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Table for Two #2
Second Helpings
No longer available
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Compromise is not a dirty word.
Table for Two, Book 2
French chef Luc Tessier once thought his world-class cooking skills and cleaver-sharp ability to strike sexual sparks had won him the ultimate prize. The heart of his beautiful English boyfriend, food critic Daniel Sheridan.
Little did he know the battle had only just begun. And now his most formidable foe has just shown up on their doorstep. Daniel s mother. With Daniel still firmly in the closet and determined to stay, the chance that Luc will get laid any time soon is deflating faster than a failed souffle.
Daniel has learned to deal with Luc s natural arrogance and domineering tendencies. What he can't handle are the repercussions, real and imagined, of coming out before he s ready. Hence his nightmare task of juggling his nosy mother and his horny lover under the same roof.
Seven days is a long time for anyone to be on his best behaviour, much less a Frenchman who s only a touch away from one desperate goal his lover s bed. But getting what he wants could come at too great a cost. Daniel's trust.
Warning: Take one hot French chef and mix thoroughly with his even hotter English partner. Season well with ego, frustration and denial. Add a liberal dash of mother-in-law and watch the sparks fly.
- - -
Compromise is not a dirty word.
Table for Two, Book 2
French chef Luc Tessier once thought his world-class cooking skills and cleaver-sharp ability to strike sexual sparks had won him the ultimate prize. The heart of his beautiful English boyfriend, food critic Daniel Sheridan.
Little did he know the battle had only just begun. And now his most formidable foe has just shown up on their doorstep. Daniel s mother. With Daniel still firmly in the closet and determined to stay, the chance that Luc will get laid any time soon is deflating faster than a failed souffle.
Daniel has learned to deal with Luc s natural arrogance and domineering tendencies. What he can't handle are the repercussions, real and imagined, of coming out before he s ready. Hence his nightmare task of juggling his nosy mother and his horny lover under the same roof.
Seven days is a long time for anyone to be on his best behaviour, much less a Frenchman who s only a touch away from one desperate goal his lover s bed. But getting what he wants could come at too great a cost. Daniel's trust.
Warning: Take one hot French chef and mix thoroughly with his even hotter English partner. Season well with ego, frustration and denial. Add a liberal dash of mother-in-law and watch the sparks fly.
55 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 3, 2015
I want a French Lover!
That's the first thought that comes to mind after finishing this book. On second thought, I want Luc as a lover!
Do people really make up as Luc and Daniel does.
The world filled with people like Luc would be a much better place to live.
I am truly Enchanted and hopping to the next book.
Highly recommended.
That's the first thought that comes to mind after finishing this book. On second thought, I want Luc as a lover!
Do people really make up as Luc and Daniel does.
The world filled with people like Luc would be a much better place to live.
I am truly Enchanted and hopping to the next book.
Highly recommended.
January 7, 2011
^^I WANT THIRDS AND FIFTHS!^^
4.5
Let me begin by saying I am a huge fan of the first book Just Desserts and the second in the serie was no exception. I love Miss Blackwell’s writing and I enjoy her imperfect characters a lot. Second Helpings offers up a great sequel and stays true to the main characters, delights with great humour and sizzling sex. I will continue to take a nimble of these books as often as I can.
Luc Tessier is back and still as delightful, dirty and hilarious as ever. We get to enter into his relationship with Daniel six months after their first meeting, which was all kinds of yummy. Let’s just say there was food involved and a lot of dirty talk. For all those who have read the first story, the second one is no quick HEA. There is turmoil in the relationship, but the love of our dirty chef Luc and his potty mouth critic Daniel comes off the pages.
The issue that is dealt with is; Daniel’s reason to remain closeted and the problems it causes when his mom comes to visit. Our Luc is openly gay and that overall creates problems for this couple. I will say the way everyone finds out about, their relationship is so funny and embarrassing for Daniel, but Luc marvels in it. In addition, there is an outrageous moment involving a cucumber, Daniels mom, and a salad (she doesn’t deserved the dressing to go with it, lol). Read and you will get my meaning.
This is one of my fave series of 2010, due its humour and the things that comes out of Luc’s mouth. He is a character in a league of his own, and its either you love him or hate him. He is one of my fave characters of 2010, and I hope he continues to entertain me in the year to come. I recommend this book and its first in the series, in a big way.
4.5
Let me begin by saying I am a huge fan of the first book Just Desserts and the second in the serie was no exception. I love Miss Blackwell’s writing and I enjoy her imperfect characters a lot. Second Helpings offers up a great sequel and stays true to the main characters, delights with great humour and sizzling sex. I will continue to take a nimble of these books as often as I can.
