Cooking for the CEO

by Leah Busboom

He’s a casual T-shirt and flip-flops chef. She’s a serious buttoned-down corporate leader. How’s their relationship ever going to work?


I’ve been a personal chef for a variety of clients, but I’ve never had one like the lovely—yet cooking-challenged—Teddy. Despite her lack of kitchen skills, I’m drawn to her. She’s funny, smart, and keeps me on my toes. How am I going to win her over?


I admit that whenever I’m near a stove, the result turns out tasteless, unappetizing, or unfit to eat. With my sweet niece staying with me for the summer, I hired a personal chef to provide nutritious and delicious meals. Much to my surprise, I’m attracted to the hunky (younger) chef. I need to keep this relationship professional, but my heart isn’t in sync with my brain. How do I keep him from winning me over?

Ash and Teddy's relationship goes from one laugh-out-loud adventure to the next,
A lecture on the history of dirt at a run-down museum
A swoon worthy incident with Neapolitan ice cream at a food truck named The Green Frog
And a sweet improv version of a Shakespeare classic play that you won't soon forget

Do these opposites-attract hero and heroine with opposing agendas find their HEA?

Cooking for the CEO is Book 2 in the hilarious new romantic comedy series Too Busy for Love. If you love Hallmark movies with the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud scenes and heart-touching moments, this book is for you. Fans of Emma St. Clair, Ellie Hall, and Savannah Scott will enjoy this new series of clean and wholesome stories filled with romance and comedy. This book may be read as a standalone.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Clean Romance, Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2022

About the author

Leah Busboom wanted to become an author since the day she learned how to read! She specializes in the Romance genre because she loves a good story with a happy ending. Her books are known for their heartwarming stories; intriguing characters and hilarious real life situations that will make you want to laugh out loud.

Leah currently lives in Colorado with her wonderful husband, her "Blue Bomber" bicycle and a hundred bunny rabbits that roam free in the neighborhood.

Reviews

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Teddy is a busy woman and needs to hire a personal chef. This is how she meets Ash. They hit it off right away. However, she grew up with strict parents and she isn't good with relationships. Thankfully, in the end everything works out and they get their happy ending.

[Olivia Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK. I didn't really connect to the characters and it just wasn't my favorite. Still a fan of her writing and I will be reading more by Leah.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too Busy To Cook? Hire a personal chef-Ash Warner to be precise. And that's exactly what Teddy does. Prepare to laugh, cringe, sigh, and be delighted!

This is the second book in the series, and we were introduced to Ash in the first book, however, his magnificent personality and charm wasn't explored then. In this second book, readers are treated to Ash in his element. Hard working, thoughtful, fun to be with, and having a great personality, Ash is exactly the kind of person you would want to trust your kitchen and your stomach to! Teddy is a lot more reserved, as well as bring a total disaster in the kitchen! She is however always striving for improvement and dedicated to whatever task she is doing. Add in a sweet niece, Millicent (Millie) who is spending several months with Teddy as her parents study polar bears in Alaska. Teddy was pushed into the accelerated track by parents (college graduate by age 19) and it is apparent Millie has also been pushed by her mother. It was wonderful getting to know these characters and watch as they changed throughout the book as they benefited from each other.

I loved the way the author found ways to show each character's strengths and weaknesses without impacting negatively on the others. Lots of humor and compassion made this book especially endearing. The book was engaging and I could hardly put it down midway through reading. Terrific series and this addition is outstanding---don't miss it! I loved it.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in the Too Busy for Love series, so I was excited to read Cooking for the CEO featuring Ash, the chef side of the Too Busy Company trio. From the get-go CEO Teddy and Chef Ash have a mutual attraction, which is a troupe that I don’t always love, but these two mesh so well together I let my reservations go for the most part. I will say that Teddy’s internal fangirling of Ash, especially at the beginning of the story, did tend to grate on my nerves, but once the inner dialogue dissipated I enjoyed their story immensely.

The age difference between the pair is an issue for Teddy, despite the fact that there’s only a five year age difference. I can relate so much to this as I am older than my husband by several years, and it bothered me a lot in the beginning as well. I love that love doesn’t care and that age is just a number as it’s obvious these two are perfect for one another, each balancing the other perfectly, just like my husband and me.

The chapters are shorter in this novel, which I felt really helped with the tempo of the story, making the pace and and flow seamless. The birthday outings were hands down my favorite part of the novel, as it shows not only character transformation but also playful banter and unforgettable scenes that brought back sweet memories of my own. I found myself goofy grinning for a large part of this story, which is exactly what you want in a romcom.

