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Hotel Bombshell #1
Culinary Chaos
One unexpected kiss. Twelve weeks traveling the country. Will Hope and Angelica find more than they bargained for in their new show?
Angelica Shields wasn’t made for reality television. But she does know how to manage hotels and bring them from rags to riches. Which is the only reason she agreed to not only produce but star in this new show. It’s a risk, but it’s one that she’s already sacrificed for, so she will make sure Hotel Bombshell succeeds. And she absolutely will not fall in love with her straight, married co-star.
As a last minute addition to Hotel Bombshell, celebrity chef Hope Lawrence already feels like she only got the job because of her husband. Pairing her up with the ever-in-control and demanding Angelica Shields as a co-host is anything but a match made in heaven. Hope just wants Angelica to like her, or maybe just tolerate her.
As filming begins and the restaurants Hope’s in charge of fixing become more chaotic by the episode, her life is thrown into a chaos of its own. Because she’s attracted to a woman—to Angelica—the iciest woman of them all. And watching her melt layer by layer is the exact pick-me-up that Hope needs.
But the question remains, will their new reality show be a hit or flop?
Or will their lives fall apart just as their show takes off?
This is a slow (crazy slow) burn sapphic romance series that follows two main characters as they navigate love, loss, self-discovery and success. There's an age gap, an Ice Fairy, and a flirtatious chef who hides behind her bubbly personality.
Angelica Shields wasn’t made for reality television. But she does know how to manage hotels and bring them from rags to riches. Which is the only reason she agreed to not only produce but star in this new show. It’s a risk, but it’s one that she’s already sacrificed for, so she will make sure Hotel Bombshell succeeds. And she absolutely will not fall in love with her straight, married co-star.
As a last minute addition to Hotel Bombshell, celebrity chef Hope Lawrence already feels like she only got the job because of her husband. Pairing her up with the ever-in-control and demanding Angelica Shields as a co-host is anything but a match made in heaven. Hope just wants Angelica to like her, or maybe just tolerate her.
As filming begins and the restaurants Hope’s in charge of fixing become more chaotic by the episode, her life is thrown into a chaos of its own. Because she’s attracted to a woman—to Angelica—the iciest woman of them all. And watching her melt layer by layer is the exact pick-me-up that Hope needs.
But the question remains, will their new reality show be a hit or flop?
Or will their lives fall apart just as their show takes off?
This is a slow (crazy slow) burn sapphic romance series that follows two main characters as they navigate love, loss, self-discovery and success. There's an age gap, an Ice Fairy, and a flirtatious chef who hides behind her bubbly personality.
429 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2025
93 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Adrian J. Smith
78 books431 followersAdrian J. Smith has been publishing since 2013 but has been writing nearly her entire life. With a focus on women loving women fiction, AJ jumps genres from action-packed police procedurals to the seedier life of vampires and witches to sweet romances with a May-December twist. She loves writing and reading about women in the midst of the ordinariness of life. Two of her novels, For by Grace and Memoir in the Making, received honorable mentions with the Rainbow Awards.
AJ currently lives in Cheyenne, WY, although she moves often and has lived all over the United States. She loves to travel to different countries and places. She currently plays the roles of author, wife, and mother to two rambunctious kids, occasional handy-woman. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.
AJ currently lives in Cheyenne, WY, although she moves often and has lived all over the United States. She loves to travel to different countries and places. She currently plays the roles of author, wife, and mother to two rambunctious kids, occasional handy-woman. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 3, 2025
Hope is a chef, with several restaurants of her own in different parts of the USA. She also hosts a daytime cooking show, which has been quite successful.
Angelica manages many hotels across the states, and also has been a producer on several shows, but now she is hosting a new reality series with Hope. They will be travelling the US helping hotels in trouble. Assistant director on the show is Rex, Hope’s husband, and their young daughter will be with them while they film over several states.
This is a story of tension, of erotic suspense, flirting and confrontation. Angelica is known as the ‘Ice Fairy’ amongst the crew; she stands up for herself in a male dominated business, putting backs up. But under that veneer she really cares about the show, about the crew, and also about the staff of the hotels they work in.
This is a very high angst story, with the production crew trying to pit Angelica against Hope, to get a visceral reaction, often without warning either of the women.
I found this a very long story with no real character arc. The relationship between the women seems to take one step forward and then two back. Angelica is a very closed off person, and her lack of trust with Hope is often so frustrating. The tension between Angelica and Hope flips often from positive to negative and back, but at least they try to get on. That’s more than I can say for many of the behind cameras team, always looking to stick in the knife, and then twist it. Multiple times. They push a really poisonous and hostile environment, and Rex, Hope’s husband, who should be the one protecting her, is pathetic. Instead he does nothing, not giving her a heads up with what atrocities are being planned for the women. Typically, all the production crew seems to be men, plotting against the two women.
I will just say this: I intensely dislike stories that are written as serials, where we have to wait for a continuation. By the time the next book appears, I have usually read many others and have forgotten the feelings from the previous story. I have lost the connection I had formed with the characters, and so they are empty husks of people to me. I have to go back and re-read a large proportion of the previous book (or books) to get back into it. And if we are several books deep in a series, I regard that as a serious waste of time, especially if I found them just tolerable.
It’s very possible I may pass on reading any more in this series.
This is my opinion. As usual with the author’s stories, the writing is highly excellent; I have read other exceptional books from her, most I have given five stars. I just don’t like the way this current book idea is being drawn out to such a degree.
Angelica manages many hotels across the states, and also has been a producer on several shows, but now she is hosting a new reality series with Hope. They will be travelling the US helping hotels in trouble. Assistant director on the show is Rex, Hope’s husband, and their young daughter will be with them while they film over several states.
This is a story of tension, of erotic suspense, flirting and confrontation. Angelica is known as the ‘Ice Fairy’ amongst the crew; she stands up for herself in a male dominated business, putting backs up. But under that veneer she really cares about the show, about the crew, and also about the staff of the hotels they work in.
This is a very high angst story, with the production crew trying to pit Angelica against Hope, to get a visceral reaction, often without warning either of the women.
I found this a very long story with no real character arc. The relationship between the women seems to take one step forward and then two back. Angelica is a very closed off person, and her lack of trust with Hope is often so frustrating. The tension between Angelica and Hope flips often from positive to negative and back, but at least they try to get on. That’s more than I can say for many of the behind cameras team, always looking to stick in the knife, and then twist it. Multiple times. They push a really poisonous and hostile environment, and Rex, Hope’s husband, who should be the one protecting her, is pathetic. Instead he does nothing, not giving her a heads up with what atrocities are being planned for the women. Typically, all the production crew seems to be men, plotting against the two women.
I will just say this: I intensely dislike stories that are written as serials, where we have to wait for a continuation. By the time the next book appears, I have usually read many others and have forgotten the feelings from the previous story. I have lost the connection I had formed with the characters, and so they are empty husks of people to me. I have to go back and re-read a large proportion of the previous book (or books) to get back into it. And if we are several books deep in a series, I regard that as a serious waste of time, especially if I found them just tolerable.
It’s very possible I may pass on reading any more in this series.
This is my opinion. As usual with the author’s stories, the writing is highly excellent; I have read other exceptional books from her, most I have given five stars. I just don’t like the way this current book idea is being drawn out to such a degree.
October 17, 2025
Hope was bubbly, impulsive, and literally flirted with anything that had a pulse. Opposite to that was Angelica, who absolutely did not have a bubbly personality. Angelica was serious, highly focused, and didn’t concern herself with frivolous matters or people. But then Hope happened. There was so much tension that you could literally cut it with a kitchen knife. I had to say it!
Those kisses were as spicy as things got, but with this being the first book, I didn’t think it needed more than that. The slow burn gave them time to build attraction, mutual respect, and care, which I found helpful when I struggled with my morals. Usually I’d stay far away from anything that steered towards infidelity because it makes me feel sick, but my morally gray side reared its head.
Angelica’s character was referred to as the “Ice Fairy”, but beneath that facade she genuinely cared about people’s livelihood. Hope wasn’t bad per se, but her impulsiveness wasn't great either and there was the whole being married thing! There was so much drama while the cameras weren’t rolling, and I just couldn’t put it down. I loved the slow burn—I won’t do it again. It’s not punny. Overall, I thought the book was Chef’s Kiss—that was the last one—and I can’t wait for season two. Happy reading!
💋 Age Gap
💋 Sapphic Romance
💋 Dual POV
Those kisses were as spicy as things got, but with this being the first book, I didn’t think it needed more than that. The slow burn gave them time to build attraction, mutual respect, and care, which I found helpful when I struggled with my morals. Usually I’d stay far away from anything that steered towards infidelity because it makes me feel sick, but my morally gray side reared its head.
Angelica’s character was referred to as the “Ice Fairy”, but beneath that facade she genuinely cared about people’s livelihood. Hope wasn’t bad per se, but her impulsiveness wasn't great either and there was the whole being married thing! There was so much drama while the cameras weren’t rolling, and I just couldn’t put it down. I loved the slow burn—I won’t do it again. It’s not punny. Overall, I thought the book was Chef’s Kiss—that was the last one—and I can’t wait for season two. Happy reading!
💋 Age Gap
💋 Sapphic Romance
💋 Dual POV
September 18, 2025
So so glad I stuck with this one!
I think calling is a slow burn would be an understatement but also just inaccurate. There’s so many elements that are keeping Hope and Angel at a distance; A producer who knows too much (Josef), Hetero married life, an adorable kid, new questioning of sexuality, the status of the show, past transgressions, busy professional careers, and yet there’s there’s a bond that seemingly cannot be broken. Held together now by undeniable chemistry, respect and admiration. Not to mention two kisses that are for sure going to hold them hostage for weeks and probably months to come.
The whole time reading this I just wanted it to be simple for our MCs!! Every interaction is a struggle. As we all know in most sapphic romances books this would already have the happy ending. We’re certain being edged for a while longer, and I’m surprisingly okay with that.
I’ve definitely signed up for the weekly newsletters.
I’ll definitely be reading book 2 the week it drops.
Im hoping that reading my first Adrian Smith book, and by starting with a latest release, I’m not going to be disappointed when i inevitably go to read previous ones.
Until next time then…
I think calling is a slow burn would be an understatement but also just inaccurate. There’s so many elements that are keeping Hope and Angel at a distance; A producer who knows too much (Josef), Hetero married life, an adorable kid, new questioning of sexuality, the status of the show, past transgressions, busy professional careers, and yet there’s there’s a bond that seemingly cannot be broken. Held together now by undeniable chemistry, respect and admiration. Not to mention two kisses that are for sure going to hold them hostage for weeks and probably months to come.
The whole time reading this I just wanted it to be simple for our MCs!! Every interaction is a struggle. As we all know in most sapphic romances books this would already have the happy ending. We’re certain being edged for a while longer, and I’m surprisingly okay with that.
I’ve definitely signed up for the weekly newsletters.
I’ll definitely be reading book 2 the week it drops.
Im hoping that reading my first Adrian Smith book, and by starting with a latest release, I’m not going to be disappointed when i inevitably go to read previous ones.
Until next time then…
November 11, 2025
What a great book. Angelica and hope have chemistry off the charts. This book is totally reminding me of the food network. AJ has written another winner. I could not put it down. I went right into the second book. I cant wait to right my review for that one. Worth the read. You feel like you are part of the story. It feels like it is happening in front of your eyes
September 10, 2025
I look forward to each new series from Adrian J. Smith and Culinary Chaos is a great start to the "Hotel Bombshell" series. Her "Love in Massachusetts" series had become a favorite, but I can imagine this series might take its place. This is the ideal introduction to new characters who have an instant rapport from the start. I'm not a huge reality TV fan, but I found myself totally lost in this believable, well written story. There's humor, drama, angst, and the slowest of burns. An age gap and an ice queen make this pretty perfect for me. I'm eagerly awaiting the next season.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 18, 2025
So friggin good
This book had me feeling so many emotions and da*mit if it didn't have me ticked off, offended, and upset for Ange! I need more and waiting for season 2 is going to be torture. Thank you Adrian J Smith for such a wonderful story!
This book had me feeling so many emotions and da*mit if it didn't have me ticked off, offended, and upset for Ange! I need more and waiting for season 2 is going to be torture. Thank you Adrian J Smith for such a wonderful story!
September 1, 2025
ARC Review
Hotel Bombshell - Season 1 Culinary Chaos by Adrian J. Smith ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adrian Smith has a gift for creating well developed characters. As a reader, I always find myself relating to her MCs in some way and it creates a familiarity that often causes me to remind myself that they’re fictional. She always touches on bigger topics that we’ve all dealt with on some level and the journey her MCs are forced to navigate create a nail biting experience for the reader. Hope and Angelica are no different. Two strong willed professionals in a male dominated field fighting to prove their worth without sacrificing their integrity. A celebrity chef with a bubbly personality and a family, meets an “Ice Fairy” hotel connoisseur/television producer. The chemistry is apparent. The sexual tension, immediate. The slowest of sloth burns, Culinary Chaos, season one of Hotel Bombshell is low spice but gives just enough to keep you hooked! Their connection is unrelenting, the close encounters left me reeling and I’m incredibly invested in them and what will happen next! The build is surely something to look forward to and I cannot wait until their wills finally crash together!
Hotel Bombshell - Season 1 Culinary Chaos by Adrian J. Smith ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adrian Smith has a gift for creating well developed characters. As a reader, I always find myself relating to her MCs in some way and it creates a familiarity that often causes me to remind myself that they’re fictional. She always touches on bigger topics that we’ve all dealt with on some level and the journey her MCs are forced to navigate create a nail biting experience for the reader. Hope and Angelica are no different. Two strong willed professionals in a male dominated field fighting to prove their worth without sacrificing their integrity. A celebrity chef with a bubbly personality and a family, meets an “Ice Fairy” hotel connoisseur/television producer. The chemistry is apparent. The sexual tension, immediate. The slowest of sloth burns, Culinary Chaos, season one of Hotel Bombshell is low spice but gives just enough to keep you hooked! Their connection is unrelenting, the close encounters left me reeling and I’m incredibly invested in them and what will happen next! The build is surely something to look forward to and I cannot wait until their wills finally crash together!
August 30, 2025
Promising start to new series + far better than reality TV
Culinary Chaos is the first in a new series from author Adrian J Smith and lays out groundwork introducing the characters and their (often complicated) relationships and dynamics, past (if applicable) and present. There are several plot threads that weave thru the story that will continue in subsequent books; despite that the ending of this book is a good one. It left me feeling good but also curious about how the next book(s) would unfold; thankfully book two is scheduled for publication in November so it'll be a short wait for that one.
This book is long but doesn't feel drawn out; time passed quickly once I got immersed in the story and especially when I got attached to the main characters. I binge read this book in a couple of days, pulled in to the story mostly by the main characters Hope and Angelica. I started the book a bit leery as I'm no fan of reality TV shows and wasn't sure how that concept would translate into book form. Turns out it makes for entertaining reading by providing behind the scenes happenings away from the camera between the show hosts and others; the directors and other suits putting their fingers on the scale to ramp up (aka manufacture) 'drama' with little care for the actual humans they're doing this to, and more. The main characters have roles to play on and off camera but so much of the time Hope in particular it seems is simply being herself while Angelica, 'the Ice Fairy', is more reserved about showing her warmer personality traits. The book chapters cover season one of the show they're filming (plus the pre- and post-season), travelling to hotels with restaurants to help sort out various issues before heading off to the next place to repeat the process. Each place they go to has different issues so it's not repetitive; the only parts in the book that do have a rehash of sorts are certain scenes that are told from both Hope and Anglica's perspectives, separately for the benefit of the reader.
Culinary Chaos has humor and loads of drama, tension, conflict plus some angst and steamy heat but it is a sloth burn romance so it'll take time for that aspect of the story to heat up fully. That said, the mains are making good use early on in the series of the push pull dynamic in their mutual attraction and fear of circumstances/consequences pulling them away from each other. It's one step, or maybe more accurately one lunge, forward and a bunch of steps back type of yo-yoing going on between them already. There are tropes and the mains are older (35 and 55), established in their professions but not static in them, if that's your jam. It's fun and page turning reading that may provide wish fulfillment for some readers where TV shows so often fall short. You may be able to guess how it all pans out in the end but you're bound to be surprised what happens along the way. I look forward to reading book two and the rest of the series when it's published; this is a promising start to a new series.
Culinary Chaos is the first in a new series from author Adrian J Smith and lays out groundwork introducing the characters and their (often complicated) relationships and dynamics, past (if applicable) and present. There are several plot threads that weave thru the story that will continue in subsequent books; despite that the ending of this book is a good one. It left me feeling good but also curious about how the next book(s) would unfold; thankfully book two is scheduled for publication in November so it'll be a short wait for that one.
This book is long but doesn't feel drawn out; time passed quickly once I got immersed in the story and especially when I got attached to the main characters. I binge read this book in a couple of days, pulled in to the story mostly by the main characters Hope and Angelica. I started the book a bit leery as I'm no fan of reality TV shows and wasn't sure how that concept would translate into book form. Turns out it makes for entertaining reading by providing behind the scenes happenings away from the camera between the show hosts and others; the directors and other suits putting their fingers on the scale to ramp up (aka manufacture) 'drama' with little care for the actual humans they're doing this to, and more. The main characters have roles to play on and off camera but so much of the time Hope in particular it seems is simply being herself while Angelica, 'the Ice Fairy', is more reserved about showing her warmer personality traits. The book chapters cover season one of the show they're filming (plus the pre- and post-season), travelling to hotels with restaurants to help sort out various issues before heading off to the next place to repeat the process. Each place they go to has different issues so it's not repetitive; the only parts in the book that do have a rehash of sorts are certain scenes that are told from both Hope and Anglica's perspectives, separately for the benefit of the reader.
Culinary Chaos has humor and loads of drama, tension, conflict plus some angst and steamy heat but it is a sloth burn romance so it'll take time for that aspect of the story to heat up fully. That said, the mains are making good use early on in the series of the push pull dynamic in their mutual attraction and fear of circumstances/consequences pulling them away from each other. It's one step, or maybe more accurately one lunge, forward and a bunch of steps back type of yo-yoing going on between them already. There are tropes and the mains are older (35 and 55), established in their professions but not static in them, if that's your jam. It's fun and page turning reading that may provide wish fulfillment for some readers where TV shows so often fall short. You may be able to guess how it all pans out in the end but you're bound to be surprised what happens along the way. I look forward to reading book two and the rest of the series when it's published; this is a promising start to a new series.
September 10, 2025
Read this book!!! Seriously, do yourself a favor and pick up this book that is the first in a new series from Adrian J. Smith. Season 1 of Hotel Bombshell, titled Culinary Chaos, is a slooooow burn and will leave you primed and ready for Season 2.
I am a fan of reality shows that involve cooking, renovations, etc., especially the ones that are more about cooperation/collaboration than competition and drama. So I very much empathized with the two MCs, Hope and Angelica, who are the stars of a new reality series where they manage a hotel and the associated restaurant. Angelica is the older, more experienced hotel manager with a reputation for being an ice queen, er, ice fairy. Hope is the younger, more bubbly personality, warm and friendly to everyone she meets, and a bit of a flirt. There is instant chemistry between the two women, but there are some obstacles that definitely stand in the way of them finding that HEA: Angelica was spurned in her previous relationship and there were complications surrounding it from the start, while Hope's primary issue is that she is currently married...to a man who is one of the show producers, and they have a child together, and she's never been attracted to a woman before. Talk about some hurdles! On top of all this, the show director and producers want the two women to create more drama between the two of them and get into arguments (insert eyeroll here) just for the sake of getting higher ratings so they will be picked up for a second season. Arrgh!!
Beyond the budding romance between Hope and Angelica, this book explores relationships between women in general, and how we are portrayed in media, not to mention what happens when you age out of the "desirable" time of life...as if older women aren't beyond hot!! I really enjoyed watching the two women, who are working in a male-dominated field, find a friend and confidante in each other as they learn to trust and rely on one another. While their personalities are fairly opposite one another, they actually have a lot more in common than most would think when just looking from the outside. Also, special shoutout to Hope's young daughter, Eva, who is too adorable when it comes to her new friend, the ice fairy herself.
If you're looking for something delicious to savor and you're a fan of slow burns, then definitely check out Culinary Chaos and then stay tuned for book 2 to drop!
I am a fan of reality shows that involve cooking, renovations, etc., especially the ones that are more about cooperation/collaboration than competition and drama. So I very much empathized with the two MCs, Hope and Angelica, who are the stars of a new reality series where they manage a hotel and the associated restaurant. Angelica is the older, more experienced hotel manager with a reputation for being an ice queen, er, ice fairy. Hope is the younger, more bubbly personality, warm and friendly to everyone she meets, and a bit of a flirt. There is instant chemistry between the two women, but there are some obstacles that definitely stand in the way of them finding that HEA: Angelica was spurned in her previous relationship and there were complications surrounding it from the start, while Hope's primary issue is that she is currently married...to a man who is one of the show producers, and they have a child together, and she's never been attracted to a woman before. Talk about some hurdles! On top of all this, the show director and producers want the two women to create more drama between the two of them and get into arguments (insert eyeroll here) just for the sake of getting higher ratings so they will be picked up for a second season. Arrgh!!
Beyond the budding romance between Hope and Angelica, this book explores relationships between women in general, and how we are portrayed in media, not to mention what happens when you age out of the "desirable" time of life...as if older women aren't beyond hot!! I really enjoyed watching the two women, who are working in a male-dominated field, find a friend and confidante in each other as they learn to trust and rely on one another. While their personalities are fairly opposite one another, they actually have a lot more in common than most would think when just looking from the outside. Also, special shoutout to Hope's young daughter, Eva, who is too adorable when it comes to her new friend, the ice fairy herself.
If you're looking for something delicious to savor and you're a fan of slow burns, then definitely check out Culinary Chaos and then stay tuned for book 2 to drop!
August 31, 2025
There are good stories and good storytellers and I’m thrilled we get both with Adrian J. Smith. Her books are an automatic read for me because the writing is just that darn good. Even if I have nothing in common with the characters her writing immediately helps me to relate to them. If you’re a fan of reality tv, especially fixer upper or cooking shows, you’ll really enjoy Culinary Chaos. It’s filled with tension, drama, and timelines. And since this is a very slow burn (sloth burn!) romance, we get pining and longing galore. The only warning I have to give ahead of time is that there is an element of cheating. Your opinion may vary on what constitutes cheating, and I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll let you decide for yourself. For me personally, I could relate to developing attraction and acting on it with someone else even though you’re already in a serious relationship (or marriage, in the case of Culinary Chaos). But polyamory is not talked about or discussed (yet?) so we will have to wait for book two to see what happens.
Our main characters are Hope Lawrence, a bubbly 35 year old chef with her own cooking series and Angelica Shields, a successful 55 year old hotel manager of several hotels. Hope is married to Rex, who is an assistant director for their show, and they have a 6 year old daughter Eva. Angelica just got out of a difficult relationship as she is very career focused and her career is her main priority. She is often referred to as the “Ice Fairy” and people find her difficult to work with. They come together to film a reality tv show, where they go to failing hotels with restaurants, and whip them back into shape while setting them up for success. Hope handles the restaurant aspect while Angelica deals with management.
I loved this book! The drama and tension were just right and everything was believable. I became invested in and intrigued with our main characters, but like all of Adrian J. Smith’s books the side characters are well developed too. I enjoyed the pacing of the book and how their working and personal relationships developed over time and with each new hotel they went to work on. I absolutely can’t wait for book two.
Our main characters are Hope Lawrence, a bubbly 35 year old chef with her own cooking series and Angelica Shields, a successful 55 year old hotel manager of several hotels. Hope is married to Rex, who is an assistant director for their show, and they have a 6 year old daughter Eva. Angelica just got out of a difficult relationship as she is very career focused and her career is her main priority. She is often referred to as the “Ice Fairy” and people find her difficult to work with. They come together to film a reality tv show, where they go to failing hotels with restaurants, and whip them back into shape while setting them up for success. Hope handles the restaurant aspect while Angelica deals with management.
I loved this book! The drama and tension were just right and everything was believable. I became invested in and intrigued with our main characters, but like all of Adrian J. Smith’s books the side characters are well developed too. I enjoyed the pacing of the book and how their working and personal relationships developed over time and with each new hotel they went to work on. I absolutely can’t wait for book two.
September 10, 2025
Wow! Now this is the way to start the first book in a series. As someone who wants all the spice possible in books, this slow-burn story has me hooked. It is an age-gap, ice queen (who maybe isn't as icy as she seems), sapphic story about the makings of a tv show. I love Adrian's writing style and her ability to pull you into a story like you are living it in real time. I think Hope & Angelica work so well together and their personalities just mesh in a way you wouldn't think they would. Especially the way the entire crew treats Angelica and yet she's so different from what they actually see of her. i just love the way Hope has a way of making Angelica feel safe enough to be her true self. I seriously want Hope to drop Rex like the dead weight in their relationship that he is so that she can start being happy again cause it really shows that she's just going through the motions with her life. The kindness, humor, and strength these two women share is beautiful and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
A big thank you to the Author Adrian J. Smith for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.
A big thank you to the Author Adrian J. Smith for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.
September 3, 2025
What a super slow burn sapphic romance! Adrian J Smith is my favorite author and her works are all so addictive and inspiring and full of emotions! This book is the start of a slowest slow burn romance I have ever read, but I totally enjoyed it and can't wait to read the next one! The ice queen master hotel manager Angelica and the younger celebrity chef Hope slowly waltzed around their incredible chemistry with barely two stolen kisses during the three seasons of TV reality show shooting, with cameras and Hope's husband constantly steering at them. It is messy, morally grey, very emotional and full of frustration and plenty of tears and heartache. It is a forbidden romance with tons of drama and I am so addictively drawn to it that I can't wait for the next one. I received this book as the ARC reader and I am honored and I would buy any of her books without hesitation. This story lingers long after the final page and now I have this beautiful, suffering couple stuck in my mind that I want to write my own fan fiction about them!
September 18, 2025
Chef Hope Lawrence is starting a new project working alongside Angelica Shields as part of a hotel/restaurant rescue show. She's nervous, as this is the first time they've met and it's a photo shoot.
Hotel owner Angelica Shields wants to make this show work, and could use a few less distractions. Sadly Hope is gorgeous and they have instant chemistry. Which is a pain, because after breaking up with the GM of a hotel she owns, she's sworn off love where she works.
(I'm kind of surprised at how hostile the overall vibe is. Admittedly it's don't watch reality TV, so maybe this is as usual.)
They also go in and out of these places FAST. Feels weird.
As they race from site to site Hope feels more drawn to Angelica... but Hope is straight, or at least that's what she tells herself.
Wow what a abrupt ending.
I kinda of feel the book is overwhelmed by so many unpleasant characters. Except for the heroines, everyone feels like jerks. Also very underwhelmed by the ending.
2.5 out of 5 stars. Very firmly mid....
Hotel owner Angelica Shields wants to make this show work, and could use a few less distractions. Sadly Hope is gorgeous and they have instant chemistry. Which is a pain, because after breaking up with the GM of a hotel she owns, she's sworn off love where she works.
(I'm kind of surprised at how hostile the overall vibe is. Admittedly it's don't watch reality TV, so maybe this is as usual.)
They also go in and out of these places FAST. Feels weird.
As they race from site to site Hope feels more drawn to Angelica... but Hope is straight, or at least that's what she tells herself.
Wow what a abrupt ending.
I kinda of feel the book is overwhelmed by so many unpleasant characters. Except for the heroines, everyone feels like jerks. Also very underwhelmed by the ending.
2.5 out of 5 stars. Very firmly mid....
September 2, 2025
Hope and Angelica are featured as the MC’s in a new series surrounding a 12 week show called Hotel Bombshell. Hope is a last minute add on, and pretty sure because her husband is one of the producers.
Hope is a celebrity in her own right on her own cooking show. Meet Angelica who knows about managing hotels and is very good at it, but has never been on a reality show before. As the book progresses, Hope is confused that she is attracted to a woman!
There was no lag in the story and never a boring plot. There is lots of angst, arguing, drama, complete with the major producer who is sarcastic, controlling, demeaning, and demanding. There is a very slow burn that would lead you to believe nothing was ever going to happen in the push and pull of the characters and sometimes lots of drama.
You will enjoy it and I’m waiting for the next book in the series as to how it will progress!
I received an ARC from the author.
Hope is a celebrity in her own right on her own cooking show. Meet Angelica who knows about managing hotels and is very good at it, but has never been on a reality show before. As the book progresses, Hope is confused that she is attracted to a woman!
There was no lag in the story and never a boring plot. There is lots of angst, arguing, drama, complete with the major producer who is sarcastic, controlling, demeaning, and demanding. There is a very slow burn that would lead you to believe nothing was ever going to happen in the push and pull of the characters and sometimes lots of drama.
You will enjoy it and I’m waiting for the next book in the series as to how it will progress!
I received an ARC from the author.
November 30, 2025
I went into this journey with the knowledge is was a sloth burn. And that is exactly what I got.
Hope is a chef who joins Angelica as co-host for a show where they try to help hotels who are struggling. Hope being a succesful chef and Angelica being a business wiz makes them a power to be reckoned with. But not surprisingly not everyone feels like these leading ladies have what it takes to make the show a succes.
It was a lenghty book with a lot of details about the behind the scenes of making a TV show. There were also a lot of characters who got switched up when they went to a new hotel.
Overall it's a good and solid read and I am sure people will enjoy this story. It wasn't exactly my cup of tea due to the details and long period before anything actually happened between them. I'm not even sure I ship them. But that's also partly due to so many factors taking away my attention from them.
An arc was given to me by the author in return of an honest review.
Hope is a chef who joins Angelica as co-host for a show where they try to help hotels who are struggling. Hope being a succesful chef and Angelica being a business wiz makes them a power to be reckoned with. But not surprisingly not everyone feels like these leading ladies have what it takes to make the show a succes.
It was a lenghty book with a lot of details about the behind the scenes of making a TV show. There were also a lot of characters who got switched up when they went to a new hotel.
Overall it's a good and solid read and I am sure people will enjoy this story. It wasn't exactly my cup of tea due to the details and long period before anything actually happened between them. I'm not even sure I ship them. But that's also partly due to so many factors taking away my attention from them.
