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Delectable #6
12 Courses
Thom Kennedy Leyton returns to San Francisco to take up the reins of Graze, one of the city’s best restaurants, years after he lost his job when his innovative new set of recipes was stolen. Thom’s loss of self-esteem eventually caused his boyfriend, Blake Warner, to end their relationship, sending Thom into a deep depression.
Now, cured of fifty excess pounds and any attraction to Blake, Thom’s back in town. Blake catches him off guard when he visits Graze several days in a row, and Thom lets himself get caught up in Blake’s allure, despite knowing better.
Thom juggles a renewed relationship with Blake, a Christmas visit from his parents, and an important holiday menu based on a Twelve Days of Christmas theme. When an old acquaintance reveals that Blake knows more about the theft of the recipes than he lets on, Thom doesn’t know whom to trust. But the truth isn’t quite that simple, and Thom won’t be able to decide if Blake deserves a place in his life until he learns exactly what happened years ago.
Now, cured of fifty excess pounds and any attraction to Blake, Thom’s back in town. Blake catches him off guard when he visits Graze several days in a row, and Thom lets himself get caught up in Blake’s allure, despite knowing better.
Thom juggles a renewed relationship with Blake, a Christmas visit from his parents, and an important holiday menu based on a Twelve Days of Christmas theme. When an old acquaintance reveals that Blake knows more about the theft of the recipes than he lets on, Thom doesn’t know whom to trust. But the truth isn’t quite that simple, and Thom won’t be able to decide if Blake deserves a place in his life until he learns exactly what happened years ago.
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2015
2 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lynley
48 books234 followersEM Lynley writes gay erotic romance. She loves books where the hero gets the guy and the loving is 11 on a scale of 10. Her Precious Gems series is best described as “Indiana Jones meets Romancing the Stone”—only gayer. The Delectable series is Gay Romance with Taste.
A Rainbow Award winner and EPPIE finalist, EM has worked in high finance, high tech, and in the wine industry, though she'd rather be writing hot, romantic man-on-man action. She spent 10 years as an economist and financial analyst, including a year as a White House Staff Economist, but only because all the intern positions were filled. Tired of boring herself and others with dry business reports and articles, her creative muse is back and naughtier than ever. She has lived and worked in London, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., but the San Francisco Bay Area is home for now.
She is the author of Sex, Lies & Wedding Bells, the Precious Gems series from Dreamspinner Press, and the Rewriting History series starring a sexy jewel thief, among others. Her books are available in print and e-book from Amazon & other book distributors.
A Rainbow Award winner and EPPIE finalist, EM has worked in high finance, high tech, and in the wine industry, though she'd rather be writing hot, romantic man-on-man action. She spent 10 years as an economist and financial analyst, including a year as a White House Staff Economist, but only because all the intern positions were filled. Tired of boring herself and others with dry business reports and articles, her creative muse is back and naughtier than ever. She has lived and worked in London, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., but the San Francisco Bay Area is home for now.
She is the author of Sex, Lies & Wedding Bells, the Precious Gems series from Dreamspinner Press, and the Rewriting History series starring a sexy jewel thief, among others. Her books are available in print and e-book from Amazon & other book distributors.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 7, 2016
Meh. The main characters were pretty two-dimensional and the story seemed rushed. The book itself ended at about 81% with the remainder filled with info on other books.
February 14, 2016
4.5 Stars
EM Lynley has done it again. I love her Delectable series and this story story novella was stellar. I did take ½ star away because I didn't like the ending. In this story we had Thom who lost his first chef position when accused of stealing recipes when it was opposite. Blake was his boyfriend and was involved in the theft (in a way) you'll have to read the book to see what happens. For someone who's not a chef Ms. Lynley really comes up with some great recipes. I loved hearing about all the great recipes and how Thom was able to salvage his reputation. This was an excellent story centered around Christmas.
I was given this book to read by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
EM Lynley has done it again. I love her Delectable series and this story story novella was stellar. I did take ½ star away because I didn't like the ending. In this story we had Thom who lost his first chef position when accused of stealing recipes when it was opposite. Blake was his boyfriend and was involved in the theft (in a way) you'll have to read the book to see what happens. For someone who's not a chef Ms. Lynley really comes up with some great recipes. I loved hearing about all the great recipes and how Thom was able to salvage his reputation. This was an excellent story centered around Christmas.
I was given this book to read by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2016
12 Courses starts off with Thom making preparations for his debut in the culinary world in San Francisco…again. But what caught my heart and twisted it a little for Thom was when he drove to another restaurant, parked, and waited to catch a glimpse of someone from his past–and that someone was with another man. And although Thom made it a point not to be spotted as he drove away, Blake recognized him immediately. And it’s here that I got a look at what a lonely life Blake leads since he broke up with Thom.
For me, both of these men were likable. Both had their share of regrets for what happened ten years previously, and during that time, both had made progress in overcoming their mistakes from the past. I especially liked Blake since he took full blame for the break-up between him and Thom and did his best to make amends.
Because this is a short story, I really can’t say much without revealing too much more, but I will say this: I liked how the author didn’t rush the emotional, “Oh, I forgive you,” part of the story. There were no quick and easy fixes, and it was perfect how EM Lynley left it at a HFN ending, which I don’t mind as long as I get a follow-up on how Blake and Thom eventually work things out and get a more permanent HEA. ::hint hint::
I really liked everything about 12 Courses, right down to how the author labeled her chapters.
Reviewed by Kim for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
For me, both of these men were likable. Both had their share of regrets for what happened ten years previously, and during that time, both had made progress in overcoming their mistakes from the past. I especially liked Blake since he took full blame for the break-up between him and Thom and did his best to make amends.
Because this is a short story, I really can’t say much without revealing too much more, but I will say this: I liked how the author didn’t rush the emotional, “Oh, I forgive you,” part of the story. There were no quick and easy fixes, and it was perfect how EM Lynley left it at a HFN ending, which I don’t mind as long as I get a follow-up on how Blake and Thom eventually work things out and get a more permanent HEA. ::hint hint::
I really liked everything about 12 Courses, right down to how the author labeled her chapters.
Reviewed by Kim for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
December 29, 2015
I think what I like best about this story is it feels real. While the story ends with hope it doesn't rush to the HEA. Thom has worked to have faith in himself and he has to continue to be his own person. We get to see his emotional ups and downs Blake seems sort of narcissistic but you also get to see the caring man under the surface.
October 22, 2018
3.5 ⭐️
This book kept me wishing I kept the ingredients for half the dishes mentioned. It’s s good second chances book, but the ending is kind of left in limbo though the relationship is in a much more honest place. Wanted to smack Thom’s mom she sounds like she’d be like an annoying mosquito.
This book kept me wishing I kept the ingredients for half the dishes mentioned. It’s s good second chances book, but the ending is kind of left in limbo though the relationship is in a much more honest place. Wanted to smack Thom’s mom she sounds like she’d be like an annoying mosquito.
November 27, 2017
This was a nice second chances story. Thom went through a horrible experience in his past and he was determined to make his mark again as a chef. He and Blake had a lot of history between them and I thought he forgave Blake a bit too quickly. I was also shocked that he shared his new menu with him so easily. Blake should have come clean from the beginning and dealt with the consequences of his actions. So I liked that it ended hopefully with them still having to talk things out. Besides that, the description of the dishes sounded delicious and I would love to try that lobster grilled cheese. 3.5 stars
March 8, 2016
I’ve been following the Delectable series, and was quite pleased with the Christmas-y edition of this food centered series. Not only has the author cooked up a second chances story to break and remake hearts, but the food writing is well, delectable.
Poor Thom, never sure of himself, even during his culinary school days. He was a star of the school, but even then he wasn’t quite sure why the hottest guy with the amazing credentials and skills wanted him. And then when it ended badly, following a professional crash and burn of epic proportions, his confidence was rocked even further. At last taking the helm of a noted restaurant in one of the foodie capitals of America, he worries about a repeat of his disgrace. Having Blake walk back into his life is both thrilling and terrifying, and completely entwined with the food.
Thom was the more fully realized character for me, with one thing after another piled on him, from an insubordinate chef who needs a swift kick to parents who mean well but are just Too Much, plus enough in his past to make any man look over his shoulder twice. I wanted to cook him mac and cheese and tell him everything would be okay, right after I kicked his mother in the shins. Sweet guy that he is, he finds his balance and his balls, and let him take necessary risks in both his restaurant and his love life.
Blake would have been just as interesting without the overkill background (Harvard Law? Really?). Handsome and gifted in all areas except perhaps courage, we get to watch his guilty conscience torment him into doing the right thing, and then going overboard.
I’m not sure if it was the blurb or something early in the text (can’t find it now, but terrible blurb, don't read it, read the story) that took the impact out of a big revelation, but if it didn’t surprise me, it certainly surprised Thom, who was rattled right down to his bones. The author jerks him around so hard on the way to letting him find forgiveness in his heart, and Blake too, for needing it and earning it.
The romance progresses with food, both in the restaurants and what they feed each other. Thom’s concoctions for his tasting menu sound divine, and Blake’s lobster grilled cheese sandwiches are the new food of love. The sensuality of the food carries over into the bedroom. The sex was wrapped with body image. I could see what it was supposed to for the story, it just seemed tacked on and took away from the joy in the delicious things they were putting in each other’s mouths.
I was flicking pages eagerly, wanting to see how exactly they were going to launch this new chapter in their relationship, and then… Well, I have high hopes for them.
This was definitely a delectable romance, and I wish I could eat dinner (and peek at the chefs) at Graze.
Poor Thom, never sure of himself, even during his culinary school days. He was a star of the school, but even then he wasn’t quite sure why the hottest guy with the amazing credentials and skills wanted him. And then when it ended badly, following a professional crash and burn of epic proportions, his confidence was rocked even further. At last taking the helm of a noted restaurant in one of the foodie capitals of America, he worries about a repeat of his disgrace. Having Blake walk back into his life is both thrilling and terrifying, and completely entwined with the food.
Thom was the more fully realized character for me, with one thing after another piled on him, from an insubordinate chef who needs a swift kick to parents who mean well but are just Too Much, plus enough in his past to make any man look over his shoulder twice. I wanted to cook him mac and cheese and tell him everything would be okay, right after I kicked his mother in the shins. Sweet guy that he is, he finds his balance and his balls, and let him take necessary risks in both his restaurant and his love life.
Blake would have been just as interesting without the overkill background (Harvard Law? Really?). Handsome and gifted in all areas except perhaps courage, we get to watch his guilty conscience torment him into doing the right thing, and then going overboard.
I’m not sure if it was the blurb or something early in the text (can’t find it now, but terrible blurb, don't read it, read the story) that took the impact out of a big revelation, but if it didn’t surprise me, it certainly surprised Thom, who was rattled right down to his bones. The author jerks him around so hard on the way to letting him find forgiveness in his heart, and Blake too, for needing it and earning it.
The romance progresses with food, both in the restaurants and what they feed each other. Thom’s concoctions for his tasting menu sound divine, and Blake’s lobster grilled cheese sandwiches are the new food of love. The sensuality of the food carries over into the bedroom. The sex was wrapped with body image. I could see what it was supposed to for the story, it just seemed tacked on and took away from the joy in the delicious things they were putting in each other’s mouths.
I was flicking pages eagerly, wanting to see how exactly they were going to launch this new chapter in their relationship, and then… Well, I have high hopes for them.
This was definitely a delectable romance, and I wish I could eat dinner (and peek at the chefs) at Graze.
February 11, 2016
Romance between two chefs. This is what lured me to read this book. I'm a cook myself and I love to read cookbooks and try recipes. This book, though, seems like it's for a serious foodie, which I am not.
I love the characters. Thom I could really relate to. His story starts out at a famous cooking school where he's 50 pounds overweight, but he's brilliant in the kitchen and has terrific recipe ideas. I love this character and his ambition and drive to succeed coupled with his self-esteem issues. Blake, the other main character, who is the romantic interest of Thom, is good, but it felt like his character was not fully developed.
The first half of the book is all about Thom at the restaurant in his kitchen. It's about his kitchen staff and the meals he's preparing and the holiday menu he's developing. This was a bit boring and the story just dragged. The latter half of the book it picks up but is still lagging. The highlight was when Thom found out what Blake did. The ending also felt incomplete. When I turned the page to read more I was surprised that that was it.
The concept and the plot I feel was good, I just wish there was more interaction between the main characters and that there was more of a storyline. That their relationship could have been more developed. It seems like he had more interaction with his parents then with his love interest.
I do recommend this book for the serious foodie. I believe they will enjoy it.
I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
I love the characters. Thom I could really relate to. His story starts out at a famous cooking school where he's 50 pounds overweight, but he's brilliant in the kitchen and has terrific recipe ideas. I love this character and his ambition and drive to succeed coupled with his self-esteem issues. Blake, the other main character, who is the romantic interest of Thom, is good, but it felt like his character was not fully developed.
The first half of the book is all about Thom at the restaurant in his kitchen. It's about his kitchen staff and the meals he's preparing and the holiday menu he's developing. This was a bit boring and the story just dragged. The latter half of the book it picks up but is still lagging. The highlight was when Thom found out what Blake did. The ending also felt incomplete. When I turned the page to read more I was surprised that that was it.
The concept and the plot I feel was good, I just wish there was more interaction between the main characters and that there was more of a storyline. That their relationship could have been more developed. It seems like he had more interaction with his parents then with his love interest.
I do recommend this book for the serious foodie. I believe they will enjoy it.
I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
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January 25, 2016Star ratings for a friend's book is hard--a million isn't permitted -- but I enjoyed the relationship between these two very much. Also, the food is nearly a character in its own right, and it all sounded heavenly! And no calories!
What I appreciated was how the author didn't reach for too much--the guys still have some talking to do, but they're on the right path and you know they'll get it right this time. Love second chances stories.
What I appreciated was how the author didn't reach for too much--the guys still have some talking to do, but they're on the right path and you know they'll get it right this time. Love second chances stories.
March 23, 2016
Well that was different ending then I'm use too, but I really like this one.
No quick easy fixes but a promise of hope between two MC's that have gone through a ringer with each other.
No quick easy fixes but a promise of hope between two MC's that have gone through a ringer with each other.
March 6, 2016
2.5 stars
December 25, 2016
Loved this entire series but after reading them all I have to go on a diet! No doubt about it this series is DELECTABLE!
April 8, 2024
3.75 stars
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews