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Men of the Secret Service #1
Recipe for Disaster
Secret Service Agent Griffin Keller always gets his man. And his woman. In pursuit of an international counterfeiter known only as “The Artist”, Griffin stumbles across paintings stolen from the White House and swapped with forgeries. His only clue to the thief’s identity–a dish towel from the White House kitchen.
White House pastry chef Marin Chevalier desperately needs a date to her cousin’s society wedding. Unfortunately, her busy schedule leaves her little opportunity to meet eligible men. When a sexy Secret Service agent shows up in her kitchen—and just about everywhere else she goes—Marin believes she’s finally met the perfect date. But when a series of frightening accidents and near misses plague her, Marin must rely on Griffin as more than just her “plus-one.”
As dead bodies begin to pile up around Marin, Griffin is convinced she’s the link to The Artist. Too bad the curvy chef has gotten under his skin like no other woman. When the clues finally fall into place and Griffin realizes Marin is not the suspect, but instead the target, he’ll risk everything in his arsenal to keep her safe.
White House pastry chef Marin Chevalier desperately needs a date to her cousin’s society wedding. Unfortunately, her busy schedule leaves her little opportunity to meet eligible men. When a sexy Secret Service agent shows up in her kitchen—and just about everywhere else she goes—Marin believes she’s finally met the perfect date. But when a series of frightening accidents and near misses plague her, Marin must rely on Griffin as more than just her “plus-one.”
As dead bodies begin to pile up around Marin, Griffin is convinced she’s the link to The Artist. Too bad the curvy chef has gotten under his skin like no other woman. When the clues finally fall into place and Griffin realizes Marin is not the suspect, but instead the target, he’ll risk everything in his arsenal to keep her safe.
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First published May 7, 2018
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About the author
Tracy Solheim
23 books1,122 followersTracy Solheim writes books with shirtless men on the cover. Some of them are actually best-sellers. The books, not the men. When she's not writing, she's practicing her curling. . . bottles of wine, that is. She's been known to cook dinner but no more than two nights in a row. Most days, she'd rather be reading, which to her is just necessary research. She lives in the suburbs of Atlanta with her husband and a neurotic Labrador retriever. Her two adult children visit but not often enough. (See the note above about cooking.) Sign up for her newsletter at https://www.tracysolheim.com/ to see what she’s up to. She'll send you a free cookbook from her Chances Inlet series as a thank you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 28, 2018
Having gone into this thinking this was straight up romantic suspense with the rather unusual pairing of a Secret Service Agent and a well-connected White House pastry chef, I wasn’t entirely too sure personally, if ‘Recipe for Disaster’ really fell into this category.
It’s perhaps best called a mix of some mystery and some romance, as all the parties involved seemed nicely ensconced in their white-tower (or house, is this case) in a way that made it difficult to relate to them, let alone get invested in a pairing that felt forced together only because a special set of circumstances that caused their paths to meet. The huge cast of characters that came in also felt more like a distraction than a boon to the story, seemingly padding out the narrative just to show how they interacted with each other without really achieving anything significant.
When it came down to the protagonists, I found Marin too weepy (or at least on the verge of sobbing) and her constant deep blushing almost anachronistic for our times; her insecurities regarding her body and her elevation of Griffin as the man who wouldn’t date women like her was annoying after a while, as was the insertion of Griffin’s FBI ex-fuck-buddy who flitted in and out of the picture. That Griffin found her resilient and strong baffled me, and the repetitions of the way he thought about her soon came across as a case of the author trying to convince us of Marin as a heroine worthy of Griffin.
Sad to say, while I was very excited about the premise of this from the blurb, ‘Recipe for Disaster’ ended up being a story I struggled to plough through, so clearly this is not the book for me and to use a trite and clichéd phrase…’it’s not the story, it’s me’.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
It’s perhaps best called a mix of some mystery and some romance, as all the parties involved seemed nicely ensconced in their white-tower (or house, is this case) in a way that made it difficult to relate to them, let alone get invested in a pairing that felt forced together only because a special set of circumstances that caused their paths to meet. The huge cast of characters that came in also felt more like a distraction than a boon to the story, seemingly padding out the narrative just to show how they interacted with each other without really achieving anything significant.
When it came down to the protagonists, I found Marin too weepy (or at least on the verge of sobbing) and her constant deep blushing almost anachronistic for our times; her insecurities regarding her body and her elevation of Griffin as the man who wouldn’t date women like her was annoying after a while, as was the insertion of Griffin’s FBI ex-fuck-buddy who flitted in and out of the picture. That Griffin found her resilient and strong baffled me, and the repetitions of the way he thought about her soon came across as a case of the author trying to convince us of Marin as a heroine worthy of Griffin.
Sad to say, while I was very excited about the premise of this from the blurb, ‘Recipe for Disaster’ ended up being a story I struggled to plough through, so clearly this is not the book for me and to use a trite and clichéd phrase…’it’s not the story, it’s me’.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
April 28, 2018
After reading this book I want to tour the white house now!! Marin is a pastry chef for the white house and Griffin is a secret service agent investigating a case that leads him to the white house. Tons of plot twists that will have you saying what just happened. Loved how a strong woman could keep pace with the man.
Great romantic suspense from Solheim to start the series. I can't wait for more in the series.
Great romantic suspense from Solheim to start the series. I can't wait for more in the series.
July 7, 2021
3.5 Stars
The best word to describe our hero would be pigheaded. Now I’m not a fan of manwhores in any respect and to have it repeatedly thrown in my face early on in a book was not fun. Apparently his killer dimples make panties drop wherever he goes. When the hero and heroine first meet, he’s harboring the belief that she’s his strongest lead in a art forgery and a multi national counterfeiting ring. Normally I don’t mind this type of deception, it just felt harsh in this book. The hero Griffin is again-pigheaded and for most of the book, even when he has feelings his ego and pride hide them away.
Marin was wonderful and interesting heroine. Marin may come from an extremely wealthy family, but that certainly isn’t how she runs her life. She’s no spoiled heiress and instead is an extremely talented chef, one who works longer and harder than most. She takes pride in every minute detail and after watching many food network competitions and shows the amount of work these chefs do is astonishing.
The book was very cookie cutter as far as romantic suspense’s typically go and it was not disappointing. If you’re looking for a stubborn fool secret service agent and a pastry chef who always find herself in the right place at the wrong time then this is the book for you. And don’t worry Marin can handle herself and knows how to put a man in his place when necessary. While I do wish she would have made him grovel more, the ending was a perfect wrap up to a thrilling and romantic read.
The best word to describe our hero would be pigheaded. Now I’m not a fan of manwhores in any respect and to have it repeatedly thrown in my face early on in a book was not fun. Apparently his killer dimples make panties drop wherever he goes. When the hero and heroine first meet, he’s harboring the belief that she’s his strongest lead in a art forgery and a multi national counterfeiting ring. Normally I don’t mind this type of deception, it just felt harsh in this book. The hero Griffin is again-pigheaded and for most of the book, even when he has feelings his ego and pride hide them away.
Marin was wonderful and interesting heroine. Marin may come from an extremely wealthy family, but that certainly isn’t how she runs her life. She’s no spoiled heiress and instead is an extremely talented chef, one who works longer and harder than most. She takes pride in every minute detail and after watching many food network competitions and shows the amount of work these chefs do is astonishing.
The book was very cookie cutter as far as romantic suspense’s typically go and it was not disappointing. If you’re looking for a stubborn fool secret service agent and a pastry chef who always find herself in the right place at the wrong time then this is the book for you. And don’t worry Marin can handle herself and knows how to put a man in his place when necessary. While I do wish she would have made him grovel more, the ending was a perfect wrap up to a thrilling and romantic read.
March 24, 2018
This is the first book I've ever read by this author, and I enjoyed it immensely. It actually started out a wee-bit slow for me, but as it turned out, that was a necessary evil as the characters in this new series were introduced. Once Griffin and Marin met, however, the action erupted and never slowed down. I was riveted to the story, anxious to find out who the mole in the White House was. I liked both Griffin and Marin a lot, and I actually would have enjoyed learning more about them and their backgrounds, but the suspenseful action was the most important element in this story, and it was well done. I really liked the secondary character of Adam, as well as Ben, and I'm hoping their stories are next in line. I'm excited to have found this new-to-me author and look forward to the upcoming books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for review.
April 14, 2018
Firstly, let's start this off with a trigger warning. There's a dog in the story. He's a character, you'll see him play and interact and you'll grow to love him. Frankly, I liked the dog more than most of the humans in this book. He gets intentionally injured toward the end, we're even led to think he was killed. As an animal lover who has to change the channel every time that Sarah McLachlan commercial comes on, I have some pretty choice words for whoever thought it would be a good idea to put that in a book. Had I known about this I would have run as far as I could in the other direction.
Now with that said, the book wasn't all that great even before the whole dog thing.
One of my biggest pet peeves in books is tedious details. The book starts with us getting step-by-step directions as Marin commutes to work. Literally, she walks on H street, crosses on I street, goes one stop on the metro. Why?!?! Was this book meant to be read as part of a Washington walking tour? Like it or not, when I read a book I will imagine the setting as a city I'm familiar with (which for me is Saskatoon, Saskatchewan). The ridiculous level of detail made it impossible for me to connect and get invested in the setting of the book. Would it not have been enough to say "she walked to work" maybe talk about traffic or the weather?
If that's not bad enough, we're introduced to what seems like every staff member in the White House by name, appearance, and background. Some of these characters are never mentioned in the book again. It was information overload and honestly a lot of fluff.
That aside, the main plot line was kind of good. There were tension and action. I loved Griffin and Marin, I was invested in all the drama. I was engaged in the parts where it didn't feel like I was reading a map of DC. Griffen and his friends from the Secret Service were well developed. I appreciated the calmness he showed in every action-packed scene.
Admittedly, I don't read a lot of mystery/ suspense type novels and this was a love story but from what I understand a sign of a good mystery is when you don't who did it or why until the end. This book captured that well. In fact, I've finished the book and I'm still pretty confused about the motive!
Overall, Recipe for Disaster isn't worth reading. The central plot could be a solid 4 stars, the fluff brings it down to a 3. The dog thing makes me wish I could give it negative stars.
I don't like posting negative reviews. It's not something I've done before and I'm not looking forward to sharing this one. But I think people should have the opportunity to see the warning I was never given. I'm sure many people will be able to read it just fine. However, I don't think I'm alone in my aversion to injured or harmed animals.
Now with that said, the book wasn't all that great even before the whole dog thing.
One of my biggest pet peeves in books is tedious details. The book starts with us getting step-by-step directions as Marin commutes to work. Literally, she walks on H street, crosses on I street, goes one stop on the metro. Why?!?! Was this book meant to be read as part of a Washington walking tour? Like it or not, when I read a book I will imagine the setting as a city I'm familiar with (which for me is Saskatoon, Saskatchewan). The ridiculous level of detail made it impossible for me to connect and get invested in the setting of the book. Would it not have been enough to say "she walked to work" maybe talk about traffic or the weather?
If that's not bad enough, we're introduced to what seems like every staff member in the White House by name, appearance, and background. Some of these characters are never mentioned in the book again. It was information overload and honestly a lot of fluff.
That aside, the main plot line was kind of good. There were tension and action. I loved Griffin and Marin, I was invested in all the drama. I was engaged in the parts where it didn't feel like I was reading a map of DC. Griffen and his friends from the Secret Service were well developed. I appreciated the calmness he showed in every action-packed scene.
Admittedly, I don't read a lot of mystery/ suspense type novels and this was a love story but from what I understand a sign of a good mystery is when you don't who did it or why until the end. This book captured that well. In fact, I've finished the book and I'm still pretty confused about the motive!
Overall, Recipe for Disaster isn't worth reading. The central plot could be a solid 4 stars, the fluff brings it down to a 3. The dog thing makes me wish I could give it negative stars.
I don't like posting negative reviews. It's not something I've done before and I'm not looking forward to sharing this one. But I think people should have the opportunity to see the warning I was never given. I'm sure many people will be able to read it just fine. However, I don't think I'm alone in my aversion to injured or harmed animals.
May 2, 2018
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
When the main male character is supposed to be the one that all the women fall for, I hope that the female lead character will put up a bit of resistance and not fall at his feet like all the other women so I was a bit disappointed in that respect. I can't say that I liked Griffin all that much as he kept "giving in" to the attracted then backing off which is typical for a romance but I find annoying!
I did like the book overall and I especially enjoy a romantic suspense book and this kept me guessing most of the book. I really wish that there had been a bit more explanation about the attempts on Marin's life and why after many attempts on her life, he decides to not kill her and keep her for ransom money.
The other part that just didn't make any sense to me was when Marin was supposed to respond to the message from Bita. I really did not understand why Bita would lure her out of safety.
Some parts were funny when you see the three guys together and I am really looking forward to seeing them fall from their bachelor status. While there were plenty of little things that I thought strange in the book, the book was entertaining and an enjoyable read.
When the main male character is supposed to be the one that all the women fall for, I hope that the female lead character will put up a bit of resistance and not fall at his feet like all the other women so I was a bit disappointed in that respect. I can't say that I liked Griffin all that much as he kept "giving in" to the attracted then backing off which is typical for a romance but I find annoying!
I did like the book overall and I especially enjoy a romantic suspense book and this kept me guessing most of the book. I really wish that there had been a bit more explanation about the attempts on Marin's life and why after many attempts on her life, he decides to not kill her and keep her for ransom money.
The other part that just didn't make any sense to me was when Marin was supposed to respond to the message from Bita. I really did not understand why Bita would lure her out of safety.
Some parts were funny when you see the three guys together and I am really looking forward to seeing them fall from their bachelor status. While there were plenty of little things that I thought strange in the book, the book was entertaining and an enjoyable read.
April 25, 2018
WOW! I loved reading Recipe for Disaster by Tracy Solheim, the first book in her Men of the Secret Service series. The title is fitting since our heroine Marin Chevalier is the Pastry Chef for the White House where her godmother is the first lady. Marin comes from a wealthy family that owns hotels around the world. She is a strong person who gives the impression that she can take care of herself. Her biggest problem at the moment is finding a date for her cousin’s wedding but her busy schedule does not allow her much chance to meet eligible men. Secret Service Agent Griffin Keller, our hero, is Alpha all the way. He always gets his man and woman. While chasing after an international counterfeiter, Griffin encounters paintings stolen from the White House and swapped with forgeries; his only clue to the thief’s identity is a dish towel from the White House kitchen. When Griffin appears in Marin’s kitchen, and everywhere else, Marin thinks she has found the perfect date. However, as near misses and scary accidents start occurring along with bodies piling up Marin convinces Griffin that she’s the victim, not the suspect and relies on him to help her stay alive.
I really loved reading this book and didn’t want to put it down. It grabbed me, not wanting to let me go. I loved the strength and intelligence of Marin and the caring heart Griffin discovered beneath his gruff exterior. Ms. Solheim wrote a wonderful story for these two and I enjoyed seeing the connection these two created. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I really loved reading this book and didn’t want to put it down. It grabbed me, not wanting to let me go. I loved the strength and intelligence of Marin and the caring heart Griffin discovered beneath his gruff exterior. Ms. Solheim wrote a wonderful story for these two and I enjoyed seeing the connection these two created. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 6, 2018
Nice start to what should be an interesting new series. He's part of the secret service working to find an art thief who has infiltrated the White House. She's a White House pastry chef who has an uncanny amount of knowledge of the art world. Could she be the one he's looking for? Secret Service Agent Griffin Keller doesn't want to believe Chef Marin Chevalier is part of the art ring but unless he finds the real thief everything points to her. Working together they need to find out what is really going on before they both end up dead.
A nice little mystery with a dose of romance made this a very enjoyable read. Definitely a book I recommend.
A nice little mystery with a dose of romance made this a very enjoyable read. Definitely a book I recommend.
April 24, 2018
There were a lot of catnip elements here for me - secret identities and pastries and dangerpantsfeelings! And overall the romance was solid if weak ending wise? The Foreign Terrorist plot (even with the twist) felt way too racist & there were weird foreign trophy wife shaming aspects too.
Also what happened to Anika? There were too many dead people of color for Plot Pain and that just killed the story for me (no pun intended).
Also what happened to Anika? There were too many dead people of color for Plot Pain and that just killed the story for me (no pun intended).
March 24, 2018
This is a fantastic book chock filled with action, romantic mystery and twists. An innocent White House pastry chef suddenly becomes the prey for a ct-throat killer who is ruthless in pursuit of her. On her side is a gorgeous hunk of dimpled cheeks who is driven by his dedication to service and to her survival. The fact that she upsets his perfectly orchestrated world is priceless.
May 26, 2019
Tracy has done it again! With the perfect formula of just the right amounts of suspense and romance she has given us another great read to enjoy. Griffin and Marin are great characters to get to know and their story is exciting and sweet, with a few laughs thrown in for just the right RECIPE. As usual the supporting charters are ppl that I can't wait to read their stories. My shelf that contains all of Tracy's keep books is getting so full I will have to start another one soon. Loved Griffin's and Marin's story....I love stories that involve any kind of special forces and I loved Marin's character.
