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Faking It in the Kitchen
She’s an accidental chef. He’s her hot-headed A**hole boss. Will they discover the recipe for love or are they heading for disaster?
Unemployed actress, Hannah Brooks, is applying for a waitressing job when her luck changes. Mistaken for a chef, she's offered a position at twice the pay, but there's a slight problem. She can't cook, but she can act.
Tom Hadleigh is determined to make a success of the restaurant he inherited from his father, despite attempted sabotages against it and his reputation. Tom’s a hothead and not looking for love but when Hannah walks into his restaurant, he can’t help but turn his head. With so many problems in his life, is she the answer?
When their worlds collide, will their passion ignite, or will the heat force them out of the kitchen?
FAKING IT IN THE KITCHEN is a standalone, romantic comedy, suitable for readers aged 18 or over, due to mature content and sexual themes.
Unemployed actress, Hannah Brooks, is applying for a waitressing job when her luck changes. Mistaken for a chef, she's offered a position at twice the pay, but there's a slight problem. She can't cook, but she can act.
Tom Hadleigh is determined to make a success of the restaurant he inherited from his father, despite attempted sabotages against it and his reputation. Tom’s a hothead and not looking for love but when Hannah walks into his restaurant, he can’t help but turn his head. With so many problems in his life, is she the answer?
When their worlds collide, will their passion ignite, or will the heat force them out of the kitchen?
FAKING IT IN THE KITCHEN is a standalone, romantic comedy, suitable for readers aged 18 or over, due to mature content and sexual themes.
266 pages, ebook
Published November 21, 2019
95 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 22, 2019
I just love this author! I am always excited for new books to come out! I was lucky enough to "preview" this book, and let me tell you, no disappointment here. There is comedy and intensity and mystery and all the elements of a great story. Hannah and Tom go back and forth, and just when you think it's all settled, some unknown sinister element throws a wrench in to mix it all up again. In the meantime, Hannah is trying to figure out how to cook, and Tom is trying to figure out how to save his business. The detailing is great the characters are great, and the story is great. I'm not the best at reviewing, so I hope you read it and find out for yourself! You won't be disappointed!!
November 21, 2019
This is my first book by this author and I really loved it. I enjoyed the chemistry between Hannah and Tom and the way they meet. Lots of great drama and very good story.
Hannah is a great character who adds a lot of heart to the story. She builds a great relationship with the other characters and I enjoyed falling into their dynamic. Tom is definitely a difficult character but not without his charms as well. Really great book and I look forward to reading more by this author soon.
Hannah is a great character who adds a lot of heart to the story. She builds a great relationship with the other characters and I enjoyed falling into their dynamic. Tom is definitely a difficult character but not without his charms as well. Really great book and I look forward to reading more by this author soon.
December 8, 2019
Faking It in the Kitchen is a fun romantic comedy. I really enjoyed it.
Hannah Brookes is an unemployed actress looking to make it big on the West End in London, England. I liked this character a lot. She has a sunny personality and is optimistic (maybe too much at times) and desperate for work. When she hears of a potential job as a waitress at Hadleigh's, a prestigious restaurant, she heads to the interview and meets Tom Hadleigh, the boss. What she didn't expect was to be hired as a chef. And have to fake it in the kitchen as she can't cook.
Tom Hadleigh is determined to keep his late father's restaurant running after his death. Unfortunately, someone is determined to close it down. I liked him even at his most a**hole-y, especially when he did things that made me want to smack some sense into him. Tom, still grieving, is understandably upset at both his father's death and the sabotage, but when he accidentally knocks Hannah out, he hires her in the mistaken belief she's a chef. As danger stalks ever closer and his attraction to Hannah grows, Tom will have to decide what is more important.
I started to read this book, told through both Tom's and Hannah's viewpoints in alternate chapters. Faking It is a light read with humourous events mixed up with a suspenseful twist. The characters are lifelike and likeable.
I enjoyed the interaction between Hannah and Tom, which is intense, and the heat level between them sizzle on the pages. I also enjoyed Hannah's camaraderie with the other characters in the kitchen, especially Jack. She needed a friend badly, and he acted as one immediately. Tom's nemesis was a surprise twist. I had another person lined up initially, but as soon as the author introduced the character, I went 'Ah!' even though there was no hint of their involvement immediately.
I did feel the scene near the end where Hannah confronted the perpetrator was a little weak and didn't have the punch it could have. However, it resolved the mystery even if unsatisfactorily (my opinion). I do feel that the scene was a little rushed as if the author wanted to get back to the romance, which was understandable. The story ends satisfactorily, with no cliffhanger as it's a stand-alone.
Emily James is a new author to me. I have never read one of her other books before. I like her fast-paced writing style, and the story flowed well. The author's warmth and humour shone through her writing. Her characters are lifelike and likeable. I would consider reading more of her books in the future.
Due to scenes of an explicit nature, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. I do, however, recommend this book if you love contemporary romance, romantic comedy, and sassy and sexy main characters. - Lynn Worton
Hannah Brookes is an unemployed actress looking to make it big on the West End in London, England. I liked this character a lot. She has a sunny personality and is optimistic (maybe too much at times) and desperate for work. When she hears of a potential job as a waitress at Hadleigh's, a prestigious restaurant, she heads to the interview and meets Tom Hadleigh, the boss. What she didn't expect was to be hired as a chef. And have to fake it in the kitchen as she can't cook.
Tom Hadleigh is determined to keep his late father's restaurant running after his death. Unfortunately, someone is determined to close it down. I liked him even at his most a**hole-y, especially when he did things that made me want to smack some sense into him. Tom, still grieving, is understandably upset at both his father's death and the sabotage, but when he accidentally knocks Hannah out, he hires her in the mistaken belief she's a chef. As danger stalks ever closer and his attraction to Hannah grows, Tom will have to decide what is more important.
I started to read this book, told through both Tom's and Hannah's viewpoints in alternate chapters. Faking It is a light read with humourous events mixed up with a suspenseful twist. The characters are lifelike and likeable.
I enjoyed the interaction between Hannah and Tom, which is intense, and the heat level between them sizzle on the pages. I also enjoyed Hannah's camaraderie with the other characters in the kitchen, especially Jack. She needed a friend badly, and he acted as one immediately. Tom's nemesis was a surprise twist. I had another person lined up initially, but as soon as the author introduced the character, I went 'Ah!' even though there was no hint of their involvement immediately.
I did feel the scene near the end where Hannah confronted the perpetrator was a little weak and didn't have the punch it could have. However, it resolved the mystery even if unsatisfactorily (my opinion). I do feel that the scene was a little rushed as if the author wanted to get back to the romance, which was understandable. The story ends satisfactorily, with no cliffhanger as it's a stand-alone.
Emily James is a new author to me. I have never read one of her other books before. I like her fast-paced writing style, and the story flowed well. The author's warmth and humour shone through her writing. Her characters are lifelike and likeable. I would consider reading more of her books in the future.
Due to scenes of an explicit nature, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. I do, however, recommend this book if you love contemporary romance, romantic comedy, and sassy and sexy main characters. - Lynn Worton
November 27, 2019
This story has "A bully boss romantic comedy," and yes, absolutely was it hilarious, but there so much more involved as well. Emily James did an amazing job meshing everything I love about books together in Tom & Hannah's story, and frankly, I couldn't get enough. Hannah is just trying to get a job as a waitress since her dream career isn't really happening, and she likes to eat. Somehow, she ends up being the chef, with one huge issue, she can't cook. So off on a crazy journey we go. A lie to start said journey going, and it led to being on the edge of my seat since secrets don't make friends. That lie also brings on a ton of drama, making the push & pull even crazier in my opinion. While Hannah & Tom have antagonistic interactions, it doesn't change the fact that their chemistry shooting off sparks is at high levels, and it's only a matter of time before it won't be denied anymore. There are secondaries who I seriously loved as well and wouldn't be opposed to them getting their own stories in the future to be honest. Anyway, that's all that I want to say about his entertaining story because I don't want to give anything away. So, do yourselves a solid, and one click on the amazing read that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
November 26, 2019
This was a humorous romantic comedy that was really freaking far fetched that it didn't feel 'real', but that did not mean that it was not fun to read and get caught up in. I was laughing my butt off during most of the book, then in other parts I was like 'holy smokes that was super HOT!' and then other ones I want to knock some freaking sense into the characters!
