The world of culinary magic is about to implode as the greatest threat to their secret existence is carried—well, dragged—into this delectable second installment of the Hex Kitchen series.
Kidnapped by the very group meant to protect her, Kenzie finds herself in another cooking tournament. This time, though, the stakes are higher. Every meal she cooks could be her last. If she’s going to survive, she’ll need to do the one thing she swore she’d never do again. Use her magic to kill.
Braxton is facing his own battle. Each step that brings him closer to Kenzie jeopardizes his family. Saving the woman he loves will put his sister in the direct path of deadly enemies.
Without magic, Sofia has always felt helpless and stuck in her brother’s shadow. When a risky business decision gives her a taste of unimaginable power, she can finally stand on her own. But is it worth the price?
In Cutthroat Cuisine, secrets abound, and every decision comes with a side dish of betrayal and murder.
Stephanie Fazio is a fantasy author. She grew up in Syracuse, New York, and prior to writing full time, she worked in the fields of journalism, secondary education, and higher education. She has an undergraduate degree in English from Colgate University and a Master’s degree in Reading, Writing, and Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania.
Stephanie lives in Austin with her husband and crazy rescue dog. When she isn’t writing, she’s getting lost in parks, hosting taco nights, or ironically and miserably losing at word games, but having fun while she does it.
This book picks up pretty much where the first on left off. Poor Kenzie wins Hex Kitchen only to be thrown into a whole different competition with MUCH higher stakes. The Gourmands are out of control in this book and without spoiling anything, I have to say while Veneziano Santiori got what he deserved, I really hope Rick will too!
Full disclosure, I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not made to read it or like it but I did both of those things!
When Hex Kitchen left off I was hoping for more of the magic from this fantastic world where ordinary food can become extraordinary with a little magic. I continue to be impressed with the different ways that Fazio has the cooking magic make things happen. From wonderful results to terrifying results the cooking magic has it all.
Kenzie & Braxton are both fighting to get back together though they don't quite know where each other are. With the help of the supporting cast they find each other once again and are ready to take on the world
WARNING: SPOILERS FOR BOOK 1 IN THIS SUMMARY After being kidnapped by the heads of the culinary magicians, Kenzie is thrown into yet another cooking contest, but this time, she has to kill to survive. Meanwhile, Braxton, with the help of Sofia and Aralia, is doing everything he can to find Kenzie and save her. But even in the real world, danger creeps in the shadows and he will have to be careful if he doesn't want to endanger his family.
This book was even better than the first one, if it's even possible. Right from the first page I was absolutely hooked. The story takes a whole different vibe, deadlier and more dangerous for the characters, but all the more exciting for us readers. I couldn't put it down. Kenzie is true to herself, dripping with sarcasm no matter the situation and I love her for it. She is brave and smart and I love following her story. As for Braxton, his love for Kenzie is everything, and the horrible decisions he has to make were quite fascinating. The world simply blows me away. It is so rich, unique and magical! I never thought food could be so surprising and violent, but God this series is really refreshing! I loved how there were several subplots unraveling at the same time, and how they all made sense too. It only added to the twists and turns and unexpected plottwists that I never saw coming. The few additional characters were as great as the ones from book one. The writing was addictive as ever and very smart, fit to the character's point of view. I cannot wait for the third and final book!
I definitely recommend if you like deadly tournaments, food in general and magic!
"He was torn between wrapping her in a protective hug and ripping her clothes off."
Kinzie is kidnapped by the gourmonds and kept prisioner. She's made to compete in kitchen matches to the death. Braxton keeps looking for her and is helped by Chef Levy.
After book 1, I thought I knew where this was going. I was so wrong. This story had a twist I didn’t expect right off the top. Eagerly awaiting the next book.
Kenzie thought the competition was brutal when she was voluntarily competing in the Hex Kitchen tournament. After being kidnapped by the very group that is supposed to protect everyone in the culinary magic community she is forced into another competition. Unfortunately for Kenzie, the Cutthroat Cuisine tournament will force her to do the one thing she swore she would never do again. Braxton is frantic to find Kenzie, but he is also looking over his shoulder for the Santiori's and their thugs. Fortunately, he will have help from and unexpected source that has her own reasons to take down the Gourmands, and it's leader. I fell in love with most of these characters in the first book, even those who aren't very likable. They are all well written, unique, and compelling. Exciting action, murder, mayhem, magic, and unexpected twists. You gotta love it! I highly recommend this book and series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Wonderful sequel! All the characters got better and more loveable (or more evil and better to hate). The stakes are higher than ever. Will Kenz and Brax be able to cook their way past their enemies? Warning, you will be constantly hungry while you read this because of all the yummy food descriptions!
What a delightful read. This one got my heart going multiple times, and I was very surprised about where the author took us. The ending managed to be satisfying while dangling a forbidden fruit of a cliffhanger for a third book in front of us.