The Chef's Christmas Charade

by L.M. Bennett

Rhodes Jenkins just lost everything—job, home, car—and desperation leads her to post a Rent-A-Stud ad.

Enter Diane wealthy, icy, and in need of a fake holiday partner to save face post-divorce. It's Rhodes needs money, and Diane needs not to look pitiful in front of her ex-wife, Dorian, who has moved on. The gig pays well. The only problem?

Diane's daughter, Taleah. Charming, complicated, and exactly the kind of real Rhodes wasn’t prepared for. When fake feelings start to feel real, Rhodes must decide how much of herself she’s willing to risk.

Genres: Lesbian

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2025

Reviews

[Ebony Essence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhodes story was enjoyable and for most of us relatable. Some of us know what’s it’s like to not be sure where our life is going, rent due, next meal is coming from and etc. Rhodes was down on her luck and she never gave up. One thing for sure her passion for food was so pure and full of love in the book. I want to try her food.

We see how she hustles and get a look at a different social class of people. How they live, people they converse with and more. Rhodes handled herself well. Baby the tension that Bennett built between Rhodes and Taleah was hot. I love how they moved through the story. Which made for a beautiful ending.

[taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhodes, a down on her luck chef, posts a rent-a-stud ad and Diane, a wealthy divorcee answers that ad. Loved the characters and the story. I was not ready for the romance that ensued but hell yeah, I’m here for it.

[Donna J. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read! I thoroughly enjoyed the navigation through class, culture, expectations from others and finding your joy. This book has all the elements that make for a great story: humor, tension, passion and honesty. I will definitely return to this book and to its host of characters again and again.