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Beauty and the Feast
Eva Raines is an uncomplicated country girl who's all about food. Eva moves to the Napa Valley where her culinary skills come to the attention of the owners of a start-up, All Things to All People, and Eva finds her niche as a personal chef. Now all she needs is a man as perfect as her cooking, but she has serious doubts that such a creature exists.
When wealthy entrepreneur, winery owner, and noted Lothario, Gabriel Abbott, makes plans to seduce his flavor of the month, his assistant hires All Things to All People to cater a gourmet dinner. Eva expects to use her way with food to showcase the startup. What she unexpectedly discovers is that her culinary skills showcase far more.
Once Gabriel finds himself seduced by Eva's voice, and the sensual flavors and textures of her food, his previous plans are quickly forgotten. He begins to obsess about meeting his little chef in person. But when Eva and Gabe finally come face to face, the question is, how hot will their fire burn?
When wealthy entrepreneur, winery owner, and noted Lothario, Gabriel Abbott, makes plans to seduce his flavor of the month, his assistant hires All Things to All People to cater a gourmet dinner. Eva expects to use her way with food to showcase the startup. What she unexpectedly discovers is that her culinary skills showcase far more.
Once Gabriel finds himself seduced by Eva's voice, and the sensual flavors and textures of her food, his previous plans are quickly forgotten. He begins to obsess about meeting his little chef in person. But when Eva and Gabe finally come face to face, the question is, how hot will their fire burn?
220 pages, ebook
First published March 16, 2010
143 people are currently reading
1157 people want to read
About the author
Julia Barrett
4 books9 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This author also writes as Julia Rachel Barrett and J.R. Barrett.
If one word describes me, it's eclectic. Or so my friends say. I'm a lover of books, poetry, art, history, baseball, barbecue, chocolate, coffee, children, animals and the great outdoors. I'm a hospice nurse as well as a writer, but I got my first job at the age of twelve so believe me when I tell you if my heroines are doing it, I've probably done it. At the heart of every one of my stories is a real life event. (Even in Captured!)
If I was pressed to brand my romances, I guess I'd say I write romance for the thinking woman. Or I try. I layer my stories with meaning - I have fun, yes, but I draw on my literary background and I love nothing more than to sprinkle a special pixie dust composed of one part mythos, one part symbolism. I'm quite fond of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung.
Family is everything to me. I keep my kids private, but my mom and dad and my poor husband are occasionally fair game! And I talk about my German shepherd, Jake, all the time.
I am also a hospice nurse and I write nonfiction-- articles for medical and nursing journals. I have a full-length work of nonfiction regarding my experiences with hospice: One Foot In Heaven, Journey of a Hospice Nurse.
Come by and visit anytime! juliarachelbarrett(dot)net
This author also writes as Julia Rachel Barrett and J.R. Barrett.
If one word describes me, it's eclectic. Or so my friends say. I'm a lover of books, poetry, art, history, baseball, barbecue, chocolate, coffee, children, animals and the great outdoors. I'm a hospice nurse as well as a writer, but I got my first job at the age of twelve so believe me when I tell you if my heroines are doing it, I've probably done it. At the heart of every one of my stories is a real life event. (Even in Captured!)
If I was pressed to brand my romances, I guess I'd say I write romance for the thinking woman. Or I try. I layer my stories with meaning - I have fun, yes, but I draw on my literary background and I love nothing more than to sprinkle a special pixie dust composed of one part mythos, one part symbolism. I'm quite fond of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung.
Family is everything to me. I keep my kids private, but my mom and dad and my poor husband are occasionally fair game! And I talk about my German shepherd, Jake, all the time.
I am also a hospice nurse and I write nonfiction-- articles for medical and nursing journals. I have a full-length work of nonfiction regarding my experiences with hospice: One Foot In Heaven, Journey of a Hospice Nurse.
Come by and visit anytime! juliarachelbarrett(dot)net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
March 15, 2014
This was such an unexpected jem!
The story was witty, sexy, and MY GOD the 'food talk' was so sensual.
I thoroughly enjoyed this author's writing style, and the characters were AMAZING!
Gabriel was domineering, complex, intelligent, and passionate.
Eva was one of the best female leads I've read in a while. She was intelligent, interesting, honorable, strong, determined, and sassy as hell!
... and boy could she cook!
How the author described her food was like 'food forplay', with each dish/course leading to ... well... you know.
*fanning face*
In this case don't judge this book by it's cover.
If you get the opportunity to read it, DO IT!
I think you won't be disappointed!
The story was witty, sexy, and MY GOD the 'food talk' was so sensual.
I thoroughly enjoyed this author's writing style, and the characters were AMAZING!
Gabriel was domineering, complex, intelligent, and passionate.
Eva was one of the best female leads I've read in a while. She was intelligent, interesting, honorable, strong, determined, and sassy as hell!
... and boy could she cook!
How the author described her food was like 'food forplay', with each dish/course leading to ... well... you know.
*fanning face*
In this case don't judge this book by it's cover.
If you get the opportunity to read it, DO IT!
I think you won't be disappointed!
January 21, 2012
Though I didn't enjoy this book, I did manage to finish it.
The story was silly. Wealthy Gabe has dated a lot of women and doesn't stay with them very long before moving on. He and Stephanie have been dating and he plans on seducing her for the first time (she's very willing). Gabe hires a catering company to prepare the meal for this date and Eva is the chef. Gabe and Eva (who is sooooo innocent and naive) speak on the phone about the meal and each are immediately smitten. On the basis of this phone call, Gabe breaks it off with Stephanie. He just happens upon Eva the next day (they meet face-to-face) and that's it. Within three weeks despite the discovery of a brother, the illness of a friend and a dastardly deed of Stephanie (who acts like woman scorned), they are in love and engaged.
But I shouldn't have been surprised considering the author provided this introduction:
I believe in love at first sight. I’m convinced each of us does indeed have a soul mate. We may not always be so lucky as to find them in our lifetime, but that doesn’t negate my belief in them. My husband and I knew each other for fourteen years before we married. During those fourteen years, we spent perhaps a total of five weeks in each other’s company. There were two extended periods of time, one period that lasted for three years and another for six years, during which we had no contact whatsoever. Yet, when I received a phone call at 2 a.m. and the man I loved but hadn’t seen or heard from in six years asked if he could come see me, I answered yes without hesitation.
Eight hundred miles later, he emerged from his vehicle, took me in his arms and carried me off to bed. That same day, he asked me to marry him. It’s been twenty-six years and we’ve never looked back. Still in love, still soul mates.
Besides the silly story, the writing is horrible. Here's an example of a dialog ...
“I’d be honored. In fact, I was wondering if you’d attend an event with me this Friday. It’s right up your alley. It’s a catered dinner to thank the major donors for the Ride for Sight. One of the sponsors is hosting. Will you come with me?”
“Um … You mean like a date?”
“That’s exactly what I mean.”
“I’d like to, but Gabe, I guess I’m kind of a jeans and flip-flops girl. Do you know what everyone will be wearing?” Eva sounded a little nervous.
“Got a little black dress? You know, that proverbial little black dress I always see discussed in women’s magazines?” Gabe would offer to buy her a dress but he knew she’d be insulted.
“You read women’s magazines?”
“Only when I’m stuck in a waiting room,” Gabe said defensively, a hint of laughter in his voice. “It’s not like they have The New Yorker or The Wall Street Journal in dentists’ offices.”
“That’s true. Although my dentist here in Napa actually has a bookcase filled with novels. The last time I was there, I became so engrossed in one that she gave it to me.”
“Which one?” Gabe asked.
“The dentist or the novel?”
“The novel.”
“The Persian Boy. It’s a good book. I finished it in two days.”
“What’s it about?”
“You can read it for yourself. It’s sitting on my dresser.”
Engrossing or what?! NOT!
Blog review: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2011/09...
The story was silly. Wealthy Gabe has dated a lot of women and doesn't stay with them very long before moving on. He and Stephanie have been dating and he plans on seducing her for the first time (she's very willing). Gabe hires a catering company to prepare the meal for this date and Eva is the chef. Gabe and Eva (who is sooooo innocent and naive) speak on the phone about the meal and each are immediately smitten. On the basis of this phone call, Gabe breaks it off with Stephanie. He just happens upon Eva the next day (they meet face-to-face) and that's it. Within three weeks despite the discovery of a brother, the illness of a friend and a dastardly deed of Stephanie (who acts like woman scorned), they are in love and engaged.
But I shouldn't have been surprised considering the author provided this introduction:
I believe in love at first sight. I’m convinced each of us does indeed have a soul mate. We may not always be so lucky as to find them in our lifetime, but that doesn’t negate my belief in them. My husband and I knew each other for fourteen years before we married. During those fourteen years, we spent perhaps a total of five weeks in each other’s company. There were two extended periods of time, one period that lasted for three years and another for six years, during which we had no contact whatsoever. Yet, when I received a phone call at 2 a.m. and the man I loved but hadn’t seen or heard from in six years asked if he could come see me, I answered yes without hesitation.
Eight hundred miles later, he emerged from his vehicle, took me in his arms and carried me off to bed. That same day, he asked me to marry him. It’s been twenty-six years and we’ve never looked back. Still in love, still soul mates.
Besides the silly story, the writing is horrible. Here's an example of a dialog ...
“I’d be honored. In fact, I was wondering if you’d attend an event with me this Friday. It’s right up your alley. It’s a catered dinner to thank the major donors for the Ride for Sight. One of the sponsors is hosting. Will you come with me?”
“Um … You mean like a date?”
“That’s exactly what I mean.”
“I’d like to, but Gabe, I guess I’m kind of a jeans and flip-flops girl. Do you know what everyone will be wearing?” Eva sounded a little nervous.
“Got a little black dress? You know, that proverbial little black dress I always see discussed in women’s magazines?” Gabe would offer to buy her a dress but he knew she’d be insulted.
“You read women’s magazines?”
“Only when I’m stuck in a waiting room,” Gabe said defensively, a hint of laughter in his voice. “It’s not like they have The New Yorker or The Wall Street Journal in dentists’ offices.”
“That’s true. Although my dentist here in Napa actually has a bookcase filled with novels. The last time I was there, I became so engrossed in one that she gave it to me.”
“Which one?” Gabe asked.
“The dentist or the novel?”
“The novel.”
“The Persian Boy. It’s a good book. I finished it in two days.”
“What’s it about?”
“You can read it for yourself. It’s sitting on my dresser.”
Engrossing or what?! NOT!
Blog review: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2011/09...
April 3, 2015
4 1/2 stars (rounded up to 5 stars, because Eva's food was a thing of beauty)
August 11, 2015
I really wanted to like this book. It usually is a book I would love but it just didn't work for me. It seemed like it was missing something. I didn't connect to the characters. I hard a hard time getting through it. So even though this is one I would normally love this one just didn't work for me. Oh well.
April 18, 2013
4.5, this was such a witty sexy book. I loved all the food talk. I had a hard time putting it down. I really enjoyed this authors writing style. It was so easy to get into.
May 3, 2010
Beauty and the Feast by Julia Barrett.
When I saw Mandi's review for Beauty and the Feast (at Smexybooks), I knew I had to read it. The heroine is a caterer and the hero falls in lust with her before they've ever met, just by tasting the incredible meal she has prepared for him. Holy Mother...the food descriptions in this book are to die for! Check out the first course...chilled melon soup: "...pureed honey melon, a tiny bit of sea salt, a few splashes of a light German Riesling, a squeeze of lime, half a seeded Serrano chili, cilantro and a bit of palm sugar..." Starving yet? You will be if you read this baby. Make sure you have a gourmet snack and a nice bottle of wine on hand. I am not kidding.
I love the fact that Barrett has these characters becoming interested in each other without them even meeting. Just the sound of their voices over the phone peaks their interest. Then, Gabe smells Eva's scent on his pillow and knows she's laid down on his bed. He starts falling for her after eating the sensual meal she has created for him. This is a great way to start the romantic tension in a book....using other senses to create an attraction between two characters.
Here's a quote that sums it up best...."His interest in Eva Raines had once again grown in direct proportion to the size of his erection, the erection induced by the images tasting her food brought to mind."
I really loved this sexy book...I loved the characters, the setting, the food descriptions (of course). It was adorable, right down to the recipes at the end. Bravo, Julia Barrett!
Grade: A-
(4.5 stars)
When I saw Mandi's review for Beauty and the Feast (at Smexybooks), I knew I had to read it. The heroine is a caterer and the hero falls in lust with her before they've ever met, just by tasting the incredible meal she has prepared for him. Holy Mother...the food descriptions in this book are to die for! Check out the first course...chilled melon soup: "...pureed honey melon, a tiny bit of sea salt, a few splashes of a light German Riesling, a squeeze of lime, half a seeded Serrano chili, cilantro and a bit of palm sugar..." Starving yet? You will be if you read this baby. Make sure you have a gourmet snack and a nice bottle of wine on hand. I am not kidding.
I love the fact that Barrett has these characters becoming interested in each other without them even meeting. Just the sound of their voices over the phone peaks their interest. Then, Gabe smells Eva's scent on his pillow and knows she's laid down on his bed. He starts falling for her after eating the sensual meal she has created for him. This is a great way to start the romantic tension in a book....using other senses to create an attraction between two characters.
Here's a quote that sums it up best...."His interest in Eva Raines had once again grown in direct proportion to the size of his erection, the erection induced by the images tasting her food brought to mind."
I really loved this sexy book...I loved the characters, the setting, the food descriptions (of course). It was adorable, right down to the recipes at the end. Bravo, Julia Barrett!
Grade: A-
(4.5 stars)
December 10, 2019
Gabriel Abbott wants to create the perfect night to take the next step with the woman he is interested in. His assistant suggests a caterer and he decides he needs to discuss the menu with her over the phone. Her voice rattles Gabriel though, he wants to know more but isn't sure what to do about the date he hired her to cater for.
Eva Raines loves her job and when Gabriel calls to go over the menu she makes sure it is perfect. His voice though has Eva wondering if she will ever find a man who would take the time to romance her. When fate intervenes though Gabriel and Eva find themselves exploring the feelings that have been building between them.
This was a lot of fun. I liked Eva, she is a hoot and Gabriel is trying to wrap his head around the feelings he has for Eva. She is unlike any woman he has ever met. If you are a foodie who likes romance this is one to pick up.
Eva Raines loves her job and when Gabriel calls to go over the menu she makes sure it is perfect. His voice though has Eva wondering if she will ever find a man who would take the time to romance her. When fate intervenes though Gabriel and Eva find themselves exploring the feelings that have been building between them.
This was a lot of fun. I liked Eva, she is a hoot and Gabriel is trying to wrap his head around the feelings he has for Eva. She is unlike any woman he has ever met. If you are a foodie who likes romance this is one to pick up.
April 9, 2018
Good book can't wait to read more books by this author
June 16, 2012
I'm finished.
It was bad. I won't say it sucked, because there are far worse books out there. The story had promise but it fell short. Very short. It wasn't bad I just didn't like it, it was a bit formulaic, which again isn't bad in itself, just poorly executed in this case.
Ava is the kind of heroine with no flaws, she cooks like a dream, and looks like one too. She's so nice the half-crazy villain loves her at the end of the book. Oh and her "phone-voice" is so good even Gabe's older female assistant acts attracted to it.
I was annoyed at the character descriptions, from both POV's we get multiple descriptions of Ava's good looks, and barely a cursory description of Gabe who has green eyes and is muscular. I don't know about others but I don't need to be told repeatedly how attractive the heroine is, if I have to have repetitive description at least tell me about the hero (and his abs).
Also Jason White, just no. The kid is 18 and has a girlfriend, but three days a week when Ava works he squirts her shirt to make it see-through. He's not 8 and a cute kid, that's just a dick move.
I nearly gave up there, but I pushed on and Ava and Gabe talk on the phone about a dinner, their voices are so sexy that the other person uses them as a "stimulation aid" and that was weird they were attracted to the voices but knew nothing else about the other person. I assumed they'd at least met from the summary.
Again I almost gave up, but I pushed on. We have the world's shortest Misunderstanding. Marsha (the assistant) mentions Gabe's special woman, not realising it's Ava. Ava's heart is broken and so when Gabe is home earlier than expected, they have sex by the pool and then she tells him off for having another woman. Yeahhh.
Then there's still about half the book left with the only conflict coming from Stephanie Lindstrom (the woman Gabe was trying to seduce with Ava's meal) being cray-cray and trying to do something to Ava. I'm not sure what because even I could tell she was going to fail, and I can't figure out how things would have gone if the plan(s) had worked. Did she want Gabe? Did she want to destroy/humiliate/replace Ava?
Stephanie Lindstrom is a walking stereotype, except she goes for financial ruin not murder (I was betting murder) and putting her in a headlock flips her personality and she suddenly adores Ava.
It was bad. I won't say it sucked, because there are far worse books out there. The story had promise but it fell short. Very short. It wasn't bad I just didn't like it, it was a bit formulaic, which again isn't bad in itself, just poorly executed in this case.
Ava is the kind of heroine with no flaws, she cooks like a dream, and looks like one too. She's so nice the half-crazy villain loves her at the end of the book. Oh and her "phone-voice" is so good even Gabe's older female assistant acts attracted to it.
I was annoyed at the character descriptions, from both POV's we get multiple descriptions of Ava's good looks, and barely a cursory description of Gabe who has green eyes and is muscular. I don't know about others but I don't need to be told repeatedly how attractive the heroine is, if I have to have repetitive description at least tell me about the hero (and his abs).
Also Jason White, just no. The kid is 18 and has a girlfriend, but three days a week when Ava works he squirts her shirt to make it see-through. He's not 8 and a cute kid, that's just a dick move.
I nearly gave up there, but I pushed on and Ava and Gabe talk on the phone about a dinner, their voices are so sexy that the other person uses them as a "stimulation aid" and that was weird they were attracted to the voices but knew nothing else about the other person. I assumed they'd at least met from the summary.
Again I almost gave up, but I pushed on. We have the world's shortest Misunderstanding. Marsha (the assistant) mentions Gabe's special woman, not realising it's Ava. Ava's heart is broken and so when Gabe is home earlier than expected, they have sex by the pool and then she tells him off for having another woman. Yeahhh.
Then there's still about half the book left with the only conflict coming from Stephanie Lindstrom (the woman Gabe was trying to seduce with Ava's meal) being cray-cray and trying to do something to Ava. I'm not sure what because even I could tell she was going to fail, and I can't figure out how things would have gone if the plan(s) had worked. Did she want Gabe? Did she want to destroy/humiliate/replace Ava?
Stephanie Lindstrom is a walking stereotype, except she goes for financial ruin not murder (I was betting murder) and putting her in a headlock flips her personality and she suddenly adores Ava.
July 6, 2010
Lena’s Review
Can a woman chef and a great winery owner find love with one another?
Eva Raines loves cooking and baking; it’s her whole life. Life to her goes by quick when she is working with food for there are no problems of men leaving her. That is until an appointment brings Gabriel Abbott into her life and somehow into her heart.
She always knew food was to a man’s stomach but something about Gabe brings out more in her. For the first time she feels safe, cherished and loved. Eva knows she is different from the other women he has dated before, but she cannot stay away from him. Something about him makes her feel more of a woman than just a chef. Only thing is, can she keep her man when an evil woman wants her away from Gabe. Can her food keep her man in her heart?
Gabriel Abbott is a man who loves money and women, with no time for love in his life. So it comes as a shock that he cannot forget about his little chef. Hearing her voice was like a breath of fresh air but meeting her in person just knocks him away. He’s dated beautiful women before and a country girl like Eva is so unlike his style. Yet he cannot forget about her no matter how hard he works. He knows his flavor of the month Stephanie wants him, but something about Eva seems pure. Eva completes him in every way and a day without her is killing him. Can he convince her that a little chef like her and a winery owner like him belong to one another?
One word for this book is WOW from the beginning to the end. I can’t decide who I loved the most for everybody in this book was awesome from Gabe, Eva, and Jason to even the evil Stephanie. The food in this book was delicious and the passion between Eva and Gabe, beautiful. This is the first book I have read by Julia Barrett and definitely won’t be the last. This author is talented in bringing the story to life from the food, passion and secondary characters all in one book. Great job!
5 Tea Cups!
Can a woman chef and a great winery owner find love with one another?
Eva Raines loves cooking and baking; it’s her whole life. Life to her goes by quick when she is working with food for there are no problems of men leaving her. That is until an appointment brings Gabriel Abbott into her life and somehow into her heart.
She always knew food was to a man’s stomach but something about Gabe brings out more in her. For the first time she feels safe, cherished and loved. Eva knows she is different from the other women he has dated before, but she cannot stay away from him. Something about him makes her feel more of a woman than just a chef. Only thing is, can she keep her man when an evil woman wants her away from Gabe. Can her food keep her man in her heart?
Gabriel Abbott is a man who loves money and women, with no time for love in his life. So it comes as a shock that he cannot forget about his little chef. Hearing her voice was like a breath of fresh air but meeting her in person just knocks him away. He’s dated beautiful women before and a country girl like Eva is so unlike his style. Yet he cannot forget about her no matter how hard he works. He knows his flavor of the month Stephanie wants him, but something about Eva seems pure. Eva completes him in every way and a day without her is killing him. Can he convince her that a little chef like her and a winery owner like him belong to one another?
One word for this book is WOW from the beginning to the end. I can’t decide who I loved the most for everybody in this book was awesome from Gabe, Eva, and Jason to even the evil Stephanie. The food in this book was delicious and the passion between Eva and Gabe, beautiful. This is the first book I have read by Julia Barrett and definitely won’t be the last. This author is talented in bringing the story to life from the food, passion and secondary characters all in one book. Great job!
5 Tea Cups!
March 18, 2013
I guess the first thing to address is genre, because this one is firmly sat in the middle between Romance and Erotica, while the sex scenes are very graphic they are well spaced out with plenty of story content inbetween, I think I shall classify it as a Raunchy Romance, which should certainly give you an idea of where this review is going. It has been a long time since I stopped reading romances, maybe it is the experiences in life that make you cynical that also make it hard to enjoy many of the overly saccharine romances that flooded the market through the Nineties, but I have to say I loved this one. Eva Raines the ‘heroine’ of the book is not exactly the damsel in distress waiting to be rescued, rather she is street wise, independent and happy to wait for Mr Right rather than settling for Mr Right-now. On top of all that she is a chef extraordinaire infact that is how she meets the gorgeous and charming Gabe. The back stories for both characters are compelling and make you care about them where it could very easily have become stereotyped. The sex scenes are graphic but built up wonderfully of layered sensuality tied in with the the food references which add an extra dimension. I would say if you reach this point on the bus then put it down and wait until you get home to read more as it is likely a flush will colour your cheeks and you will subconsciously find yourself licking your lips.
The addition of the recipes at the end is a huge bonus and I can't wait to try a couple out
The addition of the recipes at the end is a huge bonus and I can't wait to try a couple out
September 11, 2012
I didn't love this book nor did I hate it. As I read it, I asked myself this question: What happened to the love in romances?
I like a good love scene, don't get me wrong. However when I see the words "fuck" and the words pertaining to the male and female anatomy that begin with the letter "C" (NO. I do NOT say those words and don't allow them to be said in my presence. Ironically, I don't find the f-bomb nearly as offensive), it makes me think that these people are in it just for physical gratification.
F-ing is what you do when you pick up somebody in a bar for a one-night stand or possibly even hire a hooker. And here these two were, supposedly in love, and doing the f-ing thing and begging for it.
I have to say if my husband dropped that word while we were doing the deed, I'd kick his ass out of bed and never let him touch me again!
People fall in love, have sex, get married, whatever but it's supposed to be based on love not lust and you certainly don't drop the f-bomb on them while you're in the act and expect respect at the end.
I liked the story for the most part but I thought it would have been much better without the crass language and without the fight scene.
I like a good love scene, don't get me wrong. However when I see the words "fuck" and the words pertaining to the male and female anatomy that begin with the letter "C" (NO. I do NOT say those words and don't allow them to be said in my presence. Ironically, I don't find the f-bomb nearly as offensive), it makes me think that these people are in it just for physical gratification.
F-ing is what you do when you pick up somebody in a bar for a one-night stand or possibly even hire a hooker. And here these two were, supposedly in love, and doing the f-ing thing and begging for it.
I have to say if my husband dropped that word while we were doing the deed, I'd kick his ass out of bed and never let him touch me again!
People fall in love, have sex, get married, whatever but it's supposed to be based on love not lust and you certainly don't drop the f-bomb on them while you're in the act and expect respect at the end.
I liked the story for the most part but I thought it would have been much better without the crass language and without the fight scene.
January 11, 2013
This was a book that I picked up for free on Amazon. It wasn't bad, it wasn't great. For a book that is focused on flavorful food, it left me feeling merely meh.
Eva is a chef/housekeeper/whatever you need (hence her working for a company call All Things to All People) and she is hired to cater Gabe's date with another woman. The first meal that Eva cooks for Gabe is actually very sensual and I felt a spark of interest, but it rapidly died under the blandness of the rest of the story.
Something about the chemistry between the H/h didn't hook me in, and I think the romance was weighed down in the description of the minutiae of the heroine's day. Also, I think if you're a foodie, you might enjoy it a bit more because it is very detailed in the descriptions of food, almost to the exclusion of the romance.
There were no real obstacles, an interloper that barely factored into the story until the very end. Some of the descriptions during the sex scenes were cringeworthy. Overall, not horrible, but I just wasn't engaged in it.
Eva is a chef/housekeeper/whatever you need (hence her working for a company call All Things to All People) and she is hired to cater Gabe's date with another woman. The first meal that Eva cooks for Gabe is actually very sensual and I felt a spark of interest, but it rapidly died under the blandness of the rest of the story.
Something about the chemistry between the H/h didn't hook me in, and I think the romance was weighed down in the description of the minutiae of the heroine's day. Also, I think if you're a foodie, you might enjoy it a bit more because it is very detailed in the descriptions of food, almost to the exclusion of the romance.
There were no real obstacles, an interloper that barely factored into the story until the very end. Some of the descriptions during the sex scenes were cringeworthy. Overall, not horrible, but I just wasn't engaged in it.
March 25, 2017
Eh... Where do I start...?
You know how sometimes as soon as you read the first sentence in a book you just know you'll love it? Well, this wasn't one of those cases. It was the complete opposite.
This book was supposed to be a romance? No, it wasn't. I get that is also categorized as "Erotica", but you cannot have two people, who have only spoken business on the phone and have never met "haciendo cerebrito" with each other and call it a romance. It's just lust. Call it lust. Not love. Not caring. Just lust.
On top of that, Eva is unlikable and sort of childish and immature.
"She ran to her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. Sobbing, she threw herself on the bed." (Kindle Locations 932-933)
She did that in front of the man she had just met... That same day. Get over yourself Eva...
I'm going to stop here...
You know how sometimes as soon as you read the first sentence in a book you just know you'll love it? Well, this wasn't one of those cases. It was the complete opposite.
This book was supposed to be a romance? No, it wasn't. I get that is also categorized as "Erotica", but you cannot have two people, who have only spoken business on the phone and have never met "haciendo cerebrito" with each other and call it a romance. It's just lust. Call it lust. Not love. Not caring. Just lust.
On top of that, Eva is unlikable and sort of childish and immature.
"She ran to her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. Sobbing, she threw herself on the bed." (Kindle Locations 932-933)
She did that in front of the man she had just met... That same day. Get over yourself Eva...
I'm going to stop here...
April 15, 2013
I take this book for what I believe it was intended to be and that is a nice enjoyable romance novel and for that I give it 3.5 or maybe even a 4...I enjoyed it as it was the right type of book at the right time. I enjoyed storyline the book was light fun likeable characters and easy to read.
August 27, 2015
Meh. Rushed romance and I didn't bond with the couple. The only part I actually liked was the cat fight. I also didn't much care for Gabe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2018
Beauty and the Feast by J.R. Barrett is an entertaining contemporary romance. Ms. Barrett has delivered a book that is not only well-written but a fun read. Kudos to Ms. Barrett for the way she blended the humor in this story, well done. Eva is a chef working for All Things to All People. She creates meals, cleans and adds a special touch with all her clients. Gabe hires Eva to cook a dinner for him and a date. Their story is packed with phenomenal characters, drama, laugh-out-loud humor, sizzle and suspense. This book hooked me at page one and I couldn't put the Kindle down until the end. I loved it and would be happy to read more from J.R. Barrett in the future. Beauty and the Feast is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
December 21, 2016
What a great little surprise! Sometimes I'm wary of a book with a title that seems a bit cheesy, but I had no reason to be concerned with this little gem. After reading the book, it's hard to think of a better title, in fact.
The author excels at descriptive writing! I've never read writing about food that actually turned me on, but she managed it. And, I look the way food played such a major role in the attraction between the H & h. Well written and well worth a read. Only brace yourself...you're going to start looking at food in a way you never have before!
The author excels at descriptive writing! I've never read writing about food that actually turned me on, but she managed it. And, I look the way food played such a major role in the attraction between the H & h. Well written and well worth a read. Only brace yourself...you're going to start looking at food in a way you never have before!
August 5, 2023
I didn't buy into the insta-love especially before they even met. Eva acted like a child and jumped to conclusions way to many times to enjoy the story. Eva's "revenge" on Stephanie was ridiculous and the thought that Stephanie would laugh it off was as insane as she was. I didn't really enjoy any aspect of the book.
March 10, 2018
Nice!
Very nice read. I downloaded this last night at about 8p.m. 03/09-03/10. I finished it this morning 03/10 at about 10 A.M. Very good read I really enjoyed the storyline. I also believe in love at first sight.
Very nice read. I downloaded this last night at about 8p.m. 03/09-03/10. I finished it this morning 03/10 at about 10 A.M. Very good read I really enjoyed the storyline. I also believe in love at first sight.
September 15, 2018
Loved it
This is the type of story that gets you hooked that you have to keep reading. Loved the connection between the main characters and Eva's connection with Jason. I will have to check out other works by this author.
This is the type of story that gets you hooked that you have to keep reading. Loved the connection between the main characters and Eva's connection with Jason. I will have to check out other works by this author.
Read
February 28, 2023Lol that cover! The one on my Kindle is "less bad" 😂
So yeah sometimes you need to read junk...
It served a dual purpose, clearing my Kindle shelves and spring cleaning my brain!
That being said i might try those brownies or the cornbread!
So yeah sometimes you need to read junk...
It served a dual purpose, clearing my Kindle shelves and spring cleaning my brain!
That being said i might try those brownies or the cornbread!
March 13, 2018
Hot hot hot
Loved this story. Eva is an exceptional woman Ann's i lived her story immensely. Great read for any romance reader.
Loved this story. Eva is an exceptional woman Ann's i lived her story immensely. Great read for any romance reader.
July 31, 2018
More sex than romance..loved the end..!!
September 18, 2018
Fantastic!
September 9, 2019
Pretty cute and sexy love story. And I love that it has Eva’s recipes in the back.
October 28, 2019
A fun interesting story
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
dnf
August 7, 2023DNF @ 7%
Insta everything. Not for me.
Insta everything. Not for me.
September 26, 2023
Spicy but loving romance with the usual relationship hiccups mixed in. Wonderful relaxing read.
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