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Accidental #2

The Accidental TV Star

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Marissa, a recent high school graduate and amateur chef, loves cooking, the culinary reality show Scoop Out, and hot Scottish movie star Garrett Campbell. Despite her big dreams, her feet are firmly planted on the non-slip, rubber floor mat behind the counter of the Texas Fry Hut.

-- until Marissa receives a wild job offer.

Spend the summer cooking for Garrett Campbell in Hollywood.

Excerpt The Accidental TV Star©2013:
“Show me why you haven’t dated until you’ve dated a cook,” Garrett said.

I patted the ground beside me and he joined me as the sun lowered into the ocean, leaving us in darkness lit by stars, the moon, and twinkle lights. Grinning, I turned my head and found Garrett watching me. I gathered the skirts of my plaid gown in my hands. “Get comfortable.” I inched closer. Garrett put his hands on my waist as if guessing my intent. I straddled his lap and my knees dug into the cool grass. The silk of my skirt dropped from my hands. “Cooking has many important dimensions.”

“Aye, ‘tis a worthy pursuit.”

“Some of the key components are appearance, temperature, taste, and texture.” My fingers brushed his and warmth tingled throughout my body. “Which do you want to learn about tonight?”

“All of them.”

My mouth curled up. “You have to choose.”

“I choose all of them.”

I glanced at the wedding cake: vanilla covered in white frosting with a honey pattern drizzled over it. Next, I looked at the steam rising off the hot tea and the sugar cubes on the saucer beside it, last the amber whiskey. “I’m feeling generous and since this is our first and last date, I’ll teach you two of them.”

“Aye. Two then four.”

“You’re greedy. I like that.”

His fingers tightened on my waist.

“We’ll do texture and temperature.”

“Aye.”

“I didn’t think Scottish people answered questions with yes or no responses. I read that somewhere.”

“Marissa, you’re hinting at a kiss. My mind has emptied and one word is all that remains.”

“Aye,” I teased him. I reached for the sugar cube, dipped it in the tea so I could crumble it. It broke apart and I rubbed the sugary granules between my thumb and index finger. Next, I traced across the center of his bottom lip with the sugar. Warm. Soft. “Feel each granule as it rolls across you?”
Garrett licked his lips and his eyes followed my movements.
I dipped my finger into the white icing and fluffed it across his bottom lip. “And the softness of the creamy icing.”

Garrett licked his lips again.

I lifted the whiskey glass next and swirled my finger inside. “The burn’s important too.” I was going to trace his lips again, but Garrett opened his mouth and I slid my finger inside. He sucked on it. The motion made my thighs tighten and my eyes lower. Ah.

I withdrew my hand. I had one more trick to show him. I ran my index finger lightly over the drizzled honey and tapped it against his mouth. “Feel the sticky pull? Variety’s important. Kissing’s an art. It can’t be all velvety smooth.” My voice deepened. “Add the rough. Add the layers.”

Garrett grabbed my wrist and guided my finger into his mouth, licking the honey off with one stroke.

Wow. I leaned toward him and reached for his mouth. I had one focus in the whole world.

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 8, 2013

38 people are currently reading
829 people want to read

About the author

Emily Evans

37 books427 followers
Emily Evans writes fun, young adult romance. She holds a BA in Psychology from Texas A&M University and an MFA in Creative Writing from American College Dublin. A native Houstonian, she loves travel, movies, and books and may be found at www.EmilyEvansBooks.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for Zoe and the Edge.
674 reviews68 followers
June 23, 2013
”You haven't dated until you've dated a cook. ~ Marissa Steele

Emily Evans really knows how to hit on experiences and relationships I can relate to. I knew I was in for a treat with The Accidental TV Star. Marissa's story is a perfect mixture of dialogue, hot make-out scenes, angst and chuckles weaved together to makes one beautiful tapestry (thought I'd throw in some metaphors in honour of Garett). You know how some authors create stories that are sort of lop-sided? Emily Evans does not have that problem.

Garrett - “How’s that sound?”
“Terrifying.” I hooked my arm over his waist. “I’m in.”


Marissa has attitude. She's also dirt poor. Her biological dad is not nice and useless. Her step-dad is nice, but still useless. Naturally, Marissa has vowed to never follow her mother's taste in men.

Unlike Ashley, Marissa is still vulnerable to getting starstruck. But she makes a joke out of it.

Some opportunities in life you can’t miss...I traced an inch of his skin and then made my hand drop...“You’re warmer than the poster on my wall.”

She can be quite bold with Garrett and I loved that even though he's a man-whore he still gets taken aback.

Marissa has her pride and works hard. Her love for cooking makes the kitchen a hilarious and exciting place. Marissa dreams of her own restaurant and she's constantly creating recipes. I loved how dedicated she is in monitoring people's reactions to her food. She keeps detailed color-coded notes and everything. Marissa takes her job seriously and quickly succeeds in seducing Garrett's culinary senses. She also seduces his person pretty quick too - though she did that without even trying. Haha.
I liked that Marissa is so confident with her craft. She makes some big promises but she always comes through. I also liked how when she and Garrett are making out, all Garett wants to do is kiss her and all Marissa wants to do is hear him speak in his brogue.

GARETT
Garrett - “You’re not livestock. Go out with me?”
Marissa - “Not two sentences I’ve ever heard used together before.”


Garrett's easygoing nature allows him to be a major flirt without commitment. But it also means he can do really sweet things for Marissa and dismiss them as “nothing”. It's so cute the way he gets involved with Marissa's tv contest show. A big part of him of course is being Scottish and he's always going on about Scottish stories and traditions. He puts a spin on everything with his mythical metaphorisms. I loved how Marissa picked up this tendency and told a few stories of her own with a suitable flourish to match any Scottish tale.

Sexual Content: Wonderfully edgy without being below-the-belt dirty.

P.S. Ignore the lack of realism and go with the flow. It's more fun that way.
Profile Image for Nayobee.
128 reviews7 followers
April 6, 2013
4.5

I can't help smiling even after reading the last page..the story's so cute. Not over the top cute or downright sappy. Just enough for a few 'awws' and 'oohs'. I love Caz and Ashley but I am going for the Scot and chef this time.
Profile Image for Kate McMurry.
Author 1 book124 followers
December 5, 2025
Entertaining and frequently hilarious YA romantic comedy

Marissa is an 18-year-old recent high-school graduate from a small town in Texas. Her BFF, Ashley, who is the FMC of the first book in this YA series, has gotten her a job as a live-in chef for a handsome, rich, Scottish, 19-year-old movie star named Garrett, who lives in a sprawling mansion in Los Angeles.

During her first day on the job, Garrett casually informs Marissa that he was just doing a favor for Ashley, as the girlfriend of his BFF, a 19-year-old British actor named Caz. Garrett says he doesn't really need a chef, but he will pay her salary regardless. Marissa has no intention of taking his money for doing nothing. But she doesn't want to lose what could be a far better job than her previous employment, working as an underpaid and overworked fry cook at a fast-food joint in Texas. She is determined to win over Garrett with her scrumptious cooking.

This is my favorite book in this series. I love it when a romantic comedy is actually funny. I really like both Marissa and Garrett, and their interactions are highly entertaining. There are also several fun cameo appearances of Ashley and Caz, which serves as a lovely informal extended epilogue of them living out their HFN.

There is no sex in this story, but some of the kissing goes beyond G-rated slightly into PG territory. There is some underage drinking according to US standards, which is done by European characters who are used to the legal age for drinking being 16. There is also some cussing from one of Garrett's friends.
Profile Image for Vicki.
2,709 reviews112 followers
February 18, 2019
I read book one of this series back in December 2015, so I was a little iffy going into book 2 but it wasn't an issue at all.

Marissa is the MC who is a chef that gets offered a very unusual opportunity: to be the chef for the "hot Scottish Garrett Campbell." Marissa is a hard worker and already has a job when she's offered to be Garrett's chef for the summer, so she's not too excited to take the job at first. One thing I loved about how she is with her cooking is her organization. She color codes things and she has a true passion for cooking, so it isn't "just a job."

Garrett is, as one would imagine, a womanizer like many celebrities. When Marissa joins a TV contest, Garrett jumps right in to help out.

The story was cute and I had some pretty laughs throughout.
Profile Image for Aimee.
761 reviews62 followers
September 6, 2017
I'll admit, I forgot all about Marissa after reading the first book. She was the girl that barely had any face time in the first book, The Accidental Movie Star. I saw this book, The Accidental TV Star and did a double take. I read the first book last summer and I really loved it. I finished it and have even reread it a few times, as it's a great book to read when you have time to sit and drink a cup of coffee while visiting characters you love. The second book was not a disapointment whatsoever.

I saw this in my recommendation and thought, "Hey! I bet.... Yup! This is by the same author." Ms. Evans, I apologize that I didn't recognize your name right away. I won't make that mistake a second time. I was so excited when I came across this and bought it instantly (don't you love technology?). And as I first started reading, it slowly came back to me. "That's right! Ash's friend from the first book, with the crazy food experiments." And let me tell you, this book had me hooked in no time, same as the first.

Ms. Evans, I really hope you continue more with these books. I really enjoyed the second book and I'm really glad that it happened to show up in my recommendations as I would have been sorely upset to have missed this little gem for a few years before realizing what a dope I was to have missed it.

This is a feel good romantic comedy. The good stuff. It's worth the money I spend on it and more.
Profile Image for Nidhi Bhatt.
604 reviews50 followers
February 1, 2016
A sweet silly story which was real fun to read!

Garrett is a Scottish Hollywood star who hires Marissa as his chef for summer in LA. Here she gets into a cooking contest reality show where she gets chosen as a contestant when another contestant walks out.
Profile Image for Muse-ic ♬.
460 reviews112 followers
October 27, 2015


So a 3.5 for this one! It's fun but, like the last one, I still feel like there is something missing!

Quick summary: Marissa works at the Fry Hut in Texas as a cook. Marissa loves to cook. Previously, her best friend Ashley (main character of the last book) offered her a job as a personal chef for the famous Scottish actor Garrett Campbell. Even though Marissa is absolutely in love with Garrett, she declines. However, when her snotty boss Irina fires her, she accepts Ashley's offer. Ashley also offers her a cooking class at the same time, but somehow Marissa ends up on a cooking show competition with her cooking idol, Sarah Sims, all while cooking for Garrett (who only hired her to help mend the rift between him and Caz that happened in the last book because of a stupid reporter....at first). Marissa is an amazing cook.


I sensed some minor gaps in the story line that left me like Did I just miss something?

First off, I like Garrett more than Caz (love interest from the last book). I feel like Garrett appreciates Marissa more and is more friends with her, so the jump into a relationship wasn't as big. It still had a somewhat instalove feel because the relationship progressed so fast and because Marissa was so calm about being in the presence of her favorite movie star. I am also having trouble imagining Garrett. How old is he? Honestly I can't imagine this hot Scottish actor parading around in a kilt most of the time :P Maybe something like this but younger and minus the sword?



But anyways, I love Garrett's sense of humor too!

Favorite quote: "To men, shiny must equal success."

This book has really long chapters! There are only about nine chapters plus a dialogue.

Marissa is a great character. She is very passionate about cooking and she cares about her family. What I didn't really like was how fast her relationship with Garrett progresses. He did ask her out several times and she did say no because she couldn't, but the way she constantly flirted with him was unrealistic. Not the fact that she was flirting, but the fact that she was such a pro at it! It made no sense. She kept on saying how she was freaking out on the inside, she was so fangirly..etc. So how did she manage to be so smooth? The guy is her favorite movie star, why isn't she a puddle at his feet? That didn't really strike me as genuine.

Also this book uses the acronym 'OMG' several times too many.

Marissa's mom was worried about her going to Hollywood and was always giving her tips. One of them was the hopefully common sense tip to never leave your drink anywhere, or if you do, not to drink it. Ironic that she ended up drinking water that had muscle relaxer in it because that stupid reporter Karla Quintos put it in there to get information. I don't blame Marissa because she didn't leave her drink. She was responsible, she just didn't notice when Karla snuck in the relaxer. Luckily Marissa ran to Garrett for help.

This stupid reporter Karla is the reason Caz and Garrett had issues last book because she tricked Garrett into revealing personal information about Caz's family. She is such a b****(I try to avoid profanity if I can). She made me so mad. She is one of those characters you want to punch so hard but unfortunately can't.



Garrett has two star friends. Their names are Max and Sax. Max is the next book's love interest and Sax is the love interest in the one after.

So this cooking show that Marissa is on is called the Scoop Out because one contestant gets "Scooped out" until there is a winner. Each person that leaves gets a doggie bag to take home, so while they are leaving, it's a tradition for the remaining contestants to bark at them. It was funny but at the same time it's like seriously?
At one point, an old woman was scooped, but she wasn't too happy about it. So Grandma sort of went ninja and chopped of the long blond hair of Sarah Sims' daughter who is her assistant on the show. Grandma ninja!

There wasn't any closure with Marissa's ex-boyfriend, Evan. He kept calling her saying he wanted her back, but she just kind of ignored him.

I enjoyed the wedding scene in Scotland. I liked the image of everyone in traditional dress.

I will also add that Marissa's passion for cooking and the way she describes food and cooking sounds so delicious and makes me want to cook!



'Scuse me while I go bake something!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kami Dodson-Perry.
721 reviews24 followers
September 11, 2016
Marissa & Garrett

Garratt is a movie star. Marissa has Garrett's poster in her room.

Garrett is Scottish and likes to wear a kilt. Marissa also has Garrett's picture as her cellphone screen saver.

Garrett likes to eat. Marissa is an up-in-coming chef who loves to cook & had Garrett's picture in her locker in high school.

Garrett is BFF with Caz who is dating Ashley who is Marissa's BFF. Confused, don't be. Actually this is a cute and sweet story.

Marissa's future plans are to continue to work hard at the Fry Hut during the summer to earn enough money for her college tuition in Texas. Ashley arranged for her to visit Caz and her in California for a week over the summer & has a possible job for her to stay the entire summer. Marissa holds tight to her plans until the Fry Hut manager derails them and she accepts the job in California. She will be cooking for her MOVIE CRUSH, Garrett.

Garrett owes Caz a favor for spilling the information about his family situation to a reporter. Garrett was talking to a friend, perhaps girlfriend and the info went public. Garrett hears that Ashley wants her friend Marissa to stay the entire summer but she needs a job so Garrett makes one up for her.

Upon Marissa's arrival Garrett explains this information to her and she doesn't care because she is determined to be Garrett's personal chef. After eating Marissa's tasty food Garrett finds out he likes having a personal chef and he really likes Marissa.

Ashley's dad sets up Marissa with a cooking class and it has some interesting positive consequences, landing her as a cooking contestant on SCOOPED OUT. A cooking competition reality show.

As time progresses so does Garrett's feelings for Marissa. But Marissa is reluctant being that Garrett is her boss and anything they might start would have to end at the end of the summer. Marissa gives in a bit on her feelings for Garrett and they become good friends.

After the finale of Scooped Out and a winner is chosen, Marissa's wishes to move California and continue a relationship with Garrett while attending college gets snubbed out.

But the studio has some information for Marissa that could change her future forever. The question is will Marissa take a chance on her future and pick the safe path or will she gamble and maybe get everything she wants.

I liked the slowness of the formation of Garrett's and Marissa's relationship. I like how they became friends through her time with Garrett before any romance really started. This is not a HOT & STEAMY romance it is clearly PG13 just as The Accidental Movie Star (Book #1) was.

Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Profile Image for Snigdha Prakash.
883 reviews91 followers
August 9, 2014
3.5...
The Accidental TV Star is a decent enough book with decent characters.
The book travels around the female protagonist- Marissa. She aspires to become a cook but due to certain family and some other circumstances that tie her down to her place.
With a twist of fate and a chance opportunity she lands a chance to be on tv and she starts with a bang!
Enter Garrett. The sexy, hot, rich film star. He is sweet and is not overly present in the book but gives a nice feel to it with his presence.
The book is simple and moves at its own pace with a straight storyline. It has a sweet taste to it (pun intended) and is a fun read while it lasts.
The characters are good enough that you'll immediately like them but not so monumental that they'll leave a long lasting impression on you.
The downer would be that the chemistry, though, it was there.. the book ended a lot before it could turn into the meaningful stuff that I would've loved to see.
Other than that..great effort.
Profile Image for Maan.
540 reviews35 followers
November 15, 2013
There's just something about celebrities-falling-for-ordinary-girls kind of books that capture my attention. And this was no exception.
This book was fun to read while it lasts. I think this was even better than the first book, which was the story of Marissa's bestfriend Ashley and Garrett's bestfriend Caz. Usually, I hate books that have sequels which involve the story of the protagonist' bestfriend ending up with the other protagonist's bestfriend. I think in real life that would be just too coincidental. And unrealistic.
But this book, I like. I did not mind it. But even though the story was cute, I still think Emily Evans need to expand more on her writing skills. She does not convey much emotions from the characters and doesn't describe the settings well. Sometimes I have to imagine it by my own just to get on with the story.
Profile Image for Christine Danielle .
227 reviews125 followers
March 12, 2014
The Accidental Tv Star

