Sparks fly between love 'em and leave 'em pastry chef and poker shark Marlene Bennet and traveling chef-for-hire Joe Rafferty when the two culinary...
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reviews
Jan 29, 2012
Jill
rated it: 
2.5 stars
Debut
Marlene (Marly) Bennet loves to cook. She works for her best friend Olivia who owns the Chameleon restaurant. Marly at twenty-nine doesn’t have time for true love, romance or commitment. She’s seen her mother lose herself after a string of failed marriages. But Marly does make time for sex. And plenty of it. With whoever’s available.
Joe Rafferty is a chef extraordinaire. He’s on his way to visit his father and stops off to catch up with his old fr More...
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Dec 26, 2011
Sharon
rated it: 
Marlene Bennett is the pastry chef at Chameleon, a restaurant owned by her childhood friend, Olivia. When Olivia’s husband Keith is caught in the cold room with his pants down and fired, Marlene thinks this is her chance to take over the line operation. Instead, Olivia brings in hunky chef Joe Rafferty. Marlene and Joe strike sparks from the beginning but they both have issues with trust and it takes some time for them to connect. Marlene resents his being at the restaurant and Joe judges her b
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Jan 09, 2012
Marquetta (LoveToReadForFun)
rated it: 
Scrumptious had the potential to be a fun, sexy romance. I don't normally read romance novels where food is a big part of the plot, but I decided to give Scrumptious a chance because of the blurb and the cover. I really wanted to like this book but I had serious issues with two of the main characters and these issues ruined the book for me.
Marlene has been working at Chameleon since she was teen alongside her best friend, Olivia. Olivia's family owns the restaurant and took Marlene u More...
Marlene has been working at Chameleon since she was teen alongside her best friend, Olivia. Olivia's family owns the restaurant and took Marlene u More...
Sep 30, 2011
Jaimie
rated it: 
3.5 - would have been 4 but the last few chapters were a little silly. So let me tell you this book is hot and yummy- no seriously hunger inducing because the descriptions of food made my mouth water. Marly is a pastry chef at her friend Olivia's restaurant. When Olivia has to call in culinary school buddy Joe to help out chemistry is zinging back and forth between him and Marlene. The sex scenes are frequent and blush worthy but the story and characters was kicker for me - I really enjoyed this
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Jan 23, 2012
SOS
rated it:
One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well. - Virginia Woolf
Usen's debut novel, SCRUMPTIOUS, is simply delicious with her vivid description of the art of food - from preparing, serving, and eating. Food becomes a centerpiece as relationships between friends, lovers, and others are connected and discarded in this contemporary romance.
Like Virginia Woolf, Usen is not afraid to venture into passion between Marly, who honed her talent on the job, a More...
Usen's debut novel, SCRUMPTIOUS, is simply delicious with her vivid description of the art of food - from preparing, serving, and eating. Food becomes a centerpiece as relationships between friends, lovers, and others are connected and discarded in this contemporary romance.
Like Virginia Woolf, Usen is not afraid to venture into passion between Marly, who honed her talent on the job, a More...
Jan 12, 2012
Sarah
rated it:
As her website notes, this is along the foodie-romance vein and it was spectacular! Definitely an author I will check out again and one that I will recommend. The story is a fun one involving a small restaurant, an owner husband/wife duo with issues, a pastry chef, and a scrumptious substitute chef during the couples’ disputes. Similar in style to Louisa Edwards, this story was fun, light-hearted, but also had some great characters. It’s clear that Usen is writing from experience in the kitchen.
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Dec 27, 2011
Loves FAB Romance
rated it:
Marly Bennett is a bakery chef working in Olivia's (her BFF) restaurant, Chameleon. Marly has worked at Chameleon for years - she grew up with Olivia's family and worked while Olivia went to culinary school. Things are not going well for Olivia - her rat of a husband has cheated on her for the last time and is trying to take the restaurant down with him. Marly knows they can keep Chameleon afloat but knows it's going to take some hard work.
Joe Rafferty is an old friend of Olivia's, More...
Joe Rafferty is an old friend of Olivia's, More...
Jan 30, 2012
Sandy
rated it:
Sandy M’s review of Scrumptious by Amanda Usen
Contemporary Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Jan 12
I’m one of those people who likes upscale food in fancy-schmancy restaurants. Being a hillbilly at heart, I also like down-home food where the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. Amanda Usen gives me all that and more in this fun and light-hearted read.
I don’t usually read books dealing with food. I’ve not found one that’s been written by a classically trained c More...
Contemporary Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Jan 12
I’m one of those people who likes upscale food in fancy-schmancy restaurants. Being a hillbilly at heart, I also like down-home food where the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. Amanda Usen gives me all that and more in this fun and light-hearted read.
I don’t usually read books dealing with food. I’ve not found one that’s been written by a classically trained c More...
Jan 07, 2012
Cheeyee
rated it:
Review At: I Read, I Think, I Share
Review Date: 20 Dec 2011
Review URL: http://littlemermybooks.blogspot.com/2011/12/scrumptious-by-amanda-usen.html
Summary:
This is light-hearted and easy read, and fun too. And reading the yummy food that they make really made me mouth watering. Due to their background and history, they thought the other one is not the right person for them despite the chemistry between them. They are definitely good cooking partner More...
Review Date: 20 Dec 2011
Review URL: http://littlemermybooks.blogspot.com/2011/12/scrumptious-by-amanda-usen.html
Summary:
This is light-hearted and easy read, and fun too. And reading the yummy food that they make really made me mouth watering. Due to their background and history, they thought the other one is not the right person for them despite the chemistry between them. They are definitely good cooking partner More...
Oct 06, 2011
Laura
rated it:
Marly and Joe deserve each other. They're both workaholic chefs who prefer one-night-stands to serious relationships. They expect to enjoy sleeping together, but what they don't anticipate is falling in love. As they do, we learn why they're each so damaged. Along the way they help their friend Olivia figure out whose sabotaging her restaurant and they cook up a lot of delicious food. I enjoyed the book mostly because of all the great behind-the-scenes action in the kitchen. The author used to w
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Jan 05, 2012
Jennifer
rated it:
In the hot, steamy kitchen of the Chameleon restaurant, Marlene “Marly” Bennett is doing what she loves the most. Currently acting as pastry chef, she helps her best friend, Olivia run the family restaurant and can cook better than any other chef around. When Olivia’s husband and chef, Keith, is caught with his pants down literally, Marlene steps in to help Olivia run the line so Olivia doesn’t have a nervous breakdown. Olivia then decides that Chameleon needs a new chef and hires the infamous,
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Feb 12, 2012
Trish
rated it:
Fans of Louisa Edwards Rising Star Chef and Recipe For Love series will absolutely LOVE this book. The cooking and sex are downright steamy and things boil over fast between Marly and Joe.
Malene (Marly) Bennett loves everything about restaurant Chameleon, except for the fact that--she will never be its Chef.
Her parents failed marriage leave an emotional scar and major commitment issues for this heroine-the main theme being that men do not stick around. Because of this, More...
Malene (Marly) Bennett loves everything about restaurant Chameleon, except for the fact that--she will never be its Chef.
Her parents failed marriage leave an emotional scar and major commitment issues for this heroine-the main theme being that men do not stick around. Because of this, More...
Jan 11, 2012
Kristin
rated it:
This is your general romance novel with a heavy dose of drool worthy food descriptions. Marly is a pastry chef at her friends restaurant Chameleon and when her friends sleazy cheating husband finally gets the boot, Olivia begs her friend Joe to come and fill in until she can find a replacement chef. Marly and Joe are instantly attracted to each other but Joe is looking for a serious relationship and Marly is just looking for some fun.
I liked the story but there was really nothing speci More...
I liked the story but there was really nothing speci More...
Jan 07, 2012
Colette
rated it: 
Scrumptious caught my eye because it sounded like it would be a light, fun yet hot read. It was all of the above, but Marlene's love interest Joe and her best friend Olivia drove me to distraction. Marlene was such a great character. I loved that she liked Joe, but didn't want anything too serious with him because she had issues from her moms multiple marriages and the fact that her dad left when she was in high school.
I wish that that there were more contemporary romance heroines li More...
I wish that that there were more contemporary romance heroines li More...
Feb 16, 2012
Seriously
rated it:
I LOVE to cook. Love to watch cooking shows. Love reality TV that has to do with cooking. I am a food junkie. And a book junkie. So what better than when my two favorite things get paired together in a mouthwatering tale that just rocks my world :) NOTHING!!!
Amazing, funny, captivating and brilliant. There just really isn't anything else I can say about this book...did I say amazing? Well, it was. Hot from the first page, the fire never sputtered, never flickered and kept me drawn in. More...
