The Private Chef

by Samantha Verant

The job of her dreams… the family of her nightmares.

When Julia Fouquet lands a job as a private cook for a wealthy family in Malibu, she thinks she’s living the dream.

But her new employer, Erica Drake, is far from the glamorous star Julia expected. Her moods range from fawning to furious in an instant and most mornings start with a glass or two of rosé. Her erratic behaviour soon makes Julia wish she’d never set foot in their expansive, beach-side home.

As the family’s secrets bubble to the surface, Julia must keep a cool head. She’s a chef, after all. Pressure comes with the job. And she’s worked hard to get so close to the picture-perfect Drakes. If they figure out her secret now, her carefully laid plans will go up in flames…

A gripping and utterly compulsive read that will have you racing toward the last dramatic page. Fans of The Housemaid, The Perfect Marriage and anything by Lisa Jewell will be up all night reading The Private Chef.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Psychological Thriller

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2024

About the author

Samantha Vérant is a travel addict, a self-professed oenophile, and a determined, if occasionally unconventional, at-home French chef. Over the years, she’s visited many different countries, lived in many places, and worked many jobs— always on the search for the one thing that truly excited her. Then, one day, she found everything she’s been looking for: a passion for the written word and true love. Writing not only enabled her to open her heart, it led her to southwestern France, where she’s now married to a sexy French rocket scientist she met over twenty years ago, a stepmom to two incredible kids, and the adoptive mother to one ridiculously adorable Charteux cat. When she’s not trekking from Provence to the Pyrénées, tasting wine in American-sized glasses, or embracing her inner Julia Child while deliberating what constitutes the perfect boeuf bourguignon, Samantha is making her best effort to relearn those dreaded conjugations.

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first discovered Samantha Verant's work in June of this year, and I was immediately drawn to her writing style. This book was just as good as the last!

"The Private Chef" is a captivating tale that weaves together revenge, deception, and intrigue into a compelling narrative. The author skillfully manipulates the characters, turning them into pawns in a high-stakes game of deceit. The dual perspective intensifies the story, keeping the reader thoroughly engrossed. The characters are well-developed, the premise is intriguing, and the unexpected plot twists kept me eagerly turning the pages from start to finish. While I managed to unravel some of the mystery, the book remained a twisty and engaging read. The final chapters provided a perfect conclusion to this gripping story, serving as the icing on the cake.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good, twisty thriller. This one will keep you on your toes and guessing til the very last page. A solid four stars. ✨🔪

Many thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with this ARC. I devoured this one!

Pub Date: Oct 17, 2024. Add this to your TBRs and snag a copy at your local bookstore.

[Kate Cedras · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high expectations going into this as I loved the book “The Lucky Widow” by the same author.

This book just didn’t do it for me. It felt long winded, all over the place, the characters were all obnoxious, and the plot honestly made zero sense. The twists were twisty but when the story is entirely unbelievable and/or you can’t imagine people being so dumb - it just falls flat.

Totally wasn’t for me- I did hold out and read until the end hoping it’d somehow get better.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Kay Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic thriller. Twists, suspense, tension. The mystery was riveting. I loved the two point of views; they helped ramp up the tension and suspense. Right away, I was hooked with how odd this situation was, and things only increased, which had me on the edge of my seat.

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book by Samantha Verant. I read The Lucky Widow as an ARC and I thought there was no way she’d be able to beat that story or even something as good as that story, but SHE DID IT AGAIN!

This story had me addicted from the very first chapter & I did not want to put it down! I had a feeling I knew where this story was going to go, but there were still a few twists that I was shocked at! Verant knows how to write a super twisty, intense, drama filled story with some psychotic characters! There were times I wanted to shake Julia for her to see the light, that’s all I’ll say about that, but when everything finally was revealed it was like a weight was lifted from my shoulders! Verant will be an automatic read for me from now on! I absolutely love her work & will be recommending her books to everyone I can!!

If you want a twisty, drama filled, drama with rich people, a lot of food puns & jokes, and toxic/manipulative relationships then this is the story for you! And if you haven’t read The Lucky Widow? What are you waiting for?! It’s a fantastic read as well!!

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, Julia lands her dream job cooking for the glamorous Drake family in Malibu, but it quickly turns dark. With her erratic employer and family secrets unraveling, Julia must keep her own hidden agenda under wraps. Suspenseful and full of drama, it’s a captivating tale of secrets simmering beneath the surface.

