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Newland #2
Appetite of Envy
You can’t always get what you want.
Shy and sweet Lia Gardella has only wished to make her father proud. Dropping plates, spilling drinks, and missing orders, she’s never fit in at the family business. And after nearly incinerating the whole building, she ran from the stressful environment.
Want not.
As head chef of one of the city’s best eateries, Finn Newland seems to have it all. He enjoyed a youthful career in the MMA. Women worship him. After years of hard work, he finally has an opportunity to take over the restaurant he’s always considered his own.
Be careful what you wish for.
When Lia’s father summons her to supervise Gardella’s, instead of handing the reins to Finn, no one is happy. They don’t know how to collaborate on running the restaurant. Nor are they confident they can continue to deny their attraction to one another. But before they can attempt a partnership of any kind, they’ll need to find the culprit behind a trend of spiteful sabotage aimed at Gardella’s.
Shy and sweet Lia Gardella has only wished to make her father proud. Dropping plates, spilling drinks, and missing orders, she’s never fit in at the family business. And after nearly incinerating the whole building, she ran from the stressful environment.
Want not.
As head chef of one of the city’s best eateries, Finn Newland seems to have it all. He enjoyed a youthful career in the MMA. Women worship him. After years of hard work, he finally has an opportunity to take over the restaurant he’s always considered his own.
Be careful what you wish for.
When Lia’s father summons her to supervise Gardella’s, instead of handing the reins to Finn, no one is happy. They don’t know how to collaborate on running the restaurant. Nor are they confident they can continue to deny their attraction to one another. But before they can attempt a partnership of any kind, they’ll need to find the culprit behind a trend of spiteful sabotage aimed at Gardella’s.
356 pages, ebook
First published July 5, 2016
38 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Amabel Daniels
66 books276 followersAmabel Daniels lives in Northwest Ohio with her patient husband, three adventurous daughters, and a collection of too many cats and dogs. Although she holds a Master’s degree in Ecology, her true love is finding a good book. When she isn’t spending time outdoors, she’s busy brewing up her next novel, usually as she lets her mind run off with the addictive words of “what if…”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 13, 2016
Lia hasn’t stepped foot inside her dad’s restaurant GARDELLA’S ever since she kinda burned it down almost a decade ago. Now she’s back to work there as the new manager.
Talking and working with people is not her thing. Coordination is not her thing. She’s a shy and awkward and clumsy person. She’s a lot better than the even more awkward teenager who burned down the place, but still. This is not her dream-job. But her dad insists and she needs the money after losing her last job as a PA.
What she didn’t expect is to see HIM at Gardella’s. Finn Newland. The first and only boy she ever loved.
She used to follow him around like a puppy all through her teenage years while he was jobbing for her dad.
And now they’re working together!!!! But she’s all grown up now and over her crush, right?
Finn wasn’t expecting to ever see HER again. Lia. The little cute, sweet and horrible clumsy girl that used to adore him a decade ago. But now she’s taking over the job that should’ve been his. And she’s all grown up too. How can he concentrate on his kitchen when he’s daydreaming about Lia all the time.
Also, what’s with all those ‘accidents’ and weird stuff that happens at Gardella’s??? Is someone out to ruin the restaurant? Or him? Or even his cute little Lia? And is she still attracted to him, like she used to be? Does he have a chance this time? But he’s still not a forever kind of guy – and she’s a forever kind of girl…..
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO LIA & FINN?
WILL THERE BE A HEA??
WILL EVERYBODY SURVIVE?
WHO’S THE BAD GUY???
I’M NOT TELLING YOU THAT OF COURSE ☺
═════════════════════════════════
I really enjoyed reading this book.
It was adorable and cute and mysteriously suspensy and funny (Lia might overreact a tiny little bit when she gets into a little kitchen accident! HILARIOUS!!!).
I loved Finn & Lia. I hated that they had to wait those ten years to get their chance for a happily ever after…But now it’s time for a second chance at love!
Even though it might take a while – they have lots of obstacles to overcome – most importantly the person or persons intent on destroying the restaurant, plus Finn’s commitment phobia. Plus Lia’s not believing in herself and how attractive Finn thinks she is.
Great Romantic-Suspense-Mystery with funny bits! I loved it! #Unputdownable – you just have to know who the bad guys are and what kind of bad things will still happen before Lia and Finn can get their Happy Ending! Run to your nearest amazon to find out!
♡
♡
♡
♡
August 20, 2016
Lia seemed to be cursed with clumsiness, bad luck and with not being the son her father had wanted to pass his restaurant down to. As a waitress she was terrible. Cooking? Forget it. Even dishwashing could cost the business several plates and glasses. The night she caused her father’s restaurant to go up in flames was the night she cried “uncle” and gave up. She ran, made a new life for herself and mourned all that could never be, from her infatuation with the handsome head chef to gaining her father’s love and confidence. Her kind nature was crushed, battered and she was tired of being the brunt of people’s cruel jokes and comments. And now she is back, her father wants her to learn the business after his heart attack, but clearly even after all these years, no one has forgiven or forgotten the havoc she had wrought.
Finn has it all, his dream job, the respect of his boss, his god-like face and body have women swooning at his feet, but the day Lia came back to the restaurant, he knew that even as the unofficial son Lia’s father never had, blood may be thicker than water when it came time to turn over the ownership of the restaurant. Was he angry, heck yes! After all, he figured he was a shoo-in, he had earned this restaurant and now the girl who singlehandedly could destroy it is back and his life is about to become a living hell, and he is right, but not for the reasons he thinks.
Someone is out to hurt Lia and Finn finds that unacceptable. Sure, she is a walking disaster area, leaving devastation and fallen food in her wake, but there is a side to the grown up Lia that he never truly saw, a purity and sweetness he dare not defile. As the disasters mount, Lia seems the likely candidate, because not one person in the restaurant likes/trusts/ or knows her, so who else would they blame?
Amabel Daniels has come out with both barrels loaded and takes direct aim on her readers’ hearts, sense of fairness and shock as small minds, small hearts and often sheer stupidity and hardheadedness almost cost Lia her life and what’s left of her sense of worth. Appetite of Envy does have moments of humor, some brutal cruelty, an amazing heroine with more honor and class in her baby finger that the entire rest of the cast, put together. Was there a hero? Wow, tough call, Finn is about as self-absorbed and narrow-minded as anyone who feels entitled can be. The rest of the cast feel like the dregs of the earth, character-wise with Lia’s father being a cold fish.
No, I am NOT knocking Ms. Daniels’ writing or creative thinking, the over-the-top characters, as well as their underwhelming support of Lia made the story, and the mystery and suspense? Priceless, because you will NOT see that end until it is staring you in the face.
I received this copy from Amabel Daniels in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Amabel Daniels (July 8, 2016)
Publication Date: July 8, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 342 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Finn has it all, his dream job, the respect of his boss, his god-like face and body have women swooning at his feet, but the day Lia came back to the restaurant, he knew that even as the unofficial son Lia’s father never had, blood may be thicker than water when it came time to turn over the ownership of the restaurant. Was he angry, heck yes! After all, he figured he was a shoo-in, he had earned this restaurant and now the girl who singlehandedly could destroy it is back and his life is about to become a living hell, and he is right, but not for the reasons he thinks.