This series has been so fun, and I am now impatiently waiting on Ari’s happy ending! If you’re looking for a fun, sweet read that will have you smirking the whole way through then look no further. I know you’ll enjoy it just as much as I did.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could be wrong but I think this is the first book that I have ever read that has an age gap where the leading lady is older. Usually with this trope, the male is older and man did I love the reversal. The age gap really bugs Teddy she doesn't know how to handle it but Ash doesn't care one bit that she is slightly older. I didn't want to put this book down I couldn't get enough of Teddy and how determined she is. She has worked hard to get where she is and she doesn't know how to get anywhere with just buckling down and working. So she doesn't really know how to have a relationship because work is all she has ever known. Ash is almost her complete opposite he is more laid back about things he does know how to work hard to grow his many chef jobs but he also knows how to have a good time. They both need each other but also are scared of what that might mean for the future. But man are they great together and as an added bonus you get Teddy's niece Millie. Millie is great if there was one thing I would change it would be to have more of her in the story. Although you do get a lot of her but I just love her and would love to have her get her own story although she is too young for that right now. But she is great and adds lots of laughs to the mix.

[Lindsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooking for the CEO is my first book by this author. It’s the second in a series but can easily be read as a standalone.
CEO Teddy is in need of a professional chef especially since her niece is coming to visit for three months or so. Chef Warner is going into this meeting expecting a male CEO. He doesn’t expect to find a gorgeous woman behind the desk.
They instantly feel the attraction towards one another but I would consider this more of a slow burn romance. Teddys niece comes to visit but she’s a bit shy and reserved. She’s only 9 (turning 10) but she seems much more mature for her age. She instantly warms up to Chef Warner so she starts coming out of her shell more.
I loved how much this story centered around the kids as well as the adults. I felt bad for Millicent/Millie because her parents seemed to want to be in Alaska much more than they wanted to be parents.
I loved the inclusion of George and Millie getting/having friends in this story. I loved the family aspect as well and the fact that Chef Warner had his sisters by his side the whole time.
I will have to say that I felt Teddy was too concerned with the age gap and that it was a bigger deal than it needed to be.

[Behind Her Grey Eyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Cooking for the CEO" is an absolute delight! 🌟 It's a heartwarming age gap romcom that combines the world of food and corporate life in the most charming way. The story revolves around a talented chef and a driven corporate CEO who find themselves drawn to each other in unexpected ways. As the chef teaches the CEO how to cook, they not only discover the joy of creating delicious meals together but also learn to let loose and have some fun in life. 💖 The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and you can't help but root for their blossoming relationship. The author has crafted a cozy read that will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even inspire you to try your hand in the kitchen! So grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, snuggle up with this book, and get ready for a heartwarming and delicious journey. Bon appétit! 🍳🍷😊

[Javiera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teddy has been focused on school and work since she was 15, that’s what made her one of the youngest CEO’s. She has no time for cooking, let alone relationships. Ash is an equally as busy chef, with a streak of spontaneity. They are both instantly attracted to each other, but avoid each other with the pretense of being too busy.

Watching them grow together and balancing their busy work lives could be frustrating but entirely entertaining as well. Ash brought out the fun side in Teddy. I loved seeing them both prioritize each other and slowly open their hearts to avoid their emotional emptiness.

This book was funny but also had touching moments throughout.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Miriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story, and the inevitable temporary breakup didn't last too long and didn't result from miscommunication, as is often the case. I liked the character of the niece, but I was bothered by the fact that she was a strict vegan due to body shaming from her mother more than for ethical or other reasons, and she appears to be gluten-free for the same reasons. And then in one spot she eats apples with honey (which is not vegan), and then she gets a vegetarian pizza (which presumably has cheese). I'm all for people being vegan (I am not), but I feel that the author should have been researched what a vegan diet entails a little more thoroughly. On the whole, however, I enjoyed the story, and I will plan to read the next one in the series.

[Sammi Healey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Too Busy for Love series but can be read as a stand alone. I really enjoyed the first book (Shopping for the Grump) and was excited to read Cooking Ash’s story.

I enjoyed the pacing and loved the short chapters. I thought the characters and plot were fun. I really enjoyed Millie and Teddys relationship throughout the story.

I’m rating this book three stars because it wasn’t super memorable compared to similar novels I’ve read. Also my “book ick” is when the girl proposes to the guy at the end; it can totally ruin a great story for me.

I am planning on reading Ari’s book next. This is a great sweet romcom series if you are looking for something easy and light to read.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Busy for Love series and it is Rom Com at its best. Teddy has focused on her school and career since she was 15. She is now 34 and her niece Millicent is coming to stay with her. She hires Ash to be a cook to provide Millicent and her meals through the week while she works. This is a well written exceptional rom com. Ash meets Teddy and realizes that Teddy and Millicent neither have never really had fun. This story is hilarious, fun and just a great read. Reading how Ash and Teddy learn to grow and let go and learn to love each other was great. Excellent read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caitlin Nikolai · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Cooking for the CEO" is a light, often hilarious, sweet story. It will make you hungry - for both food and to keep turning the pages.

It's dual POV, but Teddy definitely is the most dynamic and grows the most. (Ash is busy growing all his business ventures.) The professor is maybe the best minor character in all bookdom - he's fantastic and pops up in all the best places in just the right ways.

There are a few places in the book that seemed a little slow, but none of them lasted long. (Food fight, anyone? And why is the smoke alarm going off?)

Overall, I definitely recommend this book for a fun read!

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buttoned up CEO Teddy is a terrible cook so she hires Ash as her personal chef, but he ends up teaching her and her niece Millie not just about the science behind cooking, but how to relax, be spontaneous, and focus less on working hard and spend more time enjoying life. Despite his surfer good looks Ash works hard to succeed in his part of the family business. I love the food truck and the yummy sounding food he cooked for Teddy and Millie. There were so many laugh out loud and sweet moments in this opposites attract romance.

[Brit’s Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet romcom with an age gap! I loved how Teddy was the CEO and Ash was the chef and that he was the younger one in the relationship. Teddy has lived such a structured and planned life with her moms influence. While she is incredibly successful she can’t cook to save a life. This is where Ash comes in with his surfer looks and delicious food. He brings fun into her and her nieces life and they learn how to make room for love and not live solely for their businesses. It was great to get to know Ash on a deeper level in this book.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooking for the CEO by Leah Busboom is book 2 in the Too Busy for Love series. This book was a little slower for me to get into, but once Millie and George (2 adorable children) appear, things moved along more quickly. I can identify with the age gap between Teddy, the CEO and Ash, the Chef. This story contains lots of good food, of course, and characters learning to enjoy life and just have fun. It was a very enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to the next book in this seires.

[Carol Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun easy read

This book was such a fun story of Teddy, a busy CEO and Ash a younger up and coming chef that comes to cook for Teddy. Teddy is adamant about not falling for the handsome chef but finds it very difficult. Leah does a wonderful job of telling their stories along with Millicent, Teddy’s nine year old niece who moves in for the summer. I highly recommend this book for an enchanting story with a few twists and turns.

[Elizabeth Leleux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun storyline

My husband works in a lab testing the materials for the roads, so I was encouraged to see the soil science and aggregates mentioned in this book. I learned a lot about the soil from him. And my husband also is a wonderful chef and he cooks such delicious food, so this book was interesting to me in more than one way.

Fun characters, sweet romance, what a surprising ending! Looking forward to reading the next book.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from Booksprout.co.

The characters were wonderfully drawn. They were quirky and fun, and realistically flawed. Each shows a bit of growth as the story progresses that seems natural

So much of the story was funny even though there were touching moments strewn in there.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is a CEO - and her niece has come for a visit
There is no way she has the time to cook (besides she is not a good cook). So she asks a friend for a recommendation for a personal chef. And life gets very very interesting!!! SUPERB BOOK!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooking for the CEO is a clean, sparkling, opposites attract, romantic comedy. This book is a real gem. The characters are attractive, fun and three dimensional. I love that the Too Busy executive is too busy! I am so glad I spent an afternoon with this fun, well written book. Teddy's niece Millicent is one of the best characters in this book!

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 1st read and review for this author and I loved this chuckle worthy romantic comedy with Ash a pretty laid back chef and Teddy a no nonsense CEO who hires Ash to cook for her and her niece which leads to hilarious consequences. I loved this story and the characters and I can’t wait to read more by this author and I highly recommend this book book.

[A.M. Hogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute!

Cooking for the CEO was such a cute book! This is my first book read by the author, and I'm looking forward to reading more. Teddy and Ash are so cute together, and I loved watching him show her how to enjoy life more. I loved that the book was clean and that the kisses were the perfect amount of spicy. So cute!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice fluffy read for spending a sick day in bed. There are too many repeating phrases in this book and series. Lots of shoulders shaking and giggling. I thought Teddy breaking up with Ash was dumb. And some of the chapters (especially the one describing everything Teddy cooked for dinner and how she cooked it) didn’t add much to the story. But a cute romance anyway.

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When You Know

Ash is the chef who will become CEO Teddy's personal chef. He's doing what he's always known he wanted to do. Teddy is doing what she knew she would do. I loved this story of Teddy's life shifting, both professionally and personally. Her niece Millie and Ash are instrumental in the change. Such a romantic, fun, sweet story!

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet age-gap rom-com and I really enjoyed it. a lovely light and quick read, suitable for a book club.
Ash and Teddy gel well and I enjoyed Teddys growth throughout the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooking for the CEO

Another fun story in this series. Great characters, fun witty banter, and sweet romance. Millie is such a fun, sweet little girl and adds so much to the storyline. I highly recommend this sweet rom-com.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kisses only. This was a sweet book. I liked the characters, especially how patient Ash was with Millie.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

I really enjoyed this story and how Ashley taught Teddy and Mille to have a good time. I loved the laughs and the brains that went into everything.

[Emily Michalak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

This story was much better than the first one but the writing style is still a little too weird for me

[Karen Peale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy Chef

This was a funny read and I laughed several times. Ash was delightful. It was very entertaining and I love how she changed. The poor Milli....