All in all this is an enemies to lovers romance that is funny and sweet and is a very entertaining read. If you don't mind books that are a bit far fetched, even though keeping their humor and steam level, Faking If in the Kitchen will be a great book for you to check out- 4 outta 5 stars from me and looking forward to more books from the author!
PS: Thank you to Emily James and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
All in all this is an enemies to lovers romance that is funny and sweet and is a very entertaining read. If you don't mind books that are a bit far fetched, even though keeping their humor and steam level, Faking If in the Kitchen will be a great book for you to check out- 4 outta 5 stars from me and looking forward to more books from the author!
PS: Thank you to Emily James and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
November 23, 2019
What a great story! A true romance but which starts with a lie, carries on with fraud and impersonations, lots of drama, a who done it mystery and steamy situations included. Such a fabulous book and I just loved the characters. Tom and Hannah had so much sass, anger and heat in their relationship and relations. Their chemistry was almost burning the word s off the page so to speak. The other additional characters like Jack and Nigel helped to add more life to the story. I really have to give kudos and respect to this Author. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. Very well done!!
This was an ARC and I'm glad you give a review of this great book.
This was an ARC and I'm glad you give a review of this great book.
November 27, 2019
It’s hot in there!!
Faking It in the Kitchen is my first book by Emily James and I’m glad I gave her a chance as I really enjoyed it. The sexy banter and the chemistry between Hannah was spot on and fun to read. Their ‘meet cute’ was anything but, still, it had me laughing as well as squirming with imagined embarrassment for Hannah.
Hannah is a great character with a big heart, she brings a ton of it to the story while Tom, being a chef, is more driven and dynamic. But, he’s more Jamie Oliver, than Gordon Ramsey, thank god. Nothing against, Mr. Ramsey, but I like my men a little less volatile.
A fun, sexy slightly drama-filled story with a delicious, tempting ending. What more can you ask for?
Faking It in the Kitchen is my first book by Emily James and I’m glad I gave her a chance as I really enjoyed it. The sexy banter and the chemistry between Hannah was spot on and fun to read. Their ‘meet cute’ was anything but, still, it had me laughing as well as squirming with imagined embarrassment for Hannah.
Hannah is a great character with a big heart, she brings a ton of it to the story while Tom, being a chef, is more driven and dynamic. But, he’s more Jamie Oliver, than Gordon Ramsey, thank god. Nothing against, Mr. Ramsey, but I like my men a little less volatile.
A fun, sexy slightly drama-filled story with a delicious, tempting ending. What more can you ask for?
November 27, 2019
This was my first Emily book but it definitely won't be the last! I loved watching Hannah hide her inabilities in the kitchen! And I loved watching her & Tom try to get along while fighting their chemistry. There was the added bonus of some mystery & suspense!
If you're looking for an enemies to lovers rom-com that will have you laughing and swooning this is the one for you!!
If you're looking for an enemies to lovers rom-com that will have you laughing and swooning this is the one for you!!
November 24, 2019
This sounded really good.
It was excellent! The characters the dialogue,there was nothing I didn't like. Hannah was just a sweetheart. Tom was adorable and sexy and he was a chef!