An arc was given to me by the author in return of an honest review.
August 30, 2025
Culinary Chaos is a delectable opening course to the Hotel Bombshell series thanks to a satisfying blend of behind-the-scenes reality show drama, workplace tension, emotional conflict, and sizzling chemistry between the show's two leads: Angelica and Hope. At first look, Hope's sunny, upbeat persona makes her seem like the polar opposite and complete foil to Angelica's icy, driven demeanor, but as they clash and eventually learn to collaborate, it becomes clear the two women are more alike than they realized. Alongside that commonality, a powerful attraction develops that makes Hope question everything she thought she knew about herself and jeopardizes Angelica's entire career.
Thanks to complex characters, a slow simmer romance, and more than a dash of angst, Culinary Chaos is an appetizing offering that will delight readers while still leaving them salivating for the next course.
Thanks to complex characters, a slow simmer romance, and more than a dash of angst, Culinary Chaos is an appetizing offering that will delight readers while still leaving them salivating for the next course.
September 2, 2025
If you are looking for your standard romance book then this may not be for you but if you are looking for a brilliantly written story with characters that you both love and want to strangle then stop reading the reviews and get this book.
Hope and Angelica are two both opposites and the same. Hope a happy chef who looks for the good in everyone and Angelica is the up tight ice queen who doesn’t let anyone in. As you speed read your way through this story you’ll get to know more of Angelica’s background and why she is the way she is. I found that I was outraged on her account many times and wished I could jump into the pages to give people a bit of what for!
I am now going to spend the next couple of months on tender hooks for the next part of this series. A great start and I look forward to season 2!
Hope and Angelica are two both opposites and the same. Hope a happy chef who looks for the good in everyone and Angelica is the up tight ice queen who doesn’t let anyone in. As you speed read your way through this story you’ll get to know more of Angelica’s background and why she is the way she is. I found that I was outraged on her account many times and wished I could jump into the pages to give people a bit of what for!
I am now going to spend the next couple of months on tender hooks for the next part of this series. A great start and I look forward to season 2!
September 10, 2025
This is certainly an apt title for Smith's first book in this Reality TV/celebrity chef/restaurant impossible series. There is no shortage of tension and drama - emotional and manufactured, but the characters were well rounded enough to keep me reading through this stress. The author mentioned in a newsletter that this would be a romance that plays out over the course of several books in the series, and she wasn’t kidding. This definitely reads as a slow burn romance, but that’s the only thing that’s slow about the pace of this novel - there is always something new happening surrounding one or both of the main characters. Can’t wait to see how the next book plays out.
I received an ARC of this novel from the author.
I received an ARC of this novel from the author.
September 12, 2025
Adrian J. Smith has proven once again just how masterful a wordsmith she is. This book’s story pits two strong willed women into a difficult position emotionally and financially. I read this as an ARC, and I don’t want to give away the wonderful twists and turns of this series! Suffice it to say, fixing hotels finances involves staffing, kitchen and owners. Not an easy job when they are in over their heads. These two women take their jobs seriously and must find a way through the many pitfalls they encounter including from their own team! One single ice queen and one happily married with a six year old daughter and husband in tow! Yep, that is just one kink in the story! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
September 27, 2025
what a great story..
Wow! So you have one straight married woman (Hope) with a 6 year old and husband. A second woman Angelica gay, little older, thought to be an ice fairy. They’re doing a reality show about failing hotels Hope is the chef to turn the restaurants around. Angelica the business manager to look at finances, staffing, procedures. They clash because Hope is open, bubbly - you got it Angelica supposedly cold and uncaring. Hope gets through her barriers but then what she’s married. They kiss and neither can think of anything else then Angelica says we need to stop this..
Hopefully book 2 answers all the unanswered questions!
Really this book is definitely worth reading.
Wow! So you have one straight married woman (Hope) with a 6 year old and husband. A second woman Angelica gay, little older, thought to be an ice fairy. They’re doing a reality show about failing hotels Hope is the chef to turn the restaurants around. Angelica the business manager to look at finances, staffing, procedures. They clash because Hope is open, bubbly - you got it Angelica supposedly cold and uncaring. Hope gets through her barriers but then what she’s married. They kiss and neither can think of anything else then Angelica says we need to stop this..
Hopefully book 2 answers all the unanswered questions!
Really this book is definitely worth reading.
September 10, 2025
I absolutely love this book! It's a fantastic new series, and I can't wait for the next installment to come out in November. Angelica seems very standoffish at first, but she isn’t as unapproachable as she appears. I feel sorry for how she was treated throughout the story. Hope is really sweet, but there's a fiery side to her that lies just beneath that smile. I enjoy both characters and the development they experience throughout the book.
I'm really looking forward to the second season. This series is definitely worth reading. If you're looking for a big romance in the first book, you might be disappointed—it’s an extremely slow burn, focusing on two people trying to navigate a new situation.
I received an arc
I'm really looking forward to the second season. This series is definitely worth reading. If you're looking for a big romance in the first book, you might be disappointed—it’s an extremely slow burn, focusing on two people trying to navigate a new situation.
I received an arc
September 27, 2025
We ALL need help!