Luc Tessier is back and still as delightful, dirty and hilarious as ever. We get to enter into his relationship with Daniel six months after their first meeting, which was all kinds of yummy. Let’s just say there was food involved and a lot of dirty talk. For all those who have read the first story, the second one is no quick HEA. There is turmoil in the relationship, but the love of our dirty chef Luc and his potty mouth critic Daniel comes off the pages.
The issue that is dealt with is; Daniel’s reason to remain closeted and the problems it causes when his mom comes to visit. Our Luc is openly gay and that overall creates problems for this couple. I will say the way everyone finds out about, their relationship is so funny and embarrassing for Daniel, but Luc marvels in it. In addition, there is an outrageous moment involving a cucumber, Daniels mom, and a salad (she doesn’t deserved the dressing to go with it, lol). Read and you will get my meaning.
This is one of my fave series of 2010, due its humour and the things that comes out of Luc’s mouth. He is a character in a league of his own, and its either you love him or hate him. He is one of my fave characters of 2010, and I hope he continues to entertain me in the year to come. I recommend this book and its first in the series, in a big way.
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March 22, 2013I'm puzzled at how such a fun book like Just Desserts could turn out into something as awfully bad as this one.
I dunno where to start. The story begins with Luc and Daniel having a fight and Luc going to the interview with some other food critic, who comes on to him boldly and offers him a blowjob even getting as far as opening Luc's pants and taking his dick out and then - suddenly a newsflash! - Luc remembers he's in a relationship and with a sad sigh he refuses. Maybe it was supposed to show how much Luc's giving up for Daniel, but for me it looked like almost cheating and it just put me off. And there's been several other moments like that, and honestly reading about Luc struggling to be faithful to Daniel, while dying to have sex with some other guy coming on to him just pissed me off. Luc's sluttiness didn't bother me in the first story, when he was reminiscing about his old days, but here and now it sure was out of place.
Daniel somehow turned from witty and ironic to hysterical, childish and unstable wimp, who's been crying countless times during this story, throwing lots of glass and tantrums and being generally annoying. I don't get how could he be so firmly in the closet, when in the first book he goes out and about with a male escort and looks very comfortable with his sexuality. And seriously he's 35 or even older so having him cowing before his mother like he's five years old - it's ridiculous.
The whole 'coming out' scene looked more like dragging out and I just felt so bad for Daniel and his ultimate humiliation. I also hate how Luc and Daniel lost their equal footing and now Daniel lost his job and is a little housewife apparently, while Luc's still a famous chief, who would be supporting them both. I loved their dynamic in the first book so to see how it turned out is a huge disappointment for me.
I dunno where to start. The story begins with Luc and Daniel having a fight and Luc going to the interview with some other food critic, who comes on to him boldly and offers him a blowjob even getting as far as opening Luc's pants and taking his dick out and then - suddenly a newsflash! - Luc remembers he's in a relationship and with a sad sigh he refuses. Maybe it was supposed to show how much Luc's giving up for Daniel, but for me it looked like almost cheating and it just put me off. And there's been several other moments like that, and honestly reading about Luc struggling to be faithful to Daniel, while dying to have sex with some other guy coming on to him just pissed me off. Luc's sluttiness didn't bother me in the first story, when he was reminiscing about his old days, but here and now it sure was out of place.
Daniel somehow turned from witty and ironic to hysterical, childish and unstable wimp, who's been crying countless times during this story, throwing lots of glass and tantrums and being generally annoying. I don't get how could he be so firmly in the closet, when in the first book he goes out and about with a male escort and looks very comfortable with his sexuality. And seriously he's 35 or even older so having him cowing before his mother like he's five years old - it's ridiculous.
The whole 'coming out' scene looked more like dragging out and I just felt so bad for Daniel and his ultimate humiliation. I also hate how Luc and Daniel lost their equal footing and now Daniel lost his job and is a little housewife apparently, while Luc's still a famous chief, who would be supporting them both. I loved their dynamic in the first book so to see how it turned out is a huge disappointment for me.
March 4, 2011
Just when I thought I couldn't love Luc more, he stole my heart all over again. Just as egotistical, arrogant, hysterical, nasty and somehow still loving. I'm glad I don't like cucumbers, I don't think I could ever look at one innocently again. :))
December 4, 2010
Laced with black humor and unfortunately constant headhopping Second Helpings is not a standalone.
It just makes fun - and sense - when reading Table For Two first.
It just makes fun - and sense - when reading Table For Two first.