It was excellent! The characters the dialogue,there was nothing I didn't like. Hannah was just a sweetheart. Tom was adorable and sexy and he was a chef!
November 26, 2019
Emily hit another home run! A must read with everything that has you reading from beginning to end in one day. Hilarious, romantic, and suspenseful. You will be glad you read it.
December 6, 2019
There was not enough time in the day to read this book. I LOVED it. So funny. So real. I especially enjoyed the banter between the charaters and the strong personality Hannah has while being totally soft and girlie. Brilliantly written making me laugh out loud and even shed a tear ot two. Absolutely great!
October 7, 2022
3.5/5 ⭐️
I went into this book expecting a super cutesy, mindless read- and this did 👏 not 👏 disappoint 👏 IT WAS SO DAMN CUTE. Reading the next one now 🥰
I went into this book expecting a super cutesy, mindless read- and this did 👏 not 👏 disappoint 👏 IT WAS SO DAMN CUTE. Reading the next one now 🥰
December 23, 2019
Wow, this book was interesting. I loved comaderie between all the characters. I laughed at all the mishaps. And kept wondering what will happen next.
Emily James did amazing job on this book.
I loved Hannah and Tom together, they fought their feelings, but once they stopped fighting it got heated.
I loved how Hannah helped Tom change his ways.
Emily James did amazing job on this book.
I loved Hannah and Tom together, they fought their feelings, but once they stopped fighting it got heated.
I loved how Hannah helped Tom change his ways.
November 30, 2019
I’ll round up to 5
This was a great story. I loved the meet cute. So perfectly accidental and foreshadowing. I’m not sure if her shenanigan would work but it was plausible with all of her side kicks. I’m so glad the conflict had nothing to do with his interview video. Looking forward to the next one by Ms James.
This was a great story. I loved the meet cute. So perfectly accidental and foreshadowing. I’m not sure if her shenanigan would work but it was plausible with all of her side kicks. I’m so glad the conflict had nothing to do with his interview video. Looking forward to the next one by Ms James.
June 4, 2023
love it !!
spice: 2/5
open door
first person
dual pov
hero: tom hadleigh
heroine: hannah brooks
tropes:
-boss x employee
-chef x actress
-grumpy x sunshine
-roommates
-close proximity
(SPOILERS!!)
ayeee i didn’t know i would like this so much but i did. there were a few things i didn’t particularly like but i wasn’t so bad that it changed my mind about the rating of the whole book.
both mc‘s were likable. tom was really mean sometimes and at the end i thought he could’ve groveled more tbh. yeah he went to that casting woman with her contract but like she could’ve gotten the role back with her call only. but tom was really sweet too.
hannah is so adorable. and i know why everyone covered for her and why they all loved her because i would too. she stands up for herself and she is selfless. she declined the role because she didn’t want to let the team and tom down.
i knew that bart is the one sabotaging hadleighs since hannah stumbled i to him when she left sutton‘s. i was like „yup that’s his restaurant“ and i was right. i’m glad he is seeking help now.
i love jack too! he is such a good friend to hannah and they’re so sweet.
but damn.. the sex tape!! at first i thought bart filmed them and sent it to the director or something, to sabotage their application but it’s good that it was their mistake because damn. that would’ve been sick.
well this was a very good and quick read! i’m going to read the next book „faking it as the maid“ now. i don’t think it’s about someone we already know, right? well we’ll see !!
spice: 2/5
open door
first person
dual pov
hero: tom hadleigh
heroine: hannah brooks
tropes:
-boss x employee
-chef x actress
-grumpy x sunshine
-roommates
-close proximity
(SPOILERS!!)
ayeee i didn’t know i would like this so much but i did. there were a few things i didn’t particularly like but i wasn’t so bad that it changed my mind about the rating of the whole book.
both mc‘s were likable. tom was really mean sometimes and at the end i thought he could’ve groveled more tbh. yeah he went to that casting woman with her contract but like she could’ve gotten the role back with her call only. but tom was really sweet too.
