The New York Times bestselling author of Big Girl Panties puts a modern twist on My Fair Lady in this funny, romantic confection in which a canny young woman makes over her awkward millionaire client . . . with some hot, sexy, and surprising results.Suffocating in a dead-end marriage, Midwesterner Zoey Sullivan fled to New York and moved in with her older sister Ruth, a carefree, vivacious beauty … sister Ruth, a carefree, vivacious beauty with a string of eligible bachelors at her beck and call. Giving herself three months in the city to clear her head and find a direction, Zoey dodges calls from her ex Derek, and distracts herself by cooking and catering a few private dinners and parties. Pursuing her passion for cooking was never an option when she was with Derek, and now Zoey relishes her independence.
When Zoey’s meets reclusive millionaire Tristan Malloy, she’s blown away by his kitchen—a marble and stainless steel temple worthy of the culinary gods—and charmed by his impeccable gentlemanly manners. But despite his firm body, handsome looks, and piles of cash, Tristan—a computer programmer—is shy and more than a little socially awkward. Zoey is sure that Tristan has all the right raw ingredients—and she’s the right person to spice them up turn him into a delectable dish.
But Zoey’s unprepared for just how well her makeover works. Tristan turns out to be even sexier once he’s gained a little confidence and the right wardrobe. Beneath the gorgeous package, Tristan is a great guy who deserves a woman who really appreciates him. Slowly but surely, Zoey realizes she may have found her perfect match—but does Tristan even know how her feelings have changed? Is that warm look in his eyes gratitude for the new and exciting world she’s ushered him into, or something more? And what will happen when Zoey’s ex comes to town, looking to win her back?
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This was the first book that I read by Stephanie Evanovich. It definitely will not be the last. She is an excellent storyteller. Since this is a Contemporary Romance book, it is understood that there will be a happily ever after. I cannot say that the ending was not what I predicted, but that is perfectly okay to me. I had my thoughts and I was thrilled that things worked out as I thought they would.
I like to read romance for that very reason. I want a happy ending. I want all the good people in the story to have life work out for them and I want the less then nice people to get what they deserve also.
I thought the author did an amazing job of character development. I came to know the characters and I cared about them. I laughed quite a bit and also my heart broke a little bit at times. The story flowed really well and the book was very easy to read.
I do not like to write about the plot of a book. I think if someone wants to know that, they can read the summary of the book. What I want to express in my review is my feelings.
I enjoyed this book so much and I recommend it highly.
Couldn’t Get Into This One
There wasn’t much to this story. The characters were shallow and flighty. For all of Tristan’s awkwardness, Zoe was kind of creepy in the way she made herself at home in his house and practically threw herself at him. The epilogue was sweet though.
Great book
2.5 out of 5 wine glasses. This is my first book by the author and I’m willing to give her work another shot (I already have two of her books queued up on Libby), but I don’t exactly have high hopes. I didn’t feel a connection to any of the characters really – except for maybe Tristan and Blake. But even with them, I feel like we didn’t get to know the characters that well and what we did learn (particularly about the female characters) is very surface level and doesn’t make them very likable. I did enjoy how Zoey and Tristan bonded over their mutual love of cooking and their time together on page were my favorite parts of the book. Other than that, I didn’t understand Zoey’s ex-husband’s hold on her, or her sister Ruth and any time they were part of the story I wanted to zone out, skip it, or throttle them (and Zoey for her tolerance of their behavior). I also feel as if the conclusion wrapped up rather quickly and while the epilogue is sweet, it seemed a bit superfluous other than backtracking on something that seemed very important to the character than was discussed multiple times in the book. Oh well – on to the next one.
I love Stephanie Evanovich’s books. They are always so lighthearted. I usually pick her books up after I’ve read some intense books and want an escape. That’s exactly what this book was: lighthearted, sweet with some sassy and wit thrown in. Was it completely believable? No, but that’s kind of the point. I can’t wait until she releases her next book.
This was a quick, easy, read for me with likeable characters. It was a sweet story that had with humorous moments that had me giggling. The story was fun, but it and the characters could have used a little more development for me. It was the first book I have read by Stephanie Evanovich and was a pleasant weekend read for me.
#goodreadsfirstreadwinner #stephanieevanovich
It’s a sweet love story with a real live dorky gentleman. There’s a nice underlying message of getting out of your comfort zone.
I am head over heels for Tristan and Zoey’s story. This is a light rom-com with a bit of heat. Witty, well written and utterly charming. I loved every page. This is a standalone with an HEA that is unquestionably shelfworthy!
Thank you to the publishers for an ARC of Under the Table in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Stephanie Evanovich is a go-to author for me for great Rom-Com, Chick-Lit type books and Under the Table is just that!
The story is a modern take on My Fair Lady – though this time it has Zoey trying to help Tristan adjust into the New York scene.
Right off the bat, their chemistry is undeniable. There is just one problem – Zoey is in the process of deciding to divorce her high school sweetheart.
Like every SE book, there is sexy sweet romance, humor that has you laughing out loud, and even parts that will make you tear up. And like all of her novels, you will find yourself rooting for a happy ending!
Definitely will be recommending Under the Table to all of my friends!!
When Zoey’s marriage reaches it’s final breaking point she packs a bag and decides to flee the scene and head to the big city to stay with her sister for a bit. Once she is there she decides to put her culinary skills to good use and cater a few dinners, which brings her to Tristan’s doorstep. The man who is about to change the course of her life, and breath new life into her barely beating broken heart.
The moment you crack the cover on Under the Table you will fall head over heels for these characters and be completely fascinated by the delightful story they have to tell. Zoey is a woman to be admired, love gave up on her and she decided not to let that little hiccup in her life define her. So, she gathered up what she could salvage and hit the road in search of a better life. And I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed watching her discover all her new life had to offer her, each experience was riddled with humorous moments that had me giggling out loud, and the hope she carried throughout was inspiring. Nobody does chick lit quite like Ms. Evanovich, her words are perfectly crafted and hit the mark each and every time, you just can’t go wrong with her stories!! Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, it’s good for the heart and the soul!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from Edelweiss, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.