I love my life. As owner and chef at one of the hottest restaurants, I know how to keep things sizzling in and out of the kitchen. What more could I ask for? But I’ll tell you what I didn’t ask for… a klutzy, curly-haired woman slamming into me with unicorn cake. Yes, you read that right—a damn cake decorated to look like the mythical creature bathed in every color of the rainbow.What could be … could be worse, right? I’ll tell you. My brother hired her to be my pastry chef. You’d think that would be my biggest problem, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.
Aside from her being one of the clumsiest women I’ve ever met, she turns me on like no other woman has. She tastes sweeter than anything she creates, and we make a great team in and out of the bedroom… I mean kitchen.
When we first met, I worried my restaurant wouldn’t survive her. Now I worry that my heart won’t.
I never wanted to fall in love, but sometimes life isn’t all unicorns and rainbows.
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I really enjoyed this book!! It is a sweet romance with all the good feels and hot steam. This story is about a hunky chef and his new drop dead gorgeous pastry chef. These two have a disastrous first meeting that puts them on a collision course of bumps, dodges and weaves as they learn how to navigate their relationship. And what a delicious relationship it turns out to be!
“I was overcome by an intense, indescribable feeling. It went beyond happiness or infatuation. It was as though the depth of his gaze has pierced my soul, as though he’d reached inside me and flipped a switch.”
“With each gentle thrust, unhurried touch, and wave of pleasure, Josh Prescott owned my heart and soul.”
But, it wasn’t love at first site for these two, nor was their relationship easy breezy. They will have to decide if they’re ready to put their hearts at risk and conquer the challenge of this thing called love. If you are looking to get lost in a book or for that perfect summer read. This is your book!
I read an ARC of this book. My fair and honest review is voluntary.
Joanne Schwehm is a new to me author and has now become a one click author. I was given the opportunity to read an early copy of this story and I am so glad I jumped at the chance. This was a fun and romantic story. I enjoyed Josh and Gia’s road to find love. They were a perfect match from the start despite their unique first encounter. Although this is the 5th book in the series it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. I never felt like I was missing anything but I am now wanting to read the stories of all Prescott siblings. This is absolutely a must read!
I was drawn to this book because Gia is a pastry chef and I love books with bakers in them. I knew going in I was really going to like Gia and I was right. She’s so adorably klutzy and awkward at times. She’s such an endearing character and I love how she brings out a new side to Josh. Josh’s first meeting with his new pastry chef is one for the books. She’s going to blow every preconceived notion he has of her. Once he gets to know her he sees someone that’s truly beautiful inside and out. One problem he is her new boss. I loved the banter between these two. There were many funny moments that had me chuckling. I loved when all the siblings were together that’s when some of the funnier moments happened.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, sexy story.
“Between her crystalline eyes, sweet smile, culinary talent, and love of being in the kitchen, Gia Russo had started to grow on me.”
Josh Prescott is wholly focused on making his restaurant, Prism, a success. Even though all his siblings have found ‘The One’, he himself has no time for relationships. He meets Gia Russo under the most inauspicious of circumstances, and when she starts working as his new pastry chef at his restaurant, there’s no denying the attraction between them. Even though it’s not ideal for them to be involved since he’s her boss, she’s like no one he’s ever met before and he finds himself bending his own rules.
“Something clicked inside of me anytime I was around him. Josh brought out an excitement inside of me and a desire that I had no idea existed.”
Gia can’t quite believe the career opportunity she’s been given – working at Josh’s restaurant where she’s given carte blanche to create whatever she wants to. And, then there’s her gorgeous boss. The more time she spends with him and his family, the more she feels herself falling.
“Mine. When was the last time I wanted to claim someone in that way? Never, that was when.”
This was a fab read! Totally adored Gia! She’s sweet and klutzy, innocent and clever. I loved her modesty and earnestness. Josh is a wonderful guy! He’s fair, caring, and genuine. And, hot AF!! I love the pull between them. I loved that they didn’t play games with each other. I also loved the dynamics and banter that the Prescott family had, and how they welcomed Gia into their circle.
This was a fun, feel-good read with a little bit of angst and a beautiful ending. I absolutely need to backtrack and read the earlier books in this series.
**This is Josh Prescott’s book and the 5th standalone book in the Prescott Series**
I love my life. As owner and chef at one of the hottest restaurants, I know how to keep things sizzling in and out of the kitchen. What more could I ask for? But I’ll tell you what I didn’t ask for… a klutzy, curly-haired woman slamming into me with a unicorn cake. Yes, you read that right—a damn cake decorated to look like the mythical creature bathed in every color of the rainbow.
What could be worse, right? I’ll tell you. My brother hired her to be my baker. You’d think that would be my biggest problem, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.
Aside from her being one of the clumsiest women I’ve ever met, she turns me on like no other woman has. She tastes sweeter than anything she creates, and we make a great team in and out of the bedroom… I mean kitchen.
When we first met, I worried my restaurant wouldn’t survive her. Now I worry that my heart won’t.
I never wanted to fall in love, but sometimes life isn’t all unicorns and rainbows.
Gah!! Another fantastic read! I loved Josh and Gia’s story! How they initially met was beyond priceless and set the stage perfectly for their story! There were many lol moments reading this book! Flawless written and loved every stinking page!
The way that Josh and Gia meet in Joanne Schwehm’s latest release, Hooked, has to be one of the most entertaining encounters that I’ve read in a romance book for some time, and the fact that their more than awkward initial interaction is only the beginning of what occurs between these two made me eagerly read on, hoping that the electricity between Josh and Gia amped up instead of sputtering out.
And, after finishing their story, I’m happy to say that every time Josh and Gia find themselves around one another, a lot more things fly than cooking utensils, cake, and other delicatessens, and watching them find their place with one another, both in and outside of Prism’s kitchen, made for one great read.
It’s interesting how people view/judge other people’s idiosyncrasies negatively just because they’re different or awkward. Josh saw Gia’s clumsiness as a negative personality trait – one that angered him at the beginning of the story, but as the story continues and as he accepts that Gia’s a klutz and that, that part of her is endearing rather than aggravating, he starts to see just how amazing she is and how good they could be.
I love a quirky and clumsy heroine – there’s something real about her, relatable if you will, that allows readers to connect with her. I can’t help but cheer Gia own, even when she’s a hot mess, because she is who she is and that’s all that matters to her.
Gia is an absolute gem of a main character – not only because she’s one heck of a fantastic baker, but because there are so many sides to who she is and that is illustrated brilliantly in Hooked. She may be vulnerable and a bit insecure at times, but she’s also a beast, especially when she’s in her haven – the kitchen.
Not only does Josh prepare delectable food for his patrons, but he also has one heck of a delectable personality and physique, which means that it’s more than just his food that women salivate over. Josh is a commanding hero – one who runs a tight ship because he’s a perfectionist and he expects nothing but the best from those he employs.
Schwehm’s Prescott series has been a blast to read. Each story has been entertaining, steamy, and comical, with a bit of angst thrown into the mix. The Prescott siblings are a unique bunch, and while they may be a bit too rowdy and over the top when they’re all together, I wouldn’t want them to change because it’s their personalities that make for good stories.
4.5 Poison Apples
Josh is the owner and head chef of the restaurant Prism. He is appearing on a national morning show to highlight the restaurant, along with two others in the industry. While live on air, Gia is coming onto the stage and trips, crashing into Josh while holding a 3D unicorn cake. Both are mortified, and Josh is furious. He later finds out that his brother and silent partner in the restaurant had already hired Gia as the new in-house pastry chef. Josh is pissed but gives her a chance.
Despite his resolve to never date employees, they fall blissfully in love. But then an opportunity that Gia thought wasn’t a possibility is offered to her that would take her across an ocean for two years.
I really liked this book. Josh started out tense and angry, but soon lightened up into a really fun guy, singing and dancing in the restaurant kitchen, teasing his siblings and employees, and having fun with life. He is taken with Gia and she with him. Both characters are well written and developed. Josh’s family were all entertaining also and added a lot to the story.
You’ll be Hooked in the first chapter. Josh Prescott is happy being the only single Prescott, what does he need with a relationship when he is the chef/owner of Prism? He doesn’t think he does until Gia, the new pastry chef for his restaurant comes crashing into his life, both literally and figuratively.
Josh and Gia’s story neatly ties up the Prescott series with family, humor and these two heating up more than the kitchen.
Y’all – this cover is amazing! Whew!
Also, the book is pretty epic too! This is the 5th in a series but can be read as a standalone. I was completely “Hooked” from the very beginning of this story! I love a clumsy heroine – and Gia was perfect! Josh was the epitiomy of a swoon-worthy hero! FIVE STARS!!
I quickly fell under Josh’s spell… I just love a man that can cook some amazing food. Gia was also such a hoot! Josh and Gia’s meeting was nothing short of hilarity! I found myself giggling through a large chunk of this story. I really enjoyed Gia… she’s somewhat shy and a huge klutz but once she’s in the kitchen she’s at home and seems to know what she’s doing. I enjoyed all her concoctions! I loved watching Josh going from deep aggravation to somewhat tickled to downright smitten with Gia. They had some great chemistry together and worked well together once they got in the groove.
I enjoyed seeing the other Prescott men and family. They made me chuckle as well. Joanne Schwehm can really write some fun characters. I adored watching them mesh together over time. This was really a happy, feel-good story that leaves you feeling contentment. Hooked is a happy sigh type of book. You’ll find yourself reading with a slight smile and heaving out happy sighs occasionally. It was written well with great characters. I found myself quickly wrapped up a sweet and spicy story!
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
From the first awkward meeting until the very end readers will cheer on Josh and Gia. Their path is not without bumps, but they have a fantastic family and friends core who will let them know what is real. The storyline flows. You will feel every up and down that is inside the book. Dual point of view. No cliffhanger for this couple…….now the epilogue will leave you wondering about a previous couple. This is part of a series, but Josh and Gia’s story can stand on its own if needed.
I had been waiting for this book for what seems like forever and it was totally worth the wait. Josh and Gia’s book was superb. Ms. Schwehm writes with such a convincing flair that I couldn’t put it down. The Klutzy Gia who runs into (literally) Josh on a tv show becomes the klutz of Josh’s dreams. Not exactly love at first sight, maybe love soaking wet. When Josh realizes Gia’s dream of studying with a French pastry chef he won’t be the one to hold her back. While they are both miserable they part ways only to be reunited with a surprise HEA.
A well written, fast-paced, funny, sexy awesome read. I highly recommend the whole Prescott series but each book is a stand-alone novel. Well done Ms. Schwehm!
I received a review copy of the book Hooked before release for an honest review.
I have never read this author and I have really missed out. This is part of a series but it easily stands alone. However I cannot wait to read the other books in the series so be warned its a totally addicting book and series.
Josh is an absolute dream and I loved meeting his family The Prescott’s as well and the women the men have fallen in love with. Josh is the last single man standing and he owns his own restaurant, Prism. He meet Gia in the funniest way and I am not spoiling the how. Turns out Gia is a baker and is making his brother Jack’s wedding cake, and he ends up hiring her for Prism and so mostly this stry s a workplace romance.
But it is also a very slow burn and the two form a great friendship and try to fight the attraction but once Josh decides to go for it, well I liked that there was no real workplace drama. This is a beautiful story about two people falling in love, deep love and it was such a romantic story sometimes I just stopped reading to sigh about how sweet and romantic it was.
This really was a wonderfully written story with characters I fell hard for. I have no idea why I have never read this author before but I will be reading the other stories in this series because this one was so wonderful.
Every time I think I’ve fallen for a new favorite Prescott brother, Joanne Schwehm brings us a new story and I’m in love with a new book boyfriend! Gia is the best friend you want by your side, but only if you can wrap her in bubble wrap to keep her safe. Her clumsy accidents tend to land her in hot water, but when she keeps colliding with a certain handsome chef, the steam isn’t limited to just the kitchen. Hooked has the perfect recipe for romance!
5 He’s Hooked Stars!!!
One can never have too many Prescott’s and this book is another example of why this is one of my favorite family series of all time!! Josh and Gia meet under somewhat stressful situation, at least for her anyway, and talk about anything that can go wrong does! As much as I was laughing, I felt bad for this beautiful woman that’s trying to get a break with her amazing baking ability. And what better way to showcase her work than to work in one of DC’s hottest restaurants owned by Josh Prescott!!
And so begins the love story that neither were looking for. While Josh may be the youngest brother of this family he’s very much a hot and sexy man and when he sees something or someone that he wants, he goes all in!!
There’s really no easy way to say this…. Gia is a klutz on every level except when it comes to her baking. I totally related to this girl because I’m somewhat of a klutz too. The difference is that I don’t have some hot man to rescue me every time I stumble! All of these rescues lead to some HAF sexy times with these two. I mean I was totally fanning myself because the turn up the heat.
One of the things I really loved about this book is they know how to laugh and that to me is a perfect recipe for a relationship…friendship, sizzling chemistry and the ability to laugh and have fun! Throw in the rest of the Prescott family and well it’s a family trifecta!!
Ms. Schwehm has delivered a book that captured my heart from the very first scene to the last. She’s made me fall in love with this entire family and I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself if there’s a time where I won’t have any Prescott’s to drop everything and read because my life just won’t be the same without them!
What can I say I love The Prescott Family. Little brother Josh was happy being the only single one left. His love was focus in his restaurant Prism, he put all his attention in running the best restaurant he could, he never thought that running into a cute curly hair woman would change it all. Love is a funny thing it sneaks up on you when you least expect it. I so love Josh and Gia story .
From the hilarious start to the sweetest of endings I adored every moment of Hooked. This really is one of the sweetest reads. Josh and Gia are such a cute couple even with their rather disastrous first meeting. From that moment Gia is pretty much thrust into Josh’s like and the sparks never stop flying.
As their new found friendship grows the attraction they have grows right along with it. They have such a sweet and swoony build up to falling in love I couldn’t help all the little happy sighs that kept sneaking out while I was reading. This truly is a fantastic read to kick back and relax with.
This is the fifth book in this amazing series, and is Josh and Gia’s turn. Josh is a sexy tatted chef, and klutz Gia is hired by his brother to work in his kitchen. Will Josh and his kitchen survive the tsunami that is Gia? This title is very apt as that is what happened to me when I started this story. This is a beautifully written story which is humorous, heart-warming, fun, romantic, entertaining, and with witty banter and explosive chemistry. I was totally captivated throughout this brilliant masterpiece, and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author, whose work I recommend for all.
Oh I knew a Josh was going to be my favorite and boy was I right! I completely fell in love with he and Gia from the moment they met! I loved their slow burn romance but with so much steaminess. And I really just enjoyed their sweet banter with each other. They’re perfect for each other. Gia is an awesome heroine and Josh…. well, I did say he was my favorite. I enjoyed the storyline with its surprises and catching up with the whole Prescott family.
This funny, romantic and sexy family saga captured me right from the start and never let go! It starts out with the most awkward, hilarious meet cute and didn’t stop there when Schwehm just kept is coming! Josh and Gia keep running into each other, literally, until they discover that they will be working together in Josh’s restaurant. They may have had a rocky beginning, but the sparks fly right from the start and soon they discover they are a perfect match. Josh is so sweet and sexy and is everything I want in my hero. I love a smart, quirky, and fun heroine and Gia is all that and more. She comes into Josh’s life like a hurricane, making him break all his rules and see that he can have what the rest of his family has found. I loved the evolution of their relationship, how well they worked together, the fun they had, and their smoking hot chemistry. This is a swoony and sexy, fun and flirty romance with enough angst and emotion to keep you engaged from start to finish. I loved this series and am sorry that I have to let go of the family I’ve grown to care for, but Josh & Gia’s story is the perfect finale.
***Editedto add Audiobook thoughts***
Narrators Marcio Catalano, and Addison Barnes are an amazing team at bringing this story life. The way they portrayed Josh and Gia in all their strengths and vulnerabilities was so authentic. Their comedic timing was perfect, and their chemistry was palpable. They made this fun and steamy romance even better.