Someone is out to hurt Lia and Finn finds that unacceptable. Sure, she is a walking disaster area, leaving devastation and fallen food in her wake, but there is a side to the grown up Lia that he never truly saw, a purity and sweetness he dare not defile. As the disasters mount, Lia seems the likely candidate, because not one person in the restaurant likes/trusts/ or knows her, so who else would they blame?
Amabel Daniels has come out with both barrels loaded and takes direct aim on her readers’ hearts, sense of fairness and shock as small minds, small hearts and often sheer stupidity and hardheadedness almost cost Lia her life and what’s left of her sense of worth. Appetite of Envy does have moments of humor, some brutal cruelty, an amazing heroine with more honor and class in her baby finger that the entire rest of the cast, put together. Was there a hero? Wow, tough call, Finn is about as self-absorbed and narrow-minded as anyone who feels entitled can be. The rest of the cast feel like the dregs of the earth, character-wise with Lia’s father being a cold fish.
No, I am NOT knocking Ms. Daniels’ writing or creative thinking, the over-the-top characters, as well as their underwhelming support of Lia made the story, and the mystery and suspense? Priceless, because you will NOT see that end until it is staring you in the face.
I received this copy from Amabel Daniels in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Amabel Daniels (July 8, 2016)
Publication Date: July 8, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 342 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 12, 2016
Title: Appetite of Envy
Author: Amabel Daniels
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: Ebook
Pages: 446
Rating: 4
Heat: 5
Thoughts: This was such a fun book to read. I loved the characters and have a new book boyfriend... sigh... Finn. And Lia's klutziness was quite amusing although I didn't like her lack of backbone but thankfully she grew one as the story progressed. I enjoyed the mystery and trying to figure out who was trying to sabotage the restaurant and I loved the fact that I was wrong. Then once it did become obvious which employee was I still had no clue what the motive was. It was great and I look forward to reading more from this author. I will warn you though, there are some spelling/grammar/editing errors but it didn't at all take away from the story, and there weren't that many. If you're like me and can overlook minor mistakes then I suggest you read this.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work and voluntarily chose to write a review.
Author: Amabel Daniels
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: Ebook
Pages: 446
Rating: 4
Heat: 5
Thoughts: This was such a fun book to read. I loved the characters and have a new book boyfriend... sigh... Finn. And Lia's klutziness was quite amusing although I didn't like her lack of backbone but thankfully she grew one as the story progressed. I enjoyed the mystery and trying to figure out who was trying to sabotage the restaurant and I loved the fact that I was wrong. Then once it did become obvious which employee was I still had no clue what the motive was. It was great and I look forward to reading more from this author. I will warn you though, there are some spelling/grammar/editing errors but it didn't at all take away from the story, and there weren't that many. If you're like me and can overlook minor mistakes then I suggest you read this.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work and voluntarily chose to write a review.
March 10, 2018
5 Stars
Appetite of Envy is a brilliant romantic suspense by Amabel Daniels. I really love Ms. Daniels writing- she has a real talent for crafting addictively good storylines, and infusing it/them with loads of intrigue, suspense, tension, mystery, drama, romance, and danger. I zipped through this story in a matter of only few hours, I had to know what would happen and I was completely under Ms. Daniels suspenseful spell.
Lia Gardella is very sweet, shy and incredibly accident prone. She’s so klutzy and awkward that she is like a walking catastrophe most days… or so she seems to think. Disaster seem to follow her, so much so she almost destroyed her family’s restaurant- and because of that she hasn’t set foot in the building for in over nine years. But now circumstances have meant that she has no choice but to take over the reins of the restaurant and try to do her father proud.
Finn Newland is the head chef at Gardella’s Restaurant. He is passionate about his cooking and prides himself on being the best. He has worked at Gardella’s for the past 15 years and had always thought that Rico would eventually pass the restaurant on to him. But now he has his nervous, walking disaster of a daughter taking over the running of the place and Finn can’t help but feel angry and a little betrayed, no matter how beautiful and sweet Lia is.
These two used to be friends many years ago, but he hasn’t heard from her since the day she walked out. Now he’s supposed to stand back and let her run the place? Will these two find a way to work together? What about all the strange incidences and accidents that seem to be happening? Someone seems to have an ax to grind- and Lia, Finn and the restaurant seem to be in the cross-hairs. Will they get to the bottom of it all before it’s too late? What about the attraction that Finn and Lia have for one another?
There is so much going on in this story, and I really enjoyed reading all the wonderful, complex details of it. The story was a little bit slow to get going, but a few chapters in the story really took off and all the excitement began.
Ms. Daniels kept me guessing the whole way through. I had so many scenarios going through my mind, but there was no was I could have guessed the climactic situations, or the chilling revelations. I loved how Ms. Daniels twisted and turned the story, taking us down a path that most people just wouldn’t see coming. Very clever.
I did get a little frustrated with Lia for apologizing so often, even for things she didn’t do. Her confidence was so low, and she was really timid and shy- I wished she would just stand up for herself more. But as the story unfolded, I was pleased to see Lia develop and use her voice and inner strength more.
I am really looking forward to more books from Ms. Daniels.
Thank you, Ms. Daniels!
Appetite of Envy is a brilliant romantic suspense by Amabel Daniels. I really love Ms. Daniels writing- she has a real talent for crafting addictively good storylines, and infusing it/them with loads of intrigue, suspense, tension, mystery, drama, romance, and danger. I zipped through this story in a matter of only few hours, I had to know what would happen and I was completely under Ms. Daniels suspenseful spell.
Lia Gardella is very sweet, shy and incredibly accident prone. She’s so klutzy and awkward that she is like a walking catastrophe most days… or so she seems to think. Disaster seem to follow her, so much so she almost destroyed her family’s restaurant- and because of that she hasn’t set foot in the building for in over nine years. But now circumstances have meant that she has no choice but to take over the reins of the restaurant and try to do her father proud.
Finn Newland is the head chef at Gardella’s Restaurant. He is passionate about his cooking and prides himself on being the best. He has worked at Gardella’s for the past 15 years and had always thought that Rico would eventually pass the restaurant on to him. But now he has his nervous, walking disaster of a daughter taking over the running of the place and Finn can’t help but feel angry and a little betrayed, no matter how beautiful and sweet Lia is.
These two used to be friends many years ago, but he hasn’t heard from her since the day she walked out. Now he’s supposed to stand back and let her run the place? Will these two find a way to work together? What about all the strange incidences and accidents that seem to be happening? Someone seems to have an ax to grind- and Lia, Finn and the restaurant seem to be in the cross-hairs. Will they get to the bottom of it all before it’s too late? What about the attraction that Finn and Lia have for one another?
There is so much going on in this story, and I really enjoyed reading all the wonderful, complex details of it. The story was a little bit slow to get going, but a few chapters in the story really took off and all the excitement began.
Ms. Daniels kept me guessing the whole way through. I had so many scenarios going through my mind, but there was no was I could have guessed the climactic situations, or the chilling revelations. I loved how Ms. Daniels twisted and turned the story, taking us down a path that most people just wouldn’t see coming. Very clever.
I did get a little frustrated with Lia for apologizing so often, even for things she didn’t do. Her confidence was so low, and she was really timid and shy- I wished she would just stand up for herself more. But as the story unfolded, I was pleased to see Lia develop and use her voice and inner strength more.