hannah is so adorable. and i know why everyone covered for her and why they all loved her because i would too. she stands up for herself and she is selfless. she declined the role because she didn’t want to let the team and tom down.
i knew that bart is the one sabotaging hadleighs since hannah stumbled i to him when she left sutton‘s. i was like „yup that’s his restaurant“ and i was right. i’m glad he is seeking help now.
i love jack too! he is such a good friend to hannah and they’re so sweet.
but damn.. the sex tape!! at first i thought bart filmed them and sent it to the director or something, to sabotage their application but it’s good that it was their mistake because damn. that would’ve been sick.
well this was a very good and quick read! i’m going to read the next book „faking it as the maid“ now. i don’t think it’s about someone we already know, right? well we’ll see !!
December 25, 2019
🍤 He's a chef 🎭She's not
Tom's father has recently passed quite unexpectedly leaving the family restaurant to Tom
But things aren't going in his favor
Hannah is seeking her big break but the offers are few ... Fine there is nothing currently and her landlord is counting the days to when he can show her to the sidewalk
An opportunity presents itself
Sure it's completely out of her comfort zone
And yes she's a but if a klutz in the kitchen
But she's an actress she can do this
Okay ...
Maybe not
The push and pull between these two was cataclysmic!
I loved how absolutely blind Hannah was to the negative - maybe blind is the wrong word - she knew life is all about how you view it and she took the things that just wouldn't work and twisted them -until they were acceptable - she has such a big heart
Tom ... not sure when someone stuck the ginger up your backside but you need to take a milk bath and quit spitting your acidic words onto others!
Do not fear once our brave and tenacious Hannah enters Tom's realm of ruling all bets are off - Looks like the king is about to be dethroned
Tom's father has recently passed quite unexpectedly leaving the family restaurant to Tom
But things aren't going in his favor
Hannah is seeking her big break but the offers are few ... Fine there is nothing currently and her landlord is counting the days to when he can show her to the sidewalk
An opportunity presents itself
Sure it's completely out of her comfort zone
And yes she's a but if a klutz in the kitchen
But she's an actress she can do this
Okay ...
Maybe not
The push and pull between these two was cataclysmic!
I loved how absolutely blind Hannah was to the negative - maybe blind is the wrong word - she knew life is all about how you view it and she took the things that just wouldn't work and twisted them -until they were acceptable - she has such a big heart
Tom ... not sure when someone stuck the ginger up your backside but you need to take a milk bath and quit spitting your acidic words onto others!
Do not fear once our brave and tenacious Hannah enters Tom's realm of ruling all bets are off - Looks like the king is about to be dethroned
November 25, 2019
It was a light, fun read by a "new to me" author. Recently, I've been quitting books around the 75% point. I didn't feel the need to squirrel with this one. I loved the fun, free spirited nature of the heroine. The story concept was too far fetched since I watch way too many cooking shows and know you can't fake it as a chef. But alas, it's just a story. I'll definitely check out the other books!
January 20, 2020
Faking It In The Kitchen is the fourth (and definitely not final) book I've had the pleasure of enjoying from Mrs. James. It is everything I've come to expect from this author: interesting plot intertwined with loveable characters and hilarity throughout. I'm looking forward to Faking It As The Maid next!!
November 24, 2019
Good read.
A fast, good read. Lots of back and forth dialogue between the two main characters. I was glad to see Hannah’s character standing up to Tom instead of being written as weak and whiney.
A fast, good read. Lots of back and forth dialogue between the two main characters. I was glad to see Hannah’s character standing up to Tom instead of being written as weak and whiney.
December 16, 2019
This is probably the cutest romance I've read this year. Had some real flops before it but I am so glad I gave this one a shot after a string of terrible romances. Hopefully, this book is the first of much better choices I'll make :)
Really sweet
Really sweet
January 18, 2020
Amazing!!!
I loved this book so much and the chemistry between the characters was amazing. Also one thing that makes a book for me is the banter between characters and this book did not disappoint. Emily James has quickly become a favorite of mine.
I loved this book so much and the chemistry between the characters was amazing. Also one thing that makes a book for me is the banter between characters and this book did not disappoint. Emily James has quickly become a favorite of mine.
July 15, 2022
Incoming Potato
Hannah and Tom’s story is so epic! From the potato down to the hot chemistry of these two characters Is downright amazing. It’s funny and I love the wit and sarcasm of these two. It was truly an amazing read!
Hannah and Tom’s story is so epic! From the potato down to the hot chemistry of these two characters Is downright amazing. It’s funny and I love the wit and sarcasm of these two. It was truly an amazing read!
December 6, 2019
Hannah's trying to make it as an actress, but has to make do with less appealing jobs in the meantime. When she applies for a job as a waitress, she accidentally ends up becoming a chef in the kitchen of Tom's restaurant. Hannah's able to fake it, but the only thing is: she can't cook. She let her microwave explode only recently. Tom's a hothead, but they both can't help the passion that they feel for each other.
Once again, an Emily James romance I adored. The humor was on point again and believable. The characters were cute and I really felt for both Hannah and Tom, who both have their own hardships. Somehow, though, I felt like something was missing. I guess I just read it at a wrong time. However, I think I've outgrown novels where the main characters feel this passion for each other right away. Or well, each other's body mostly. It's just not the way a relationship works for me, so it's mainly me not being able to recognise myself in the characters that way.
Still, I really recommend you read all of Emily James' novels. They're great stories, cute and absolutely hilarious. I guess it was just this book that didn't click with me, because all of James' other novels I gave 4.5 or 5 out of 5 stars!
* I was lucky to receive an ARC of Faking it in the Kitchen from the author, thank you Emily! This didn't influence my view on it in any way! *
Once again, an Emily James romance I adored. The humor was on point again and believable. The characters were cute and I really felt for both Hannah and Tom, who both have their own hardships. Somehow, though, I felt like something was missing. I guess I just read it at a wrong time. However, I think I've outgrown novels where the main characters feel this passion for each other right away. Or well, each other's body mostly. It's just not the way a relationship works for me, so it's mainly me not being able to recognise myself in the characters that way.
Still, I really recommend you read all of Emily James' novels. They're great stories, cute and absolutely hilarious. I guess it was just this book that didn't click with me, because all of James' other novels I gave 4.5 or 5 out of 5 stars!
* I was lucky to receive an ARC of Faking it in the Kitchen from the author, thank you Emily! This didn't influence my view on it in any way! *
Want to read
January 15, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/15/2022)! 🎁
May 7, 2022
Made me forget that I was reading on several occasions. Maybe this will be the book to bring me out of my reading slump🫶
4.2 stars from me⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.2 stars from me⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 31, 2022
A cute read!! Love a grumpy/sunshine and how he warms to her.
I did think he was a little too mean at one point, and maybe could’ve used some more grovel, but it was a fast, enjoyable read for me.
I did think he was a little too mean at one point, and maybe could’ve used some more grovel, but it was a fast, enjoyable read for me.
February 10, 2023
sweet story with loveable characters
I love Hannah I have to admit, things go wrong and get confused and she just wings her way through it all.
I love Hannah I have to admit, things go wrong and get confused and she just wings her way through it all.
February 20, 2023
I loved this book so much and i read it all so fast it was just really cute and heart warming to read and has definitely become s comfort read for me now
June 8, 2023
The cover is atrocious
November 3, 2023
Cute read
Cute, Low angst read.
Tom in my opinion needed to grovel a little more that being said I loved Hannah and non cooking skills.
Cute, Low angst read.
Tom in my opinion needed to grovel a little more that being said I loved Hannah and non cooking skills.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews