that Chel would be the key he needed to get ahead, but falling for her was a whole other change in his life.

Can these two truly be together and make something incredible happen with the restaurant? Can they learn to trust one another and let go off all of the fear that had from their past relationships?

I really liked this story and finished it in a couple days. I recommend it as a great to be read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chiquita Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter, I knew I was going to love this book by Lea Vaughn. It contained my favorite trope, an age gap romance between 25 year old Chef Chel Serrano and 42 year old world renowned chef and billionaire Silas Harvey. Chel’s delicious homemade salsa verde leads Silas to her at the farmer’s market where she sells her goods. That leads to an afternoon delight at his home between the two when he takes her there to offer her an apprenticeship at his Mexican Restaurant that has been failing. There are laughs, tears and smexy romance as the two learn to know each other. Chel and Silas have so much in common with their difficult family lives, she has an awful mother and he has his father who has mafia ties. Silas has quite a reputation with the ladies and has been burned by his six year relationship with a woman with used him for his money and influence so he has no plans to ever settle down. Chel left town with her little dog Gordie to escape her abusive and demeaning ex-boy friend. Fortunately for Chel and Silas, she makes friends with Lane who saves both of their hides. I fell in love with Silas as he fell head over heels with this sweet, charming and beautiful young woman as he found all he wanted to do was protect her and help her build her confidence This book left me smiling as Chel and Silas work through their life challenges together to reach their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michele had a bad life with a mother and an ex-boyfriend who belittled her all the time, so she moved to L.A He followed her and made her life miserable. She is sleeping on a find couch living room and paying rent for her and selling salsa to make rent and buy more supplies she needed. When her roommates tell her to pay up or she out. She heads to the farmer market to sell her goods. Mr. Silas stopped by to buy her supplies and give her five hundred to deliver more to him. She doesn’t know who he is but when she get home she came home late and her roommate’s decide to kick her out. She doesn’t know where to go so she posts on Facebook and has a friend offer her a place at her apartment and she moves in. she spend time make as much as she can, email Mr. Silas send his driver and needs to take dog Gordie with her and Rob the driver stays with the dog. Silas is not a dog person. He offers a restaurateur apprenticeship, and she said yes. They get very close. What will happen to their life when people start problems with them?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's Cooking?

A whirlwind insta-attraction romance between Silas, a successful restaurateur & Chel, down on her luck but has the education & desire to be a chef. Silas, discovers her at a market & buys her delicious salsa for his Mexican restaurant. He sees her potential as being a great chef as she is very talented in the kitchen using her versions on past family recipes. He guides her, encouraging her to become the true chef she deserves to be. The closeness between them doesn't deter them from taking the next step in turning up the heat & steam. Mix in the Ex's as they add more drama within their blossoming relationship which actually strengthens their protection & love for each other.

I really liked this story as it was light-hearted, spicy & hot. Silas is such an old grump & even with the age gap between Chel & Silas, they both feel a spark ignite that draws them together. A page-turner & I was sorry that it ended so quickly. Another couple who finds true love forever.

I received an ARC of this book through Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a steamy age-gap grumpy boss romance between Silas and Chel. Chel is starting her life over in LA after leaving her family and her ex-boyfriend behind but she doesn't have any money to get her own apartment. After she posts on FB about her situation a friend of hers says that she can stay with her so she moves in with her friend Lane. Chel makes homemade salsa and nut butters and she sells them at the farmer's market to make money to pay her bills. That's where she meets Silas who's a famous chef and he buys several jars of her salsa for his restaurant and as a bonus he hires Chel even though they're both attracted to each other. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this steamy age-gap grumpy boss romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chel is down on her luck, after moving to realise her chef dreams, get away from her abusive ex and her abusive mother, she finds herself on the brink of homelessness, her credit is about to be totalled and she can't see a way out. Enter Silas, a renouned celebrity chef, who hires Chel to provide salsa for his restaurant.

This book was a fun read, hot and steamy, laugh out loud, a couple of shock moments to keep up the suspense. It did take a little while for me to get into the book and get on board with Chel. There is casual drug use for the first 1/4 of the book which might put some people off, but it isn't distracting from the story and isn't used in a salacious way.

Overall it was an enjoyable read with a sweet and steamy HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, it was a bit of a slow starter. However if you carried on reading you realised that it was a hot and steamy read. The characters were great Silas and Chel. Silas is an older man with his own restaurant, only his father has a stake in his business. Silas doesn't get along very well with his Dad and his Dad is involved with the mafia. Chel is running out of money and only renting a corner of a room but is not able to pay the rent. Chel is a great cook who makes things to sell at the market and that's where they meet. The chemistry between them is hot and the banter is also funny and entertaining. They bounce off each other and they do not take any rubbish from each other. They need each other and they just didn't know it at the beginning. its a great read and i recommend.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick romance with adult hookups and a HEA. Chel is a young chef who has broken up with a horrible ex and moved from Illinois to L.A. to start her career. She’s trying to sell some of her products at a farmer’s market to pay for rent in a dismal apartment with awful roommates, when her path crosses with Silas. He is an older, grumpy, wealthy (and famous) restauranteur who is interested in her salsa. Both Chel and Silas have plenty of baggage, between toxic exes, parents and their respective careers. Their relationship moves quickly, despite a few twists. I downgraded 1-1/2 stars because the story was so unbelievable at times. For ex., Chel was too naïve for a 25-year-old, it didn’t make sense that a trained chef couldn’t even find work in a fast- food restaurant, that a casual friend would be so generous (but never go to work), and more. Despite being unbelievable, this is still an entertaining romance with dual points of view, heat, a cute dog and a HEA. I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashley McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vaughn is quite adept at wilting quick billionaire reads. Chel is a struggling, young chef in LA. Silas is an older, successful restaurateur trying to save his Mexican restaurant. He’s gruff and grumpy on the outside, just wanting to help others on the inside. She’s young, kind, and pretty naive. Together they’re fighting their past and moving forward.

A lot of storylines going on at the same time. I kept hoping Chel would stand up for herself, but it didn’t really fit the personality Vaughn wrote. Even though she want my favorite heroine, she was a consistent character throughout. This is a pretty quick, easy read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DesN2004 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable age gap read....
This was a good read with likeable characters. This held my attention and I was able to read in one sitting. There is lots of steamy moments! I wish this was fleshed out a little more and it would have been an amazing book, more closure etc. It was still enjoyable without more, but just a little more would push it to the top. You get your romance and your happy ending, ehich is why I read books like this! I would like to see a story for Chel's friend Lane, I think she deserves a HEA. The storyline was good and I liked all the quirks that the characters had. Can't wait to read the next from this author!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chel has left her abusive past behind in order to follow her dreams. She wants to open a cafe of her own someday. She gets an order for some salsa that she makes herself and when she goes to deliver it, she finds out the order is for a well-known chef named Silas. He offers her an apprenticeship with him and while she is working hard, she's still seeing it as a stepping stone away from the abuse of her mother and her ex-boyfriend. When she starts to have feelings for Silas, she's as happy as she has ever been. But as things become more serious between them, can she let go of the fear of the other shoe dropping and really trust him?

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silas and Chel meet when she is selling her homemade salsa at a farmer's market, and he buys some for his restaurants. She has no clue that he's a famous TV Celebrity chef, since she has no TV. They both have a lot of baggage, and he is grumpy most of the time. A quick romance that is steamy. Cute banter and no shortage of secrets or drama. Steamy and emotional at times. Cute characters and an entertaining story line. I received an advance copy for free via Booksprout, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review

Simplified romance in the bedroom. No Domination if this is what you are seeking.
What an entertaining read. So fresh, funny at times but serious too. Though we were looking at a grumpy chef, it depended on who was on the other side of his life. Cockiness and assurance is what Silas was known for. Yes, due to his position and his corrupt father, people were riding on his coat tails. there was another side of him that Cher brought out in him. Was there an age gap, Yes.
Won't spoil as there was so much more written.
Thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.

[LeMiliere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silas, a successful restaurateur who is doing his best to save his Mexican restaurant meets Chel at a farmers market selling her homemade salsa and nut butter. He's so impressed that he hires her to make salsa for his restaurant.

These two are very different he's a famous chef whilst Chel is a young chef who has relocated from Illinois to L.A. and is trying to start her career. They are both attracted to each other and over time they succumb to the attraction and deepening chemistry. But with toxic families and psycho ex's in the mix will they find their HEA?

[Linkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

She needed money and he wanted her salsa, he was famous and she was down on her last dime. He offered her a job at his restaurant, her abusive ex was making her life hell, and she found out that he never paid the car that she gave money for. They got close and he had trust issues as his father was a scum bag. Her friend showed him how to get his father out of his life and they made the restaurant a success. In the end love was all that was needed.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silas and Chel meet at the farmer's market where she is trying to sell her salsa. When he samples her salsa, he wants to know about the recipe, and it starts them along a journey filled with twists and turns that just keep coming. They both have baggage that makes their lives miserable but together they find a way through it. This story had me in their corners to get their chance for happiness.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Krissy C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. Story was pretty fast paced but the flow at some parts of the story felt a little jumbled and stilted. I felt like I needed to suspend belief with some parts of the story and the plot about her ex and mum seems to have been left hanging. However there is a HEA and a cute doggie in the story!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an Asian Gen-Xer, I must admit that Silas and Chel hooking up as fast as they did took me aback, but at the same time, I get how sometimes, we just give in to temptation and let logic out the window. :)

In my head I was imagining Chris Helmsworth as Silas so ... yum! hehe Thank you, author, for this truly delicious and spicy story. It was most DEFINITELY an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are opposites - will they fly or crash & burn?

If you're after a steamy age gap romance then look no further then Chel & Silas's story. He's a grump & she's struggling to make ends meet. Sparks fly between these two. He desperately wants her salsa recipe but is he willing to move the object lodged up his backside to play nice? Never a dull moment in their story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chel met Silas at the flea market where she was selling her famous secret recipe salsa. Before she knew it she was selling him her salsa. I loved this book like I do all Lea Vaughn books. I can sit back and enjoy the book without having to stress about the story line and the characters because they are great. I started this book and did not want to put it down. Thanks to Lea Vaughn for an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story that will hold your attention from start to finish. But OMG Chelsea and Silas' families are so toxic and made it so hard for them and not only by the family but also by their crazy exes. The chemistry and attraction is palpable between them and with the necessary drama and passion and steam, the author has created a beautiful story.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salsa Lady

Chel comes to Los Angeles for a fresh start but is struggling to make it. Silas needs something specular to refresh his restaurants when he comes across Chel at the farmers market. Despite the craziness of their past relationships pushing through these two make a great partnership both personal and professionally. The story was interesting, and I enjoyed reading it till the end.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Carrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!  This book hit the ground running right from the first page.  Drugged up roomies and a nasty ex show up to add to a really hard day for our heroine.  A friend steps up for her and an intriguing opportunity comes her way.  A few road blocks including both her scheming mother and ex, add in a mob family to get the adrenalin going.  I love the way the ending came together, it was brilliant....but you will find that out when you read it!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silas is a famous chef with his own restaurants and he happens to buy Salsa from Chel at a market. She's been through a lot and close to having no more money left so his order of 10 glasses of Salsa saves her. Little does he know that her delicious Salsa will save him as well. Silas has been through a lot himself but read for yourself. I seriously need more of them!!

Thanks for the advanced readers copy of your new ebook. I loved it and hope you make it into a series!

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartwarming story. Chel is on the run from a crazy ex and mom. Trying to make ends meet (HaHa) as the chef that she’s been trained to be. Not catching any breaks, becoming homeless and having her ex stalk her almost pushes her over the edge. Her saving grace is a grumpy billionaire chef named Silas who has many issues of his own. Can these two lost souls save themselves and maybe each other?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chel want to be a successful chef, but so far she is struggling to make a living, although it seems like her lucky might change when sexy Silas tries her salsa. I enjoyed the banter between Chel and Silas, the humour, drama, Chel's cute little dog (Gordie) and the twists and turns of Chel and Silas' romance.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very first page. It's about a woman named Chel who has left her family and ex-boyfriend to start a new life in LA. She has no money to get a place of her own, so she makes a post on Facebook for help. Her friend Lane tells Chel she can move in with her. Chel makes homemade salsa to help pay her bills when she meets a well-known chef who wants to purchase several jars of her salsa for his restaurant. Silas ends up hiring Chel and they end up having sex and falling for each other. Lots of things happen and you are going to have to read the book to see what happens next. I will guarantee this book will have your toes curling it's that hot.

[Debra Soehner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silas finds Chel at a farmers market selling her homemade salsa and nut butters and hires her to make salsa for his restaurant. He is a famous chef and she is down on her luck struggling in LA. They are both attracted to each other. Good novel.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful,entertaining,sweet,steamy with a bit of drama..A romance story of Silas and Michele..A grumpy but sweet chef and a young chef who's just out from a toxic relationship and move to different state tp start her career and new life and met her destined man who respect and love her for who she is..well done!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.