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Tasty
Don’t you just hate it when you accidentally out your celebrity boyfriend to a NY Times gossip columnist? So does culinary genius, Christian De Guisse.
After one teensy mistake, instead of searing the perfect steak or seasoning a mouth-watering sauce, Christian is on a plane out of town. The lure of redemption has Chris fleeing to the Pacific Northwest with the promise of a possible career-saving job. But if the decrepit Portland restaurant he’s been hired to redeem fails, then so will he. Being ridiculed as the washed-up boy toy of a celebrity chef would be a fate worse than death.
Andy doesn’t have good taste. In fact, he doesn’t taste anything at all. While making an arrest, Andy manages to collar the most mouthwatering of men. He’s irresistibly drawn to the appetizing chef. But Christian finds Andy’s liberal use of ketchup hard to swallow, and until Andy can clear him of any lingering suspicion, Christian will remain forbidden fruit.
Christian feels as if he’s jumped from the frying pan into the fire. His tasty morsel of a cop isn’t falling for his cooking charms, and the well-below 5-star establishment he’s trying to save is more mess than Michelin. Will the sour taste of Andy’s rejection be what finally destroys Christian’s hope for a new life?
Please note: This edition features a new cover with no additional content, so no need to purchase if you’ve already read Christian and Andy’s story! If this is your first time meeting them you’ll find Tasty AF is a slow burn, opposites attract romance, that features a disgraced gourmet chef and the impatient cop who hungers for him. Previous edition Can This Be Real was published by another publisher in 2014.
After one teensy mistake, instead of searing the perfect steak or seasoning a mouth-watering sauce, Christian is on a plane out of town. The lure of redemption has Chris fleeing to the Pacific Northwest with the promise of a possible career-saving job. But if the decrepit Portland restaurant he’s been hired to redeem fails, then so will he. Being ridiculed as the washed-up boy toy of a celebrity chef would be a fate worse than death.
Andy doesn’t have good taste. In fact, he doesn’t taste anything at all. While making an arrest, Andy manages to collar the most mouthwatering of men. He’s irresistibly drawn to the appetizing chef. But Christian finds Andy’s liberal use of ketchup hard to swallow, and until Andy can clear him of any lingering suspicion, Christian will remain forbidden fruit.
Christian feels as if he’s jumped from the frying pan into the fire. His tasty morsel of a cop isn’t falling for his cooking charms, and the well-below 5-star establishment he’s trying to save is more mess than Michelin. Will the sour taste of Andy’s rejection be what finally destroys Christian’s hope for a new life?
Please note: This edition features a new cover with no additional content, so no need to purchase if you’ve already read Christian and Andy’s story! If this is your first time meeting them you’ll find Tasty AF is a slow burn, opposites attract romance, that features a disgraced gourmet chef and the impatient cop who hungers for him. Previous edition Can This Be Real was published by another publisher in 2014.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2014
About the author
L.E. Franks
23 books67 followersAt seventeen, LE Franks walked away from writing for love. Jumping head first into real life and travelling the world seemed to be fair compensation until the characters in her head demanded their turn. Now, living in the San Francisco Bay Area, surrounded by inspiration everywhere, LE is finally taking off the filters and giving the stories free rein. These days, LE can be found frequently writing about sexy men who desperately need a happily ever.
LE writes M/M Romance in a unique mix of humor and drama with enough suspense to produce fast-paced stories filled with emotion and passion and featuring characters that are quirky and complicated. Don’t expect the typical, rugged hero or sophisticated businessman with the world at their feet; LE’s men are living in the margins— they’re in the middle of their journey, doing the best they can while searching for a connection to something bigger than themselves. With a little effort, and a lot of luck, they may actually find their happily-ever-afters.
When not writing, LE wrangles an odd assortment of jobs (six— both paid and volunteer), houseguests (including pro baseball players), family, and friends. Manifesting an odd combination of contradictory talents and traits, LE is tragically honest and personally deceptive and makes the best piecrust— ever.
You can find LE Franks online at the following spots:
Her website: http://www.lefranks.com
Her blog: http://lefranks.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/boxtersushi
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/LEFranksAuthor
Facebook Page for Wolves & Waves Book Series: https://www.facebook.com/wolvesandwaves
LE writes M/M Romance in a unique mix of humor and drama with enough suspense to produce fast-paced stories filled with emotion and passion and featuring characters that are quirky and complicated. Don’t expect the typical, rugged hero or sophisticated businessman with the world at their feet; LE’s men are living in the margins— they’re in the middle of their journey, doing the best they can while searching for a connection to something bigger than themselves. With a little effort, and a lot of luck, they may actually find their happily-ever-afters.
When not writing, LE wrangles an odd assortment of jobs (six— both paid and volunteer), houseguests (including pro baseball players), family, and friends. Manifesting an odd combination of contradictory talents and traits, LE is tragically honest and personally deceptive and makes the best piecrust— ever.
You can find LE Franks online at the following spots:
Her website: http://www.lefranks.com
Her blog: http://lefranks.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/boxtersushi
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/LEFranksAuthor
Facebook Page for Wolves & Waves Book Series: https://www.facebook.com/wolvesandwaves
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 2, 2018
I was provided a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Woo-wee! This was an entertaining read for sure. I am not a foodie, but after reading this I certainly could turn into one. I learned a lot about how to appreciate food and I can wait for the chance to savor my next meal, lol.
Chef Christian De Guisse is talented but when his boyfriend and restaurant business partner comes out as marrying a woman, Chris decides to take his talent elsewhere - and winds up in a special locked room at the airport for smuggling "herbs." Haha! Yep, the spices and herbs and whatnots that Chris took with him on the plane have come under scrutiny by the police. Enter Detective Andrew Simmons, who can see the kindergarten cops at the airport aren't capable of, well - anything. *I don't know how something like this is handled in real life, but I would think someone could simply smell spices and realize what they were. Wouldn't "drugs" have a unique and obvious bouquet?*
I loved the first meeting between these MCs and was very eager to see their relationship progress. And whoa! Are they spicy!! Muy caliente!
With all the zany characters mixed in with the story, I was fully entertained. I didn't particularly like the revelation that Andy doesn't have a sense of taste - how cliché is that for a chef to meet someone like that? But with the help of Chris's friend Zach, Andy learns to appreciate fine dining. :)
I do recommend and rate this around 3.5 stars.
Woo-wee! This was an entertaining read for sure. I am not a foodie, but after reading this I certainly could turn into one. I learned a lot about how to appreciate food and I can wait for the chance to savor my next meal, lol.
Chef Christian De Guisse is talented but when his boyfriend and restaurant business partner comes out as marrying a woman, Chris decides to take his talent elsewhere - and winds up in a special locked room at the airport for smuggling "herbs." Haha! Yep, the spices and herbs and whatnots that Chris took with him on the plane have come under scrutiny by the police. Enter Detective Andrew Simmons, who can see the kindergarten cops at the airport aren't capable of, well - anything. *I don't know how something like this is handled in real life, but I would think someone could simply smell spices and realize what they were. Wouldn't "drugs" have a unique and obvious bouquet?*
I loved the first meeting between these MCs and was very eager to see their relationship progress. And whoa! Are they spicy!! Muy caliente!
With all the zany characters mixed in with the story, I was fully entertained. I didn't particularly like the revelation that Andy doesn't have a sense of taste - how cliché is that for a chef to meet someone like that? But with the help of Chris's friend Zach, Andy learns to appreciate fine dining. :)
I do recommend and rate this around 3.5 stars.
October 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very slow burn relationship between Andy and Christian. It was a nice love story with low angst. It’s something I’ve been in the mood for lately and this one was just right .
August 1, 2020
Christian came out with guns blazing only to retreat into misery when his nasty ex became a vindictive jerk. Their bit of "patching things up" at the end was a nice thought, but I don't know that it provided the closure Christian needed. It would have been best to just leave it be and have him find happiness in just being happy with what he created on his own out of the shadow of his ex no matter how much work went into his past.
Andy's issue worked for the story...in theory. The way it was written in was overly dramatic and made Andy, who started out endearing and straightforward in his interest, into someone self-righteous, selfish, and judgmental. He turned out to be someone who had way more emotional investment into something that wasn't his fault and then he put all his damage onto Christian.
Their first date started out cute and everything that led up to that point had potential, but when Andy did what he did and then got maudlin and proceeded to bail on Christian after a bit of good conversation and a sweet kiss only to find a hand job hook up a couple days later at a club left me completely reeling. WTF was uttered over and over. And then the scene in Powell's...first with the journals, unnecessary and weird, then with the coffeeshop, out of place and too philosophical and depressing, all to culminate with him treating Christian badly, yet again, without real provocation, only perceived, and he didn't even let Christian explain. But then that bit ended up with sexy flirting? I was tossed all over the place wondering what in the eff was supposed to be going on.
Christian started off okay but gained presence, Andy started off great but quickly died a quick death in my mind. I didn't really believe in their relationship because it seemed Christian was the only one trying to understand and include Andy in every facet. When Andy made his grand gesture it was sweet, I'll give it that, but his presence was so very diminished by that point that it just wasn't enough to save him in the end for me.
This story had an interesting premise that I was absolutely all in for, but the finished product was severely lacking. For a republished story it wouldn't have hurt the author to find a beta reader (there are dozens and dozens of us that do this for free) to give some objective advice before republishing.
Andy's issue worked for the story...in theory. The way it was written in was overly dramatic and made Andy, who started out endearing and straightforward in his interest, into someone self-righteous, selfish, and judgmental. He turned out to be someone who had way more emotional investment into something that wasn't his fault and then he put all his damage onto Christian.
