Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Don't Touch

Rate this book
I accidentally told my new boss I have the hots for him.It was my best friend’s fault. She was distracting me at work, demanding I tell her all about the sexy-as-sin head-chef I was working for. I sent her a message declaring he looked “gorgeous enough to lick from top to bottom.”Then I set my phone on the counter.Then my boss picked it up.Then he read the screen… and I knew I was screwed.It’s bad enough having a crush on your boss. What am I supposed to do with him flirting heavily with me as we squeeze together in a hot kitchen, spending hours side by side?Never sleep with your boss. It’s the main rule.What happens when we break it?

83 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2021

79 people are currently reading
92 people want to read

About the author

Penny Wylder

150 books3,349 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
132 (38%)
4 stars
93 (27%)
3 stars
71 (20%)
2 stars
37 (10%)
1 star
11 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
147 reviews5 followers
July 28, 2021
I kind of feel that many people watched a lot of cooking and baking shows during the pandemic, including authors, because I've read several stories about bakers and chefs lately. Don't Touch, by Penny Wydler, is one such book.

This is about two adult, modern people acting on an attraction then developing feelings for each other. Arisa, the heroine, is a culinary school graduate who gets a golden opportunity to work at a restaurant. Monroe, the hero, is the owner and the chef. They are both immediately attracted to each other and act on that attraction. As they continue to get to know each other, their feelings grow and their relationship solidifies into something real.

I enjoyed their working relationship and the build up to the food critic review. Monroe was an exacting chef but he respected and encouraged Arisa. I felt that their first encounter was just too abrupt and it fell a little flat for me. I also didn't understand Arisa's character arc. She was so confident in her skills during the story then caved when the mean girl made her doubt herself. I don't want to spoil the scene, but it didn't make sense to me. These brought the rating to 3.5 stars for me. There was a nice epilogue.

This is a safe read with no OW/OM drama and no cheating. There is explicit language and explicit sex. It's a quick read that's a complete standalone.

I received an ARC from Booksprout in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Erika Jackson.
657 reviews4 followers
July 27, 2021
This story was really good. Arisa has a new job after just graduating college. She is a hard worker, quick learner, beautiful, and googly eyes for her boss. I actually like Arisa and how she doesn't quit easily and willing to learn and smart too. Monroe is amazing! He is sweet, charming, handsome and the best at what he does. He is breaking all the rules for Arisa. I will like to say I did called the conflict happening before and knew what was going to happen which I hate BUT Monroe was awesome of making sure he stands his ground. I love it. Penny writing is amazing work and the words have so much meaning. I love her stories and the way she delivers us a happy ever after. I am voluntarily read this ARC for an honest review through Bookfunnel. Thanks again Penny for this amazing opportunity! Amazing work!😘
Profile Image for Dee.
5,035 reviews56 followers
July 29, 2021
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! Monroe is the sexy as all get out owner of a restaurant and head chef when he needs a little more help so he hires Arisa. Arisa is happy for the job, sweet but someone from school and she works there as well. Cheryl is about bout Cheryl and hates Arisa will do whatever to make her look bad. The chemistry is instant and intense, the magnetic pull can’t be ignored. Buckle up this is one ride will Arisa stay with all the complication she has, will Cheryl run her off and will they find happiness?
Profile Image for Lora.
1,330 reviews10 followers
August 11, 2021
Good...hot.....but I dont like how he was cold towards her after the first time they had sex. He literally just walked away. Nothing ever came of that. He just started talking to her the next day and that was that. It was a little odd.
2,333 reviews7 followers
July 26, 2021
Arisa’s first day as a chef does not go at all the way she expected, from the awful coworker she knows and her boss, Monroe to the texts that he sees between Arisa and her friend. When Monroe calls her back into work for help, things take a dramatic change. Cheryl is definitely a piece of work. Monroe is intense, especially when it comes to his restaurant and Arisa. Tom is just a great big brother. Pretty intense physical activity included.

I received a free copy of this book.
Profile Image for Mia.
338 reviews
August 5, 2021
“The door swings shut as she walks back into the dining room, leaving me alone with this crocodile of a human being.”

The book starts with Arisa being hired to “The Backyard” a renowned restaurant, to be a sous-chef, straight out of culinary school… ok… The owner doesn’t even interviews her face-to-face, didn’t she found it a little bizarre?

Anyway, she arrives at the Backyard and hold and behold her nemesis from culinary school also works there and promises to make her life very unpleasant there. Great!

“Now we know a little more about each other.”
“You know about me; I don't know anything about you other than what you rub your meat with.”
“Play your cards right and maybe I'll really show you how I like my meat rubbed.”