I am really looking forward to more books from Ms. Daniels.
Thank you, Ms. Daniels!
December 20, 2017
Received an ARC at no cost to author..I had fun with this book, it was suspenseful, romantic, and funny all this that I love. This was second chance book, we have Lia, who poor thing can be clumsy and she thinks that she no longer has a crush on Finn, that was eons ago, or so she thought..Finn is attracted and wondering if she still did have that crush. They have to overcome some things to be able to have a relationship, but what are those things? Well my friends you need to read. Enjoy!
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August 23, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/23/2022)! 🎁
May 21, 2017
I really found this to be a very enjoyable read from start to finish.
The author has, in my view, successfully delivered a book which manages to combine humour, suspense and romance in a very natural way. Nothing about this felt as though it was a construct created solely for the benefit of plot advancement.
The characters were all well imagined and well written. It was fun to see Lia grow into her position, as well as seeing Finn just grow up.
Overall a tasty morsel.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
The author has, in my view, successfully delivered a book which manages to combine humour, suspense and romance in a very natural way. Nothing about this felt as though it was a construct created solely for the benefit of plot advancement.
The characters were all well imagined and well written. It was fun to see Lia grow into her position, as well as seeing Finn just grow up.
Overall a tasty morsel.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
February 18, 2018
Appetite of Envy by Amabel Daniels is a contemporary romance with some suspense in it. This is not my first book by this author but has just become my favorite. This story has a little bit of everything in it to satisfy any of your cravings. I enjoy this author's free flowing writing style and her attention to details made it real easy for me to picture myself in the book. Her characters are both lovable and connectable. They took my on a roller coaster ride of twists and turns that left me sitting on the edge of my seat through most of the book. I found this book to be fast pasted and the action keeps it engaging. This is the story of Lia and Finn. These two have one thing in common – a restaurant owned by Lia's dad. She is running from it and he just wants to run it. After ten years, Lia is brought back home to run the restaurant. Problem is that not everyone agrees with this. When things start happening around the restaurant they are wrote off as pranks but as more pranks they start questioning is anyone is safe. Are they the target of the evil that is lurking? I enjoyed both of these characters. At one point in the past they had been together then she left but now that she is back, things start to heart up some. These two have a strong chemistry and in my opinion belong together but you will have to read the book to find that out. I enjoyed how we got to see how their relationship started through flashbacks. They took me on a journey of mystery and suspense that I had a hard time putting down. There are quite a few characters in this book but they all support the main characters well. They help in making this story into what it is and I wouldn't change a thing. I highly recommend this book as I know you will want to see what happens in this who done it story.
September 12, 2018
Loved this book! Lia’s clutziness could have been really annoying but instead was incredibly endearing. You couldn’t help but root for her. Finn’s admiration and respect for her was clear from the start even when his mouth got in the way and I loved that their relationship took time to evolve and develop over the course of the story. The slow build made the payoff even that much better at the end.
Favorite Quote:
"It was like a mirage, her coming back into his life, all nerves and sparkle."
Favorite Quote:
"It was like a mirage, her coming back into his life, all nerves and sparkle."
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April 3, 2023Prch Amz Aug 23, 2022
December 1, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
I thought this was going to be a sweet romance where Lia and Finn were fighting their attraction for each other while working and running her father's restaurant. What it turns out to be is an awesome romantic suspense of twists and turns of who is after Lia, Finn or out to ruin the restaurant.
Lia Gardella has returned to the family business, one she ran from ten years ago after almost burning it to the ground. Lia is what seems to be accident prone or a total klutz. Almost can't stand on her own two feet. When she was younger, she always wanted to be near Finn, she loved him and still does.
Finn Newland is the head chef of Gardella's and has worked hard for that position. One day he hopes to own what is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta. Finn has loved Lia but knows that he is not good enough for her, so he has kept away from her in that respect. But he has always protected her.
When a string of what seems to be pranks start happening after Lia starts working at the restaurant, Finn waves them off as employee pranks while Lia is looking for enemies of the restaurant or from Finn's past.
Can Lia, Finn and the restaurant survive to find out who is after them? Will Lia give Finn a chance to prove his feelings are real? Can Finn chance his man-whoring ways for her?
This is a first for me from Amabel Daniels and loved everything about this book. I can't wait to read more from her. Maybe something from Finn's brothers or sister lol. Anyway if you are looking for a romantic suspense that will keeping you guessing, then give this book a chance, you will enjoy it.
I thought this was going to be a sweet romance where Lia and Finn were fighting their attraction for each other while working and running her father's restaurant. What it turns out to be is an awesome romantic suspense of twists and turns of who is after Lia, Finn or out to ruin the restaurant.
Lia Gardella has returned to the family business, one she ran from ten years ago after almost burning it to the ground. Lia is what seems to be accident prone or a total klutz. Almost can't stand on her own two feet. When she was younger, she always wanted to be near Finn, she loved him and still does.
Finn Newland is the head chef of Gardella's and has worked hard for that position. One day he hopes to own what is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta. Finn has loved Lia but knows that he is not good enough for her, so he has kept away from her in that respect. But he has always protected her.
When a string of what seems to be pranks start happening after Lia starts working at the restaurant, Finn waves them off as employee pranks while Lia is looking for enemies of the restaurant or from Finn's past.
Can Lia, Finn and the restaurant survive to find out who is after them? Will Lia give Finn a chance to prove his feelings are real? Can Finn chance his man-whoring ways for her?
This is a first for me from Amabel Daniels and loved everything about this book. I can't wait to read more from her. Maybe something from Finn's brothers or sister lol. Anyway if you are looking for a romantic suspense that will keeping you guessing, then give this book a chance, you will enjoy it.
December 12, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This book is about preconceptions, misconceptions and lies. Lia Gardella is the only child of Enrico Gardella, the owner and former chef of his own restaurant, Gardella's. Being clumsy yet determined, Lia tried to live up the lofty expectations of her father, always failing, never succeeding. The one person in the world that her father seem to praise was Finn, the boxer/mma fighter, who happened to be as good in the kitchen as he is in the ring.
Finn Newland is at the top of his career, yet something is missing. Could it be the woman he let get away? The one that walked away and never looked back? His friend, his confidant, the one person who believed in him when no one else did?
Ten years later he's thrown for a loop when she suddenly re-appears in this life and all because her father asked. Seeing her walk through those doors brings on feelings of insecurities like never before. Not understanding why her father is giving his restaurant to her, he resents her very presence in the building even though all she's trying to do is make it even more successful.
The story of Lia and Finn is a fun read and runs the gamut of emotions. The author successfully wove conflict and humor between layers of romance and the real winner is the reader.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team ~~
This book is about preconceptions, misconceptions and lies. Lia Gardella is the only child of Enrico Gardella, the owner and former chef of his own restaurant, Gardella's. Being clumsy yet determined, Lia tried to live up the lofty expectations of her father, always failing, never succeeding. The one person in the world that her father seem to praise was Finn, the boxer/mma fighter, who happened to be as good in the kitchen as he is in the ring.
Finn Newland is at the top of his career, yet something is missing. Could it be the woman he let get away? The one that walked away and never looked back? His friend, his confidant, the one person who believed in him when no one else did?
Ten years later he's thrown for a loop when she suddenly re-appears in this life and all because her father asked. Seeing her walk through those doors brings on feelings of insecurities like never before. Not understanding why her father is giving his restaurant to her, he resents her very presence in the building even though all she's trying to do is make it even more successful.
The story of Lia and Finn is a fun read and runs the gamut of emotions. The author successfully wove conflict and humor between layers of romance and the real winner is the reader.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team ~~
December 13, 2016
This is an action packed mystery romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat from page 1. Lia Gardella is a sweet, shy, and terribly klutzy young woman who almost burned her fathers prized restaurant down a few years prior. After having a mild heart attack her father decides that he wants Lia to manage the restaurant, but that news is not taken well by a single employee. Especially long time chef, Finn. Finn knows he deserves the restaurant after pouring his heart and soul into fixing it back up after Lia almost burned it to the ground. When Lia steps back into his life he wants her to turn around and leave just about as equally as he wants her in his bed. Then the pranks start against Lia and Finn steps in to be her knight in shining armor. Lia fights her attraction to Finn tooth and nail because she knows that he’s a womanizer and thinks that he just once a one night stand, which she’s not willing to give. When the pranks turn more dangerous Finn decides not to let Lia out of his sight and the attraction between the two becomes so much more.
This is a read that will keeping you guessing until the end, usually I can guess who the “bad guy” is going to be in this type of read but I was just as surprised as Lia and Finn to find out who the culprit was. The plot is original and the storyline is fast paced, I really enjoyed it and I look forward to reading more from this author!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a read that will keeping you guessing until the end, usually I can guess who the “bad guy” is going to be in this type of read but I was just as surprised as Lia and Finn to find out who the culprit was. The plot is original and the storyline is fast paced, I really enjoyed it and I look forward to reading more from this author!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
December 28, 2017
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR & 1/2 - STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
A man dressed in jeans and a black t-shirt with his back to us stands in a professional kitchen. Details are fairly vague. Font choice is decent, sizing is good. Overall, it's a mediocre cover but the title caught my attention, prompting me to read the blurb. The synopsis seemed interesting enough.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Ten years have passed since Lia ran from Gardella's restaurant on the night of Finn's big fight. Now they are thrust back together due to Lia's dad's health failing. With unwelcoming staff and pranks that are escalating into dangerous territory, it's hard to know who to trust. Does someone have a beef with the boss's daughter? Is the new restaurant down the street looking to eliminate its competition? Or is there something darker, more twisted, at play here?
Clumsy, shy, and chronically apologetic, Lia was the perfectly flawed heroine. Finn was self-assured, bordering on cocky, hero that seemed larger than life. The cast of secondary characters was AMAZING and while I was SURE the "bad guy" was one person, I was totally proven wrong in the end. There was a fleeting moment where the "bad guy"'s identity crossed my mind, but they were as quickly dismissed. Lia and Finn's chemistry was enjoyable. The romantic elements were present and there was sex, but it did not rule the story, instead, these two were very realistic in that real life took a lot of time and effort, leaving little energy afterward for the messy naked stuff. Cast dialogue was strong, their interactions were believable. The writing was incredible, perfectly blending suspense, mystery, humor, heart, and heat into a fluid, addictive story. The conflicts were handled well along the way. Predictability was low. The ending gave the reader a vague sense of Lia and Finn getting their HEA; however, I felt this was the weakest part of the story and could have greatly benefitted from a flash-forward style epilogue. As it stood, the ending was abrupt and felt fairly unfinished. This was the ONLY element that prevented the book from receiving a 5-Star rating from me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it's been a while since I'd devoured a book this hungrily. I wanted more! Very well done.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.425 ~ Stars: 4.5
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from Enticing Journey and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
A man dressed in jeans and a black t-shirt with his back to us stands in a professional kitchen. Details are fairly vague. Font choice is decent, sizing is good. Overall, it's a mediocre cover but the title caught my attention, prompting me to read the blurb. The synopsis seemed interesting enough.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Ten years have passed since Lia ran from Gardella's restaurant on the night of Finn's big fight. Now they are thrust back together due to Lia's dad's health failing. With unwelcoming staff and pranks that are escalating into dangerous territory, it's hard to know who to trust. Does someone have a beef with the boss's daughter? Is the new restaurant down the street looking to eliminate its competition? Or is there something darker, more twisted, at play here?
Clumsy, shy, and chronically apologetic, Lia was the perfectly flawed heroine. Finn was self-assured, bordering on cocky, hero that seemed larger than life. The cast of secondary characters was AMAZING and while I was SURE the "bad guy" was one person, I was totally proven wrong in the end. There was a fleeting moment where the "bad guy"'s identity crossed my mind, but they were as quickly dismissed. Lia and Finn's chemistry was enjoyable. The romantic elements were present and there was sex, but it did not rule the story, instead, these two were very realistic in that real life took a lot of time and effort, leaving little energy afterward for the messy naked stuff. Cast dialogue was strong, their interactions were believable. The writing was incredible, perfectly blending suspense, mystery, humor, heart, and heat into a fluid, addictive story. The conflicts were handled well along the way. Predictability was low. The ending gave the reader a vague sense of Lia and Finn getting their HEA; however, I felt this was the weakest part of the story and could have greatly benefitted from a flash-forward style epilogue. As it stood, the ending was abrupt and felt fairly unfinished. This was the ONLY element that prevented the book from receiving a 5-Star rating from me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it's been a while since I'd devoured a book this hungrily. I wanted more! Very well done.
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Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.425 ~ Stars: 4.5
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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from Enticing Journey and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
December 21, 2017
Lia Gardella has spent her life trying to make her father proud. She's a sweet & shy girl who drops plates, spills drinks, & misses orders, so she's never fit in at her family business. Oh, and there's that little incident of setting the restaurant on fire, so she ran far away from all of it, only to see her father very little for visits at other places. Finn Newland seems to have everything in life. He had a very successful career in MMA when he was younger, all the women he could ever want, & finally has the opportunity to take over the restaurant that he's worked his tail off & considers his own. But when Lia's father decides to turn it over to her, he's pissed, & so is everyone else. And Lia doesn't want it either, because she certainly doesn't want to be around Finn, as she's always had a crush on him, but he never looked twice at her, & she definitely doesn't want to watch him with his revolving door of women. Not to mention, everyone there hates her, & makes no bones about it. If all of that isn't enough stress, there's a plot of sabotage going on, and things are starting to take on a more dangerous turn, so it's a race against time to figure out who the culprit is before anyone is hurt. Appetite of Envy was a fantastic story that instantly captivated me from the beginning, and then kept me sitting in one position reading until the very end, as I couldn't put it down to save my life. Yes that seems a bit dramatic, but I'm serious, like I didn't eat, or even use the bathroom, nothing until the very last page. I fell in love with the sweet Lia, and while she evolved into a strong woman who stood up for herself, I cheered like a crazy woman. And while Finn was yummy, he made me mad more than once, and I wanted to junk punch him, & choke him out on different occasions for hurting her with his douchey decisions. And that cast of secondaries? OMG! I would have throat punched the majority of them! So it's safe to say that Amabel Daniels talented writing style had my emotions at a high level throughout this story! Not to mention she kept me on the edge of my seat trying to guess who was behind everything, and all of my guesses were wrong! So f-bombs were dropping like rain in my bedroom! This was an EPIC suspenseful story that I couldn't get enough & what made it even more perfect was the length! A lot of times, Romantic Suspense can be too short so there is too much packed in, but with this story, the length let the mystery develop perfectly to keep my heart racing! And I was able to really imprint on the characters as well! Ms. Daniels in a very short time has become a new addiction of mine, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Appetite of Envy to ALL!