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December 26, 2024Good book, this. the pacing was perfect, just suspensful enough that i couldn't put it down, with out being too frantic or heavy. Poor Marin was literaly in the wrong place at the wrong time. But she stepped up. This is the type of strong female character i love. she was not trained, or particularly powerful. She was just put in a bad spot and stepped up and did what she was able to do. Griffin was pretty well written as well. i really enjoyed this story
April 27, 2018
Review to follow
Review copy received from Tule Publishing via Netgalley
Review copy received from Tule Publishing via Netgalley
April 17, 2018
Loved this great 1st book in a new series by Tracy Solheim. This is an edge of your seat book, with a who’s lot of hot & sexy. It has just the right amount mystery/suspense & steamy desire to keep the reader interested. The sweet unassuming Marin was just the perfect foil for extremely hot Griffin. Secret Service agent Griffin has been after a money counterfeiting ring for 2 yrs & now it looks like the White House art is involved. The only clue he has is a cloth from the kitchen of the White House, which leads him to the head pastry chef Marin who has a strong link to the case...her family’s hotel chain. What he doesn’t expect is to have to play knight & rescue Marin several times when someone goes after her. With a case that he’s determined to solve on his plate, failing for the only suspect he has isn’t smart but when it comes to Marin he’s not sure about anything. This is definitely a series I will be looking for more in. Definitely recommend. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
August 9, 2021
While I enjoyed RECIPE FOR DISASTER I'm a little conflicted because there were parts that I really enjoyed and parts that I found frustrating. Overall, I thought it was a good suspense romance, although I found the bad guys to be a bit predictable and surprisingly incompetent. In some ways, they almost came across as comedic and this would pull me out of the suspense. Though I figured out who was involved pretty early on, I did not completely figure out what was going on, so there were plenty of surprises for me in the end. One of the things that I did enjoy, though others might be bothered by it, is the amount of detail that Tracy Solheim put into both Washington, DC and The White House. I don't know how accurate everything was but I was very intrigued by all the descriptions of the offices, residence, and special rooms, so it kept things interesting.
That attention to detail also shows up in the character descriptions and I really feel like we got to know not just Marin and Griffin but all the other side characters as well. I particularly enjoyed the other Secret Service agents Ben and Adam who I assume will eventually get their own books. All the details for the characters were great, but I will admit there were a TON of characters and maybe too many to keep track of. This made following along harder as I struggled to keep everyone straight. One of my favorite characters, hands down, was Otto the Secret Service dog; I'm a sucker for animals in books and I really enjoyed Otto's presence in the story. He really had his own personality and purpose and it was great.
When the book first started out I was leery of Griffin who came across a little like a dick and I don't know that I ever completely warmed up to him though I did enjoy him more as we got to know him. The chemistry between Marin and Griffin was also questionable in the beginning; it was a classic case of Griffin being adverse to commitment and all of a sudden Marin was just perfect and things that would normally bother him about women, he didn't mind when it was Marin. I sometimes find this to be a weak way of expressing romance and developing a relationship but I will say that their chemistry did grow as time went by. Griffin was the quintessential protector, the alpha hero, but he's constantly surprised by his actions because he's getting close to Marin for the job but he's also really attracted to her. This conflict over Griffin's duty vs his attraction meant that he would start things with Marin and then pull back suddenly and become distant.
Marin puts up with a surprising amount of push and pull in this book and this is reflected in her wildly varying moods as she goes from being excited to be around Griffin to ending up in tears or near it after almost every single encounter they have (mostly because he pulls back). While this got a bit trying after a while, I still liked Marin who in general is soft, gentle, and sweet. But she's also pretty tough and she keeps things together when it counts. I think some readers might be annoyed by Marin's overly emotional state but I didn't see anything wrong with it because not every character can be as physically or mentally strong when it comes to being in danger. Marin has absolutely no experience with this type of lifestyle so it makes perfect sense that she would be on the verge of falling apart for most of the story; after all people she cares about are constantly dying around her and she has no idea what's going on.
Overall, I thought the writing was very strong, the characterization was incredibly detailed, if a bit overwhelming, and for the most part, the suspense was good though there were a few ridiculous moments. I am intrigued to read more in the series but I do hope that some of the issues I had with this book will not show up in the later ones.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Content Warning: Animal injury on page
That attention to detail also shows up in the character descriptions and I really feel like we got to know not just Marin and Griffin but all the other side characters as well. I particularly enjoyed the other Secret Service agents Ben and Adam who I assume will eventually get their own books. All the details for the characters were great, but I will admit there were a TON of characters and maybe too many to keep track of. This made following along harder as I struggled to keep everyone straight. One of my favorite characters, hands down, was Otto the Secret Service dog; I'm a sucker for animals in books and I really enjoyed Otto's presence in the story. He really had his own personality and purpose and it was great.
When the book first started out I was leery of Griffin who came across a little like a dick and I don't know that I ever completely warmed up to him though I did enjoy him more as we got to know him. The chemistry between Marin and Griffin was also questionable in the beginning; it was a classic case of Griffin being adverse to commitment and all of a sudden Marin was just perfect and things that would normally bother him about women, he didn't mind when it was Marin. I sometimes find this to be a weak way of expressing romance and developing a relationship but I will say that their chemistry did grow as time went by. Griffin was the quintessential protector, the alpha hero, but he's constantly surprised by his actions because he's getting close to Marin for the job but he's also really attracted to her. This conflict over Griffin's duty vs his attraction meant that he would start things with Marin and then pull back suddenly and become distant.
Marin puts up with a surprising amount of push and pull in this book and this is reflected in her wildly varying moods as she goes from being excited to be around Griffin to ending up in tears or near it after almost every single encounter they have (mostly because he pulls back). While this got a bit trying after a while, I still liked Marin who in general is soft, gentle, and sweet. But she's also pretty tough and she keeps things together when it counts. I think some readers might be annoyed by Marin's overly emotional state but I didn't see anything wrong with it because not every character can be as physically or mentally strong when it comes to being in danger. Marin has absolutely no experience with this type of lifestyle so it makes perfect sense that she would be on the verge of falling apart for most of the story; after all people she cares about are constantly dying around her and she has no idea what's going on.
Overall, I thought the writing was very strong, the characterization was incredibly detailed, if a bit overwhelming, and for the most part, the suspense was good though there were a few ridiculous moments. I am intrigued to read more in the series but I do hope that some of the issues I had with this book will not show up in the later ones.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Content Warning: Animal injury on page
April 16, 2018
This was my first experience reading this author and I was pleasantly surprised! This is the beginning of a new series (Men of the Secret Service) and focuses on Griffin and Marin. A very enjoyable romantic suspense with an impressive amount of detail in the storyline. This author is obviously knowledgeable about government dealings and the Secret Service because the detail is outstanding and quite interesting. I felt there was the perfect amount of mystery, suspense and romance in this book and it moved along at a nice pace. I'm looking forward to reading Ben and Adam's books! I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
April 19, 2018
Great start to this new series! I really enjoyed the story and Griffin and Marin. They are very likable characters. There was a really nice balance of all the good stuff; like romance, suspense, and even some plot twists thrown in.
I look forward to more of this series.
I received an ARC from Netgalley.
I look forward to more of this series.
I received an ARC from Netgalley.
March 5, 2019
It's been awhile since I read a true romantic suspense. Recipe for Disaster by Tracy Solheim reminded me why I love the genre.
For the past two years, Secret Service Agent Griffin Keller has been on the hunt for “The Artist”, an international counterfeiter who has been flooding the world economy with fake hundred dollar bills. Just when he thinks he finally has “The Artist” or one of his associates, that person is killed. Griffin's investigation is turned upside down when it's discovered that “The Artist” isn't only dabbling in counterfeit currency but also in famous artwork. The kind that looks too good to be a forgery and should be hanging on the walls of the White House.
Griffin’s investigation takes him to the White House and namely to the pastry kitchen, where he encounters Marin Chevalier. Marin is one of the newest members of the White House kitchen staff. She’s the head pastry chef, a hotel heiress, and the god-daughter of the First Lady.
While Griffin is attempting to figure out if Marin is a viable suspect, he can’t deny he finds her charming and attractive. Soon, bodies start to pile up and Marin quickly goes from potential suspect to victim. Now, the question becomes why is someone out to kill Marin. Is it because of who her grandfather is or because she knows something about the art thefts?
I loved Recipe for Disaster. Tracy immediately drew me into the story. There was never a dull moment. Tracy has written a story with murder and intrigue. There were twists and turns I didn’t expect. Just when I thought I figured out what was going on, I realized there was more. The main characters of Griffin and Marin were easy to like. The secondary characters of Griffin’s best friends and fellow agents of Ben and Adam were also great, adding humor and more credence to the the allure of Secret Service Agents.
**Received a copy of the book from the author and also purchased a copy personally.**
For the past two years, Secret Service Agent Griffin Keller has been on the hunt for “The Artist”, an international counterfeiter who has been flooding the world economy with fake hundred dollar bills. Just when he thinks he finally has “The Artist” or one of his associates, that person is killed. Griffin's investigation is turned upside down when it's discovered that “The Artist” isn't only dabbling in counterfeit currency but also in famous artwork. The kind that looks too good to be a forgery and should be hanging on the walls of the White House.
Griffin’s investigation takes him to the White House and namely to the pastry kitchen, where he encounters Marin Chevalier. Marin is one of the newest members of the White House kitchen staff. She’s the head pastry chef, a hotel heiress, and the god-daughter of the First Lady.
While Griffin is attempting to figure out if Marin is a viable suspect, he can’t deny he finds her charming and attractive. Soon, bodies start to pile up and Marin quickly goes from potential suspect to victim. Now, the question becomes why is someone out to kill Marin. Is it because of who her grandfather is or because she knows something about the art thefts?
I loved Recipe for Disaster. Tracy immediately drew me into the story. There was never a dull moment. Tracy has written a story with murder and intrigue. There were twists and turns I didn’t expect. Just when I thought I figured out what was going on, I realized there was more. The main characters of Griffin and Marin were easy to like. The secondary characters of Griffin’s best friends and fellow agents of Ben and Adam were also great, adding humor and more credence to the the allure of Secret Service Agents.
**Received a copy of the book from the author and also purchased a copy personally.**
May 2, 2018
Recipe for Disaster was an enjoyable read but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. I expected it to be more romantic-suspense but it read more like a mystery with a somewhat forced romance.
I'm not saying I didn't like the relationship between Griffin and Marin but I wasn't completely satisfied with how it played out.
I loved the friendship between Griffin, Adam and Ben - I may even like them better than Griffin so I'm hoping they'll be featured in future books!
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not saying I didn't like the relationship between Griffin and Marin but I wasn't completely satisfied with how it played out.
I loved the friendship between Griffin, Adam and Ben - I may even like them better than Griffin so I'm hoping they'll be featured in future books!
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2018
A hold your breath, tension and intrigued filled romance that will surprise as well as entertain you. As you travel through trying to determine who the perpetrators of the crimes are, your guesses will be astoundingly wrong. That, along with such engaging characters is what makes this a story that you just can't put down. You'll be swept away from the first page to the last...experiencing suttle humor, even an all out chuckle or two, along with sharp dialog and witty banter as you weave your way through a really good story from a masterful storyteller. All the components are within these pages to leave you wanting more stories from this author.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
April 14, 2018
This was my first book by Tracy Solheim, and it was quite good, a nice mix of romance and suspense, initially started out a bit slow but did well to introduce the side characters of this new series. I really liked Griffin and Marin grew on me as the story unfolded. Loved the suspense element and looking forward to more books in this series.
April 15, 2018
I really enjoyed Marin & Griffin's story. This romantic suspense is action packed with plot twists that will keep you guessing. Recipe for Disaster is a great start to this series. I look forward to Ben & Adam's stories!
I voluntarily read & reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
I voluntarily read & reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
May 7, 2018
My Review:
Yay, it was awesome to get to read another Tracy Solheim book and I really did enjoy this one.
The setup is that Marin is the goddaughter of the First Lady. As such, she's been brought in to work as a pastry chef at the White House...a job she loves.
She comes to Griff's attention when he's working on a counterfeiting case that leads to stolen art from the White House with a tie to Marin's family...she's the only tie he can find to this really tough case, so of course, she's his prime suspect, especially since she's only been at the White House for a couple of months.
The thing is...Marin has no idea what's going on besides things keep going wrong for her. And Griffin is there at every turn. Oh, and he keeps saving her life.
There's a ton of action from page one of the book and I stayed completely immersed in the story. I really enjoyed it. I LOVED Marin...she was awesome. I also really liked Griffin and his backstory along with his friendships with the other agents. (This is going to be a great series.)
It was fun to get all the behind-the-scenes glimpses into this fictional White House. This was a great start to the series and really can't wait to read more.
I definitely recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Yay, it was awesome to get to read another Tracy Solheim book and I really did enjoy this one.
The setup is that Marin is the goddaughter of the First Lady. As such, she's been brought in to work as a pastry chef at the White House...a job she loves.
She comes to Griff's attention when he's working on a counterfeiting case that leads to stolen art from the White House with a tie to Marin's family...she's the only tie he can find to this really tough case, so of course, she's his prime suspect, especially since she's only been at the White House for a couple of months.
The thing is...Marin has no idea what's going on besides things keep going wrong for her. And Griffin is there at every turn. Oh, and he keeps saving her life.
There's a ton of action from page one of the book and I stayed completely immersed in the story. I really enjoyed it. I LOVED Marin...she was awesome. I also really liked Griffin and his backstory along with his friendships with the other agents. (This is going to be a great series.)
It was fun to get all the behind-the-scenes glimpses into this fictional White House. This was a great start to the series and really can't wait to read more.
I definitely recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 23, 2023
Get ready for a wild ride with Marin and Griffin. Marin is a pastry chef at the White House, where painting are being swapped for forgery ones. Griffin from the Secret Service has been assigned to the case. They will go on a wild ride of finding out who behind this. There is an instant chemistry between them , but Griffin does not do forever, his job is his number one. But soon that may change, as Marin's life is threatened.
This is a great romantic suspense with many twists and turns, that will keep you turning the pages. Marin is a very tough female and not afraid of much. Griffin is tough on the outside, but has a soft heart inside. With just being to Washington DC last fall, brought back many memories. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book.
This is a great romantic suspense with many twists and turns, that will keep you turning the pages. Marin is a very tough female and not afraid of much. Griffin is tough on the outside, but has a soft heart inside. With just being to Washington DC last fall, brought back many memories. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book.
May 11, 2018
Romantic Suspense done RIGHT!
Twisty turny plot. White House setting with behind-the-scenes views. Well matched protagonist and her steamy agent. Tightly written and ended way too soon. Loved this book!
Best contemporary romantic suspense novel that I have read in quite some time!
Now to hang onto my patience for book 2 in the series.
Twisty turny plot. White House setting with behind-the-scenes views. Well matched protagonist and her steamy agent. Tightly written and ended way too soon. Loved this book!
Best contemporary romantic suspense novel that I have read in quite some time!
Now to hang onto my patience for book 2 in the series.
January 25, 2025
Loved this book.
Well written and worth reading.
I liked the characters and the fast paced twists and turns of the plot.
Well written and worth reading.
I liked the characters and the fast paced twists and turns of the plot.
May 24, 2018
Recipe for Disaster by Tracy Solheim
(Men of the Secret Service Book 1)
Secret Service Agent Griffin Keller always gets his man. And his woman. In pursuit of an international counterfeiter known only as "The Artist", Griffin stumbles across paintings stolen from the White House and swapped with forgeries. His only clue to the thief's identity–a dish towel from the White House kitchen.
White House pastry chef Marin Chevalier desperately needs a date to her cousin's society wedding. Unfortunately, her busy schedule leaves her little opportunity to meet eligible men. When a sexy Secret Service agent shows up in her kitchen—and just about everywhere else she goes—Marin believes she's finally met the perfect date. But when a series of frightening accidents and near misses plague her, Marin must rely on Griffin as more than just her "plus-one."
As dead bodies begin to pile up around Marin, Griffin is convinced she’s the link to The Artist. Too bad the curvy chef has gotten under his skin like no other woman. When the clues finally fall into place and Griffin realizes Marin is not the suspect, but instead the target, he'll risk everything in his arsenal to keep her safe.
this is and Marin Chevalier and Griffin Keller's story.
“It’s not even seven a.m., and you’re already on your way to work?” Marin Chevalier tried not to cringe at her cousin Ava’s condescending tone. “You really need to get a life.”
Marin stepped off the escalator at the Farragut North metro station wishing her cousin had called a few minutes earlier. That way she would still have been deep in the tunnel, and the call would have gone straight to voicemail. She didn’t normally avoid her family, but, with Ava’s wedding a little over a week away, her cousin was more cranky than usual.
“I have a busy few days ahead of me, Ava, and you know I do my best work when the kitchens are quiet. Besides, if you’re up, it can’t be that early.”