Monroe, is the restaurant owner and also the chef there.
He likes Arisa right away and within a few hours of her being there, he takes her phone, reads her personal messages and finds out she finds him hot… Well, what are boundaries and personal space for when you work for a hottie, right?

He also feels attracted to her and decides to act on his feelings the very same day he hired her… along with sharing a secret recipe that no one else knows (I thought chefs were more careful that this).
Anyway, I was cool until here, even liking the cheesy, insta attraction that was obvious between the two… but what Monroe did after they had sex was stupid, to say the least. Why in the world would he act like that? And he never apologized, didn’t talk about it… they just continue their story like that didn’t hurt her or he wasn’t an assh*le.

“His hands fit around my head perfectly. His lips mold to mine like lost pieces of a puzzle. And as he pulls me in closer, spinning me around so my back slams against the wall, it's like our bodies know each other already.”

There isn’t enough development in this book for me to like it. The book is short in itself, around 90 pages, but if you take into consideration that 3/4 of it is just descriptive sex, well that doesn’t leave much room for character or story development does it.
I wish the author had just labeled this as a erotic romance or something.

1,020 reviews12 followers
August 2, 2021
Wet kisses and tornadoes spinning in his stomach
This book is about Arisa and Monroe. She has just scored the job of a lifetime at the restaurant The Backyard – one of the best around. Somehow she managed to get the position without an in-person interview with the boss Monroe Martisse. She has an unfortunate encounter with one of the other cooks, Cheryl, who she went to culinary school with. It seems she’s just as snarky as she was then. The petty and immature comments, trying to intimidate her, came out of her mouth straight away. But Arisa is determined to not let her get to her.
When the boss Monroe returns to the restaurant’s kitchen, he tells Arisa she can start prepping for dinner service. She can barely get over how gorgeous he is. The descriptions she’d heard up til now hadn’t done him any justice. But she manages to tear herself away and start doing her job, and proving herself to him. When he picks up her phone and sees what she’s written about him to her friend, on his work time, there’s bound to be trouble and some consequences. And it starts when he calls her to come back into work well after her shift has finished.
There’s an undeniable mutual attraction between them, and their chemistry is sizzling-hot! Despite the professional boundaries that should be there, they can’t keep their hands off each other. It’s raw and passionate. Cheryl of course stirs up trouble when she sees them together, and makes up lies about how Arisa got the job in the first place that involves her brother Tom – and how she’s keeping it.
This was a great read with a good cast of characters – including one to hate, so that certainly added to the angst and drama. It was full of yummy food, hot kitchens (in more ways than one), sweet and loving words, and plenty of steamy passion. The worst thing was that it ended! I felt like it could go on, because I wasn’t done with these characters. But it was a great ending. I give this book four and three quarter delicious stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rebecca Grove.
3,492 reviews26 followers
July 31, 2021
Arisa just got her dream job working as a cook in a famous restaurant. on her first day of work, she finds out that her co-worker is the mean girl from culinary school and that her new boss is incredibly hot. She was so impressed with how hot Monroe was that she texted her friend about it. The problem was she left her phone out and her boss was able to read the whole conversation. Arisa is so embarassed and is afraid that she will get fired. To her surprise, Monroe seems to favor her and enjoy her dishes. When he tells her that she is going to come back later in the evening to help him do the prep work, Arisa is excited. It will just be the two of them alone after hours and who knows what might happen.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,665 reviews63 followers
August 8, 2021
Monroe is the head chef and Arisa is the new chef assistant. Cheryl is another chef assistant, as both of the women just finished at the culinary school. Cheryl has always been jealous of Arisa and really hates that she now works at The Backyard. Monroe sees a text message Arisa sent to a friend that said he was hot, so she is embarrassed. Monroe and Arisa start a relationship that Cheryl tries desperately to corrupt, even accusing her brother of paying off Monroe. The characters are terrific, with intense feelings and emotions. The storyline is fast-paced with plenty of drama, twists, and cooking fun. Monroe and Arisa have some pretty incredible moments and a strong bond. Loved the ending and epilogue.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Reva Parks.
1,770 reviews15 followers
July 27, 2021
When a fairly recent graduate of Culinary school follows her brother's advice to apply for a job as a chef at the Backyard, she is in for a few surprises. First, there is Cheryl, a girl she knows and dislikes from culinary school. Seems she has worked there as a waitress and was promoted to the kitchen. But Arisa's blown away by how handsome the owner/chef, Monroe, is who hired her without an interview. Well, the catty Cheryl and the magnificent Monroe really make for a steamy kitchen and a thrilling plot. Things get hot really fast when Monroe calls her back to work after the first day! These two sync right away in spite of Cheryl's constant troublemaking even as they try to impress a famous food critic. An enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
July 29, 2021
What's Cookin' ? . . .

In this story, Arisa is starting a new job as a chef at “The Backyard”, which is owned and operated by her boss, Monroe. She finds him very tempting and makes comments about him in a text message. She sets her phone down and he reads the screen that was sitting there in plain view. Seeing what she thinks of him, he begins flirting back with her. She shouldn’t flirst with the boss, but it’s very tempting. Will she give in and let a relationship develop between them?

This was a cute story line. Yes, there is some drama to deal with, but these two are good for each other. Can they get over the drama and establish a strong relationship? Grab your copy and find out.
2,443 reviews15 followers
July 31, 2021
Penny Wylder delivers a winning, delicious recipe for steamy instalove with Don't Touch. Arisa is just starting out as a chef and has landed a job cooking at The Backyard under well-known chef Monroe Martisse. He is gorgeous - albeit a bit of an arrogant, buttoned-up jerk. Then he accidentally lays eyes on a text message Arisa sends to her best friend saying just how gorgeous he is, and the lines between chef and protégé quickly blur. Throw in a vindictive colleague and a renowned food critic, and you have a side of entertaining drama that pairs like a fine wine with Arisa and Monroe's explosive chemistry!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews75 followers
August 10, 2021
Don't Touch is a hot and sexy story that has the heat turned up in the kitchen. Arisa got the job everyone strives for out of school. When she walks into the kitchen she see someone she would classify as the mean girl. Monroe grew up in the kitchen, working for his dad and now making his own way. Monroe is drawn to Arisa and sees something in her and their connection is off the charts. This does not set well with Cheryl, who as been at the restaurant for several years.

Grab this hot little number and enjoy. The story will take you on a ride of jealously, heat, passion, lust and love that will have you melting in your seat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Susan Anderson.
1,033 reviews4 followers
July 27, 2021
This book brings us Arisa and Monroe. Monroe owns a restaurant and he is the head chef and hires Arisa to help in the kitchen. However, there is also Cheryl who works there and went to school with Arisa, and Cheryl is into Cheryl, and hates Arisa. She will do anything to not have her succeed. However, there is so much chemistry between Arisa and Monroe, which can't be denied. There are other complications that arise and Arisa is devastated, but Monroe won't let things go - he needs to confront her and tell her the truth. This was a good read and I do recommend it. I did receive an arc for an honest review.
88 reviews
July 28, 2021
I love that all of Penny Wylder`s stories are so well developed that you can´t help but feel incredibly involved with the characters, with their towns, with their lives... and this book was no exception! Arisa and Monroe have such incredible chemistry... they`re nothing short of sizzling HOT together. Arisa is a strong woman who truly wants to stand on her own and earn her way. I love a heroine who doesn´t need the man to save her... but rather to simply love her! The story is engaging, entertaining, extra hot, and so much fun to read!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews447 followers
July 29, 2021
Don't Touch by Penny Wylder is an exciting, sexy, fun, and quick romance read. It's a restaurant workplace romance. This is Arisa and Monroe's story. Monroe hires Arisa in his restaurant. Arisa has just graduated culinary school and has gained her 1st job employed as a chef in Monroe's restaurant. These two have instant chemistry from the moment they met. But there’s someone whose jealousy, pettiness and bitterness cause them to lash out at Arisa. Will Arisa and Monroe get their HEA when this person is deadset on causing mischief and mayhem? Loved the ending!


My Rating: 4.5 stars *********
1,024 reviews9 followers
July 29, 2021
Arisa and Cheryl had went to culinary school together. So it was a surprises that Arisa would be working at the same restaurant as Cheryl since she was what Arisa would say the mean girl. Cheryl would always try to one up everyone. Arisa isn't going to put up with any of Cheryl's crap. Monroe happened to look at Arisa's cell phone but don't question it. Only tells her to keep it in her pocket. Monroe likes that Arisa is willing to learn and listens to everything that he has to teach her. I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the storyline and plot. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karina.
2,321 reviews13 followers
July 24, 2021
This was such a cute and quick read. From the beginning Arisa nd Monroe had sparks flying between them and When Monroe finds out Arisa has texted her friend about what she wants to do to him and how attracted she is to him. Well Monroe sees it as a perfect opportunity to flirt with her and let her know he likes her too. With just a touch of drama from a coworker who also it turns out knows Arisa and seems to be jealous of her; this book hit the mark. I love the HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
2,678 reviews32 followers
July 25, 2021
This book is hot, steamy and fun.
Arisa, fresh out of culinary school gets a job at a high class restaurant working with Monroe Matisse.
As I said, steamy and fun. These two have chemistry to burn and cook they did. Not without it's dramas and highly intense at times, mostly due in part to assistant chef, Cheryl who hated Arisa.
This was a great book, well written and a perfect feel good ending that had me smiling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,654 reviews179 followers
July 25, 2021
Don’t Touch is a hot and steamy workplace romance. Arisa and Monroe have an instant connection and you can feel the chemistry between them from the moment they meet. However, Arisa doesn’t think someone like Monroe would be interested in her, however, she is completely wrong.

