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A Kitchen Affair
"When culinary student Jenny Marshall struggles to pay her tuition, she decides to become a Personal Chef to make ends meet. The most eligible bachelor in town, Derek James, happens to also be a millionaire and he has a crisis. Two days before his Thanksgiving dinner party, his cook has to quit due to a family emergency. Desperate, he hires Jenny to cook for his party and there's chemistry from the start. He likes her, she likes him, but a manager at his company has set her sights on Derek and does everything she can to sabotage the relationship. Everyone thinks Colleen is the perfect match for Derek; everyone that is, except Derek. He desperately wants Jenny in his life. However, Colleen has other plans to keep that from happening. What lengths will she go to in order to keep Derek and Jenny apart?"
This new edition now includes a recipe of one of the dishes in the book at the end of each chapter.
This new edition now includes a recipe of one of the dishes in the book at the end of each chapter.
Unknown Binding
First published January 8, 2013
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Carol Preflatish
21 books37 followersCarol Preflatish lives in southern Indiana. She is the author of the two mystery series and a multi-award winning screenwriter, as well as publishing several romantic suspense novels, and two non-fiction books. When she's not writing, she loves to read, watch Indianapolis Colts football, and do just about anything outdoors.
An avid photographer, Carol has had many photos published in her local newspaper, as well as in "Golf Journal," the official publication of the United States Golf Association. A few little- known facts about Carol are that she's a licensed amateur radio operator, has a degree in Physical Education, and is a collector of golf balls, shot glasses, and coins.
Carol is a member of Sisters in Crime, SinC's Guppies chapter, and the Kentuckiana Romance Writers.
You can learn more about Carol by visiting her web page.
An avid photographer, Carol has had many photos published in her local newspaper, as well as in "Golf Journal," the official publication of the United States Golf Association. A few little- known facts about Carol are that she's a licensed amateur radio operator, has a degree in Physical Education, and is a collector of golf balls, shot glasses, and coins.
Carol is a member of Sisters in Crime, SinC's Guppies chapter, and the Kentuckiana Romance Writers.
You can learn more about Carol by visiting her web page.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 6, 2013
My Review:
Overall there was nothing wrong with this book. It was written well and was rather engaging, but there was a single action by the hero that ruined this book and his character for me. The bad thing was, in the end, he didn't do this awful thing I thought he did throughout the entire book, but by that point I didn't like him or believe in the possibility of this romance anymore. Not good. That one single thing, because it was drawn out for so long, ruined this book for me.
But I sit back and look at the story line and don't really see a way that it could have been written differently. It provided the needed conflict to the story, but there just wasn't enough feeling from this hero for me to accept his true feelings for the heroine.
So what did work for me in this story?
1. The set-up was good. I liked that the heroine is in culinary school, works at a bakery, and hires on to the hero as a personal chef. I liked that part of the story (although I did feel like she didn't do enough fancy cooking for her level of expertise...)
2. I liked the corporate espionage story. It provided a bit of mystery and suspense to the story and although I was pretty sure I knew who the bad guy was, I felt like it was woven into the main story line pretty well.
There were several things that I didn't like about the story that ruined my rating on this book (remember I rate on how much I enjoy the book, not based upon actual writing skill), but pretty much all of them, when I look at it objectively were things that are purely personal taste. A lot of my issues were about the actions of the characters, but just like the real world, not all characters in books are going to be your favorite people. These characters didn't work for my personality, but you may look at them and think that you all would be best friends.
This book has very defined lines between the classes and with the exception of Derek, all those of his class-level are just really not very nice people. Jenny is okay, but I wanted her to be stronger about standing up to Derek and letting him know how awful his "friends" were treating her. I wanted Derek to stand up to those same friends who continued to badmouth her. Novels are a fantasy world and I expect a little bit of over-the-top drama to protect the characters they care about. I didn't see this from Derek....ever and that's why this book didn't make a higher rating in my book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Overall there was nothing wrong with this book. It was written well and was rather engaging, but there was a single action by the hero that ruined this book and his character for me. The bad thing was, in the end, he didn't do this awful thing I thought he did throughout the entire book, but by that point I didn't like him or believe in the possibility of this romance anymore. Not good. That one single thing, because it was drawn out for so long, ruined this book for me.
But I sit back and look at the story line and don't really see a way that it could have been written differently. It provided the needed conflict to the story, but there just wasn't enough feeling from this hero for me to accept his true feelings for the heroine.
So what did work for me in this story?
1. The set-up was good. I liked that the heroine is in culinary school, works at a bakery, and hires on to the hero as a personal chef. I liked that part of the story (although I did feel like she didn't do enough fancy cooking for her level of expertise...)
2. I liked the corporate espionage story. It provided a bit of mystery and suspense to the story and although I was pretty sure I knew who the bad guy was, I felt like it was woven into the main story line pretty well.
There were several things that I didn't like about the story that ruined my rating on this book (remember I rate on how much I enjoy the book, not based upon actual writing skill), but pretty much all of them, when I look at it objectively were things that are purely personal taste. A lot of my issues were about the actions of the characters, but just like the real world, not all characters in books are going to be your favorite people. These characters didn't work for my personality, but you may look at them and think that you all would be best friends.
This book has very defined lines between the classes and with the exception of Derek, all those of his class-level are just really not very nice people. Jenny is okay, but I wanted her to be stronger about standing up to Derek and letting him know how awful his "friends" were treating her. I wanted Derek to stand up to those same friends who continued to badmouth her. Novels are a fantasy world and I expect a little bit of over-the-top drama to protect the characters they care about. I didn't see this from Derek....ever and that's why this book didn't make a higher rating in my book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
January 20, 2013
Check this review and others out at my blog at http://twinsietalk.blogspot.com, www.facebook.com/twinsietalk, or @twinsietalk
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I received this book from the author and was looking forward to a contemporary romance/suspense book because I tend to read a lot of Paranormal and Erotica. I was looking for a nice change in my reading.
The story of Derek and Jenny was a pretty traditional romance novel. Derek is the town millionaire who every single woman wants to date. Jenny is a culinary student who is in the right place at the right time. She gets him to agree to let her cook for a private party. Derek is interested in her but his overbearing sister sets him up with another women. I found Derek to be a bit of a wet noodle at times. He was easily manipulated and pushed around by Colleen (the other woman) and his sister. I was roaring at him several times wanting him to channel his inner alpha male. While Jenny gets continually bullied by the "mean" girls. By the middle of the story, I was glad Derek realized who and what he wants BUT he has made some not great choices and confesses them to Jenny who then decides she needs to rethink the relationship. Soooo this relationship doesn't go very smoothly BUT it does make the ending that much better.
The suspense/mystery of the novel had to do with Derek's company. There is some espionage due to someone telling company secrets. I wasn't sure exactly who the "spy' was but I did have my suspicions. The culminating scenes of the book were pretty intense with an attempted murder being made on someone's life.
All in all I did enjoy the novel. I think the choices the characters made (ie Derek's playing the field and making mistakes with Colleen while Jenny freezes him out at times) are typical of people in todays society. Would I recommend this book, sure. I think if you want a sweet, traditional romance then this book is a great choice for you.
May 7, 2015
Reviewed by Molly
Review originally posted on Romancing the Book
Book provided by the publisher for review
Carol Preflatish is a new to me author and one that certainly has caught my attention with this book! I love a good romance, one that has characters that jump off the page, a plot that will hold my attention through out the story and an ending that will leave you wanting more. Ms. Preflatish’s book has all that and so much more! From start to finish, I was completely engrossed, and cheering for some pretty amazing characters!
Derek’s character was charming. I loved him from the start. He was sweet, handsome and witty. The realness of his character was amazing and so many times through out the story I felt like I was right next to him, wanting to cook for him and help him out! For an author to create a character like that, that’s awesome and definitely what I look for in a well written novel!
Jenny’s character was also well created. She really popped through the story and I felt my self cheering her on more than once when it came to her career and her romance. She was super sweet and lively. I was definitely taken with her character.
Ellen, Derek’s sister, and Colleen, Derek’s new manager, really left a lot to be desired…..I wasn’t impressed with either of them. But, despite that, it didn’t take away from the story at all. They were playing their part in the story, and that’s what keeps me from disliking it. Definitely well created “villainous” characters!
All in all, this story is a lovely one, and one that I would recommend to everyone. It’s got laughs, twists, and romance. What more could you want in a story? If you are looking for a new read by a talented author, I highly recommend KITCHEN AFFAIR. It’s deliciously romantic and heart capturing, for sure! Well done, Ms. Preflatish!
Review originally posted on Romancing the Book
Book provided by the publisher for review
Carol Preflatish is a new to me author and one that certainly has caught my attention with this book! I love a good romance, one that has characters that jump off the page, a plot that will hold my attention through out the story and an ending that will leave you wanting more. Ms. Preflatish’s book has all that and so much more! From start to finish, I was completely engrossed, and cheering for some pretty amazing characters!
Derek’s character was charming. I loved him from the start. He was sweet, handsome and witty. The realness of his character was amazing and so many times through out the story I felt like I was right next to him, wanting to cook for him and help him out! For an author to create a character like that, that’s awesome and definitely what I look for in a well written novel!
Jenny’s character was also well created. She really popped through the story and I felt my self cheering her on more than once when it came to her career and her romance. She was super sweet and lively. I was definitely taken with her character.
Ellen, Derek’s sister, and Colleen, Derek’s new manager, really left a lot to be desired…..I wasn’t impressed with either of them. But, despite that, it didn’t take away from the story at all. They were playing their part in the story, and that’s what keeps me from disliking it. Definitely well created “villainous” characters!
All in all, this story is a lovely one, and one that I would recommend to everyone. It’s got laughs, twists, and romance. What more could you want in a story? If you are looking for a new read by a talented author, I highly recommend KITCHEN AFFAIR. It’s deliciously romantic and heart capturing, for sure! Well done, Ms. Preflatish!
June 4, 2013
I love the premise behind this book, the young culinary school student and the sexy millionaire meeting over catering. The discussions of food were fun and mouth-watering. The jealous, fancy “upper crust” women who looked down on the lowly chef were pure evil. I liked the conflict but I kept wanting to give the hero and the heroine a thump in the head to make them get together faster. The tension in the book and the charm of the leads kept me turning the pages and looking forward to stealing time away from my own writing so I could finish this story!
January 21, 2013
Probably my favorite of Carol's books! LOVE this story:) Warning: This WILL make you hungry, lol!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews