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Fed Up
Death breaks you in ways you never thought possible while grief swallows you whole. After losing my husband I’ve been trapped in emotional limbo, a place I don’t think I’ll ever be able to escape.
Not even the British actor and heartthrob, Ian James, will be able to thaw my frozen heart…at least that’s what I thought.
Being his personal chef is merely a short-term job while he’s working on location in Virginia. But cooking for him five days a week becomes more personal when a mutual attraction starts to burn between us.
I’m hopelessly drawn to Ian and being with him makes it possible for me to breathe again. But I’m wary of the self-proclaimed womanizer who is far too charming and handsome for his own good.
With me a grieving widow, and Ian struggling with his own demons, there are too many variables involved for us to have a future together.
But I can’t stay away from him, and I’m afraid falling for a player might just shatter my already broken heart.
Not even the British actor and heartthrob, Ian James, will be able to thaw my frozen heart…at least that’s what I thought.
Being his personal chef is merely a short-term job while he’s working on location in Virginia. But cooking for him five days a week becomes more personal when a mutual attraction starts to burn between us.
I’m hopelessly drawn to Ian and being with him makes it possible for me to breathe again. But I’m wary of the self-proclaimed womanizer who is far too charming and handsome for his own good.
With me a grieving widow, and Ian struggling with his own demons, there are too many variables involved for us to have a future together.
But I can’t stay away from him, and I’m afraid falling for a player might just shatter my already broken heart.
- GenresContemporaryRomance
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2019
106 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Duhamel
6 books156 followersKathleen Duhamel wrote and illustrated her first short story at the age of eight, and has never stopped writing. Her love of the written word continued throughout her varied career as a newspaper journalist and editor, public relations executive, freelance travel writer and owner/operator of two small businesses. A native of Texas, she spent most of her adult life in Colorado before relocating to Virginia in 2014, where she lives with her husband, a standard poodle and two geriatric cats. She is a lifelong devotee of rock and soul music, contemporary art and pop culture.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 22, 2019
FED UP by Kathleen Duhamel
Loved this sexy tale of personal chef Shelby Durand, une femme d'un certain âge, who digs jazz and works hard to heal after tragic loss.
DELICIOUS
I drooled over every meal she fixes for handsome actor Ian James, including their first of pan-seared scallops with lemon buerre blanc, served with orzo and roasted asparagus. Their ensuing dialogue is equally delicious:
He bit into a scallop, closed his eyes and sighed, before taking a sip of wine. “These are perfection.” He set down his glass. “And you were correct about the wine,” he added, surprising me with his honesty. “The soft, fruity taste marries well with the scallops. Where did you say you went to cooking school?”
I hadn’t said. Swirling the liquid in my glass, I paused to take a generous sip. The Pinot Noir was beautifully soft and far more expensive than the midpriced wines I usually bought for myself.
“Le Cordon Bleu.” One of his eyebrows lifted in surprise. “In Paris?” “I lived in France for a few years after college graduation. I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my idol, Julia Child.” “And yet here you are in this…” He cleared his throat before continuing in a spot-on southern drawl. “This charmin’ backwater Virginia town, of all places, cookin’ for a bad-tempered television actor.”
HOT
And FED UP fully entices from there, as the two wounded souls wend their way to love, a sometimes rocky but more often luscious road. The dialogue is smart, the characters real, their story compelling and beautifully told in a way that draws you inexorably into their l’amour.
COOL
At one point Ian remarks to Shelby, “I should have pegged you for a jazz fan,” he said. “It’s a bit like cooking, isn’t it? Once you’ve mastered the recipe, you’re free to improvise.” And improvise they do to a soundtrack that’s now my fave playlist:
Dave Brubeck: Blue Rondo à la Turk, Time Out
Miles Davis: So What, Kind of Blue
John Coltrane: Naima, Giant Steps
Bill Evans: Alice in Wonderland, Sunday at the Village Vanguard
Billie Holiday: They Can’t Take That Away from Me, Body and Soul
Thelonious Monk: Bye-Ya, Monk’s Dream
Weather Report: Palladium, Heavy Weather
GOOD EATS
Although I’m not a cook, I’d also love to see recipes included for Shelby’s meals, which add sensual delight to the story’s spice.
ADDICT
Aw now, Kathleen, you may have turned this reviewer of serious things into a romance addict. Love, what could be more serious than that? Not a thing! I thank you for the review copy and the great honor of doing this critique. Opinions are mine.
Pub date August 13, 2019.
#FedUp #contemporaryromance #seasonedlove #KathleenDuhamel
Loved this sexy tale of personal chef Shelby Durand, une femme d'un certain âge, who digs jazz and works hard to heal after tragic loss.
DELICIOUS
I drooled over every meal she fixes for handsome actor Ian James, including their first of pan-seared scallops with lemon buerre blanc, served with orzo and roasted asparagus. Their ensuing dialogue is equally delicious:
He bit into a scallop, closed his eyes and sighed, before taking a sip of wine. “These are perfection.” He set down his glass. “And you were correct about the wine,” he added, surprising me with his honesty. “The soft, fruity taste marries well with the scallops. Where did you say you went to cooking school?”
I hadn’t said. Swirling the liquid in my glass, I paused to take a generous sip. The Pinot Noir was beautifully soft and far more expensive than the midpriced wines I usually bought for myself.
“Le Cordon Bleu.” One of his eyebrows lifted in surprise. “In Paris?” “I lived in France for a few years after college graduation. I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my idol, Julia Child.” “And yet here you are in this…” He cleared his throat before continuing in a spot-on southern drawl. “This charmin’ backwater Virginia town, of all places, cookin’ for a bad-tempered television actor.”
HOT
And FED UP fully entices from there, as the two wounded souls wend their way to love, a sometimes rocky but more often luscious road. The dialogue is smart, the characters real, their story compelling and beautifully told in a way that draws you inexorably into their l’amour.
COOL
At one point Ian remarks to Shelby, “I should have pegged you for a jazz fan,” he said. “It’s a bit like cooking, isn’t it? Once you’ve mastered the recipe, you’re free to improvise.” And improvise they do to a soundtrack that’s now my fave playlist:
Dave Brubeck: Blue Rondo à la Turk, Time Out
Miles Davis: So What, Kind of Blue
John Coltrane: Naima, Giant Steps
Bill Evans: Alice in Wonderland, Sunday at the Village Vanguard
Billie Holiday: They Can’t Take That Away from Me, Body and Soul
Thelonious Monk: Bye-Ya, Monk’s Dream
Weather Report: Palladium, Heavy Weather
GOOD EATS
Although I’m not a cook, I’d also love to see recipes included for Shelby’s meals, which add sensual delight to the story’s spice.
ADDICT
Aw now, Kathleen, you may have turned this reviewer of serious things into a romance addict. Love, what could be more serious than that? Not a thing! I thank you for the review copy and the great honor of doing this critique. Opinions are mine.
Pub date August 13, 2019.
#FedUp #contemporaryromance #seasonedlove #KathleenDuhamel
October 4, 2019
Romance is often focused on the gorgeous twenty-somethings with perfect hair, skin, and curves. But that isn't real life. Sometimes real life is a more experienced heroine with silver in her hair and smile lines on her face. And I love seeing reality played out in my romances.
Which is exactly what you get with Shelby Durand. She is a chef trained at one of the best culinary schools in the world. And also a woman grieving the loss of her husband and trying to carve a new place for herself, rewriting the life story she thought had ended in a perfect HEA when she married Jean-Pierre. She sort of just floundering through the days when her friend Denny approaches her with an offer: take over his duties as personal chef to celebrity actor Ian James while Denny and his partner travel overseas to adopt their daughter.
Not the glittering life she had once known as the owner of a highly sought after restaurant, but probably a job much more in line with the slower pace her broken heart required.
What Shelby never planned on was Ian and all things... Ian. Let me tell y'all, the only thing that had me drooling more than the delicious meals Ms. Duhamel described to perfection was Ian James himself. I love me an older man to begin with and the graying at the temples made my knees weak, but Ian's charm was nearly overwhelming. He took Shelby's somewhat standoffish attitude in stride and she is soon flirting back despite herself.
And that flirting culminates into some steamy times that rival the delicious foods Shelby prepares. If you ever have the notion that smexy stops when the gray appears, y'all better think again because Shelby and Ian have chemistry for days.
Fed Up is a unique and fresh voice in the romance world representing seasoned love interests that are sorely underrepresented. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves romance, food, and supporting love across all generations.