Would recommend. Thank you to Samantha Vérant, NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a "chef's kiss" of a novel, it had everything you could expect of a psychological thriller. Unreliable characters, secrets and feelings of distrust and plenty of red herrings throughout. I found myself tied up in knots trying to work out who was telling the truth and who was lying. I loved it I could definitely imagine it as a mini series on TV

[Aaliya xx · Rating 3 out of 5]

Character: 6
Setting & Atmosphere: 6
Plot & Structure: 6.25
Style & Language: 7
Themes & Motifs: 6.25
Narrative Perspective: 6
Reading Experience: 7
Average Score: 6.36

Rating: 3/5

Goodreads Rating | Score Threshold
1 | 3.00
2 | 6.00
3 | 7.50
4 | 9.00
5 | 10.00

[Lisa Aiello · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is full of hidden agendas and extraordinarily consummate liars. It's hard to tell who is playing who and what their motivations are. There is a complex web of deceit to unravel and it is mind-blowing how deep the lies go. Left is right, up is down and it just gets more complex as things begin to unspool. The characters are untrustworthy and pretty unlikeable as their stories unfold. Truly a delicious guilty pleasure!

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author cooked us a delicious dish with some interesting ingredients.

When you mix revenge, lies and deceit, sprinkle them with jealousy and greed you end up with a big dish of victims. Don't forget to use a few people to spice it all up a bit, to be sure you get what you want and tata,  you win the big prize you have always been after. 

This story started in the slow cooker, but once the heat was turned up, it became an erupting volcano. 

If you don't know who to trust, picking the person you have not caught red handed, might be the best choice...

A very enjoyable read with great characters and premise. I love it when the 'good ones' can live their dreams in the end, but they have had to suffer a lot too before they got there. 4 stars

Thank you

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Fouquet, a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef from France, was hired by Erica and David Drake, a celebrity couple in LA, to be their private chef. Julia’s dream is to open a chain of French bakeries in SoCal. So to get her foot in the door in LA, she took the job as a private chef. Julia quickly learns that it is not what it seems. Erica feels, since she is paying and compensating Julia well, that Julia will do as she says despite what she is contracted to do. With Erica being demanding and David flirting and making Julia feel uncomfortable, will Julia be able to meet expectations and navigate their lives of lies and deception? Or will it catch up to her?

A slow-burn domestic thriller with wealthy, misbehaving characters, that quickly becomes a page-turner! The lies, the deceit, the secrets will keep you entertained and turning the pages. Just when you think you have figured it out, something else is revealed. I love how this author keeps you guessing until she shocks you with the truth! A must-read for those who enjoy a domestic thriller!

Thanks to Storm Publishing, I was provided an ARC of The Private Chef by Samantha Vérant via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟s. This book is everything.

This sort of book is right up my street and loved every single page of this book and honestly i didnt want it to end.

Loved the way it was written, the different point of views and the suspence In the full book had me reading all day and I didn't want to go to bed on the night as i wanted to stay up and read.. very tired mamma today. Ha.

Erica and Julia are perfect characters.
Erica however much I tried to figure her out I just couldn't which I loved so it kept her character mysterious .Loved there sass and just the way they carried themselves.

I will 100% be reading more of samanatha verant.

[SusanH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia is hired from France as a private chef for a Hollywood super couple, Erica and David Drake. She envisions this job as a stepping stone to her dream of opening a series of French bakeries. Although the beginning of the book feels a bit disjointed, it explodes into a captivating and twisted story where it’s hard to know whom to believe. Everyone has secrets, and the characters are all lying and deceitful. The author ratchets up the danger and suspense, and you will be hanging on to every word. With thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

[Jennifer Bendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a book. I loved the unique plot and the characters. At first glance it seems very clear what’s going on. As the story goes on, you start wondering who’s lying and who’s hiding what? I really enjoyed getting Erica and Julia’s points of view. I loved Erica’s character. The deviousness in this book kept me hooked. My only complaint was that some parts felt dragged out. If some of the middle was sped up and the ending was cut down it would have been perfect. The very end made the book. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

[Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Private Chef was an intense read full of lovely cooking, betrayals and lies. It’s a quick read that flows easily. When Julia gets a job as a private chef she’s thrown into the job, but she has a secret. Her new boss Erica is an actress who likes everything to be her way, wants to plot a plan. Really enjoyed this book, fast paced and loved the plot. The characters are easy to like with a dark side. A brillant 5 star read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