While the series is “Hotel Bombshell”, this really isn’t only about turning around struggling hostelries & eateries. There’s a whole bunch of stuff underneath the cloches and linen tablecloths…things that could have been avoided if the business owners had paid attention in ‘Management 101’. One example is:
‘Owners […] need to decide if they want to be friends with their staff or if they want to run a business.’
Angelica and Hope are up against struggles (both on- and off-camera) when some of the show participants aren’t all so willing to allow our gals to help them help themselves.
There IS something that I picked up on regarding our gals. Since they’re in the business of fixing, is their frosty flirtation actually leading to something meaningful or it is merely a tool to morph the other into someone more manageable? The latter isn’t such a far-fetched idea since they both spend the vast majority of their time controlling both things & people…
Not saying that was the author’s intent; more like it’s yet another aspect of character development, perhaps. It’s interesting to me that traits that make us great at our jobs get in the way of our personal lives and vice versa. I found a lot of work-life balance issues going on in this tale – which made it more realistic.
I really really really enjoyed the judging…not what people mis-mean as being judgmental, but rather providing truly constructive criticism about behaviors so that the person can improve. The author sprinkled in such caring comments throughout and by different people. Imagine how fewer “Hotel Bombshells” there’d be if only management practiced when providing suggestions to and receiving them from their employees. Imagine what a world this would be if only there were more of this type of communication!
One thing I do NOT want more of is cameras. Not at home, not at work, and most definitely not when I’m in close proximity to my crush & bane of my very existence. Readers get treated to more heat than what comes from the kitchens! Can’t wait to find out what’ll happen in “Under the Table”… 😉
While the series is “Hotel Bombshell”, this really isn’t only about turning around struggling hostelries & eateries. There’s a whole bunch of stuff underneath the cloches and linen tablecloths…things that could have been avoided if the business owners had paid attention in ‘Management 101’. One example is:
‘Owners […] need to decide if they want to be friends with their staff or if they want to run a business.’
Angelica and Hope are up against struggles (both on- and off-camera) when some of the show participants aren’t all so willing to allow our gals to help them help themselves.
There IS something that I picked up on regarding our gals. Since they’re in the business of fixing, is their frosty flirtation actually leading to something meaningful or it is merely a tool to morph the other into someone more manageable? The latter isn’t such a far-fetched idea since they both spend the vast majority of their time controlling both things & people…
Not saying that was the author’s intent; more like it’s yet another aspect of character development, perhaps. It’s interesting to me that traits that make us great at our jobs get in the way of our personal lives and vice versa. I found a lot of work-life balance issues going on in this tale – which made it more realistic.
I really really really enjoyed the judging…not what people mis-mean as being judgmental, but rather providing truly constructive criticism about behaviors so that the person can improve. The author sprinkled in such caring comments throughout and by different people. Imagine how fewer “Hotel Bombshells” there’d be if only management practiced when providing suggestions to and receiving them from their employees. Imagine what a world this would be if only there were more of this type of communication!
One thing I do NOT want more of is cameras. Not at home, not at work, and most definitely not when I’m in close proximity to my crush & bane of my very existence. Readers get treated to more heat than what comes from the kitchens! Can’t wait to find out what’ll happen in “Under the Table”… 😉
August 31, 2025
I absolutely love this first book in the series. Hope and Angelica work so well together with the TV series and it is so fun to watch their connection change throughout the book. Eva is adorable and I love her so much. Josef is the ass everyone expects in a true Hollywood story. I can’t wait to get more of their story.
September 4, 2025
Wow Adrian J Smith does it again. This book is my top 3 of the year, the main characters chemistry was scorching from the beginning the way they navigated the twists in the world around them its a phenomenal read i found it heartbreaking and haven't cried like that in quite a while but angel got under my skin i couldn't put it down definitely must read congratulations
September 10, 2025
I wasn’t sure about this book but being a TV aficionado I could embrace the format. I really got into the problems and the budding romance and it kept me wondering whether the characters were going to acknowledge it. I found all the extras ie cameramen, husband, daughter, added a lot to the story line as well. All in all was a great book and I can’t wait for the next installment.
October 16, 2025
This is the first book in the Hotel Bombshell Series and i can already say this is going to be a great series. When Adrian says it's a slow burn, she means it. Hope and Anjelica’s chemistry is hot enough to set the hotels on fire. I cannot wait to see how book 2 turns out. I received an advanced review copy for free, and i am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2026
I am in absolute love with this book! As soon as I started reading I could see the similarities in a show that I really loved watching. This book is extraordinary! The tension between the MC's is amazing and you can really feel the emotion through the words. I am so happy I discovered these books and I cannot wait to dive into the rest of the series. Highly recommend!
September 18, 2025
An TV show as book, I love the concept. There was a lot of tension between the main characters. The grow during the episodes but they hide it for the filmcrew, what i liked a lot. I'm looking forward to book two:)
December 16, 2025
Favorite quote. In response to a restaurant owner saying that he treated his employees like family. “ And she hated that metaphor anyway. Everyone treated family worse than coworkers. There was greater trust, which meant there was far more opportunity for greater failure. “
September 11, 2025
Quite enjoyed this romp through Ange’s and Hope’s version of reality tv. Slow burn, high chemistry, cliffhanger of a good read, glad the next is out soonish.
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