Stephanie Evanovich
April 16, 2019
HarperCollins Publishers
Blurb:
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 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?
SASCHA DARLINGTON’S REVIEW
I found Under the Table by Stephanie Evanovich to be a strange little novel that I think was supposed to be quirky, from its plot to its characters, but it just didn’t succeed as quirky for me.
From the moment that I read about Zoey who peddles cooking and catering on Craigslist, or similar, without having a cooking background beyond home, a feeling of disbelief rose that I never quite eradicated. I mean, do people really hire someone without credentials to cook an important meal for them? Yikes.
And then Zoey meets Tristan, who, for some reason I heard as English despite the fact that he’s from the American Virgin Islands. Although he’s rich, he’s got nerd style that Zoey intends to fix. It takes a long time for Zoey to tell Tristan that she’s still married (which lost her some points). They fall in love.
Some of the scenes are cute. The characters could have been fleshed out more. The most interesting event for me was when stranded Zoey gets saved by a lady trucker. Frankly, the lady trucker was the most interesting part of the novel as was her conversation with her trucker husband as they pass on the road.
I guess ultimately this was, for me, a milquetoast of a novel, not unpleasant, but not a whole heckuva lot of fun.
I won an ARC from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.
rating:
3 out of 5 butterflies
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