Which is exactly what you get with Shelby Durand. She is a chef trained at one of the best culinary schools in the world. And also a woman grieving the loss of her husband and trying to carve a new place for herself, rewriting the life story she thought had ended in a perfect HEA when she married Jean-Pierre. She sort of just floundering through the days when her friend Denny approaches her with an offer: take over his duties as personal chef to celebrity actor Ian James while Denny and his partner travel overseas to adopt their daughter.
Not the glittering life she had once known as the owner of a highly sought after restaurant, but probably a job much more in line with the slower pace her broken heart required.
What Shelby never planned on was Ian and all things... Ian. Let me tell y'all, the only thing that had me drooling more than the delicious meals Ms. Duhamel described to perfection was Ian James himself. I love me an older man to begin with and the graying at the temples made my knees weak, but Ian's charm was nearly overwhelming. He took Shelby's somewhat standoffish attitude in stride and she is soon flirting back despite herself.
And that flirting culminates into some steamy times that rival the delicious foods Shelby prepares. If you ever have the notion that smexy stops when the gray appears, y'all better think again because Shelby and Ian have chemistry for days.
Fed Up is a unique and fresh voice in the romance world representing seasoned love interests that are sorely underrepresented. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves romance, food, and supporting love across all generations.
August 12, 2019
This is a new author to me, but I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. This is a well written plot with great depth to these unique characters. Shelby is a grieving widow, who temporarily works for actor and womanizer Ian. The chemistry between these two is relatable and undeniable, but will these broken souls take a chance on each other? No spoilers; this is one of those stories which just needs to be read, as you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend this for all.
January 11, 2021
Very good story
I got this book because of the ages described for the main characters-early to mid 50s, which is my age group. It was quite nice to have an author focus on older characters meeting, starting a relationship and enjoying sex! This is my first by this author and I would read more. Shelby was a great character - I would love to have a quarter of her cooking talent. And Ian was refreshing - A man who admits to making really bad choices but trying to be better.
I got this book because of the ages described for the main characters-early to mid 50s, which is my age group. It was quite nice to have an author focus on older characters meeting, starting a relationship and enjoying sex! This is my first by this author and I would read more. Shelby was a great character - I would love to have a quarter of her cooking talent. And Ian was refreshing - A man who admits to making really bad choices but trying to be better.
Want to read
February 14, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/14/2020)! 🎁
February 23, 2023
This well-written novel was a fast read! The typical romance novel is steeped in fantasy, but this one was firmly grounded in reality. Shelby and Ian are complex and interesting characters who are easy for middle-aged readers to relate to. Their slowly developing relationship is believable, and they deal with the sorts of everyday problems (such as long-distance romance) that many people their age would be confronted with. I especially loved the author’s vivid descriptions of the gourmet dishes that Shelby cooks for Ian.
December 1, 2020
Heart stirring and heart warming
Prepare yourself for all the "feels" as this wonderful story gives them to you page after page. Smile, laugh, gasp and groan as these characters lose and learn to love again! Loved it!
Prepare yourself for all the "feels" as this wonderful story gives them to you page after page. Smile, laugh, gasp and groan as these characters lose and learn to love again! Loved it!
November 14, 2021
pretty good
I downloaded this book for free. I some how skipped over the fact this was a story of two people later in life. I was pleasantly surprised with it! It was a good story about learning how to live and love again. I definitely recommend this as a nice feel good book.
I downloaded this book for free. I some how skipped over the fact this was a story of two people later in life. I was pleasantly surprised with it! It was a good story about learning how to live and love again. I definitely recommend this as a nice feel good book.
January 19, 2020
Loved this seasoned romance with mature characters! Witty, funny, sweet, emotional, sexy.
August 31, 2021
Very good
I really enjoyed getting to know Ian and Shelby I felt that the story cut short just a tad I'm hoping there's a sequel or a book 2 to find out where they go
I really enjoyed getting to know Ian and Shelby I felt that the story cut short just a tad I'm hoping there's a sequel or a book 2 to find out where they go
Want to read
March 24, 2023Purch. Sept. 3, 2022 Amazon
August 26, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book featuring two mature adults looking for another chance at love.
December 19, 2019
A great seasoned romance
I loved this story of Shelby and Ian, both in their 50's. Shelby, a chef recently widowed, and Ian, an actor with two failed marriages, stumble towards each other over the course of the novel. I can't wait to read more books in this series!
I loved this story of Shelby and Ian, both in their 50's. Shelby, a chef recently widowed, and Ian, an actor with two failed marriages, stumble towards each other over the course of the novel. I can't wait to read more books in this series!
August 11, 2019
First of all, the food descriptions in this book are amazing! As someone who enjoys cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, I loved the meal prep scenes. In some books they come across mundane, but in Fed Up you can tell a lot of consideration and love went into describing the ingredients and aromas. Those paragraphs really came to life.
The characters were believable and well developed. They are in their 50's, a demographic that I feel is underrepresented in fiction (especially romance). Both are working their way through a rough patch in their life and they find themselves at different crossroads, which puts them at constant risk for a more devastating heartbreak than either would want to admit. I appreciated the way the author explored and developed Shelby's grief. All in all, I was easily engrossed in their story and was rooting for them from the beginning!
The romance kicks off with mutual attraction where both characters couldn't help but flirt a little during their meet-cute. After things get heated up between the characters, some scenes were rather steamy, more than what I would prefer to read. I'd say it has a heat level of 3 out of 5 (1 being sweet, 5 being erotica), so if you're into that kinda thing, then you won't be disappointed. There's also some strong language.
All in all, a well thought out romance, well paced, and well written. Can't go wrong with this one if you're a romance loving foodie! But whatever you do, don't read this book when you're hungry!
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The characters were believable and well developed. They are in their 50's, a demographic that I feel is underrepresented in fiction (especially romance). Both are working their way through a rough patch in their life and they find themselves at different crossroads, which puts them at constant risk for a more devastating heartbreak than either would want to admit. I appreciated the way the author explored and developed Shelby's grief. All in all, I was easily engrossed in their story and was rooting for them from the beginning!
The romance kicks off with mutual attraction where both characters couldn't help but flirt a little during their meet-cute. After things get heated up between the characters, some scenes were rather steamy, more than what I would prefer to read. I'd say it has a heat level of 3 out of 5 (1 being sweet, 5 being erotica), so if you're into that kinda thing, then you won't be disappointed. There's also some strong language.
All in all, a well thought out romance, well paced, and well written. Can't go wrong with this one if you're a romance loving foodie! But whatever you do, don't read this book when you're hungry!
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 2, 2019
WELL FED BY FOOD AND LOVE: Nothing is so heart-wrenching as trying to struggle on after the death of a loved one, particular a partner, a spouse. That’s what faces Shelby Durand as she tries to pass from half of a successful culinary duo to solitaire, find purpose once her beloved business partner Jean Louise dies suddenly. Far beyond her sweet-young-thing stage, Shelby’s life had been creative and fulfilling. Now faced with a bleak emotional landscape, she’s determined to do more than simply get by. An unexpected opportunity to temporarily become personal chef to Ian James, a well-known, gorgeous television actor, on temporary assignment in Virginia for a role, places her in a dubious will-she-won’t-she, will-he-won’t-he precarious position. She risks nothing by surrendering to sexual temptation, except her bruised heart. While the story could have been s typical trope, Duhamel enhances the plot with not one but TWO wily female competitors, and adult daughters with their own problems for both Shelby and Ian, when the duo has to confess their inner feelings and make life decisions based on more than mere physical appeal. There’s lots of that sprinkled through the plot like nuggets of chocolate chips in a cookie. You’ll lick your lips over the tempting menus and lick your chops in anticipation of emotional delights as Selby and Ian grow close, closer, closest. After watching the two face, then meet personal, individual, and circumstantial challenges, you’ll relax with a contented sigh when you close the book, as two personable individuals become one happy couple, and deservedly so.
August 12, 2019
This was a great read - my first by this author and it won't be the last. What I really enjoyed about this book was the maturity of the characters with both being in their prime. The fact that they were older brought with it life experience and the heartache that can come from it.
Personal chef Shelby takes on her first job since the death of her husband. Her client is actor Ian, who is currently staring in a second rate TV show. Right from the get go the air sizzles between them but neither want to act on it: Shelby because she is still grieving and hurting whilst Ian was betrayed by his soon to be ex wife.
This was a story of taking a chance and being able to find love again when you least expect it. I really enjoyed this book with its very real and likeable characters and a story that gives hope of love later in life.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Personal chef Shelby takes on her first job since the death of her husband. Her client is actor Ian, who is currently staring in a second rate TV show. Right from the get go the air sizzles between them but neither want to act on it: Shelby because she is still grieving and hurting whilst Ian was betrayed by his soon to be ex wife.
This was a story of taking a chance and being able to find love again when you least expect it. I really enjoyed this book with its very real and likeable characters and a story that gives hope of love later in life.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
August 14, 2019
Fed Up was absolutely delightful! I love that these characters are over 40! The fact that Shelby and Ian are in their 50s was incredibly refreshing, as there are so few romances out there that feature more mature characters. I have not read anything by Kathleen Duhamel before, and I was pleasantly surprised!
Not only are these characters robust and rich, but the attention the author gives to all of the recipes was quite impressive! The food becomes another character in this tale, and I have no doubt that Shelby's creations would be a best-selling cookbook!
The chemistry between Shelby and Ian sizzles from the start, but they are both carrying some major baggage that prevents them from jumping into anything. It's an amazing slow burn between these two!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Not only are these characters robust and rich, but the attention the author gives to all of the recipes was quite impressive! The food becomes another character in this tale, and I have no doubt that Shelby's creations would be a best-selling cookbook!
The chemistry between Shelby and Ian sizzles from the start, but they are both carrying some major baggage that prevents them from jumping into anything. It's an amazing slow burn between these two!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
August 10, 2019
From a painful past to happiness.
I absolutely loved reading Fed Up. It's not only different from the usually predictable romance novels, the characters actually felt real!
It wasn't hard to feel what Shelby and Ian were feeling. Their journey are truly inspiring. You can fall in love no matter what your age or your profession.
Don't get me started on the music and the delicious food Chef Shelby cooked. I actually found myself drooling whenever she cooked a meal.
I'll definitely recommend this book for everyone looking for something to read thats closer to reality than fiction.
I absolutely loved reading Fed Up. It's not only different from the usually predictable romance novels, the characters actually felt real!
It wasn't hard to feel what Shelby and Ian were feeling. Their journey are truly inspiring. You can fall in love no matter what your age or your profession.
Don't get me started on the music and the delicious food Chef Shelby cooked. I actually found myself drooling whenever she cooked a meal.
I'll definitely recommend this book for everyone looking for something to read thats closer to reality than fiction.
August 13, 2019
I think Fed Up was a good read it would be the first book that I've read by the author and I'm excited to read what's to come in the Well - Seasoned love series . Shelby was such a good character my heart hurt really hurt for that woman she went through so much was so happy she found her happy . Ian uh drool much this man is just WOW he needed a lucky lady by the name of Shelby . The chemistry between the two was off the charts HOT so loved the banter they had going on . I can't wait to read more by this new author for me .
September 15, 2019
Good read
This is the first book I've read by this author. I really liked that the main characters are older than the norm for romance books. I liked that everything wasn't easy and fairytale-like, but it also wasn't overly agnsty. Although the story arc only takes a couple of montgs, I thought it slow moving at times, but I wish the storyline had continued a little longer, maybe in an epilogue, so that we could see how the main characters handled some of the issues that they were anticipating.
This is the first book I've read by this author. I really liked that the main characters are older than the norm for romance books. I liked that everything wasn't easy and fairytale-like, but it also wasn't overly agnsty. Although the story arc only takes a couple of montgs, I thought it slow moving at times, but I wish the storyline had continued a little longer, maybe in an epilogue, so that we could see how the main characters handled some of the issues that they were anticipating.
August 25, 2019
Two lost souls find each other through food. Shelby's pain and fear of moving on touched me deep. Ian was a bit selfish but as I read, his reasons came out. These two were good for each other. I recommend this story and I look forward to the next in the series.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
August 26, 2019
The story follows Shelby and Ian as they find themselves falling for eachother at the wrong time. Both are healing emotional scars, and both scared of being hurt again.
I liked reading the mature characters point of views, the story has a good steady pace with well developed characters, and the most amazing descriptions of food!
I really enjoyed the story.
I liked reading the mature characters point of views, the story has a good steady pace with well developed characters, and the most amazing descriptions of food!
I really enjoyed the story.
August 17, 2019
Enjoyable
First time I’ve read this author and I’m glad I took the chance. It was a little more slower paced than I prefer but it was well written and the storyline held my attention
First time I’ve read this author and I’m glad I took the chance. It was a little more slower paced than I prefer but it was well written and the storyline held my attention
October 5, 2019
Great food and recipe content. Nice to have an older main character. But I wasn’t grabbed by the character development. I bit dragging.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews