When the pickiest eater in America is tapped to judge a cooking competition along with his chef ex-boyfriend, will it be a recipe for a second chance… or disaster?
Luke Walker’s humor about foods he can’t stand made him an internet celebrity and his blog, The Pickiest Eater in America, a huge hit. He plans to bring that same lighthearted comedy to the show—but he won’t be the only host.
Meyer … won’t be the only host.
Meyer Thibodeaux might be a famous chef, but he’s solemn, uptight, and closeted. He’s also Luke’s ex. As different as they are, the sparks between Luke and Meyer never really went out, and as they work together, each begins to see the other in a new light, and the passion between them reignites, hot as ever. But secrets, gossip, and rumors on the set could sour their reunion.
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There was a great second chance story. It all relies on Meyer being true to himself and to others. He has to have the willingness to change. But Luke is there to support him but still stick to taking care of himself as well. I love how this story plays out. It was great read.
Luke is a food blogger—mostly about food he doesn’t like. He has a large following, so large that he gets asked to be a judge on a television cooking competition, but it means leaving Philadelphia and moving to LA for the filming. When he gets there, he discovers one of the other judges is Meyer, his ex. Meyer is solidly in the closet and kept Luke as his dirty little secret for years. For Meyer, it was a fling—but one that didn’t leave him alone. For Luke, it was real, but Meyer hurt him badly. Still, when the two meet again, things heat up in the kitchen—and bedroom. But there’s someone who’s trying to make things bad for them.
Things I liked: This is a cute romance that builds on the popularity of cooking competitions, but from the perspective of judges not the contestants. It puts the reader behind the scenes with the cameras, the daily stress that goes with this kind of work. The issues between Luke and Meyer are believable as is Meyer’s problems with his parents and with coming out in general. The ending was satisfying with a HEA for them (not giving this away. This is a romance which means it’s all about the relationship and ending with a HEA or at the very least, a HFN (happy for now). The villain caught me by surprise—nicely done.
Things I didn’t like: Really? Not much. It’s fun, light, romantic, with just a little bit of a mystery to ramp up the anxiety.
Recommendation: A good book for anyone who wants a nice, light M/M romance.
Thanks to Dreamspinner Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The blurb pretty much tells you what you need to know about the story, I can’t say much else that won’t be spoilers.
This story is right up my alley because I love cooking competitions and blogging. I also have and adore cats and Luke’s cat is a great addition to the story.
I absolutely loved Luke and his snarky comments. I didn’t expect the touch of suspense and the twist of the culprit and how it affected the story was genius.
For those of you that are already Andrew Grey fans you know to expect high-quality writing, great characters and an intriguing story. I promise you won’t be disappointed. For those of you that have not read any Andrew Grey books…what are you waiting for. If you love hot chefs, funny bloggers, second chances, a touch of mystery suspense and a slow burn romance you will love this.
Luke has a popular internet blog The Pickiest Eater in America, where he talks in his witty way about the food he loves and explicitly hates.
He got an invitation from The Cooking Network to be one of the judges at their cooking contest.
Luke loves the concept an goes along with this great opportunity.
But dang, now he understands who is also judging, his ex-boyfriend Meyer.
Meyer is a famous chef and owns several restaurants. Three years ago he flew to Los Angeles away from Luke, he was far in the closet and left a heartbroken Luke behind.
Meyer is rude and hostile; Luke just laughs and shows his sparkling character. When Meyer tries to get closer to Luke again, Luke hesitates. No way he wants a repeat like years ago. The attraction is still strong, Luke is again charmed by Meyer, he’s so afraid his heart will be broken again because Meyer still isn’t out. The food contest is a hit, only there are some disturbing things happening.
I love this author’s work, always, and this one was again wonderful. I read it in one sitting.
It had witty comments, the best snarky behavior, sweet romance, beautiful and delicious meals, there is even some mild angst. The magic and ugliness of TV were loud and clearly described. It’s all about keeping up appearances.
I loved Luke, he has a big personality, he was honest, open and considerate.
Meyer was far more reserved, has little joy and still holding himself back. Watching him in the kitchen preparing meals was awesome!
The way of storytelling was entertaining, with engaging mature characters, it was various and captivating, all written with a warm kindness. The whole plot was well thought out and well worked out, it had a good balance with romance, progress of work and relationships, it had also some beautiful side stories. I especially loved Felix, Louis, and Rosco, they gave this story a heart-melting swing.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie –
I really enjoyed this light-hearted romantic story based around a chef’s challenge TV series. I love the idea of having a picky eater as a judge, but did feel sorry for him when he had to try his most hated foods anyway!
Meyer and Luke have a past, but now that they are working together things get interesting – and most of the crew and production team pick up that there is amazing chemistry between them. But have things changed enough?
Be ready for the indisputable – well, in his mind anyway – star of the book… Rosco, Luke’s pampered cat! He is a wonderful barometer of how the story and the possible romance is progressing.
If you want a fun story of a cookery show and a lovely second chance romance – with a clever cat – then this is just what you should read next!
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Twice Baked by Andrew Grey to read and review.
Another enjoyable story from Andrew Grey. Luke and Meyer attempted a relationship in the past but Meyer’s refusal to be out caused the relationship to fail. Fast forward a few years and Luke is asked to be a judge on a popular cooking show, that Meyer just happens to also be a part of. You can pretty much guess the rest of the storyline. There is a little awkwardness between the two as they struggle with seeing each other again. Throw in a little drama from an unknown source. The only surprise in this book was the reveal of the “bad guy” totally not who I thought. This isn’t the most original of stories but it was enjoyable never the less.