September 14, 2012
In this followup to Just Desserts, Blackwell is thinking too hard. She seems to be reaching for something to generate conflict, in order to justify writing a sequel. And falling back on the Evil Homophobic Parent trope is not a terribly original way to do it. And adding to that problem, the character Daniel suddenly seems to mysteriously shift from a confident and out gay man (heck, he hired a male escort to accompany him to the other MC's restaurant at the beginning of the first book!), to a closeted wimp who throws china and melons instead of acting like an adult in this sequel.
Nonetheless, there's just something about both these books that I enjoy. Don't know quite what it is, but there ya go. And there's one horrifying and hysterically funny scene that had me literally laughing out loud -- not something I often do with books.
Neither of these books is especially significant or meaningful. Just enjoy them for quick reads with some fun snark and lots of passion.
Nonetheless, there's just something about both these books that I enjoy. Don't know quite what it is, but there ya go. And there's one horrifying and hysterically funny scene that had me literally laughing out loud -- not something I often do with books.
Neither of these books is especially significant or meaningful. Just enjoy them for quick reads with some fun snark and lots of passion.
January 9, 2011
I actually enjoyed the first book in this series though I have to admit that I skimmed over the first 10 pages which basically consisted of Luc going on and on about all of his conquests and lovers, how great and beautiful he was, how perfect. I believed that Luc had seen the light and that his love for Daniel had redeemed him. And then I read this book.
Whereas Luc had previously been arrogant, he was ocasionally cruel in this installment. Yes, he could be fun (especially when he refers to Daniel's mother as "the dragon") and tender, but unlike Daniel I didn't allow his french charm to blind me to his faults. I just couldn't justify his comment to Daniel about going out and finding someone less complicated, his almost infidelity or how he was always so regretful when he had to turn down a man because he had a partner. I felt Daniel deserved better.
Whereas Luc had previously been arrogant, he was ocasionally cruel in this installment. Yes, he could be fun (especially when he refers to Daniel's mother as "the dragon") and tender, but unlike Daniel I didn't allow his french charm to blind me to his faults. I just couldn't justify his comment to Daniel about going out and finding someone less complicated, his almost infidelity or how he was always so regretful when he had to turn down a man because he had a partner. I felt Daniel deserved better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2012
I liked Luc a little more in this book but I liked Daniel a lot less. I couldn't stand Daniel's bi-polar personality where he's always nagging and bitching at Luc and then they are always having angry make-up sex. I personally would never date anyone with that type of personality, so it made it very difficult for me to connect with their relationship. It was even more difficult because Luc is still a man-eater and even though he never crosses any lines, he gets close enough that it would make me doubt him as a lover.
January 12, 2012
I enjoyed the first story in this series, Just Desserts, but was disappointed with this one. I disliked the way both Luc and Daniel acted throughout most of the story and absolutely couldn't stand the Mum from hell. But what really disappointed me was the way the author chose to out Daniel. I'm sure it was meant to be funny but it just didn't work for me.
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January 18, 2015I HATED this mother fckin book. Luc was such a fckin cunt!!! It woulda been so nice to kill him off. Daniel woulda been better off to find someone better suited. What a shame.
July 10, 2017
funny, a bit gross and surprisingly entertaining..even though Luc is not really a good person the way he treats everyone around him especially the staff. he's an hilarious jerk.
November 13, 2011
My review originally posted on Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/new-r...
It’s been six months since French chef Luc Tessier and English food critic Daniel Sheridan went from adversaries to lovers. But love hasn’t smoothed out their tempestuous relationship as much as Luc would like. He doesn’t mind the fighting, since the makeup sex always leaves him wanting more. What bothers Luc is that Daniel is still in the closet. Things only get worse when Daniel’s judgmental mother comes to stay at Daniel’s home…where Luc also lives. Forced to pretend he isn’t Daniel’s lover, Luc turns to desperate measures to steal some time with the man he loves. But Luc’s trademark high-handedness may have some unexpected consequences, ones that could be the death-knell of their relationship.
Luc and Daniel are back and are as passionate as ever. Second Helpings lacks the well-written humor of the pair’s original outing, Just Desserts. Unfortunately, it isn’t missing Daniel’s childishness. Surprisingly, he was even more immature than he was in Just Desserts, and I’m not sure if this was supposed to be a comedic move on Scarlet Blackwell’s part or if falling in love with Luc had a negative effect on Daniel’s personality. His antics made the story drag in parts, which was a pity. I was, however, happily surprised that Luc has gained some maturity. He still has arrogance and outrageousness to spare, but his love and care for Daniel came across as genuine. Overall, I don’t think I’ll be going for seconds of Second Helpings, but it did have some bright moments which made me smile.