Their first date started out cute and everything that led up to that point had potential, but when Andy did what he did and then got maudlin and proceeded to bail on Christian after a bit of good conversation and a sweet kiss only to find a hand job hook up a couple days later at a club left me completely reeling. WTF was uttered over and over. And then the scene in Powell's...first with the journals, unnecessary and weird, then with the coffeeshop, out of place and too philosophical and depressing, all to culminate with him treating Christian badly, yet again, without real provocation, only perceived, and he didn't even let Christian explain. But then that bit ended up with sexy flirting? I was tossed all over the place wondering what in the eff was supposed to be going on.
Christian started off okay but gained presence, Andy started off great but quickly died a quick death in my mind. I didn't really believe in their relationship because it seemed Christian was the only one trying to understand and include Andy in every facet. When Andy made his grand gesture it was sweet, I'll give it that, but his presence was so very diminished by that point that it just wasn't enough to save him in the end for me.
This story had an interesting premise that I was absolutely all in for, but the finished product was severely lacking. For a republished story it wouldn't have hurt the author to find a beta reader (there are dozens and dozens of us that do this for free) to give some objective advice before republishing.
July 23, 2020
LE Franks' Tasty is a cute opposites attract romance.
This is a romance between Christian, a famous chef and Andy, a cop. Christian is starting over, trying to re-start his life in a new town when he meets Andy.
As far as meet cutes go, this one is fabulous, as Christian is pulled over on suspicion of drug trafficking. I couldn't stop laughing with how Christian handled the situation.
The age gap is an enjoyable addition to this tale. But the main intriguing factor to their relationship is the food issue. Christian is a famous chef who likes to appreciate the finer side of food, talking about the flavors and uniqueness of each meal. Andy, meanwhile, is someone who can't appreciate food, as he has an issue that makes food all taste the pretty much the same.
This makes for a fascinating idea, as of course this is a major roadblock for these two being together. I mean really, Andy eats all his food covered in ketchup. What a major no-no to Christian. Can you say opposites?
Written in 3rd person, I enjoy the writing style, pace, dialogue, etc. The humor is ever present, and the storyline is enticing.
Tasty AF is a short and quick read that is sweet throughout. LE Franks will leave you satisfied with this slow burn romance.
This is a romance between Christian, a famous chef and Andy, a cop. Christian is starting over, trying to re-start his life in a new town when he meets Andy.
As far as meet cutes go, this one is fabulous, as Christian is pulled over on suspicion of drug trafficking. I couldn't stop laughing with how Christian handled the situation.
The age gap is an enjoyable addition to this tale. But the main intriguing factor to their relationship is the food issue. Christian is a famous chef who likes to appreciate the finer side of food, talking about the flavors and uniqueness of each meal. Andy, meanwhile, is someone who can't appreciate food, as he has an issue that makes food all taste the pretty much the same.
This makes for a fascinating idea, as of course this is a major roadblock for these two being together. I mean really, Andy eats all his food covered in ketchup. What a major no-no to Christian. Can you say opposites?
Written in 3rd person, I enjoy the writing style, pace, dialogue, etc. The humor is ever present, and the storyline is enticing.
Tasty AF is a short and quick read that is sweet throughout. LE Franks will leave you satisfied with this slow burn romance.
Did Not Finish
March 7, 2021Started, but it didn't hold my interest.
March 24, 2017
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Can This Be Real is one of those books you read when you just want a good romance. Although the character Andy is a police detective this story doesn’t revolve around his job. This book is about Christian and his job as a premier chef.
The book starts with a major life change for Christian. After a short period of wallowing in his misery and a little help from his best friend, Christian shook off his cheating ex and tanked career to start over across the country.It doesn’t look like it will be a great start at first when his herbs and spices attract some attention at the airport but it does lead to him meeting Andy.
I really like Andy and Christian. They have good chemistry, but there are a few things holding them back from getting together completely. First is Christian is a little wary about trusting someone else. The other is that Christian is all about food, but Andy isn’t able to appreciate his talent or his food. It’s a little bit of opposites attracting and I worried for a little bit that they might not get past the friendship stage.
Can This Be Real is a short novel with a slow burn romance. While I like books with a lot of emotional highs and lows, there are times when a simple romance with low/no angst is needed. This book is perfect for those times. There isn’t a lot of sex in this book, which I didn’t find I missed a lot. It was much more about the characters finding a way to fit together and I thought it offered a really great ending. I’d definitely recommend it for those looking for a short and sweet romance.
8/10 Pots of Gold (80% Recommended) – Compares to 4/5 Stars
Can This Be Real is one of those books you read when you just want a good romance. Although the character Andy is a police detective this story doesn’t revolve around his job. This book is about Christian and his job as a premier chef.