Amazing, funny, captivating and brilliant. There just really isn't anything else I can say about this book...did I say amazing? Well, it was. Hot from the first page, the fire never sputtered, never flickered and kept me drawn in. More...
Jan 30, 2012
Rowena
rated it:
It's been a long time since I've read a book that featured chefs and I'm thinking I need to change that in 2012 because I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed seeing what happens behind that kitchen door at restaurants where the food magic happens. Seeing these two chefs battle it out in and out of the kitchen made for an entertaining read that kept me all too happy to keep turning the pages.
This book follows bad boy chef Joe Rafferty as he sweeps into town to visit his friend Olivia Wa More...
This book follows bad boy chef Joe Rafferty as he sweeps into town to visit his friend Olivia Wa More...
Jan 30, 2012
Bungluna
rated it:
I very much enjoyed this novel and look forward to what else the author comes out with.
What worked for me:
- the restaurante setting was very well done
- the food descriptions made me hungry
- the heroine was a sexual being and didn't apologize for it
What I didn't like:
- the hero's double standard; hes a man-whore but keeps thining of the heroine as a slut way too long.
- the best friend and her relationship with the heroine just didn't work for me
More...
What worked for me:
- the restaurante setting was very well done
- the food descriptions made me hungry
- the heroine was a sexual being and didn't apologize for it
What I didn't like:
- the hero's double standard; hes a man-whore but keeps thining of the heroine as a slut way too long.
- the best friend and her relationship with the heroine just didn't work for me
More...
Jan 05, 2012
Kat ~ Forever Book Lover ♥
rated it:
You can find the complete review at Forever Book Lover.
This book combines two of my favorite things: cooking and romance. My mouth was watering reading about all the delicious dishes that were being cooked, I would have loved to see ...
The author built a strong "sister and best friend" bond between Marly and Olivia, they have been best friends forever. With that bond so strong, the one thing that bugged me…
There were parts of this book I truly en More...
This book combines two of my favorite things: cooking and romance. My mouth was watering reading about all the delicious dishes that were being cooked, I would have loved to see ...
The author built a strong "sister and best friend" bond between Marly and Olivia, they have been best friends forever. With that bond so strong, the one thing that bugged me…
There were parts of this book I truly en More...
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Jan 09, 2012
Mariana
rated it:
My Thoughts:
Loved this book, everything is sweet about it, from the cover, to love story and the setting. From the first time I read the summary I feel in love for this story. Both characters had family problems and the way they live is a very expression on how that truly marked them.
Marlene is working on Charmeleon restaurant since her teenage years and is home for her, even if she struggles now to work with the chef. Her best friend owns the place is in the family for generat More...
Loved this book, everything is sweet about it, from the cover, to love story and the setting. From the first time I read the summary I feel in love for this story. Both characters had family problems and the way they live is a very expression on how that truly marked them.
Marlene is working on Charmeleon restaurant since her teenage years and is home for her, even if she struggles now to work with the chef. Her best friend owns the place is in the family for generat More...
Jan 04, 2012
A Tasty Read
rated it:
reviewed at http://atastyread.blogspot.com
Scrumptious was a cute, light-hearted, sometimes comical Contemporary Romance centered around Food and Sex.....and yes...there was A LOT of both!
The story overall was good, I enjoyed Marly and Joe as the hero and heroine, who both were commitment phobes always looking for the next piece if ass, until they found each other. I appreciated that we were finally given a heroine who was just as, shall we say promiscuous, as More...
Scrumptious was a cute, light-hearted, sometimes comical Contemporary Romance centered around Food and Sex.....and yes...there was A LOT of both!
The story overall was good, I enjoyed Marly and Joe as the hero and heroine, who both were commitment phobes always looking for the next piece if ass, until they found each other. I appreciated that we were finally given a heroine who was just as, shall we say promiscuous, as More...
Dec 30, 2011
Christi
rated it:
My Review:
There were aspects of this book that I really loved. I loved the restaurant setting with the craziness that happens in the kitchen. I loved that BOTH Marly & Joe are players when it comes to sex. Usually in romance novels, it's just the guy be who can have blase sex. I liked the honesty of both Marly and Joe's attitudes.
But there were other aspects that just didn't quite work for me. At about the 3/4 mark, I felt like the conflict between the H/h (the fact that they jus More...
There were aspects of this book that I really loved. I loved the restaurant setting with the craziness that happens in the kitchen. I loved that BOTH Marly & Joe are players when it comes to sex. Usually in romance novels, it's just the guy be who can have blase sex. I liked the honesty of both Marly and Joe's attitudes.
But there were other aspects that just didn't quite work for me. At about the 3/4 mark, I felt like the conflict between the H/h (the fact that they jus More...
Dec 07, 2011
Kat
rated it:
Originally posted on Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2011/12/re...
Chef Joe Rafferty made one promise to his dying mother – there will be “no more sluts.” He’s determined to keep that promise and settle down with a nice woman. But when he comes to the aid of his culinary school friend Olivia, Joe meets Olivia’s best friend Marlene. Marly is the exact opposite of the kind of girl Joe knows he should fall for, but what harm is there in taking a slight detour before he gets More...
Chef Joe Rafferty made one promise to his dying mother – there will be “no more sluts.” He’s determined to keep that promise and settle down with a nice woman. But when he comes to the aid of his culinary school friend Olivia, Joe meets Olivia’s best friend Marlene. Marly is the exact opposite of the kind of girl Joe knows he should fall for, but what harm is there in taking a slight detour before he gets More...
Jan 16, 2012
Anita
rated it:
Marleen "Marly" is a love and leave them kind of gal. She doesn't have the time nor does she want any kind of lasting relationship. All she's after is a good one night stand and then she moves onto the next guy. She's seen her mom go through several divorces and her dad left when she was 14. So she doesn't think that she's fit for a lasting relationship.
Joe is a love em and leave kind of guy. He will go about two dates and then that's it. He saw his dad cheat on his mom an More...
Joe is a love em and leave kind of guy. He will go about two dates and then that's it. He saw his dad cheat on his mom an More...
Jan 03, 2012
Misty
rated it:
Scrumptious is a sizzling debut. Joe Rafferty is one tasty morsel, and his cooking style sizzles up the pages of this book. Marly has given her life to Chameleon and refuses to simply hand over the restaurant to some cocky superstar chef. If there’s one thing Joe and Marly know how to do is create lots spice and steam. Can these two get it together before they combust? On the heels of author Louisa Edwards, Amanda Usen proves that there’s more to heating up a kitchen than just cooking.
Feb 06, 2012
Ann
rated it:
From the first page till the last, this book dragged on and on. I couldn't really enjoy it for a multitude of reasons. To start, I couldn't really enjoy a romance that's main characters thought about nothing more then sex, sex with just about everyone. Plus, who wants a best friend that thinks so little of you? After seeing the cover I wanted so badly to love this book but couldn't. For me, it was a wasted read.
Jan 25, 2012
Mrs. Hanson
rated it:
"Foodie romances" have become a new addition to the world of contemporary romances. And while I can appreciate taking the heat from the kitchen to the bedroom (or other places), a certain amount of chemistry has to be present between the hero and heroine for me to want to see them be successful together. While I loved the food aspect of this romance -- both were passionate about food -- the chemistry between Marlene (Marly) and Joe fell flat.
Their behavior seemed a littl More...
Their behavior seemed a littl More...
Jan 01, 2012
Mrs Condit Reads Books
rated it:
4 Stars!
I have recently discovered the foodie subgenre of erotic romance, and let me tell you, those men and women in the kitchen are hot! Amanda Usen’s SCRUMPTIOUS is exactly as its title says – scrumptious.
See my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.php... (Jan 1 - Release Day!)
I have recently discovered the foodie subgenre of erotic romance, and let me tell you, those men and women in the kitchen are hot! Amanda Usen’s SCRUMPTIOUS is exactly as its title says – scrumptious.
See my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.php... (Jan 1 - Release Day!)
Oct 21, 2011
Jenn
rated it:
What a way to start the new year - this book comes out Jan 1, 2012 - I received a copy from Net Galley and I have to say it's very *arches eyebrow* Scrumptious in many ways :)
Can't wait to tell you about it a little closer to the release date :)
Can't wait to tell you about it a little closer to the release date :)
Feb 06, 2012
Holly
rated it:
This was the perfect book for me while home, sick in bed. Although I was hoping for a gourmet meal made by anyone by the time I finished it. Fun and delicious read.
Oct 06, 2011
Tracy
rated it:
I really liked this book. There is a super sexy chef included and other good characters with issues that readers can relate to. NOW, I want a Hayloft! Great read!
