Review: A Tasty Story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 9, 2014
If books are my first love, with beautiful boys coming a close second, my passion for everything culinary isn't far behind. I might not be much of a cook, but I adore trying new and exotic food, not to mention watching stunning dishes being prepared, hence my addiction to shows such as 'MasterChef' and 'The Great British Bake Off'. It's little wonder then that this opening course in the `Appetite' series by Talya Andor had me licking my lips in anticipation. A book that combines fine dining and sexy young men? It doesn't get better than that.German-born Alex has always had it easy. The third son of rich parents, he has been given free rein to pursue his own interests and the money to finance them. Now, however, fresh out of the Culinary Institute of America, Alex is determined to make it on his own in the exclusive world of fine dining. When a family connection lands him a job in the kitchen of a fashionable New York restaurant, he fully expects his talents to be recognized from the outset. Alex is immensely put out, therefore, to be beginning his career peeling potatoes.Still more galling, Nik, Alex's rival from culinary school, has already gained the position as sous chef, despite graduating only a place above him. Working under Nik is both humiliating and uncomfortable, especially when Nik continually blows hot and cold towards him. Then there's the fact that Alex has been attracted to Nik from their initial encounter. Although Nik has always rebuffed any advances, Alex sometimes glimpses a spark of desire in his eyes that lets him know Nik wants him too. The challenge will be overcoming their fierce rivalry, and coaxing Nik to lower his guard enough to admit his feelings.'A Cut Above the Rest' is a quick read, spiced up with plenty of combative dialogue and sizzling with sexual tension. The chemistry between Alex and Nik is evident the entire way through, both in the kitchen and out. Unsurprisingly, though, what I enjoyed most about this novella was the wonderful descriptions of the restaurant menu. So vivid I could almost taste the food on my tongue, they had my mouth watering and my stomach rumbling from start to finish.