Plot: 4
Characters: 5
Cover: 2


“Quit your job. I’ve found you a better one. Here. In Hollywood. Garrett Campbell needs a personal chef—the Garrett Campbell. Call me back.”

REVIEW:

This book made me really hungry while reading it.

I loved the fact that it mixes food with romance since those two make the perfect combination ever.

The characters were great and I loved the fact that the female protagonist had some doubts along the way since it made her seem more human since a lot of books make their characters appear perfect.

All in all it was a great nothing too emotional and would be perfect for a lazy day.
Profile Image for Jessica.
136 reviews6 followers
March 17, 2013
If you read The Accidental Movie Star, then you'll recognize Marissa and Garret. I really liked this book. Marissa just rolled with things really well, and she had a great sense of humor. And Garret was totally swoon-worthy with his sexy accent. There was definitely a lot to laugh at throughout the book too. I see the potential for a couple other books with some side characters in this one too, so I will be on the look out!
Profile Image for Melissa.
187 reviews
March 27, 2013
A very cute book.
I just finished The Accidental Movie Star before reading this one and though they are both good I liked The Accidental TV Star more.
I just liked Marissa and Garret that little more, they are fun characters and we went in at the beginning with an idea of who they were and curiosity how it would turn out (and helps that it was in 1st person :) )
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,864 reviews9 followers
July 30, 2013
I love these books. The way she stumbled into the TV show was a little harder to believe and the chemstry wasn't as sparky as Cas and Ash but I still enjoyed the whole thing. The speed read and my willingness to sacrifice sleep last night to read it just goes to show. Lots of fun especially if you read the first and liked it.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,374 reviews25 followers
September 30, 2013
Though this book is clean, it suggests that premarital sex is the norm and I like characters with more moral fiber than that. It never describes more than kissing and I loved the moms advice of never give the milk away for free. It was a fun story I enjoyed and would have given it more stars, but...
Profile Image for Isla.
15 reviews
July 6, 2014
I loved this book. My only hope is for a sequel. This book was one that kept my attention through the story of Garrett and Marisa. It can get quite unrealistic so don't expect a real life situation. But hey, anything can happen, right? :) If you're undecided about reading this book, go ahead and do so. It's worth the read and I will definitly be checking out the rest of Evans books.
Profile Image for Cae.
407 reviews
April 17, 2013
It's nicer than TAMS, but mostly because it's all about food which got my mouth watering half the time I'm reading it. I can feel G and M's chemistry, unlike Ash and Caz's. And the poster thing was :">
Profile Image for Ying Yuvejwattana.
408 reviews15 followers
March 7, 2016
4 Movie Star Romance

I love the first book more. But this one is not bad at all. Pls don't expect it to be rational with solid plot. This is just a fun, light read when you want to have a good time in la-la land where a normal girl can catch the heart of hot superstar ;-)
Profile Image for Fly To The Sky.
139 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2013
I love this book. It is a great follow up the Accidental Movie Star. Can't wait to read more by this author.
Profile Image for Emma.
251 reviews
April 9, 2013
This starts out with a girl becoming a personal chef for a tv star... which leads to a cooking show... and ends in romance. If you have a day to waste, go read this book!
Profile Image for Missy.
918 reviews20 followers
April 12, 2013
Another awesome story written with such humor & still manages to add 2 people falling love. Was such a joy to read.
Profile Image for Patty.
55 reviews
April 29, 2013
This is a cute funny book. Great PG read.
Profile Image for Nicole Moser.
127 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2013
I loved this book so much! I really liked Garrett and Marissa! I thought they were a really cute couple and I really enjoyed reading this book.
Profile Image for Lorena Haro.
153 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2013
I thoought i love Cas, but ahh now we know Garrett a little more, and i dont know who i love more,if Cas, Garrett, Marissa or Ashley..
Great series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews

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