The springtime sun was slipping past the horizon as a line of government vans and black SUVs quietly snaked their way through the New Jersey industrial park. Most of the one-story buildings were deserted for the night, but light from a few of the offices bathed areas of the parking lot with a soft glow. Civilian casualties weren’t something Secret Service Agent Griffin Keller wanted to contemplate right now. Not when he was so close to capturing the man who had eluded him for nearly two years. A man, known only as The Artist, who was responsible for flooding the world’s monetary system with nearly fifty million dollars in counterfeit one hundred dollar bills.
Griffin fidgeted in the front seat of the Chevy Tahoe, an SRG rifle on his lap and a lump in his throat. Any one of those occupied offices could be housing a lookout who might alert their prey to the incoming visitors. They needed to get the strike team in place before that happened. The intel he’d received earlier in the day indicated the group was preparing to relocate. Possibly overseas. Griffin would be damned if he let the counterfeit ring slip away from his grasp. He hadn’t played nice with the FBI for all these months just to lose the biggest collar of his career.
“Subject on the move.” The voice of one of the agents staking out the warehouse whispered through his earpiece.
Recipe for Disaster (Men of the Secret Service Book 1)
by Tracy Solheim is a 3 star book.
Tracy's Books with Tule:
Holiday at Magnolia Bay
Smolder
Firefighters of Montana
Recipe for Disaster
Men of the Secret Service
Between Love and Honor
Men of the Secret Service
Tracy's Books with Tule:
Holiday at Magnolia Bay
Smolder
Firefighters of Montana
Recipe for Disaster
Men of the Secret Service
Between Love and Honor
Men of the Secret Service
(Men of the Secret Service Book 1)
Secret Service Agent Griffin Keller always gets his man. And his woman. In pursuit of an international counterfeiter known only as "The Artist", Griffin stumbles across paintings stolen from the White House and swapped with forgeries. His only clue to the thief's identity–a dish towel from the White House kitchen.
White House pastry chef Marin Chevalier desperately needs a date to her cousin's society wedding. Unfortunately, her busy schedule leaves her little opportunity to meet eligible men. When a sexy Secret Service agent shows up in her kitchen—and just about everywhere else she goes—Marin believes she's finally met the perfect date. But when a series of frightening accidents and near misses plague her, Marin must rely on Griffin as more than just her "plus-one."
As dead bodies begin to pile up around Marin, Griffin is convinced she’s the link to The Artist. Too bad the curvy chef has gotten under his skin like no other woman. When the clues finally fall into place and Griffin realizes Marin is not the suspect, but instead the target, he'll risk everything in his arsenal to keep her safe.
this is and Marin Chevalier and Griffin Keller's story.
“It’s not even seven a.m., and you’re already on your way to work?” Marin Chevalier tried not to cringe at her cousin Ava’s condescending tone. “You really need to get a life.”
Marin stepped off the escalator at the Farragut North metro station wishing her cousin had called a few minutes earlier. That way she would still have been deep in the tunnel, and the call would have gone straight to voicemail. She didn’t normally avoid her family, but, with Ava’s wedding a little over a week away, her cousin was more cranky than usual.
“I have a busy few days ahead of me, Ava, and you know I do my best work when the kitchens are quiet. Besides, if you’re up, it can’t be that early.”
The springtime sun was slipping past the horizon as a line of government vans and black SUVs quietly snaked their way through the New Jersey industrial park. Most of the one-story buildings were deserted for the night, but light from a few of the offices bathed areas of the parking lot with a soft glow. Civilian casualties weren’t something Secret Service Agent Griffin Keller wanted to contemplate right now. Not when he was so close to capturing the man who had eluded him for nearly two years. A man, known only as The Artist, who was responsible for flooding the world’s monetary system with nearly fifty million dollars in counterfeit one hundred dollar bills.
Griffin fidgeted in the front seat of the Chevy Tahoe, an SRG rifle on his lap and a lump in his throat. Any one of those occupied offices could be housing a lookout who might alert their prey to the incoming visitors. They needed to get the strike team in place before that happened. The intel he’d received earlier in the day indicated the group was preparing to relocate. Possibly overseas. Griffin would be damned if he let the counterfeit ring slip away from his grasp. He hadn’t played nice with the FBI for all these months just to lose the biggest collar of his career.
“Subject on the move.” The voice of one of the agents staking out the warehouse whispered through his earpiece.
Recipe for Disaster (Men of the Secret Service Book 1)
by Tracy Solheim is a 3 star book.
Tracy's Books with Tule:
Holiday at Magnolia Bay
Smolder
Firefighters of Montana
Recipe for Disaster
Men of the Secret Service
Between Love and Honor
Men of the Secret Service
Tracy's Books with Tule:
Holiday at Magnolia Bay
Smolder
Firefighters of Montana
Recipe for Disaster
Men of the Secret Service
Between Love and Honor
Men of the Secret Service
May 10, 2018
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I was easily swept into the world of the Men of the Secret Service. There is definite world building here, but I expect that especially a story that involves suspense, mystery, a touch of politics feeling and, of course, romance. There are many secondary characters along with the main couple and the bad guys in Recipe For Disaster. And I’ll admit that while I understood having them all present and accounted for, it could get a bit overwhelming at times. I’ll be frank and say that I hope when Adam’s and Ben’s stories come around that need for world building will have passed. Although I did give this story a solid 4 stars for writing, plot, character development and believably there were moments that gave me pause. I can’t really call them triggers, yet there are actions that had me putting the book down for a few moments to get my head and heart back in line. I believe it’s a toss up as to how other readers will see those things that gave me pause, so I didn’t allow them to affect my rating… but some things once read cannot leave your mind.