Arisa and Monroe are heating up the kitchen with their chemistry and passion for each other and for cooking. However, there is a little bit of drama that slightly derails everything between them, but that is quickly resolved.

If you’re looking for a steamy workplace romance this is one to read!
193 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2021
Outstanding and Sweet

I loved everything about this book . I've been waiting for a chef story. I am a chef and this is awesome if only it happened to me in real life.

Arisa and Monroe are hot from the first time they meet. They have there troubles of course and someone tries to ruin her but it doesn't work . I don't want to give it away but it is definitely worth reading . A slam dunk penny for sure amazing and sweet .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,002 reviews27 followers
July 27, 2021
Arisa has just graduated culinary school and obtains a job with restaurant without meeting the chef in person. When she meets Monroe for the first time she feels an instant attraction, she soon discovers so does he. He has a sous chef, a girl she did not get along with in school. As the sparks fly between Arisa and Monroe it becomes clean that she is a better cook. Another hot and steamy read from Penny.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,313 reviews26 followers
July 28, 2021
This book was a quick and super steamy read about two chefs. Monroe and Arisa are smoking hot together and that’s not just the heat they stir up in the kitchen. Arisa finds a job at Monroe’s restaurant but discovers so much more there. This book is full of fun, great characters and an unbelievable amount of steam. The scene with the taste test is especially awesome. Read the story of these two today. You will be glad you did!!

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heidy.
419 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2021
So hot!

Monroe hires Arisa in his restaurant, The Backyard. She is excited to working in a such fantastic establishment. A woman named Cheryl also works there. Cheryl and Arisa went to culinary school together. One thing hasn't changed Cheryl is jealous of the talent Arisa has. Monroe and Arisa have a simmering connection. This simmer turns into a boil. Will this be for the good or the bad of the restaurant and Arisa's career? Follow them on an instantaneously fast relationship; both personal and professional.
287 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2021
Don't Touch was a steamy and very well written romance by Penny Wylder. After getting hired by Chef Monroe Martisse, Arissa is instantly attracted to the incredibly sexy man. She is embarrassed when he reads her steamy text messages about him. But she soon learns the attraction is definitely reciprocated. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot but her ex classmate Cheryl also works for Monroe and she insults and bullies Arissa at every turn. Will Arissa and Monroe get their HEA or will Cheryl succeed in getting rid of Arissa for good? 5 stars!
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,092 reviews23 followers
July 29, 2021
Monroe and Arisa complement each other. They are.good together. Their chemistry is immediate and it burns hot and fast. The drama that Cheryl brings to their lives might ruin their worming and personal relationship. I love Arisa and her strength but I understand her self doubt. I love that Monroe is driven and sweet and sexy and adventurous. I like Tom, he is a good brother and a good friend. Cheryl is a jerk but will she win in the end? The epilogue is sweet and fulfilling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,218 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2021
Monroe is the head chef at his restaurant. He likes to help his friends out when he can. He is dynamic and in charge in his restaurant. Monroe has taken on a new chef as a favor to a friend. Arisa is just starting her chef career and is attracted to her new boss. Will they do more than create wonderful food? Can Monroe and Arisa find their path outside the kitchen? It is a simmering, bubbling, boiling romance with a fabulous final dish!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,330 reviews27 followers
July 30, 2021
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a fast paced love story that brings a lot of heat to the kitchen. Arisa is a recent culinary grad who lands a great job opportunity. It comes along with a sexy head chef and some drama. Monroe hires her and they have an instant attraction. He learns that she likes him and turns on the charm. They have some bumps in their path to happiness but work things out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kanani .
1,398 reviews
July 23, 2021
This is a good read! I really enjoy reading Penny Wylder's books! She is such a vivid story teller. Her stories are interesting and well-developed, her heroines are fiesty and her heroes are amazing and always handsome! Monroe and Arisa were so perfect together. Their chemistry was palpable and the passion they shared, in all aspect of their lives, was off-the-charts! This is a great story and a must read!
331 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2021
Don't Touch was a hot, fun and quick read. Arisa is starting her new job at The Backyard as a new chef. She's very attracted to Monroe, the owner and her boss. When he reads her phone she accidentally left out, he starts flirting with her. She knows she shouldn't, but will she give in to the heat? These two were perfect for each other and worked so well. Hot and sexy with a little bit of drama mixed in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.