The book starts with a major life change for Christian. After a short period of wallowing in his misery and a little help from his best friend, Christian shook off his cheating ex and tanked career to start over across the country.It doesn’t look like it will be a great start at first when his herbs and spices attract some attention at the airport but it does lead to him meeting Andy.
I really like Andy and Christian. They have good chemistry, but there are a few things holding them back from getting together completely. First is Christian is a little wary about trusting someone else. The other is that Christian is all about food, but Andy isn’t able to appreciate his talent or his food. It’s a little bit of opposites attracting and I worried for a little bit that they might not get past the friendship stage.
Can This Be Real is a short novel with a slow burn romance. While I like books with a lot of emotional highs and lows, there are times when a simple romance with low/no angst is needed. This book is perfect for those times. There isn’t a lot of sex in this book, which I didn’t find I missed a lot. It was much more about the characters finding a way to fit together and I thought it offered a really great ending. I’d definitely recommend it for those looking for a short and sweet romance.
8/10 Pots of Gold (80% Recommended) – Compares to 4/5 Stars
April 29, 2014
This book had a great concept - celebrity chef in need of change meets hot cop while being detained for his "suspicious" spice collection - but the execution wasn't. I liked it enough to finish, and there were some moments that were really good, but overall it all felt really flat. There wasn't enough focus on the relationship, and the various side characters, while bringing something to the table, often distracted from the main romance. The proofreading was also not up to snuff, with punctuation missing too often to ignore, and then one of the character names being misspelled at the end of the book showed a lack of attention to detail.
It's a nice little story that you might enjoy as a summer beach read, with little angst, little sexy times, and some interesting details about food and what it's like to not have a sense of smell. It's about opposites attracting and to finding your footing after falling.
A more detailed review will be on Booklikes and my blog.
** I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
It's a nice little story that you might enjoy as a summer beach read, with little angst, little sexy times, and some interesting details about food and what it's like to not have a sense of smell. It's about opposites attracting and to finding your footing after falling.
A more detailed review will be on Booklikes and my blog.
** I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
April 28, 2014
This book was hard to finish. The story lacked an arc; I didn't feel any flow or cohesion. I found myself going back several times thinking I'd missed a mention of things. Then I realized bits and pieces were just thrown in without previous mention. I did not feel any real connection with either MC and there isn't much steam here.
June 17, 2014
I think I needed more from Andrew.
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
November 13, 2020
It was ok. Good but not mindblowing.
July 29, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be the last! I thoroughly enjoyed this book from cover to cover. It made me smile and laugh.
The story starts as we meet Christian. He is the magic behind his partner's 5 star restaurant. His partner is in the closet so the personal relationship is kept quiet but the two men have an open professional relationship. That all ends one day when Christian sees a picture of his partner with a woman in the newspaper. Upset and mad, he confronts his partner in the office without realizing who else was in the meeting. Christian ends up "outing" his partner. The relationship is over. Christian is then promptly fired by his partner. To make matters worse, he is also black balled by his partner with all the others chefs and owners in the restaurant business.
Frustrated and angry, Christian is lost as to what his next plan of action is; besides drinking, moping around and feeling sorry for himself. Christian's best friend Zack flys out to rescue him and drag him back to Portland where he has lined up a chef's job in an up and coming restaurant. While on the plane Christian catches the unwanted attention of the Air Marshall and ends up being detained at the airport. They are suspicious of all his little packages of herbs and spices in his suitcase. This is when Christian first meets Detective Andy Simmons. He was sent to observe the task force at the airport who are looking for drugs. Going with his gut instinct, Andy gets Christian out of airport and to the police station. Once testing comes back on his herbs and spices to confirm there is nothing illegal include in the packages; then the suspicion will be dropped.
Andy is a chef who is a master at the nuance of flavors and spices. When he creates a special meal to thank Andy for all his help and to show off a little; he nearly loses his mind when Andy covers his perfectly cooked steak with ketchup! Christian loves to cook and Andy can't taste food. Ketchup is Andy's middle name.
This is the story about the relationship between a man who loves food and flavour and a man who can't taste food. With two opposite ends of the spectrum, there is always going to be friction and misunderstandings. Enjoy the ride of their many ups and downs.
This is an easy enjoyable read. There is not a lot of angst. You will find yourself smiling along as you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story starts as we meet Christian. He is the magic behind his partner's 5 star restaurant. His partner is in the closet so the personal relationship is kept quiet but the two men have an open professional relationship. That all ends one day when Christian sees a picture of his partner with a woman in the newspaper. Upset and mad, he confronts his partner in the office without realizing who else was in the meeting. Christian ends up "outing" his partner. The relationship is over. Christian is then promptly fired by his partner. To make matters worse, he is also black balled by his partner with all the others chefs and owners in the restaurant business.