March 11, 2018
Appetite of Envy is the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading by author Amabel Daniels but I know it will not be the last. This book captured my attention from the very beginning and held it until the very end. While technically a romance there was also a thread of suspense weaved throughout the story.
Lia Gardella is sweet and shy, as well as a self-confirmed klutz. She is also out of a job; since quitting the TV station where she was working as an assistant. After a phone call from her father, Rico, Lia ends up back at the family restaurant she once accidentally tried to burn down. Her father needs her to run the restaurant since a health scare requires him to rest and not work. This is where the fun begins; Lia must now work closely with her teenage crush and head Chef Finn. Finn is the guy Lia loved through her teen years but hasn’t seen in almost a decade since she ran away from the fire she caused and he’s not making her return easy on her either. But Finn isn’t the only person that wants Lia gone and will stop at nothing to get her to leave, dead or alive.
I really enjoyed this book, as I said above it caught my attention from the start. I felt so bad for Lia, from the beginning it seemed like every bad thing that could potentially happen to this woman did, from losing her job to the incidents at the restaurant the girl couldn’t catch a break. I loved when Lia lost her temper and gave as good as she got, showing that she had a steel backbone and that she shouldn’t be misjudged just because she is shy. I also loved her interactions with Finn, they had me laughing and at other times tearing up. I am so glad I read this book and discovered another new author to add to my reading pile, I know that I will be going to get her past work and I look forward to more in the future.
Lia Gardella is sweet and shy, as well as a self-confirmed klutz. She is also out of a job; since quitting the TV station where she was working as an assistant. After a phone call from her father, Rico, Lia ends up back at the family restaurant she once accidentally tried to burn down. Her father needs her to run the restaurant since a health scare requires him to rest and not work. This is where the fun begins; Lia must now work closely with her teenage crush and head Chef Finn. Finn is the guy Lia loved through her teen years but hasn’t seen in almost a decade since she ran away from the fire she caused and he’s not making her return easy on her either. But Finn isn’t the only person that wants Lia gone and will stop at nothing to get her to leave, dead or alive.
I really enjoyed this book, as I said above it caught my attention from the start. I felt so bad for Lia, from the beginning it seemed like every bad thing that could potentially happen to this woman did, from losing her job to the incidents at the restaurant the girl couldn’t catch a break. I loved when Lia lost her temper and gave as good as she got, showing that she had a steel backbone and that she shouldn’t be misjudged just because she is shy. I also loved her interactions with Finn, they had me laughing and at other times tearing up. I am so glad I read this book and discovered another new author to add to my reading pile, I know that I will be going to get her past work and I look forward to more in the future.
December 9, 2017
I really enjoyed Appetite of Envy it would be my second read by Amabel Daniels and it wont be my last , I really liked the mystery to the story and trying to find out who is behind all the incidents that are transpiring add on the romance between Lia and Finn you get a enjoyable story . Lia and Finn haven't seen one another in ten years after an accident runs the heroine off . Lia really frustrated me a lot she was a great heroine but it felt like she never really stood up for herself it felt those who treated her like crap never got what they deserved it left me a tad bit disappointed and then when she would freak out or second guess the hero it just annoyed me overall she was ok . Finn was a good hero I just wished he would have let his feelings for Lia be known it made me angry at how quick he was to take others word over hers . The suspense was killing me to find out who was behind everything and when they were revealed I was a little shocked at who it was but they made perfect since . This was a good read and I can't wait to read more by the author .
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=8 heroine=8 secondary characters=6 Chemistry=8 steam=4
romance= 5 humor= 4 darkness level= 4 action= 5 mystery= 5
enjoyment= 8 angst=5 story line= 8 Story ending=8
character development= 9 pacing= 8
cover= 10 stars=4 author= 8
would I recommend this book= yes
would I re read this book=
would I read future books by this author= yes
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=8 heroine=8 secondary characters=6 Chemistry=8 steam=4
romance= 5 humor= 4 darkness level= 4 action= 5 mystery= 5
enjoyment= 8 angst=5 story line= 8 Story ending=8
character development= 9 pacing= 8
cover= 10 stars=4 author= 8
would I recommend this book= yes
would I re read this book=
would I read future books by this author= yes
December 21, 2017
4.5 Stars
APPETITE OF ENVY was a very cute story. There is a little bit of danger in the story that gives it some spice, but the true fire is between Finn and Lia. They are pretty explosive together and are either rubbing each other the wrong way, or the right one. Even though Lia is shy and unsure of herself at times, she will stand up for herself, just not often enough for my liking. I did have some issues with how she let others talk to her though the story, but she does eventually find her strength.
Finn comes off as a complete and utter jerk at the beginning of the story. His over-confidence of himself and his treatment of Lia really started to sit badly with me, but he completely and utter turns himself around. Although, his character still has a tendency to be pretty clueless about some things. What I did like about Finn was the protective tendencies that came out whenever something happened with Lia. I could clearly see that they both belonged together, but they are two very stubborn characters!
All in all, APPETITE OF ENVY was a very enjoyable read. It has angst, danger, passion, and pain. Finn is a very passionate character that turns that passion away from cooking and onto Lia … and holy hades is it hot! There are characters that I really wanted to smack the crap out of, and other characters that I really connected too, even if some of them acted like jerks. All in all, a great read that pulled me in and kept me entertained from the beginning to the end.
eARC through Enticing Journey Book Promotions
APPETITE OF ENVY was a very cute story. There is a little bit of danger in the story that gives it some spice, but the true fire is between Finn and Lia. They are pretty explosive together and are either rubbing each other the wrong way, or the right one. Even though Lia is shy and unsure of herself at times, she will stand up for herself, just not often enough for my liking. I did have some issues with how she let others talk to her though the story, but she does eventually find her strength.
Finn comes off as a complete and utter jerk at the beginning of the story. His over-confidence of himself and his treatment of Lia really started to sit badly with me, but he completely and utter turns himself around. Although, his character still has a tendency to be pretty clueless about some things. What I did like about Finn was the protective tendencies that came out whenever something happened with Lia. I could clearly see that they both belonged together, but they are two very stubborn characters!
All in all, APPETITE OF ENVY was a very enjoyable read. It has angst, danger, passion, and pain. Finn is a very passionate character that turns that passion away from cooking and onto Lia … and holy hades is it hot! There are characters that I really wanted to smack the crap out of, and other characters that I really connected too, even if some of them acted like jerks. All in all, a great read that pulled me in and kept me entertained from the beginning to the end.
eARC through Enticing Journey Book Promotions
March 10, 2018
Appetite for Envy
By Amabel Daniels
4 Stars
Amabel Daniels was a new author for me and she’s good. This looks to be the second book in Amabel Daniels’ ‘Newland Siblings’ Series’. Appetite for Envy follows the story of Lia Gardella and Fin Newland. It’s a fun, fast-paced whodunit that will keep you locked in the book until the very end.
Lia Gardella has been trying for years to just please her family with minimal success. The problem is she’s kind of a klutz. She’s the odd duckling that never fit into the family business. Finn Newland is not your typical chef. He’s a former MMA fighter with a passion for cooking. His one dream is to run Gardella’s, Lia’s family restaurant. So, everyone is surprised and not too happy when Lia’s father asks her to run the restaurant. Tensions are high when Lia & Finn can’t seem to run the restaurant especially with the attraction to each other floating around. But a trend of disasters that are targeting the restaurant and Lia has them working together to find the person behind the sabotage.
This book was a nice read. Well written the author is able to give substantial background history about the characters history, motivation and life through flashbacks. Amabel Daniels is also able to keep the air of mystery surrounding who is doing the sabotage by using a unique POV cell phone text conversation. This book made me laugh, kept me intrigued, and was enjoyable to read all the way until the end. A well-executed recipe of mystery, spice, and laughter will leave you satisfied at the end.
By Amabel Daniels
4 Stars
Amabel Daniels was a new author for me and she’s good. This looks to be the second book in Amabel Daniels’ ‘Newland Siblings’ Series’. Appetite for Envy follows the story of Lia Gardella and Fin Newland. It’s a fun, fast-paced whodunit that will keep you locked in the book until the very end.
Lia Gardella has been trying for years to just please her family with minimal success. The problem is she’s kind of a klutz. She’s the odd duckling that never fit into the family business. Finn Newland is not your typical chef. He’s a former MMA fighter with a passion for cooking. His one dream is to run Gardella’s, Lia’s family restaurant. So, everyone is surprised and not too happy when Lia’s father asks her to run the restaurant. Tensions are high when Lia & Finn can’t seem to run the restaurant especially with the attraction to each other floating around. But a trend of disasters that are targeting the restaurant and Lia has them working together to find the person behind the sabotage.
This book was a nice read. Well written the author is able to give substantial background history about the characters history, motivation and life through flashbacks. Amabel Daniels is also able to keep the air of mystery surrounding who is doing the sabotage by using a unique POV cell phone text conversation. This book made me laugh, kept me intrigued, and was enjoyable to read all the way until the end. A well-executed recipe of mystery, spice, and laughter will leave you satisfied at the end.
October 29, 2017
This was my first read by Amabel Daniels but the synopsis really grabs the reader's attention. This book follows the story of Lia Gardella, Finn Newland and Gardella's - a restaurant owned by Lia's father; Lia wants nothing to do with the restaurant and Finn has been working hard for over a decade so that he can prove he can run the restaurant. Seems simple right? Wrong - Lia's father brings her back to run the restaurant causing tension and tempers to fly. Someone has been playing pranks on Lia and none of the staff seem happy to have her back; but soon the pranks become not so harmless and it becomes unclear just who - or what - is being targeted.
The chemistry between Lia and Finn is very intense; I really loved how the author had the characters flashback and reminisce so that we could read a bit of the history between them. I also really enjoyed the text conversations that the author included - between two unknown numbers to the reader - that helped build the suspense of who was set on hurting either Lia, Finn or both. The book wasn't a long read; I think I managed to read through it in a day, but it was also a fast paced story so once you started reading you couldn't put it down until you knew how it ended. All in all I give it 4 stars & would recommend it to anyone who hadn't read Amabel Daniels before.
**I was offered a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The chemistry between Lia and Finn is very intense; I really loved how the author had the characters flashback and reminisce so that we could read a bit of the history between them. I also really enjoyed the text conversations that the author included - between two unknown numbers to the reader - that helped build the suspense of who was set on hurting either Lia, Finn or both. The book wasn't a long read; I think I managed to read through it in a day, but it was also a fast paced story so once you started reading you couldn't put it down until you knew how it ended. All in all I give it 4 stars & would recommend it to anyone who hadn't read Amabel Daniels before.
**I was offered a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2018
Appetite of Envy by Amabel Daniels is another book in her Newland siblings’ series. After having read Better Than the Best about Kelly Newland and Will Parker, I was looking forward to her older brother’s story and she did not disappoint! It is a contemporary romance peppered with some suspense that keeps you on your toes!
Appetite of Envy is the story of Finn Newland and Lia Gardella. Finn has worked for Lia’s dad since he was 15 years old and he knows that he wants to do nothing but run Gardella’s until he breaths … making food is his passion! Lia has not set a step into her father’s restaurant for 10 years since she set fire to it, accidentally of course as she is one of the klutziest persons I have read about! At the same time she was also one of the most lovable persons I have read about ….
The writer is taking us on a suspenseful rollercoaster of emotions, pranks, hidden threats … and love … love that conquers all and love that once you acknowledge it, will open up a world where you feel that you can do anything if that other person is there for you … that other person becomes your home and nothing, nothing can go wrong (even if it actually does but your perspective on it is different).
I love the Newland family and I am looking forward to reading about the other brothers! I hope that the writer will not keep us too long in suspense! I am sure she has many amazing stories to share with us!
Appetite of Envy is the story of Finn Newland and Lia Gardella. Finn has worked for Lia’s dad since he was 15 years old and he knows that he wants to do nothing but run Gardella’s until he breaths … making food is his passion! Lia has not set a step into her father’s restaurant for 10 years since she set fire to it, accidentally of course as she is one of the klutziest persons I have read about! At the same time she was also one of the most lovable persons I have read about ….
The writer is taking us on a suspenseful rollercoaster of emotions, pranks, hidden threats … and love … love that conquers all and love that once you acknowledge it, will open up a world where you feel that you can do anything if that other person is there for you … that other person becomes your home and nothing, nothing can go wrong (even if it actually does but your perspective on it is different).
I love the Newland family and I am looking forward to reading about the other brothers! I hope that the writer will not keep us too long in suspense! I am sure she has many amazing stories to share with us!
September 27, 2017
Reviewed for Quill and Ink Reviews
Not everything is as it seems and not everyone is as they are seen. This is a romantic suspense that isn't dark or heavy feeling. The main character complement each other well. After ten years apart, past assumptions need to be corrected before Lia and Finn can be happy and able to work as a true team.
After accidentally setting fire to her dad's restaurant ten years ago, Lia is finally back. Her father has asked for her help even though he is the one who told her not to come back all those years ago. He needs her to run the front of house operations on the restaurant while he takes care of his health. No one wants her there and makes it known. When little things start to happen to her she gets worried, but Finn thinks she is imagining things. Once wrist incidents happen, will Finn admit that it seems more than bad luck or will he get hurt too?
This is a game of "who done it" that will keep you guessing. I was guessing who I thought was the spy and who they might be working for. I was also trying to figure out who the real victim was supposed to be until it was revealed before the end of the book. You don't figure out the bad guy until the end.
This is a good book to read. If you like romantic suspense or aren't sure about it then give this a try. This is a good introduction to the subgenre.
Not everything is as it seems and not everyone is as they are seen. This is a romantic suspense that isn't dark or heavy feeling. The main character complement each other well. After ten years apart, past assumptions need to be corrected before Lia and Finn can be happy and able to work as a true team.
After accidentally setting fire to her dad's restaurant ten years ago, Lia is finally back. Her father has asked for her help even though he is the one who told her not to come back all those years ago. He needs her to run the front of house operations on the restaurant while he takes care of his health. No one wants her there and makes it known. When little things start to happen to her she gets worried, but Finn thinks she is imagining things. Once wrist incidents happen, will Finn admit that it seems more than bad luck or will he get hurt too?
This is a game of "who done it" that will keep you guessing. I was guessing who I thought was the spy and who they might be working for. I was also trying to figure out who the real victim was supposed to be until it was revealed before the end of the book. You don't figure out the bad guy until the end.
This is a good book to read. If you like romantic suspense or aren't sure about it then give this a try. This is a good introduction to the subgenre.
December 19, 2017
I'm just gonna go ahead and get this out of the way. I LOVED this book! This is the only book I've read by this author, but what an amazing introduction!
This is a great second chance romance. It was well written, and the characters were so well fleshed out, I almost felt like I knew them. Not only is there a romance story, but a mystery to be solved that kept me guessing until the very end. (I love when that happens, and I never would have guessed the ending!)
I loved Lia, because she is a very real, very believable character. She is shy, has confidence problems, and is afraid of going after what she wants. She holds her father in high esteem, and is like most folks when she feels like she will never be able to live up to what she thinks he wants or needs from her. Her feelings for Finn are deep rooted, and unfulfilled.
Finn, on the other hand, rubbed me the wrong way, to begin with. He is egotistical, self absorbed, and can't see past his own wants. As the story progresses, he is able to admit to himself how he feels, and this seems to have an impact on not only how he reacts to the situation with Lia, but also his own personality flaws.
This book was a great read, and one I'd totally recommend. Think I'm gonna have to see if this author has any other books......
This is a great second chance romance. It was well written, and the characters were so well fleshed out, I almost felt like I knew them. Not only is there a romance story, but a mystery to be solved that kept me guessing until the very end. (I love when that happens, and I never would have guessed the ending!)
I loved Lia, because she is a very real, very believable character. She is shy, has confidence problems, and is afraid of going after what she wants. She holds her father in high esteem, and is like most folks when she feels like she will never be able to live up to what she thinks he wants or needs from her. Her feelings for Finn are deep rooted, and unfulfilled.
Finn, on the other hand, rubbed me the wrong way, to begin with. He is egotistical, self absorbed, and can't see past his own wants. As the story progresses, he is able to admit to himself how he feels, and this seems to have an impact on not only how he reacts to the situation with Lia, but also his own personality flaws.
This book was a great read, and one I'd totally recommend. Think I'm gonna have to see if this author has any other books......
March 11, 2018
5 Star
Appetite of Envy by Amabel Daniels
Appetite of Envy by Amabel Daniels is romance book with some suspense thrown in it.I loved this book I couldn't put it down once I started reading. I was hooked right off the bat. This is not my first book by this author and won't be my last. This story does take you on a emotional roller-coaster ride with a few twists and turns .There's a little bit of everything is this book so definitely won't disapoint. This is the story of Lia and Finn.Both of these two do have one thing in common and that's the restaurant owned by Lia's dad.The thing is she's running away from it and he wants to just run it.Heres the thing after ten years Lia comes back to run the restaurant just a little problem not everyone agrees.Then things start happening and they're wrote off as being pranks but are they pranks and is everyone safe?Can they be a target of the evil that's lurking around? These two definitely have some history together and there's definitely chemistry. I enjoyed everything about these characters and how we get to see their relationship grow through flashbacks. I know your dying to know if there's a HEA? Well I highly recommend you read this book especially if you want to know how it ends. I absolutely can't wait to read more from this author.
Appetite of Envy by Amabel Daniels
Appetite of Envy by Amabel Daniels is romance book with some suspense thrown in it.I loved this book I couldn't put it down once I started reading. I was hooked right off the bat. This is not my first book by this author and won't be my last. This story does take you on a emotional roller-coaster ride with a few twists and turns .There's a little bit of everything is this book so definitely won't disapoint. This is the story of Lia and Finn.Both of these two do have one thing in common and that's the restaurant owned by Lia's dad.The thing is she's running away from it and he wants to just run it.Heres the thing after ten years Lia comes back to run the restaurant just a little problem not everyone agrees.Then things start happening and they're wrote off as being pranks but are they pranks and is everyone safe?Can they be a target of the evil that's lurking around? These two definitely have some history together and there's definitely chemistry. I enjoyed everything about these characters and how we get to see their relationship grow through flashbacks. I know your dying to know if there's a HEA? Well I highly recommend you read this book especially if you want to know how it ends. I absolutely can't wait to read more from this author.
March 1, 2018
I love this story. I love Lia and Finn. I love Amabel Daniels!
This story starts out with Lia completely down in the dumps about her life, her job, her family. Just everything. However, she puts on a brave face, a shy face but a brave one none the less, and goes to see her father. Her father and her don’t have the greatest of relationships. He’s loud and proud and she’s meek and mild. “Pops” wants her to take over the family restaurant. Lia wants nothing to do with it. Plus, there’s the fact that Finn is still at the restaurant. Finn is Lia’s secret childhood crush. These two are like oil and water. Too bad they fight their attraction from the very first day they met as children. It doesn’t help that the rest of the staff is treating Lia like garbage. And that there is someone trying to sabotage her or could there be something else at play here? Lia spends this story trying to find her niche in the world always wondering why she sticks around the family restaurant.
The beginning of this story is a slow burn with a build towards quite an ending. But just when you think it’s the happily ever after ending there’s more!!
Another great story by Daniels! Looking forward to reading more from her.
This story starts out with Lia completely down in the dumps about her life, her job, her family. Just everything. However, she puts on a brave face, a shy face but a brave one none the less, and goes to see her father. Her father and her don’t have the greatest of relationships. He’s loud and proud and she’s meek and mild. “Pops” wants her to take over the family restaurant. Lia wants nothing to do with it. Plus, there’s the fact that Finn is still at the restaurant. Finn is Lia’s secret childhood crush. These two are like oil and water. Too bad they fight their attraction from the very first day they met as children. It doesn’t help that the rest of the staff is treating Lia like garbage. And that there is someone trying to sabotage her or could there be something else at play here? Lia spends this story trying to find her niche in the world always wondering why she sticks around the family restaurant.
The beginning of this story is a slow burn with a build towards quite an ending. But just when you think it’s the happily ever after ending there’s more!!
Another great story by Daniels! Looking forward to reading more from her.
March 5, 2018
Appetite of Envy is a suspense-filled romance in a restaurant setting. Lia Gardella is the painfully shy daughter of the owner of Gardella’s. Although she tried working at Gardella’s once, she has, she left after a big new disaster. She’s been trying to make it on her own, albeit unsuccessfully. Finn Newland works at Gardella’s and has aspirations of taking it over one day.
Finn and Lia have a past and when she is called by her father to come home after having been gone for a long time some sparks fly. Finn is a lady’s man and Lia is a relationship kind of girl. While it’s apparent they have feelings for each other, will they act on them or keep tiptoeing around each other. Contributing to the storyline are the strange things that are happening at the restaurant.
The characters in Appetite of Envy are all relatable and very realistic. Lia is a normal girl with normal issues. Finn is kind of a jerk at first but grows on you, but again, a pretty normal guy. This is much more relatable than super perfect main characters. It is well written and an overall great book. The suspense is perfect and does not necessarily play out as you think it may. I would definitely recommend this book.
March 10, 2018
Appetite of Envy by Amabel Daniels is a great romance/thriller with twists and turns at every page and will have you second guesses all the time.
Lia is a clutz and as I child working in a restaurant was not the greatest place for her to be, although there was one silver lining in all of the mess in her life, Finn.
Finn has always been her father's son he never had, Lia has always had a crush on him but when one night changes everything will her father ever speak to her again and will Finn ever forgive her.
Roll on the years and Lia's father has has enough of Finn's bedroom behaviour so he brings Lia back into the restaurant to run it. This does not go down well and mysterious things are a foot all ending up with Lia the clutz.
This is the first book I have read by this author and absolutely loved the story from the beginning, the fasted paced page turner with the mystery element had me shouting at my e-reader wanting to know various questions.
I did at parts wanted to shake Lia and wake her up to the point that Finn loved her but that I think was also the character she was clueless and completely oblivious to what was happening until light blubs go off and it starts getting interesting. I can't wait to download her other books to read this great author.
Lia is a clutz and as I child working in a restaurant was not the greatest place for her to be, although there was one silver lining in all of the mess in her life, Finn.
Finn has always been her father's son he never had, Lia has always had a crush on him but when one night changes everything will her father ever speak to her again and will Finn ever forgive her.
Roll on the years and Lia's father has has enough of Finn's bedroom behaviour so he brings Lia back into the restaurant to run it. This does not go down well and mysterious things are a foot all ending up with Lia the clutz.
This is the first book I have read by this author and absolutely loved the story from the beginning, the fasted paced page turner with the mystery element had me shouting at my e-reader wanting to know various questions.
I did at parts wanted to shake Lia and wake her up to the point that Finn loved her but that I think was also the character she was clueless and completely oblivious to what was happening until light blubs go off and it starts getting interesting. I can't wait to download her other books to read this great author.
March 11, 2018
Appetite of Envy is the first book I've read from Amabel and I loved it. I've always had a special part of my reader's heart for chef romances. Why? I have no idea but I love them!!!
Lia was born with the curse of clumsiness as well as being a girl. Her father was hoping for someone more "stable" and can pass his legacy down too as well as a boy. Unfortunately, Lia fell short. She finally gave up on the night when everything went up in flames and is trying to pick up the pieces of her life. Years later she comes back to show her father and world that she has what it takes but no one can forget the havoc she has caused in the past.
Finn is a god, I swear. Looks like a model and cooks like a dream. He has worked his way into this dream job and into the heart of Lia's father but when Lia walks back into his life years later after almost destroying it, he's angry. She's about to take over the restaurant that should be his but of course someone is hell bent of hurting Lia and that is not acceptable.
Overall the book was good! The character's either had me love them or hate them. I always say if you can make me feel strongly (whether be hate or love) for a character then the writing was fantastic! It's a great read for someone needing something different!
Lia was born with the curse of clumsiness as well as being a girl. Her father was hoping for someone more "stable" and can pass his legacy down too as well as a boy. Unfortunately, Lia fell short. She finally gave up on the night when everything went up in flames and is trying to pick up the pieces of her life. Years later she comes back to show her father and world that she has what it takes but no one can forget the havoc she has caused in the past.
Finn is a god, I swear. Looks like a model and cooks like a dream. He has worked his way into this dream job and into the heart of Lia's father but when Lia walks back into his life years later after almost destroying it, he's angry. She's about to take over the restaurant that should be his but of course someone is hell bent of hurting Lia and that is not acceptable.
Overall the book was good! The character's either had me love them or hate them. I always say if you can make me feel strongly (whether be hate or love) for a character then the writing was fantastic! It's a great read for someone needing something different!
July 17, 2018
When Lia is summoned back to the restaurant she burned down a decade ago, she never expects to see the first boy she ever loved still working there. Finn is quite unhappy when his boss and father figure, Rico, tells him he's bringing back Rico's daughter to manage Gardella's, the restaurant Finn has been managing, and loves, and expected to eventually take control of. When shy, awkward Lia shows up and she's still awkward, but she's grown into a beautiful woman, will they give into their attraction?
Of course they do, and Lia kinda sorta grows into her own under Finn's attention. But, how can they make Gardella's into the restaurant it should be when mysterious incidents of vandalism keep plaguing them? Who is behind these incidents? Is it someone after Lia as Finn believes? Or is Finn the target? After all, there are a trail of broken hearts in Finn's used to be a playboy past.
I really ended up liking Appetite of Envy. It's laugh out loud funny, particularly still clumsy Lia, it's sweet, and definitely sexy. And that little reveal thrown in at the end about the motivation for Lia's coming back home? Sweet and perfect, just like Finn and Lia are together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Of course they do, and Lia kinda sorta grows into her own under Finn's attention. But, how can they make Gardella's into the restaurant it should be when mysterious incidents of vandalism keep plaguing them? Who is behind these incidents? Is it someone after Lia as Finn believes? Or is Finn the target? After all, there are a trail of broken hearts in Finn's used to be a playboy past.
I really ended up liking Appetite of Envy. It's laugh out loud funny, particularly still clumsy Lia, it's sweet, and definitely sexy. And that little reveal thrown in at the end about the motivation for Lia's coming back home? Sweet and perfect, just like Finn and Lia are together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2018
Appetite of Envy
By Amabel Daniels
Having never read anything by this author I was as always not sure what to expect. I have to say I did enjoy this story and would rate it a five-star read. The characters were also easy to get to know which me had liking them rather quickly. Finn the cocky head chef at Gardella’s Restaurant, he has always wanted to run Gardella’s. Then you have sweet Lia who is the daughter of the restaurant owner. Lia is shy and kinda klutzy and really shouldn’t be on the restaurant industry. However, her father has now put her I charge of the restaurant and Finn. Finn and Lia have always had feelings for each other, but now Lia feels they have passed while Finn thinks differently. Then bring in someone who is playing pranks that can bring down Lia, Finn and the restaurant. While they try and work out who it is Finn and Lia get closer. This is not your Mills and Boone type of romance book, its more of a suspense/romance, with a couple of twists and turns thrown in just for good measure. If you like a book that is fast paced, then here is the book you have been looking for.
By Amabel Daniels
Having never read anything by this author I was as always not sure what to expect. I have to say I did enjoy this story and would rate it a five-star read. The characters were also easy to get to know which me had liking them rather quickly. Finn the cocky head chef at Gardella’s Restaurant, he has always wanted to run Gardella’s. Then you have sweet Lia who is the daughter of the restaurant owner. Lia is shy and kinda klutzy and really shouldn’t be on the restaurant industry. However, her father has now put her I charge of the restaurant and Finn. Finn and Lia have always had feelings for each other, but now Lia feels they have passed while Finn thinks differently. Then bring in someone who is playing pranks that can bring down Lia, Finn and the restaurant. While they try and work out who it is Finn and Lia get closer. This is not your Mills and Boone type of romance book, its more of a suspense/romance, with a couple of twists and turns thrown in just for good measure. If you like a book that is fast paced, then here is the book you have been looking for.
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