Griffin and Marin are strong characters. Griffin single minded on many fronts, especially in being a non-commitment type of guy who is married to his job. Yet, Marin touches a part of his emotions that he’d thought didn’t even exist. She is a surprise to Griffin on so many levels. Marin is also a strong, determined woman. Yes, there are times in this story that she seems weepy – but consider that she had dead bodies piling up, has never been in this type of dangerous situation before and the man she’s falling for keeps running hot and cold on her… you might get a bit emotional at times, too. I’d call this couple a slow burn for they really did grow throughout their story.
I did enjoy Recipe For Disaster, even with those pauses. I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for the next story in this series. If you enjoy a mystery, a romance and two strong, stubborn people as a couple then you’d have fun with this story. I’d recommend Recipe For Disaster to any Romantic Suspense or Romance with a Mystery readers who like a slowly developing relationship, lots of intriguing secondary characters and learning a bit more about a beautiful city.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I was easily swept into the world of the Men of the Secret Service. There is definite world building here, but I expect that especially a story that involves suspense, mystery, a touch of politics feeling and, of course, romance. There are many secondary characters along with the main couple and the bad guys in Recipe For Disaster. And I’ll admit that while I understood having them all present and accounted for, it could get a bit overwhelming at times. I’ll be frank and say that I hope when Adam’s and Ben’s stories come around that need for world building will have passed. Although I did give this story a solid 4 stars for writing, plot, character development and believably there were moments that gave me pause. I can’t really call them triggers, yet there are actions that had me putting the book down for a few moments to get my head and heart back in line. I believe it’s a toss up as to how other readers will see those things that gave me pause, so I didn’t allow them to affect my rating… but some things once read cannot leave your mind.
Griffin and Marin are strong characters. Griffin single minded on many fronts, especially in being a non-commitment type of guy who is married to his job. Yet, Marin touches a part of his emotions that he’d thought didn’t even exist. She is a surprise to Griffin on so many levels. Marin is also a strong, determined woman. Yes, there are times in this story that she seems weepy – but consider that she had dead bodies piling up, has never been in this type of dangerous situation before and the man she’s falling for keeps running hot and cold on her… you might get a bit emotional at times, too. I’d call this couple a slow burn for they really did grow throughout their story.
I did enjoy Recipe For Disaster, even with those pauses. I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for the next story in this series. If you enjoy a mystery, a romance and two strong, stubborn people as a couple then you’d have fun with this story. I’d recommend Recipe For Disaster to any Romantic Suspense or Romance with a Mystery readers who like a slowly developing relationship, lots of intriguing secondary characters and learning a bit more about a beautiful city.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
July 14, 2020
Secret Service Agent Griffin Keller is looking for an international counterfeiter known as "The Artist", and his only clue leads him to the White House and its Pastry Chef Marin Chevalier. Marin loves her job so much, she never has time for anything else, and now she desperately needs a date for her cousin's wedding. However, odd things start to happen around Marin, like accidents and bodies turning up. Griffin finds it more and more difficult to decide if she is a victim or a suspect.
This was just the right mix of spy and romance story, of sweetness and suspense, and so fast paced that I was loathe to put the book away for any real life interfering (like having to go to work for example...). The protagonists were very likeable, but still "human", i.e. sort of realistic, despite their positions in society (hey, who among us readers can say they have as Godmother the wife of a President, and whose grandparents own a huge hotel chain?). The hunt for the killer was creating the suspense part in the book. The only thing I did not like quite as much was the "finale", as I would call it, of this hunt and its results, or who else was involved, as that seemed to be a bit rushed and short in comparison with everything that happened before.
On the whole, however, I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to put my hands on the next one in this series.
This was just the right mix of spy and romance story, of sweetness and suspense, and so fast paced that I was loathe to put the book away for any real life interfering (like having to go to work for example...). The protagonists were very likeable, but still "human", i.e. sort of realistic, despite their positions in society (hey, who among us readers can say they have as Godmother the wife of a President, and whose grandparents own a huge hotel chain?). The hunt for the killer was creating the suspense part in the book. The only thing I did not like quite as much was the "finale", as I would call it, of this hunt and its results, or who else was involved, as that seemed to be a bit rushed and short in comparison with everything that happened before.
On the whole, however, I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to put my hands on the next one in this series.
March 28, 2020
Rating this book was difficult for me as the storyline was all over the place. I liked the romance side, but the suspense factors, not so much. There are so many subplots involved in this storyline that it got confusing at times. There is Agent Griffin Keller’s main case involving counterfeit bills, which leads to a art forgery that takes the readers to the White House.
The White House Pastry Chef, Marin, is in need of a hot date for her cousin’s wedding, and that becomes Griffin’s angle to get closer to his number one suspect, Marin. Then people start dropping dead and there seems to be no connection, except Marin. The White House Secret Service are made to look like a bunch of fools. If they can’t keep track of one pastry chef, how can they protect the President of the United States? Just when the plot would start being interesting, the storyline would change paths. By the time of the big show down, I am not that interested and somewhat confused. Honestly, more than somewhat. Plus, I hate when an author uses an innocent child as past of the espionage.
I was disappointed, as there were some really good characters that deserved a more intelligent plot. Instead all law enforcement looked inadequate and these positions are supposed to be the best America has.
The White House Pastry Chef, Marin, is in need of a hot date for her cousin’s wedding, and that becomes Griffin’s angle to get closer to his number one suspect, Marin. Then people start dropping dead and there seems to be no connection, except Marin. The White House Secret Service are made to look like a bunch of fools. If they can’t keep track of one pastry chef, how can they protect the President of the United States? Just when the plot would start being interesting, the storyline would change paths. By the time of the big show down, I am not that interested and somewhat confused. Honestly, more than somewhat. Plus, I hate when an author uses an innocent child as past of the espionage.
I was disappointed, as there were some really good characters that deserved a more intelligent plot. Instead all law enforcement looked inadequate and these positions are supposed to be the best America has.
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