Frustrated and angry, Christian is lost as to what his next plan of action is; besides drinking, moping around and feeling sorry for himself. Christian's best friend Zack flys out to rescue him and drag him back to Portland where he has lined up a chef's job in an up and coming restaurant. While on the plane Christian catches the unwanted attention of the Air Marshall and ends up being detained at the airport. They are suspicious of all his little packages of herbs and spices in his suitcase. This is when Christian first meets Detective Andy Simmons. He was sent to observe the task force at the airport who are looking for drugs. Going with his gut instinct, Andy gets Christian out of airport and to the police station. Once testing comes back on his herbs and spices to confirm there is nothing illegal include in the packages; then the suspicion will be dropped.
Andy is a chef who is a master at the nuance of flavors and spices. When he creates a special meal to thank Andy for all his help and to show off a little; he nearly loses his mind when Andy covers his perfectly cooked steak with ketchup! Christian loves to cook and Andy can't taste food. Ketchup is Andy's middle name.
This is the story about the relationship between a man who loves food and flavour and a man who can't taste food. With two opposite ends of the spectrum, there is always going to be friction and misunderstandings. Enjoy the ride of their many ups and downs.
This is an easy enjoyable read. There is not a lot of angst. You will find yourself smiling along as you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2020
Review by Gloria Lakritz Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
4 ½ stars
Book: Tasty AF
Author: LE Franks
Publisher: LE Franks Books
Pages: 172
Release: July 1, 2020
Genre: Gay Romance
LE Franks is a new to me author….But not for long. I cannot wait to find more of her work. It was a chance that I saw her new book on FB and snatched it up on a whim…..Good Get!
Christian De Guisse is a very famous chef, working in the restaurant of his closeted lover Jordan Slayer. It was not planned, the newspaper on his desk that morning had Christian seeing red. A picture of Jordan out and about with his newest across the page of the paper reported by Page Six. I guess Exploding into a Board Room and outing Jordan was a good reason to leave town. He also would have no job anyway with Jordan blackballing him all over the city. It was wonderful that Zach , his best friend had come to NY. Zack helped him pack up in 3 days, during that time inviting him to come out west and come to the Pacific Northwest.
Now Christian is on a plane flying out to Portland to a possible job and to try to make a new life. You can really enjoy what happens to Christian, if you have done some flying…Fate has this happen (never to me though) and this is how Christian De Guisse meets the handsome cop Andrew Simmons.
Our author continues to entrance us with her humor, pairing these two Christian, the chef who lives to cook, and Andy the cop who cannot taste…Ketchup is his middle name.
LE Franks writes an adorable , opposites attract love story and I think you should grab it…it was a perfect weekend read!
****Note I downloaded from Amazon KU copy and the kindle version was flawed….within 24 hours perfect…
4 ½ stars
Book: Tasty AF
Author: LE Franks
Publisher: LE Franks Books
Pages: 172
Release: July 1, 2020
Genre: Gay Romance
LE Franks is a new to me author….But not for long. I cannot wait to find more of her work. It was a chance that I saw her new book on FB and snatched it up on a whim…..Good Get!
Christian De Guisse is a very famous chef, working in the restaurant of his closeted lover Jordan Slayer. It was not planned, the newspaper on his desk that morning had Christian seeing red. A picture of Jordan out and about with his newest across the page of the paper reported by Page Six. I guess Exploding into a Board Room and outing Jordan was a good reason to leave town. He also would have no job anyway with Jordan blackballing him all over the city. It was wonderful that Zach , his best friend had come to NY. Zack helped him pack up in 3 days, during that time inviting him to come out west and come to the Pacific Northwest.
Now Christian is on a plane flying out to Portland to a possible job and to try to make a new life. You can really enjoy what happens to Christian, if you have done some flying…Fate has this happen (never to me though) and this is how Christian De Guisse meets the handsome cop Andrew Simmons.
Our author continues to entrance us with her humor, pairing these two Christian, the chef who lives to cook, and Andy the cop who cannot taste…Ketchup is his middle name.
LE Franks writes an adorable , opposites attract love story and I think you should grab it…it was a perfect weekend read!
****Note I downloaded from Amazon KU copy and the kindle version was flawed….within 24 hours perfect…
August 1, 2020
This is the story of the challenging romance between Christian De Guisse, a famous chef, and Detective Andy Simmons, a cop with no taste buds.
When Christian accidentally “outs” his closeted boyfriend, his job at the man's 5-star restaurant is over. Fortunately his friend Zack arrives to pack him up out of his misery and move him to Portland to start over with a failing restaurant that hopefully he can save. His flight to Portland provides an introduction to Detective Andy Simmons when authorities are suspicious of the packages of herbs and spices in Christian’s suitcase. Andy had been sent to observe as the Task Force at the airport is watching for drugs. Of course thorough testing proves the contents are food, not drugs. But it got them to notice each other!
Christian being a famous chef who likes to appreciate the finer side of food, tries to communicate his enjoyment to Andy, who can't appreciate food due to his condition that prevents him from tasting anything. Food is all the same to him! The worst thing you could do to insult a chef is to cover the food he lovingly prepares in ketchup! And ketchup is Andy’s first addition to any meal! These two are definitely opposites! Is there any hope for Christian and Andy to accommodate each other’s differences? Can the failing restaurant be salvaged and raised up to 5-Stars? Or is this whole move to Portland a failure too?
This is an easy and fun read that will keep the reader amused from start to finish. Grab your copy and enjoy Christian and Andy’s story.
When Christian accidentally “outs” his closeted boyfriend, his job at the man's 5-star restaurant is over. Fortunately his friend Zack arrives to pack him up out of his misery and move him to Portland to start over with a failing restaurant that hopefully he can save. His flight to Portland provides an introduction to Detective Andy Simmons when authorities are suspicious of the packages of herbs and spices in Christian’s suitcase. Andy had been sent to observe as the Task Force at the airport is watching for drugs. Of course thorough testing proves the contents are food, not drugs. But it got them to notice each other!
Christian being a famous chef who likes to appreciate the finer side of food, tries to communicate his enjoyment to Andy, who can't appreciate food due to his condition that prevents him from tasting anything. Food is all the same to him! The worst thing you could do to insult a chef is to cover the food he lovingly prepares in ketchup! And ketchup is Andy’s first addition to any meal! These two are definitely opposites! Is there any hope for Christian and Andy to accommodate each other’s differences? Can the failing restaurant be salvaged and raised up to 5-Stars? Or is this whole move to Portland a failure too?
This is an easy and fun read that will keep the reader amused from start to finish. Grab your copy and enjoy Christian and Andy’s story.
July 30, 2020
I enjoyed this book, liked the characters - main & side characters, and the general mood of the story, along with the plot itself. I liked how characters evolved as they got to know each other. They didn't seem to have a whole lot in common, but found ways to meet in the middle and to appreciate each other's differences. I'm sure it could be said that perhaps they didn't have enough in common for their relationship to make sense, but their mutual respect and curiosity about one another did make it seem a little more believable.
It felt like this book must be in the midst of a series, with side characters having their own lives going on around the two mains. It also sometimes felt like a short story, rather than a novella, as periods of time were glossed over. I would have liked to have seen more meetings between the two main characters - they spent a lot of time apart with their busy jobs. And there was a fair amount of sexual tension, without very little sex actually happening. I'm not saying that all books need sex, but it would seem like they were heading in that direction, but then the chapter would be over & on to another place and time. That being said, despite the glossing over & passage of time, the story felt complete in terms of everything tied up nicely for everyone.
I feel like this story has a lot going for it and I'm not sorry I read it at all - I just wouldn't have minded a bit more.
It felt like this book must be in the midst of a series, with side characters having their own lives going on around the two mains. It also sometimes felt like a short story, rather than a novella, as periods of time were glossed over. I would have liked to have seen more meetings between the two main characters - they spent a lot of time apart with their busy jobs. And there was a fair amount of sexual tension, without very little sex actually happening. I'm not saying that all books need sex, but it would seem like they were heading in that direction, but then the chapter would be over & on to another place and time. That being said, despite the glossing over & passage of time, the story felt complete in terms of everything tied up nicely for everyone.
I feel like this story has a lot going for it and I'm not sorry I read it at all - I just wouldn't have minded a bit more.
July 25, 2020
Tasty AF is an enjoyable read overall with a great cast of characters, both Andy and Christian have fun and supportive friends.
Things start very much on a downer with what happens to Christian in New York, losing him his boyfriend and job in one swoop. He comes into his own in Portland though with the help of his best friend as he's put forward for a new restaurant venture with so many possibilities. He needs rescuing as soon as he gets off of the plane though and Andy is just the man for the job. He's a detective sent to be part of a joint task force with airport security. From the off set they enjoy each others company, even if Christian is in cuffs initially. There's a strong attraction and they work well together throughout the story though I occasionally got lost on the flow of the relationship as though I'd missed a step or a period of time.
This is my first story from L.E. Franks and I'm interested in more from the author and the characters we meet in the story.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Things start very much on a downer with what happens to Christian in New York, losing him his boyfriend and job in one swoop. He comes into his own in Portland though with the help of his best friend as he's put forward for a new restaurant venture with so many possibilities. He needs rescuing as soon as he gets off of the plane though and Andy is just the man for the job. He's a detective sent to be part of a joint task force with airport security. From the off set they enjoy each others company, even if Christian is in cuffs initially. There's a strong attraction and they work well together throughout the story though I occasionally got lost on the flow of the relationship as though I'd missed a step or a period of time.
This is my first story from L.E. Franks and I'm interested in more from the author and the characters we meet in the story.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
December 2, 2020
DNF @ 23%.
I didn't care for the fact that the opening POV was Zach's. I thought for a minute I had misread who the MCs were. First off, the same scene could have been told from Christian's POV and second, it would have made more sense to have it as a prologue as opposed to Chapter 1, only to have it switch to Christian after 2 scenes.
It's interesting that the author noted Zach, who had always identified as "strictly gay" with a kink for slender, short blond men, fell for a woman with the same characteristics. Is Straight-for-You a thing? Yeah, bi and pan sexuality is a thing, but just the way it was thrown in there was almost off-putting... like it was just a matter of finding the right girl who checked all the boxes. I thought that maybe Katy would turn out to be trans, but that doesn't seem to be the case from skimming ahead.
Both those things aside, I just wasn't connecting with the characters and was finding it a bit dull and draggy, so a DNF and 1 star regardless.
I didn't care for the fact that the opening POV was Zach's. I thought for a minute I had misread who the MCs were. First off, the same scene could have been told from Christian's POV and second, it would have made more sense to have it as a prologue as opposed to Chapter 1, only to have it switch to Christian after 2 scenes.
It's interesting that the author noted Zach, who had always identified as "strictly gay" with a kink for slender, short blond men, fell for a woman with the same characteristics. Is Straight-for-You a thing? Yeah, bi and pan sexuality is a thing, but just the way it was thrown in there was almost off-putting... like it was just a matter of finding the right girl who checked all the boxes. I thought that maybe Katy would turn out to be trans, but that doesn't seem to be the case from skimming ahead.
Both those things aside, I just wasn't connecting with the characters and was finding it a bit dull and draggy, so a DNF and 1 star regardless.
July 15, 2020
**Unlimited read, July 2020**
I came across this book on facebook, and thought it sounded really rather fun and it was!
Moving from one side of the continent to the other to get away from the life he led before, Christian hopes to rebuild his life. Cop Andy shouldn't fit in it, no one else should but Christian is pulled in by the cop, in ways he didn't see coming.
Really rather a cute read. Not difficult, lots of fun, very much a hangover cure, both of the book AND alcohol kind!
It's funny, and sexy. Why Christian moves across country is shocking in its extreme, but the way it all came out?? Did make me laugh.
Not overly explicit, but not really needed here.
I'll certainly look to read more of this author, this is the first I've read.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I came across this book on facebook, and thought it sounded really rather fun and it was!
Moving from one side of the continent to the other to get away from the life he led before, Christian hopes to rebuild his life. Cop Andy shouldn't fit in it, no one else should but Christian is pulled in by the cop, in ways he didn't see coming.
Really rather a cute read. Not difficult, lots of fun, very much a hangover cure, both of the book AND alcohol kind!
It's funny, and sexy. Why Christian moves across country is shocking in its extreme, but the way it all came out?? Did make me laugh.
Not overly explicit, but not really needed here.
I'll certainly look to read more of this author, this is the first I've read.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
July 17, 2020
Normally its not the covers or titles that catch my attention. In this case Tasty AF has done both. This is the first title that I have picked up from LE Franks and I am a fan. Christian De Guisse is one of New York’s hottest chiefs. Who knew that it would take his ex to be sleeping with someone else to cause an epic melt down? Luckily Christian has a best friend who drags him to Portland to start over. Sounds easy right? Yeah right. He is stopped by the Air Marshals for being suspicious. Andy is called in to investigate and there is something about this chief that Andy can’t get out of his mind. Where Christian can taste the different flavor profiles and looks to find the best balance for everything, Andy can’t taste or smell anything. Two opposites can attract in this case it’s a slow burn that doesn’t disappoint. I will be looking back and reading more by LE Franks.
July 22, 2020
I wanted to like this one more than I did, but ultimately, I could get into the story. I am not sure what my hang up was, but whatever it was prevented me from connecting to the story.
I liked that there was a strong and supportive best friend that helped Christian find his passion for cooking again. I liked that he found someone more worthy of his love than that cheating and predatory ex of his. I liked that the author played with the Bi/Awakening trope in a reverse way that MM readers see. That was super interesting. It had a lot of good moments but sometimes it would drag in the middle with some unnecessary drama.
Overall, I just could not find the energy to feel more for the story.
**ARC provided, and I have given my honest review**
I liked that there was a strong and supportive best friend that helped Christian find his passion for cooking again. I liked that he found someone more worthy of his love than that cheating and predatory ex of his. I liked that the author played with the Bi/Awakening trope in a reverse way that MM readers see. That was super interesting. It had a lot of good moments but sometimes it would drag in the middle with some unnecessary drama.
Overall, I just could not find the energy to feel more for the story.
**ARC provided, and I have given my honest review**
July 25, 2020
I received this book free from GRR in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book. It stared out sad and with a lot of anger on Christian’s part, justifiably so really. When his best friend Zach comes to bundle Christian off to Portland he is a mess, but the arrival at Portland airport is the icing on the cake for him. As a chef he wants his favourite ingredients with him unfortunately not everyone sees them as ingredients.
In comes Detective Andy Simmons to process Christian and both men like what they see. Unfortunately until the case is closed all Andy can do is watch Christian.
There is a quirky twist in the chef and detective dynamic and ketchup plays a big part.
Enjoy..
I liked this book. It stared out sad and with a lot of anger on Christian’s part, justifiably so really. When his best friend Zach comes to bundle Christian off to Portland he is a mess, but the arrival at Portland airport is the icing on the cake for him. As a chef he wants his favourite ingredients with him unfortunately not everyone sees them as ingredients.
In comes Detective Andy Simmons to process Christian and both men like what they see. Unfortunately until the case is closed all Andy can do is watch Christian.
There is a quirky twist in the chef and detective dynamic and ketchup plays a big part.
Enjoy..
August 2, 2020
Yes, the main characters had almost zero in common but isn’t that the fun of a love story? Watching these two navigate their way from their first disastrous meeting to a full on romance was a treat. Ups and downs make everything even more fun. I liked the characters, their story was entertaining to watch unfold and the telling of the story was quirky in the best possible way. They may have been opposites in their lives but their chemistry proved to overshadow the differences and make them made for each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2020
I always seem to enjoy stories concerning cooking, odd because I hate to cook. I've read a few good ones lately, this was good but I found it a little bit rambling at times. Christian, a renowned chef, and Andy, a detective, meet and have an immediate attraction, but it takes forever in the book to go somewhere. I found the writing a teensy bit confusing at times but on the whole it was good, I liked all the side characters, Andy and Christian were sweet if a little incompatible at first. The moment Andy poured ketchup on the first fancy meal Christian had made for them both was hilarious, I could so picture the look of horror on his face.
July 22, 2020
Christian and Andy make for an interesting couple with one being a gourmet chef and the other not being able to taste anything but they work. I love that Andy makes Christian take a look at things outside of his kitchen. This novel is slow burn with low heat, only one scene occurring in the book, which is made all the sweeter by them waiting until they were ready. I loved all of the side characters too, especially Katy. The banter between the two MCs is really amusing and made me smile. I would definitely recommend this book.
July 23, 2020
This was my first LE Franks story, I will definitely be looking for more by this author. Christian accidentally outs his boyfriend and is fired from his chef’s job in New York. His friend Zach brings him to Portland to start over. There he meets Andy, a police detective. They are total opposites in so many ways, but the attraction is instant. This a really good romantic comedy! Loved it!!
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
July 31, 2020
Christian relocates to the left coast after outing his famous boyfriend. His friend Zach helps him pack up his life to move away and start new. It is ironic that he is a chef - the way to a man's heart right? - and yet the man he meets, is attracted to and wants to build a life with cannot taste. I thought this was a clever plot twist and it allows for Christian and Andy to build on something other than what he is best and we see them put in the work! I gave it three and a half stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2020
Leaving New York in disgrace, flying to Portland made Christian feel like he was leavibg with his tail between his legs. At his absolute lowest, he met a hot detective when he was being accused of smuggling.
Andy saw the chef, and could see that he was struggling in fear, not know the circumstances leading to his arrival in Portland. He still found Chris attractive.
This was a sweet story, and easy read
Andy saw the chef, and could see that he was struggling in fear, not know the circumstances leading to his arrival in Portland. He still found Chris attractive.
This was a sweet story, and easy read
July 21, 2020
What do you do when a foodie/chef has to start over and the one he is attracted to just doesn't see what it takes to be a chef? You have to weigh what's really important in life. Chris has done just this so he can achieve a HEA with Andy. Andy who is a cop that is immediately attracted to Chris has to make it through his own personal issues to getting there. This opposites attract is a nice warm burn with little to no angst and a wonderful HEA.
July 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this fast reading well written love story, my first by LE Franks but definitely not my last. It totally ticked me off when I found out Jordan was cheating on me, I made his restaurant The Happy Monkey into one of the premier places to eat in New York and he blackballed me, so with the help of my friend Zach I find a new restaurant in the northwest, and a new guy. But if this is going to work between Andy and I, I need to get over my past and begin a new life here together.
July 30, 2020
I enjoyed all the bits and pieces mixed together in this one like one of those pizzas where all the toppings are put on. It had opposite attract, of course, but I also enjoyed the glimpse into a person who couldn't taste, the stresses of trying to start a new life and bring a crumbling restaurant back health and the whole starting to trust after a betrayal trope. This could have been twice as long and I would still have enjoyed the author's blending of all these different elements.
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