[Michelle Rai · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was decent. It started off very good I was immediately into it. The chapters leading to the end were a bit long winded, too much unnecessary details. BUT the ending was pretty good I guessed who was behind everything just not how it went down. The french in this book had me reading out loud and laughing at myself

Bon appétit J (Lol if you read it you will understand)

[Antonia Mancinelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Private Chef is so much more than just a private cook. Let's introduce the character's : Julia Fouquet is the Le Cordon Bleu trained Chef.
Then we have the actress that hired her Erica Drake and her husband David Drake who is the writer and film maker as well as the director. Last but not least you will meet Madison and Tyler, they are the two children of David Drake.

Julia has been hired from Paris to come to California to be the private chef for Erica Drake and David when he is in town, along with the children. Julia will have her own quarters to live in, she will have weekends off, she will have a clothing allowance, and she will be making $170,000.00 a year and she will have access to a car. Not only will she have all of this ,but she has an ocean view and access to surf boards and a private beach.

When Julia gets there she is welcomed by Erica and she thought for sure she was drunk off her ass. She had a glass of wine in one hand and she was very disheveled. She was still in her pajamas and her hair was a mess and she was slurring her words. Once she was brought into the huge home Erica showed her around. She told her that she had access to everything downstairs, but everything upstairs was off limits to her. She showed her to the kitchen and then to the petty cash safe. She also showed her to the guest house which is where she would be living.

Erica, it would seem ran hot and cold to Julia. Erica, insisted, one evening, that they watch the movie Swerve of which she was being nominated for an Oscar. When they went to the screening room Julia couldn't believe how big it was. She turned around and it actually looked like an actual movie theater. The sound system was amazing and so was the screen.

After the movie was over Erica asked Julia what she thought of it and Julia kept her feelings together and told her it was a really good movie.
When Julia got back to her room she let it out, she couldn't believe that they had made a movie about her parents and the way they had lived and then died. How could Erica let her sit through that movie. No, it's true she has no idea who she really is, or does she? Was that movie really about her parents and if so what did that sick bastard do to her parents? Julia knew that's what David did he would make things happen just so he could make a movie based on truth!

This book is fabulous!!! I loved it and it was nothing that I thought it was going to be, it was such a fun read! Thank you for the twisted ride Samantha Verant!
Happy Readiing!!

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read anything like this one before but when I was gifted this book I couldn't say no. This book was amazing it had everything that I love in a story and I found it very hard to put it down. This is a duel perspective book based on our two main characters Julia, a private chef who has been hired to work as a private chef at a mansion in Malibu, and then Erica the ex actress and owner of the house. It becomes clear early on that something isn't quite right with Erica and the way everyone ignores it makes for an eerie premise. However what is really going on with Erica will really change everything the reader thinks. This book was the kind that was made for a movie. The suspense that was felt from the very beginning of the story was quite intense and I loved I would just got more so as the book progressed. With so many red herrings this book will really keep you on you toes. I love trying to figure out who was telling the truth and who was lying as well as trying to get to the bottom of everything. Once this book was opened I found it impossible to put down as the character growth but mostly the plot really dug its grip into me and I couldn't let go. This was unlike anything I've ever read before and anything I ever will read. I'm so glad that I got the chance to read this early. With thrillers and mysteries all combined into one book along with characters that you will love it's hard to see how anyone will dislike this book. This book has everything secrets, manipulation and turmoil all hidden behind locked doors. My favorite character really had to be Erica I really felt for her as a reader and I was desperate to see what she was hiding. I kept changing my mind on if she was good or bad however either way I loved how she was written. This is the kind of story where even if if the characters are bad you still like them because of how they are portrayed by the author. The ending had me floored and I loved every minute of it. I can't wait to see this book hit shelves and I'm so excited to say that I read it first.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samantha Vérant has cooked up a tantalizing thriller with The Private Chef, blending deception, intrigue, and revenge into a dish that’s impossible to resist!

The story follows Julia Fouquet, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef from France, who takes on the role of private chef for Hollywood power couple Erica and David Drake. What seems like a dream job quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Erica is demanding and controlling, while David’s flirtatious behavior creates an uncomfortable dynamic. As Julia tries to maintain her professionalism, she soon discovers that beneath the glamorous surface lies a web of secrets, lies, and power struggles.

The slow burn of this domestic thriller turns up the heat with every chapter, building tension until it boils over. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, another twist throws you off balance, keeping you guessing until the very last page. The character development is fantastic—Julia’s journey from hopeful chef to someone navigating a world of lies and manipulation had me rooting for her from start to finish. Erica, with her entitlement, and David, with his unsettling charm, are the perfect antagonists in this high-stakes game.

Vérant masterfully balances the intrigue with the personal, giving us a heroine we want to see succeed against all odds. The pacing is sharp, and once the story hits its stride, it’s impossible to put down. By the time the final twist is revealed, you’re left both shocked and satisfied.

The Private Chef is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a gripping domestic thriller filled with wealthy, misbehaving characters and a plot that keeps you on your toes. I devoured this one and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a juicy, twisty read!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. A solid four stars!

[Mamadukes · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say, ‘there are two sides to every pancake’ and Samantha Verant makes a whole batch of them in THE PRIVATE CHEF. I just kept thinking I’d read one more chapter but had to keep going to wait for the flip.

When Julia Fouquet arrives in Malibu to work at Hummingbird House for the Drake family, she can’t believe how lucky she is. But when she meets Erica, the lady of the house, her feelings of luck begin to change to feelings of dread. Erica, a.k.a. Lushica, begins each day with a glass of wine or two and is currently up for an Academy award for best actress in a film directed by her husband, David. But Julia has reasons for being there and Erica has her own agenda as to why she even hired Julia. Throw in Erica‘s son Tyler and David’s daughter Madison and the sprawling house is bursting at the seams.

What is Erica trying to do as she seems to push David on Julia? Shouldn’t Julia be angry at David for cashing in on her parents’ deaths with the movie Swerved? Is she here for revenge? As Erica prepares for her big night, Julia stays behind the scenes as much as possible but begins to work with Madison and Tyler to find out what is really going on in the home. And the consequences could be deadly to any of them. Throw in a surfer dude with an axe to grind and you have the makings of a spicey dish.

I really enjoyed this book. The writing was clear and concise which led to a very enjoyable read. I believe that I have enjoyed a Samantha Verant novel previously so this was not a big surprise. She will be a name I keep at the top of my author list going forward.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

[janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an unknown author to me, but one I will definitely looking out for in the future!

If you are after a thriller that is full of suspense, twists, turns, and a lot of tension, look no further.

This book seriously had me hooked, yes, it's a bit (a lot) far fetched in places and not at all relatable (if only), I could not put it down and read it in one sitting. It was the definition of captivating.

Told from dual POVs, Julia Fouquet lands her dream job as the private in house chef of the well known Drake family. Whilst the job may be her dream, dealing with the erratic, unstable family isn't what she signed up for.

As Julia starts to settle in to her new role, she realises that there is something slowly simmering away within the family, everyone seems to be hiding something, lies are constantly told and things begin to turn dark.

Erica becomes more and more unpredictable, whilst her husband David, when he is at home, tries to turn on the flirtatious charm with Julia, making her increasingly uncomfortable.

When things take a turn and Julia is asked to be part of a hidden agenda, she needs to make a decision and fast before everything she has planned unravels *no spoilers*.

Whilst the characters may not be relatable, they are extremely well executed and thoroughly enjoyable to read. You never know who to believe or trust, which makes you constantly change who you are rooting for, bringing the characters to life even more so.

A tale of revenge, intrigue and full on deception, get yourself comfy, shut out the world, and enjoy the ride.

4.5 rounded to 5,
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Storm Publishing via NetGalley.

In this book, readers are transported to the sunny, exclusive world of Malibu where Julia Fouquet begins her dream job as a private chef for the wealthy and enigmatic Drake family. What starts as a coveted opportunity quickly spirals into a tense, unpredictable environment, thanks to Erica Drake, whose mercurial moods and wine-soaked mornings unsettle Julia from the start. But beneath the veneer of the Drakes’ picture-perfect lifestyle, dark secrets simmer, and Julia must tread carefully to protect her hidden motives.

While the premise promises a deliciously twisted tale of ambition and betrayal, the execution falls short. The story, while layered with potential for suspense and intrigue, often feels overly complex and disjointed. The characters lack depth, with many coming across as frustratingly obnoxious or irrational. Erica’s erratic behavior, instead of being intriguing, can feel exaggerated to the point of disbelief.

The plot twists, though plentiful, fail to deliver the shock value they seem to aim for, feeling predictable and uninspired. The pacing drags at times, making it hard for readers to stay invested, and the narrative’s lack of cohesion can lead to confusion, prompting a need to backtrack through the pages. The ending, anticipated as a grand reveal, disappoints with its predictability and lack of surprise.

[Ashley Gillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up.

Julia thinks she’s found her dream job working as a private chef for two of Hollywood’s biggest stars. It’s a chance to return to the land of her birth and work toward opening her own restaurant. But there’s something weird about her new bosses. Their strange behavior sets her on edge immediately. But Julia also has secrets, and she’ll do anything to keep them safe.

The book is told from alternating POVs: Julia’s and Erica’s, the actress Julia works for. Very occasionally David, Erica’s husband, and Julia’s other boss, narrates a chapter.

This book definitely ranks high when it comes to tension and suspense right from the beginning- which really had me hooked, trying to put pieces together. The story starts ramping up pretty quickly, so there’s not really any lag time waiting to dig into the story, which is great.

But my only complaint is that the twists are fairly obvious as the story develops. There are some pretty major hints dropped throughout the book. I mean, there’s some storylines that kind of try to muddy the water a little bit, but the author doesn’t really go anywhere with them and sticks with the more obvious twists we’ve seen before.

I mean, I still read until the end to see exactly what happened, but it did, in fact turn out the way I thought it would.

So, it’s not that I didn’t like the book, it’s that it doesn’t exactly deliver on its promise to blow your mind with a shocking twist.

[Eva Edge · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Private Chef by Samantha Verant it's a gripping thriller full of questions and manipulations.
This book took me straight away. it was so easy to connect with the book and characters. I was invested in the storyline and was amazing to find out everyone's motives to understand their actions.
Many moments made me guess who was behind the actions and most of the time I was happy with it.
I am not sure how I feel about the ending, it kind of didn't work for me. There was potential to do a crazy twist that would leave readers with an open mouth!
In general, this was really yummy thriller served with secrets and lies, jealousy and revenge seasoned with some twists.
And that cover! So stunning!

Julia is ready to serve her best meal! She has great ideas but unfortunately no game plan. But she has a perfect set of kitchen knives so probably this is a good start!
Oscar-nominated actress Erica is ready for the biggest performance in her career. She has all the necessary ingredients ready all she needs is a perfect private chef - Julia!
Film director and Erica's husband David is ready to eat anything that Julia will serve, looks like he can enjoy anything and everything minus Erica!
Everyone has something to hide so they will use their secret ingredients to get perfection...

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this copy!

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the arc of this book.
Wild, exciting, entertaining and definitely a page turner of a psychological thriller.
Who can you trust, David the screenwriting husband, Erica the psychotic Oscar winning actress his wife or even the kids in this fast paced, twisting and turning thriller.
Honestly, this book had me guessing all the way, with so many turns and twists I felt as if I had whiplash - in a good way. I enjoy a book that keeps you guessing right to the very end.
I loved the characters even though Erica is a total nut job and David seemed a bit of a ladies man. The kids Madison and Tyler teenagers, were well grounded and down to earth kids considering their parents were so barmy.
The essence of the story is that apparently David is a method screenwriter, producer who uses real life situations for his thriller/murder projects and Julia our MMC has gone to work for them as their personal chef to uncover the truth behind her parent's death, which was made into a movie by David with Erica playing the mother.
Verant does an amazing job of having you hooked in the book from the characters all well developed to the engrossing plot. The end twist is spectacular.
Highly recommend this read. Now on to more Verant books.
Kerry Kennedy Author

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but I felt like it read like a YA book, as the characters and a lot of the events were just over the top. The story centers on Julia, who moves from France to Malibu, CA to be a private chef for a Hollywood power couple. Once she arrives, things immediately aren't as she expected and she gets pulled deeply into family dynamics. The chapters alternate from Julia's POV as well as that of Erica. Julia's employer.

The pacing of the book was really quick, with lots of twists (some predictable and some not). I felt like the characters changed their opinions frequently and both over- and under-reacted to various triggers, hence my "over the top" comment above. The characters weren't super believable and I had to suspend my disbelief at some of the things that occurred, but I did greatly enjoy the pacing of the book and the fact that it was fraught with tension throughout. I liked the ending, though there were a couple conclusions that I came to where I wasn't sure if the characters had gotten there or not. I did like all the recipes and references to delicious food!

Overall, interesting read but not a super realistic one. This would be a fantastic beach read. I give it 3.5 stars, rounded up. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giving this one four stars for clever plotting and the surprises that kept on coming. Julia's little cat Beurreboule (Butterball) was a delightful contrast to all the drama in the main house. I guess if you agree to cook for an academy award nominated actress, you can expect a boatload of drama. The fact that Julia was a Paris-trained chef also made for lots of delicious food in the equation. Croissants, anyone? Yes, please. I also loved the incorporating of music into the story line like a soundtrack. I don't know about you, but I find songs popping into my head that are cued by a phrase, experience, or memory. A fun addition for this music lover.

What did not work for me as well was the writing. There was a bit too much "stomping" and "screaming" throughout. And Beurreboule was forever "snaking" around the legs of the characters. Some verbs were a bit overused. The author has another book out called The Lucky Widow that I may decide to read.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. Happy Publication Week!

[Sharon Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me say that I read and loved “The Lucky Widow” by this author and couldn’t wait to read her next book. In this book, Julia Fouquet was hired by a wealthy couple, Erica and David Drake, to be their personal chef. Her expectations were high as she returned from France to accept the job. From the moment she landed, things became unpredictable, less structured and not quite what she was expecting. Erica is a movie actress who seems friendly then almost hostile, while her husband, a movie producer was flirtatious which made her uncomfortable. She began to wonder if this “perfect” job wasn’t going to be quite so perfect. There is so much more going on that keeps Julia wondering what to watch out for next. Erica is texting with someone who she calls moonbeam, texts that disappear once they are read. Erica is planning on winning the Oscar for her most recent movie and is already preparing her speech. Julia has her own agenda as well, so don’t get comfortable as there is another twist right around the corner. The author had a way of catching this reader off guard and throwing in another layer that I didn’t see coming. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samantha Vérant's The Private Chef is a dual perspective thrillery book filled to the brim with betrayal, deceit and revenge. Characters caused me to roll my eyes in frustration but I settled in and enjoyed the escapist ride, including the surprising ending.

In upper-crust Malibu, appearances are everything. Julia Fouquet from Paris is lured by big money and perks to be the private chef for Erica and David Drake. But it doesn't take long to realize even her paid private accommodation and gorgeous chef's kitchen doesn't compensate for Erica's moodiness and odd requests. The couple isn't the most loving and the household is on tenterhooks. Julia has a past, too, and isn't above cooking up lies. Wealth and name dropping is a sport.

I really liked the writing and chef slant. Though very happy not to be immersed in the lifestyle of the rich and famous, it is interesting (and sad) at times to read about the lengths others go to in pursuit of materialism and knowing the right people.

My sincere thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this engrossing novel.

[Suzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay, but felt too long in the end. I saw all the twists coming (not a problem for me, but this felt like it went out of its way to trick you, but had the opposite effect in just highlighting the clues so they became too glaringly obvious to ignore in the end).

Things I liked/ dislike :
✅The songs that Julia says reminds her of her dad remind me of my dad too.
⭕That was until there was a song title and artist crowbarred into every other sentence and it lost the cute novelty and became more like one of those people who feel they have to prove they're a fan of the band on their t-shirt by telling you 300 songs they know.
⭕Waaaaay too many epithets for says. They just felt jarring in the end. One or two here and there are fine, but says or even no explanation of who is talking is usually the best way to go. Literally everyone was shrieking and screaming and blurting all.the.time. Gave me a headache.
⭕Alex Cruz is a professional therapist trained to work with delicate cases that involve victims of crimes and she revels in revealing that someone was "flambéed"??? Like wut? She needs striking off immediately.

[Tara Mallikage · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Private Chef by Samantha Verant is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Julia, a French chef who lands her dream job cooking for Hollywood power couple, actress Erica Drake and director David Drake, at their luxurious Malibu estate, Hummingbird House. But beneath the glamorous exterior, Julia senses something is off. Her gut instinct warns her that not everything is as perfect as it seems, and as the story unfolds, secrets, hidden agendas, and revenge plots begin to surface.

I absolutely loved how the story kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The twists were unpredictable, and the suspense was perfectly maintained throughout, leading to a jaw-dropping plot twist. Beyond the thrill, the novel also delves into deeper themes like the impact of childhood trauma and the search for identity, both biological and emotional offering a reflection on how we find and connect with our true “soul tribe.”

Samantha Verant did an incredible job crafting a mind-bending narrative, making this one of her best works yet. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, The Private Chef is a must-read!