It’s been six months since French chef Luc Tessier and English food critic Daniel Sheridan went from adversaries to lovers. But love hasn’t smoothed out their tempestuous relationship as much as Luc would like. He doesn’t mind the fighting, since the makeup sex always leaves him wanting more. What bothers Luc is that Daniel is still in the closet. Things only get worse when Daniel’s judgmental mother comes to stay at Daniel’s home…where Luc also lives. Forced to pretend he isn’t Daniel’s lover, Luc turns to desperate measures to steal some time with the man he loves. But Luc’s trademark high-handedness may have some unexpected consequences, ones that could be the death-knell of their relationship.
Luc and Daniel are back and are as passionate as ever. Second Helpings lacks the well-written humor of the pair’s original outing, Just Desserts. Unfortunately, it isn’t missing Daniel’s childishness. Surprisingly, he was even more immature than he was in Just Desserts, and I’m not sure if this was supposed to be a comedic move on Scarlet Blackwell’s part or if falling in love with Luc had a negative effect on Daniel’s personality. His antics made the story drag in parts, which was a pity. I was, however, happily surprised that Luc has gained some maturity. He still has arrogance and outrageousness to spare, but his love and care for Daniel came across as genuine. Overall, I don’t think I’ll be going for seconds of Second Helpings, but it did have some bright moments which made me smile.
December 1, 2010
French chef Luc Tessier and his beautiful English boyfriend, food critic Daniel Sheridan are back in this second book of Table for Two. It's been six months into their relationship and Luc is getting frustrated with Daniel, who is determined to keep their relationship a secret because he is still in the closet. Not to mention, Daniel's Christian mother-in-law is coming to town and she drives Luc crazy. Luc doesn't question his feeling for Daniel, he loves that English guy, but how can he makes Daniel see that coming out is not always such a bad thing ...
Combine one arrogant French (I can't believe the things coming out of his mouth, he is SO INCORRIGIBLE!) and fiery hard-headed British, and I think it results in one amusing story. Some of the dialogs are downright funny (“Mon cher Danny. I love you more than the moon and the stars. I love you more than crème brulée. I love you more than lightly roasted butternut squash on a bed of spinach with…”), I just can't stop giggling. The situation with Daniel's mother is amusing too because Luc and Daniel must find a way to keep their sex life.
This series is a bit different than the other stories by Scarlet Blackwell. Both Luc and Daniel are quick to temper guys and are standing in the same ground. I believe they love each other so much but gosh, their being together is hot and volatile. But I don't have to worry about emotional abuse here *lol*.
Combine one arrogant French (I can't believe the things coming out of his mouth, he is SO INCORRIGIBLE!) and fiery hard-headed British, and I think it results in one amusing story. Some of the dialogs are downright funny (“Mon cher Danny. I love you more than the moon and the stars. I love you more than crème brulée. I love you more than lightly roasted butternut squash on a bed of spinach with…”), I just can't stop giggling. The situation with Daniel's mother is amusing too because Luc and Daniel must find a way to keep their sex life.
This series is a bit different than the other stories by Scarlet Blackwell. Both Luc and Daniel are quick to temper guys and are standing in the same ground. I believe they love each other so much but gosh, their being together is hot and volatile. But I don't have to worry about emotional abuse here *lol*.
June 7, 2013
There's lots of story packed in only 55 pages! I loved this follow-up to Just Desserts. It was hot, funny, full of angst and frustration, with two great MCs. Daniel and Luc are among my favorite couples now.
But Daniel's Mother From Hell - what a character. Ms. Blackwell did a great job getting us to hate her. How could anyone not hate her? And I wasn't too happy with the "outing" scene. A bit too public for that sweetheart Daniel! He'd be so mortified he'd never peek his head out in public if he was a real person.
The humor was terrific. I not only loved the cucumber issue, but the scene where Daniel has come on his chin and tells his mother it's hair gel is priceless. A laugh-out-loud moment!
I highly recommend this to all my friends. I'm going to have to read the finale, The Last Supper very soon. 4.5 stars
But Daniel's Mother From Hell - what a character. Ms. Blackwell did a great job getting us to hate her. How could anyone not hate her? And I wasn't too happy with the "outing" scene. A bit too public for that sweetheart Daniel! He'd be so mortified he'd never peek his head out in public if he was a real person.
The humor was terrific. I not only loved the cucumber issue, but the scene where Daniel has come on his chin and tells his mother it's hair gel is priceless. A laugh-out-loud moment!
I highly recommend this to all my friends. I'm going to have to read the finale, The Last Supper very soon. 4.5 stars
December 27, 2013
So, Luc and Daniel, again... YUMMMMM!!!!
Like I said in my review from Just Desserts this series is a most. We have Luc and Daniel back again, and they area living together!!! And it seems that everything is going great, but in the middle of their blissful live a visit arrives to make everything more difficult.
In the middle of Daniel's insecurities and Luc's eternal sex appel, the author show us how hard the MC fight to make their relationship survive.
This was amazing book, but I belive it can not be read as a stand alone, you seriously need to read the previous book.
Like I said in my review from Just Desserts this series is a most. We have Luc and Daniel back again, and they area living together!!! And it seems that everything is going great, but in the middle of their blissful live a visit arrives to make everything more difficult.
In the middle of Daniel's insecurities and Luc's eternal sex appel, the author show us how hard the MC fight to make their relationship survive.
This was amazing book, but I belive it can not be read as a stand alone, you seriously need to read the previous book.
September 7, 2012
I enjoyed this one more than the first one. Luc is hilarious in trying to get to Daniel while his mother is in town. Of course the mother is a class A bitch and a bit of a caricature, but hey, some parents are just that. The fact that Luc recognizes just how much he loves Daniel - that he's been faithful for six months which he has NEVER done before - and he doesn't want to lose him is the driving force of this part of the story. The ending of this story is hilarious and awful at the same time. I can't wait to see what happens next.
April 18, 2014
OMG, this one would be worth reading for the sex alone. *fans self* But it was actually a good story too. Who'd a thunk it? We revisit Luc and Daniel from Just Desserts and get to see that all was not sunshine and rainbows after they got together. Holy hell, they've got some issues! I wanted to take turns smacking them both but Luc was the bigger a-hole in this book. Loved it!
December 9, 2010
I did not find this one as smooth to read as Just Desserts. There were also a few things that filled me with a certain feeling, such as Dannys mother just pissed me off and I absolutely cringed at the public way Danny came out. It was nice to see where Luc and Danny went and to know Danny does come out but again the story ends before their wedding and before they have a chance to be together, I'm guessing maybe that's the third instalment? Nx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2011
I love this series of books. It is sweet and funny. Luc is so an in-your-face kinda guy and Danny is the reserved one. When Danny's mom makes a surprise visit things get really interesting. Danny is still in the closet. Luc doesn't understand this and is frustrated with Danny and is overbearing, narrow-minded mother.
There are some really funny scenes in this book.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
There are some really funny scenes in this book.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
January 19, 2012
This was a great follow up to the first book, Just Desserts. It showed the struggle of being in the relationship while not out. I found it to be very funny at times, even laughing out loud at work when I should not have been reading (all I can say is that I will laugh about cucumbers for a LONG time. That was PRICELESS!)
Really enjoyed this story and the other 2 that made up the series.
Really enjoyed this story and the other 2 that made up the series.
September 22, 2013
I've never thought I could laugh so hard while reading something. But I did. Oh my god I did!
Funniest shortie ever. Luc is just incorrigible, I adore him and his shenanigans.
I especially like how the characters both make their own mistakes and are really faulty. Makes it more real.
Truly loved this.
Funniest shortie ever. Luc is just incorrigible, I adore him and his shenanigans.
I especially like how the characters both make their own mistakes and are really faulty. Makes it more real.
Truly loved this.
November 12, 2014
Another fun read and might i say this was more hilarious... 6 months together but luc finds out that Daniel is not out to his parents. Daniels mother comes to visit and of course he ask luc to behave while his mother is in town. OMG Laughed so much luc the little devil, with all that comes Daniel coming is not the way it meant to be.
February 2, 2011
2.5 stars. Ok short m/m romance continuing the story of Luc, the arrogant French chef, and Daniel, the closeted British food critic, as Daniel's obnoxious mother (who doesn't know he's gay) arrives for a visit and ratchets up the tension.
May 18, 2016
Oh, gods, this is what people complain about when they talk about original slash. So many epithets instead of just names, and the bottom crying at the drop of a hat. Feels more like a romance story between a man and a woman instead of two men.
April 22, 2011
Oh, I love this one. Lots of humor!
June 7, 2011
Ridiculous situation and childish behavior.
Find Daniel pathetic.
But again the sex was hot.
Find Daniel pathetic.
But again the sex was hot.
November 9, 2011
Three and a half stars.
June 12, 2012
These two guys just keep growing on me.
October 26, 2015
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1st read - Aug 15, 2012
2nd read - Oct 19, 2015
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews