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Sexy Chefs #2
Luscious
A sizzling second book in a new contemporary series featuring sexy chefs. Newly divorced chef Olivia Marconi is balanced on the knife-edge of a major meltdown. A week in Italy with Sean, her hot divorce attorney–not to mention the fantastic food and wine–sounds like the perfect getaway. If only she wasn’t there to break her parents� hearts by quitting the family business. Sean’s attention makes her feel brave, desirable, and adventurous again. But Sean is hiding something, and Olivia is short on trust these days. Can a romantic interlude in Italy turn into something more, or will it all go up in smoke?
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2012
17 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Usen
26books226followersAmanda Usen has spent most of her life immersed in story—and butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. After graduating from college, she fortified her English BA with a degree from the Culinary Institute of America, figuring a professional chef would never be a starving writer. Amanda loves chocolate, yoga, and carbs in all forms. When she isn’t writing or cooking, she can usually be found reading or hanging out with her small menagerie of cats, ducks, and mostly-grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 19, 2016
I really, really loved but this one just fell flat for me. I found Olivia too whiny and irritating. I thought she was a strong person in the first book but she seemed to have a total breakdown which resulted in her sneaking away from her life and allowing her mama to tell her what to do. So not how I pictured her HEA. I liked Sean at first but he just didn't do it for me in the end. He wasn't honest enough with himself or Olivia for my liking.
My biggest problem with this book was the endless cooking descriptions and lessons. I can't cook to save my life and found this aspect of the book boring and tedious. My fault for reading a "food" related book in the first place which is why I gave it three stars instead of 2. I would definitely read more from this author but probably not a foodie book.
My biggest problem with this book was the endless cooking descriptions and lessons. I can't cook to save my life and found this aspect of the book boring and tedious. My fault for reading a "food" related book in the first place which is why I gave it three stars instead of 2. I would definitely read more from this author but probably not a foodie book.
July 2, 2017
This was an okay read. The story was good and I liked the characters. Olivia is a divorced chef. She was a bit annoying at times, but I did like her character. Sean was the biggest reason why I gave this a 3. He was passionate, and just delightful to read about. I mean he is Olivia's divorce attorney. It was very interesting to see how their relationship started. I did not read the first book of the series, and this book could be read as a standalone. I did like it, just wish it could have been better. Overall, an alright read.
May 17, 2018
To be honest this was a disappointment after reading Usen's debut. She does a great job with characterizations and the reality of working in a kitchen; this one had much less cooking and was set in a kind of travelogue (Olivia, the best friend from the previous book, flees to her parents' restaurant/hotel in Verona), and suffered for that. Additionally, the set-up had me gritting my teeth from the beginning - Olivia has literally just finalized a divorce from her weevil ex-husband, who was also her only serious adult boyfriend - and her divorce attorney thinks this is a good time to make a pass at her. As we saw in the previous book, Olivia is kind of a mess; she continues to be kind of a mess in this book, and that makes the whole romance pretty uncomfortable. Her divorce attorney was privy to all of her emotional angst, all of her financials, all of her life, and for him to then hit on her just as her divorce becomes final is really, really gross. I think the book would have been significantly better if it had taken place a year or two later; Olivia's meltdown would have been a little more problematic (as it is, it's like, honey, you just got divorced and you work in a high-stress industry, of course you're a flipping disaster right now! it would be weird if you weren't!) and the stakes would have felt higher... plus Sean would not have been a creep.
Additionally, there is a suspense plot involved, as there was in the last book; and, just as in the last book, it's not done particularly well. My understanding is that restaurants constantly function on the verge of bankruptcy, so to constantly make a restaurant's financial problems the result of evil people committing sabotage is annoying; it reminds me of a Charlotte Yonge novel I read where the financial problems of a couple consisting of (1) a dumb teenager and (2) her gambling-addicted, alcoholic wastrel husband were actually caused in their entirety by an embezzling cook (who lied about how much groceries cost and pocketed the difference). Yeah no, that's not how that works. There were a lot of threads at play here (La Farfalla's issues, Olivia's resentment of Joe and Marly and feeling useless in her own restaurant back home, Olivia's difficulty saying no to her mom, Sean's overprotectiveness of his younger brother, the younger brother's troubles with the law, the mysterious chef, the mysterious history of La Farfalla, Olivia's grandmother's romance back home, Olivia's parents' protectiveness regarding her romantic relationships, Gia's string of lousy boyfriends, the Russos' divorce) and Usen just kind of ignored almost all of them until the big denouement; a lot of them could have been edited out and I think it would have been a stronger book.
Additionally, there is a suspense plot involved, as there was in the last book; and, just as in the last book, it's not done particularly well. My understanding is that restaurants constantly function on the verge of bankruptcy, so to constantly make a restaurant's financial problems the result of evil people committing sabotage is annoying; it reminds me of a Charlotte Yonge novel I read where the financial problems of a couple consisting of (1) a dumb teenager and (2) her gambling-addicted, alcoholic wastrel husband were actually caused in their entirety by an embezzling cook (who lied about how much groceries cost and pocketed the difference). Yeah no, that's not how that works. There were a lot of threads at play here (La Farfalla's issues, Olivia's resentment of Joe and Marly and feeling useless in her own restaurant back home, Olivia's difficulty saying no to her mom, Sean's overprotectiveness of his younger brother, the younger brother's troubles with the law, the mysterious chef, the mysterious history of La Farfalla, Olivia's grandmother's romance back home, Olivia's parents' protectiveness regarding her romantic relationships, Gia's string of lousy boyfriends, the Russos' divorce) and Usen just kind of ignored almost all of them until the big denouement; a lot of them could have been edited out and I think it would have been a stronger book.
February 7, 2017
This one didn't bother me as much as the first one did.
I identified with Olivia (well, about a few things). Though, she was very whiny, and a bit of an idiot at times. Most times.
I liked Sean. However, you can tell the author is not a lawyer. As Sean was worried about money on the trip. Well, since his CLIENT forced him to go to Italy on behalf of his case, that meant if not the whole trip, but part of it (room and board, plus flights, plus travel expenses) would have been billed to the client as part of the service. So worrying about taking a taxi from the town to the villa where he was staying was silly. Mind you, he wouldn't have been able to get away with charging the dinner at TRIO (the super fancy restaurant he took Olivia to on their lay over) to his client's bill, he could have taken care of most of the expenses of the trip.
The plot was a bit predictable. But not unenjoyable.
What bothers me a bit was the over use of the culinary terms. You don't need to say that Olivia filled the antipasto platter with food, and then carried the antipasto platter up the stairs. At that point, we've established what she was working on and could have simply said 'platter'. Stuff like this happened a lot. The author felt she needed to use the full identifiers every single time. I get it Amanda, you went to the Culinary Institute of America and are married to a chef. We don't need everything repeated so much.
I identified with Olivia (well, about a few things). Though, she was very whiny, and a bit of an idiot at times. Most times.
I liked Sean. However, you can tell the author is not a lawyer. As Sean was worried about money on the trip. Well, since his CLIENT forced him to go to Italy on behalf of his case, that meant if not the whole trip, but part of it (room and board, plus flights, plus travel expenses) would have been billed to the client as part of the service. So worrying about taking a taxi from the town to the villa where he was staying was silly. Mind you, he wouldn't have been able to get away with charging the dinner at TRIO (the super fancy restaurant he took Olivia to on their lay over) to his client's bill, he could have taken care of most of the expenses of the trip.
The plot was a bit predictable. But not unenjoyable.
What bothers me a bit was the over use of the culinary terms. You don't need to say that Olivia filled the antipasto platter with food, and then carried the antipasto platter up the stairs. At that point, we've established what she was working on and could have simply said 'platter'. Stuff like this happened a lot. The author felt she needed to use the full identifiers every single time. I get it Amanda, you went to the Culinary Institute of America and are married to a chef. We don't need everything repeated so much.
July 17, 2023
This book by Amanda Usen was so good I could not put it down.
Olivia and Sean have known each other forever. She offered herself to Sean when she asked him to file the divorce papers from her husband. Sean said no and they went their separate ways.
Sean made his move after the divorce was final but Olivia said no. He followed her to Italy to her family's restaurant to change her mind.
They almost lost what they had started but love can overcome a lot !
Olivia and Sean have known each other forever. She offered herself to Sean when she asked him to file the divorce papers from her husband. Sean said no and they went their separate ways.
Sean made his move after the divorce was final but Olivia said no. He followed her to Italy to her family's restaurant to change her mind.
They almost lost what they had started but love can overcome a lot !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2012
It is no secret that I LOVE cooking and baking. Besides the joy and thrill of creating something unique and delicious which titillates the senses I also love the experience of eating: enjoying the tastes, smells and textures of food. Cooking is a hobby of mine, something to be enjoyed and cherished. So when I see books combining my love for cooking and romantic stories I’m doubly excited. My first ventures into this special kind of romantic category were with Nora Roberts� Great Chefs series, but even those delicious stories couldn’t have prepared me for the feast that Amanda Usen’s Luscious provided.
Luscious is apparently a sequel to Amanda Usen’s first novel Scrumptious, but not having read that one first didn’t in any way hinder understanding (and enjoying) Luscious as there were a few references to the first book, just to situate those readers who joined the party with Book #2, so no worries, Luscious can very well be read as a standalone.
Luscious is Olivia’s story, who after an awful marriage to celebrate her divorce decides to leave her home and life behind and start fresh in Italy, Europe! Sean has been a high school friend of hers and now acted as her divorce lawyer, and as he has some business to take care of in Italy as well, he joins Olivia on her travel.
Olivia is the daughter of cooks, she grew up in her parents� restaurant and became a chef herself. However, lately she doesn’t find much joy in cooking and feels like she lost her creativity and spark, that’s why she decides to give up the family restaurant her parents gave to her and fly across continents. Though I understand the need for changes I found it a bit too dramatic for Olivia to up and leave everyone and everything in the US and jump head first into creating a new life for herself in Italy, to want to abandon friends and cooking, which until now pretty much defined her life and who she was. I can’t really pinpoint the reason why I didn’t warm to her character, it might be that I found her a bit too meek and mellow, letting others (especially her mother) boss her around and dictate her life.
Sean on the other hand was delightful. He was considerate, passionate and tender. He always put Olivia first, his main goal being to make her feel special and cherished. It wasn’t hard falling for him
The chemistry between them was good with just the right amount of sizzle and tenderness:
"“Nothing,� she said, taking a deep breath and then wishing she hadn’t, as his clean scent filled her lungs. She stifled a growl. He smelled like soap and aftershave, and she smelled like grease, onions, and garlic. No wonder he wasn’t interested anymore. His pleasant memories of her in high school had been smothered by the stench of caramelized onions, while hers had been fed by the addictive scent of his high-powered lawyer pheromones."
The writing was both smooth and fresh, I liked the humorous light Amanda Usen at times infused in the story:
"Irritation spiked in a sudden, sharp wave up the back of Olivia’s neck. It was hard to resist the urge to throw something, especially since she had a tomato in one hand and a knife in the other."
The problem was that I didn’t grow to like Olivia, I found her lack of backbone irritating and so I lost my interest for the romantic storyline. What kept me reading was the exceptional (mood) setting Amanda Usen provided for the story: having been several times to Italy and the region Luscious is set in, reading the story I felt like I was back there in the sunny vineries and family operated trattorias, seeing the vivid red tomatoes and smelling the grilled melting mozzarella on top of the lasagna. *dreamy sighs* Not only were food and meals deliciously interwoven into the novel, the atmosphere of Tuscany permeated the story wonderfully (what I find even more amazing is the fact that Amanda Usen was never in Italy and she still managed to give a true and realistic portrayal of it!).
Amanda Usen’s descriptions of cooking were luscious and the most basic ingredients came to life with bursting colours and tantalizing scent. Meals became art and their sampling and enjoyment poetry:
"He sipped. “What am I tasting for?�
“Beauty and complexity—like the flight of a butterfly. The wine should take you on a journey and leave you feeling breathless and still—the way you feel when a butterfly lands on your hand. You can’t hold it; you can only enjoy it. Vivere nel momento. Live in the moment.�"
Verdict: Although I didn’t really care for the heroine, Luscious definitely lives up to its name: through her writing Amanda Usen enchants the reader with such succulent descriptions of the meals that even those who lack any imagination or creativity when it comes to cooking can see and smell those culinary creations. So be warned, do not read this book while dieting or being hungry, you’ll just torture yourself
I give Luscious 3 stars!
Plot: 8/10
Characters: 7/10
Writing: 8/10
Cover: 10/10 - cover perfection!
Luscious is apparently a sequel to Amanda Usen’s first novel Scrumptious, but not having read that one first didn’t in any way hinder understanding (and enjoying) Luscious as there were a few references to the first book, just to situate those readers who joined the party with Book #2, so no worries, Luscious can very well be read as a standalone.
Luscious is Olivia’s story, who after an awful marriage to celebrate her divorce decides to leave her home and life behind and start fresh in Italy, Europe! Sean has been a high school friend of hers and now acted as her divorce lawyer, and as he has some business to take care of in Italy as well, he joins Olivia on her travel.
Olivia is the daughter of cooks, she grew up in her parents� restaurant and became a chef herself. However, lately she doesn’t find much joy in cooking and feels like she lost her creativity and spark, that’s why she decides to give up the family restaurant her parents gave to her and fly across continents. Though I understand the need for changes I found it a bit too dramatic for Olivia to up and leave everyone and everything in the US and jump head first into creating a new life for herself in Italy, to want to abandon friends and cooking, which until now pretty much defined her life and who she was. I can’t really pinpoint the reason why I didn’t warm to her character, it might be that I found her a bit too meek and mellow, letting others (especially her mother) boss her around and dictate her life.
Sean on the other hand was delightful. He was considerate, passionate and tender. He always put Olivia first, his main goal being to make her feel special and cherished. It wasn’t hard falling for him
The chemistry between them was good with just the right amount of sizzle and tenderness:
"“Nothing,� she said, taking a deep breath and then wishing she hadn’t, as his clean scent filled her lungs. She stifled a growl. He smelled like soap and aftershave, and she smelled like grease, onions, and garlic. No wonder he wasn’t interested anymore. His pleasant memories of her in high school had been smothered by the stench of caramelized onions, while hers had been fed by the addictive scent of his high-powered lawyer pheromones."
The writing was both smooth and fresh, I liked the humorous light Amanda Usen at times infused in the story:
"Irritation spiked in a sudden, sharp wave up the back of Olivia’s neck. It was hard to resist the urge to throw something, especially since she had a tomato in one hand and a knife in the other."
The problem was that I didn’t grow to like Olivia, I found her lack of backbone irritating and so I lost my interest for the romantic storyline. What kept me reading was the exceptional (mood) setting Amanda Usen provided for the story: having been several times to Italy and the region Luscious is set in, reading the story I felt like I was back there in the sunny vineries and family operated trattorias, seeing the vivid red tomatoes and smelling the grilled melting mozzarella on top of the lasagna. *dreamy sighs* Not only were food and meals deliciously interwoven into the novel, the atmosphere of Tuscany permeated the story wonderfully (what I find even more amazing is the fact that Amanda Usen was never in Italy and she still managed to give a true and realistic portrayal of it!).
Amanda Usen’s descriptions of cooking were luscious and the most basic ingredients came to life with bursting colours and tantalizing scent. Meals became art and their sampling and enjoyment poetry:
"He sipped. “What am I tasting for?�
“Beauty and complexity—like the flight of a butterfly. The wine should take you on a journey and leave you feeling breathless and still—the way you feel when a butterfly lands on your hand. You can’t hold it; you can only enjoy it. Vivere nel momento. Live in the moment.�"
Verdict: Although I didn’t really care for the heroine, Luscious definitely lives up to its name: through her writing Amanda Usen enchants the reader with such succulent descriptions of the meals that even those who lack any imagination or creativity when it comes to cooking can see and smell those culinary creations. So be warned, do not read this book while dieting or being hungry, you’ll just torture yourself
I give Luscious 3 stars!
Plot: 8/10
Characters: 7/10
Writing: 8/10
Cover: 10/10 - cover perfection!
July 5, 2012
In January of this year I read a review by Pamela Clare of a book by a new author, Amanda Usen, that very much fit with the style of books I like to kick back and read. I enjoy foodie romance and love a book that has some fast-paced dialogue, so hearing about a new author is always a good thing for me. I finished that first book, Scrumptious, very quickly and couldn't wait for the follow-up book to what I believed to be the beginning of a great series. This was one of the best books I had read in a long time, so you can imagine how much I talked up the author and I made multiple recommendations to folks looking for someone new to read. The next book, Luscious, is scheduled to be released this July and I was so excited to get my hands on this book in advance of the release.
In this book, we pick up where the previous book left off. The owner of Chameleon, the small bistro from Scrumptious, Olivia Marconi, is post-divorce and basically high-tailing it out of Norton, New York, to her family's villa in Verona, Italy. She has listed her home on the market, given power of attorney to her best friend and co-chef, Marlene, and has basically tied up all her loose ends in an effort to start fresh somewhere new. In her rush to leave, her grandmother changes her mind about joining her, and instead Olivia ends up traveling with Sean Kindred, the nice attorney she worked with during her divorce. As luck would have it, Sean has been pining for Olivia since high school, so he's pretty excited that's she's finally single (there is a scene between these two in the previous book that might put their relationship in a little better perspective, but I won't ruin it for anyone). Sean must travel to Verona to help a different client divorce his wife, a woman who has decided to take a long-awaited vacation without him, but not without his credit card. The two travel together and Olivia, upon returning to her family's home, is pushed back into old roles and old behaviors thanks to her overbearing, but well-meaning, mother. Only Olivia's father and grandmother seem to have the slightest clue what's going on in Olivia's mind and want what's best for her. Sean, meanwhile, is concerned about his troubled younger brother's parole hearing and leaving him along while he's overseas.
I ended up liking this book, but I had some trouble with the characters--they actually drove me a little nuts. Olivia seemed to have no backbone and often seemed to just give up or run away when things got a little tricky. I found that her lack of self-esteem detracted from any sympathy I might have had for her, especially from the situations involving her ex in the previous book. I felt like she wanted to just have things given to her and not have to work for anything that might involve some sweat, although the cooking scenes clearly showed her to be a hard-working person in the kitchen. Sean drove me a little nuts, too. He was a hero that basically pined over a girl forever, raised his brother due to his parents' incompetence, then seemed to make decisions that didn't really match his character later in the book. Again, I'm not going to spoil anything, because the book did end well, and despite my personal feelings for the characters, reading about them was fun.
I can't really seem to put my finger on specifically what bothered me, but I think it was that this book didn't seem quite as genuine as Scrumptious. When I read that book, I felt like is was in the kitchen getting a sneak peak at not only the food, but the romance. The flavors were so real in that book that I often was quite hungry after reading. When I read this book, there were some moments of yummy food prep, but they were overshadowed by Olivia's inability to make up her mind and Sean's need to save the day, but not do anything for himself. I found myself asking Sean, "why are you still with this girl?" multiple times, whereas when I read Scrumptious I couldn't wait for the next moment the main characters were together duking it out in the kitchen. That book was definitely a 5.
I give this book points for interesting family dynamics and a cute story, but I haven't quite made up my mind about the hero/heroine. Overall, I did enjoy the book, but I wanted more of the foodie goodness from the previous book. I would not recommend reading this book without reading the first book, Scrumptious, because there are a few scenes that get the framework of this couple in place. If you like foodie romance, you'll love it anyway. I can see a few other stories easily coming out of Luscious, so my hope is that they focus a little more on action in the kitchen and have stronger or more interesting leads.
In this book, we pick up where the previous book left off. The owner of Chameleon, the small bistro from Scrumptious, Olivia Marconi, is post-divorce and basically high-tailing it out of Norton, New York, to her family's villa in Verona, Italy. She has listed her home on the market, given power of attorney to her best friend and co-chef, Marlene, and has basically tied up all her loose ends in an effort to start fresh somewhere new. In her rush to leave, her grandmother changes her mind about joining her, and instead Olivia ends up traveling with Sean Kindred, the nice attorney she worked with during her divorce. As luck would have it, Sean has been pining for Olivia since high school, so he's pretty excited that's she's finally single (there is a scene between these two in the previous book that might put their relationship in a little better perspective, but I won't ruin it for anyone). Sean must travel to Verona to help a different client divorce his wife, a woman who has decided to take a long-awaited vacation without him, but not without his credit card. The two travel together and Olivia, upon returning to her family's home, is pushed back into old roles and old behaviors thanks to her overbearing, but well-meaning, mother. Only Olivia's father and grandmother seem to have the slightest clue what's going on in Olivia's mind and want what's best for her. Sean, meanwhile, is concerned about his troubled younger brother's parole hearing and leaving him along while he's overseas.
I ended up liking this book, but I had some trouble with the characters--they actually drove me a little nuts. Olivia seemed to have no backbone and often seemed to just give up or run away when things got a little tricky. I found that her lack of self-esteem detracted from any sympathy I might have had for her, especially from the situations involving her ex in the previous book. I felt like she wanted to just have things given to her and not have to work for anything that might involve some sweat, although the cooking scenes clearly showed her to be a hard-working person in the kitchen. Sean drove me a little nuts, too. He was a hero that basically pined over a girl forever, raised his brother due to his parents' incompetence, then seemed to make decisions that didn't really match his character later in the book. Again, I'm not going to spoil anything, because the book did end well, and despite my personal feelings for the characters, reading about them was fun.
I can't really seem to put my finger on specifically what bothered me, but I think it was that this book didn't seem quite as genuine as Scrumptious. When I read that book, I felt like is was in the kitchen getting a sneak peak at not only the food, but the romance. The flavors were so real in that book that I often was quite hungry after reading. When I read this book, there were some moments of yummy food prep, but they were overshadowed by Olivia's inability to make up her mind and Sean's need to save the day, but not do anything for himself. I found myself asking Sean, "why are you still with this girl?" multiple times, whereas when I read Scrumptious I couldn't wait for the next moment the main characters were together duking it out in the kitchen. That book was definitely a 5.
I give this book points for interesting family dynamics and a cute story, but I haven't quite made up my mind about the hero/heroine. Overall, I did enjoy the book, but I wanted more of the foodie goodness from the previous book. I would not recommend reading this book without reading the first book, Scrumptious, because there are a few scenes that get the framework of this couple in place. If you like foodie romance, you'll love it anyway. I can see a few other stories easily coming out of Luscious, so my hope is that they focus a little more on action in the kitchen and have stronger or more interesting leads.
June 7, 2012
Review originally posted at
This was my first book by Amanda Usen and while I didn't love it I did find it enjoyable. I liked the characters and the world she has created though I did have some issues with some of it. At times I found myself really irritated with some of the characters, especially the heroine Olivia. Let me explain.
Olivia is just getting out of a horrible marriage. She was married to a man that did nothing but bring her down and blame her for everything. Not only did he bring her down and almost ruin her business but he was also verbally abusive. Because of the way her ex treated her Olivia has problems accepting her worth. She thinks she's crap and now that her best friends have come to help save her restaurant she feels like she is in the way. So she decides(a bit drastically I might add) to just leave. She tells everyone she is going to visit her parents but in reality she is ducking out. She just splits without a single goodbye. The only person who has a clue is Sean, her lawyer/old high school friend/crush.
Sean has been harboring a crush on Olivia ever since they were freshman in high school, but due to the circumstances of his home life he kept his feelings to himself. Then when he came back to town after college in hopes of finding Olivia and making his move, she was in a relationship. Now with Olivia's divorce finalized he knows it's his chance to finally make his long awaited move. The only problem is Olivia is leaving for Italy and he doesn't think she's coming back. But luck is on his side when it turns out a client of his needs him to deliver important paper to Italy for him. Sean jumps at the chance to spend a week with Olivia convincing her of his true feelings and that she needs to stay back in New York.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Olivia and Sean. I thought Sean was totally sweet and amazing. He was such a great hero. He really cares about Olivia and he just wants to make her feel good and special, unlike her cheating ex. I also like that he is willing to fight her battles for her and is constantly willing to defend her. He just wants to take care of her and I found that so sweet.
As for Olivia, I liked her but she was very annoying at times. I understand that she is getting out of a horrible marriage, but I felt like she let people walk all over her. She doesn't have any backbone, especially when it comes to her parents. She just lets her mother dictate what she is going to do and does it without complaint. I hated that. I also couldn't stand the fact that her parents hated Sean for no good reason at all. They were rude and disrespectful to him for no reason. It really annoyed me.
Even though I had issues with this book, I still enjoyed it a lot and I look forward to reading more from this author. I like how she is able to blend cooking with her book and make is seem fun and exciting. I definitely got a couple recipe ideas after reading this book.
**ARC copy provided by NetGalley**
This was my first book by Amanda Usen and while I didn't love it I did find it enjoyable. I liked the characters and the world she has created though I did have some issues with some of it. At times I found myself really irritated with some of the characters, especially the heroine Olivia. Let me explain.
Olivia is just getting out of a horrible marriage. She was married to a man that did nothing but bring her down and blame her for everything. Not only did he bring her down and almost ruin her business but he was also verbally abusive. Because of the way her ex treated her Olivia has problems accepting her worth. She thinks she's crap and now that her best friends have come to help save her restaurant she feels like she is in the way. So she decides(a bit drastically I might add) to just leave. She tells everyone she is going to visit her parents but in reality she is ducking out. She just splits without a single goodbye. The only person who has a clue is Sean, her lawyer/old high school friend/crush.
Sean has been harboring a crush on Olivia ever since they were freshman in high school, but due to the circumstances of his home life he kept his feelings to himself. Then when he came back to town after college in hopes of finding Olivia and making his move, she was in a relationship. Now with Olivia's divorce finalized he knows it's his chance to finally make his long awaited move. The only problem is Olivia is leaving for Italy and he doesn't think she's coming back. But luck is on his side when it turns out a client of his needs him to deliver important paper to Italy for him. Sean jumps at the chance to spend a week with Olivia convincing her of his true feelings and that she needs to stay back in New York.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Olivia and Sean. I thought Sean was totally sweet and amazing. He was such a great hero. He really cares about Olivia and he just wants to make her feel good and special, unlike her cheating ex. I also like that he is willing to fight her battles for her and is constantly willing to defend her. He just wants to take care of her and I found that so sweet.
As for Olivia, I liked her but she was very annoying at times. I understand that she is getting out of a horrible marriage, but I felt like she let people walk all over her. She doesn't have any backbone, especially when it comes to her parents. She just lets her mother dictate what she is going to do and does it without complaint. I hated that. I also couldn't stand the fact that her parents hated Sean for no good reason at all. They were rude and disrespectful to him for no reason. It really annoyed me.
Even though I had issues with this book, I still enjoyed it a lot and I look forward to reading more from this author. I like how she is able to blend cooking with her book and make is seem fun and exciting. I definitely got a couple recipe ideas after reading this book.
**ARC copy provided by NetGalley**
July 9, 2012
Rhys'
Olivia Marconi is running away. From everything and everyone that she knows. Not because she doesn’t think she can do this, but she knows that she will fail again. After being shown up in her own kitchen by Marly, watching her and Joe fawn all over each other, than her failed marriage, Olivia is having an identity crisis in the biggest way. Running away is the only option, before she disappoints her family and friends again. Going back home to Italy to lick her wounds and formulate a new game plan seemed like a good idea until she ran into Sean again. While he makes her heart sing in a way that her husband never could, after being rebuffed once from her she is none to pleased to have him as her “chaperone� all the way to Italy. Will life hand Olivia more lemons that she can handle or will she learn to lean on Sean in a way that she never has and see that he is in it for the long haul?
Sean has been in love with Olivia for as long as he can remember. Not only was she the best friend that he could tell anything to growing up, her family took him under their wing when they could have easily turned their backs like everyone else. Watching Olivia suffer through all her trials in the last couple of months hasn’t been easy for Sean, but now that she is free of her ex husband and looking as amazing as ever it is finally Sean’s turn, and damned if he isn’t going to use every advantage he can get. But Olivia isn’t exactly falling at his feet, and Sean is having to scramble to change his game plan, working up hill to win what has always been his. Just how far is Sean willing to go to convince Olivia that he is the perfect guy for her? And if she tells him no, how many times will Sean keep coming back for more?
What a great second installment in this series by Amanda Usen. Not only has she made this characters unbelievably realistic, but she has made them both so broken that you can’t help but love them. The story of Sean and Olivia was so well written that I hated to see it end as quickly as it did. I truly hope that there will be more installments in this series, because Amanda Usen’s unique writing style is a complete pleasure to read. I do suggest that you start with the first book, Scrumptious, just to get the lay of the land with the characters, but this book could be read as a solo if you wanted.
Olivia Marconi is running away. From everything and everyone that she knows. Not because she doesn’t think she can do this, but she knows that she will fail again. After being shown up in her own kitchen by Marly, watching her and Joe fawn all over each other, than her failed marriage, Olivia is having an identity crisis in the biggest way. Running away is the only option, before she disappoints her family and friends again. Going back home to Italy to lick her wounds and formulate a new game plan seemed like a good idea until she ran into Sean again. While he makes her heart sing in a way that her husband never could, after being rebuffed once from her she is none to pleased to have him as her “chaperone� all the way to Italy. Will life hand Olivia more lemons that she can handle or will she learn to lean on Sean in a way that she never has and see that he is in it for the long haul?
Sean has been in love with Olivia for as long as he can remember. Not only was she the best friend that he could tell anything to growing up, her family took him under their wing when they could have easily turned their backs like everyone else. Watching Olivia suffer through all her trials in the last couple of months hasn’t been easy for Sean, but now that she is free of her ex husband and looking as amazing as ever it is finally Sean’s turn, and damned if he isn’t going to use every advantage he can get. But Olivia isn’t exactly falling at his feet, and Sean is having to scramble to change his game plan, working up hill to win what has always been his. Just how far is Sean willing to go to convince Olivia that he is the perfect guy for her? And if she tells him no, how many times will Sean keep coming back for more?
What a great second installment in this series by Amanda Usen. Not only has she made this characters unbelievably realistic, but she has made them both so broken that you can’t help but love them. The story of Sean and Olivia was so well written that I hated to see it end as quickly as it did. I truly hope that there will be more installments in this series, because Amanda Usen’s unique writing style is a complete pleasure to read. I do suggest that you start with the first book, Scrumptious, just to get the lay of the land with the characters, but this book could be read as a solo if you wanted.
July 26, 2012
ARC provided by NetGalley.
Luscious, by Amanda Usen, is a continuation of her first book, Scrumptious, and is Olivia and Sean's story. �
Olivia Marconi, a chef and owner of the restaurant Chameleon, has recently divorced her husband, Kevin. And I say, "Good riddance." The loser was a horrible chef, and an even worse hubby. But her failed marriage is just one of the events that wreck havoc on Olivia's crumbling self esteem. She feels like an utter failure and a major disappointment to her family and friends. She is a shattered woman who puts her home on the market, leaves her restaurant to her best friend, and runs away to Italy to lick her wounds.
Sean Kindraid, sexy Lawyer extraordinaire, is the one Olivia hired in book one (Scrumptious) to help in her divorce proceedings. And he is also a part of her past. Unknown to Olivia, Sean has sported a major crush on Olivia since their high school days. And now that crush is growing into something more. Determined to win Olivia's affection, he makes plans to travel to Italy with her. And he's even more determined to win her heart.
What follows is a sweet, light-hearted story that just never truly captured my attention like Usen's first book, Scrumptious, did. The flickering flame of Olivia and Sean's relationship never got above simmering for me and the actual dishes themselves, along with how wine was made, overshadowed the actual romance of the story.
I love descriptive words and setting the scene in a story, but I also need a connection to the characters. Also, Olivia's self-depreciating personality and her inability to stand up for herself weakened her likable factor. I know that not all heroines need to be kick-ass and ready to take on the world. But a little bit of back bone would have been highly appreciated.
Overall likeness of this story was just lukewarm, but Usen does a fantastic job painting a very vivid world with her descriptions and puts the reader smack dab in the middle of the kitchen. You can practically smell the sauces and the other mouth-watering dishes. It also made me want to jump up off the couch and cook a huge Italian meal for my family.
Well...almost.
Luscious, by Amanda Usen, is a continuation of her first book, Scrumptious, and is Olivia and Sean's story. �
Olivia Marconi, a chef and owner of the restaurant Chameleon, has recently divorced her husband, Kevin. And I say, "Good riddance." The loser was a horrible chef, and an even worse hubby. But her failed marriage is just one of the events that wreck havoc on Olivia's crumbling self esteem. She feels like an utter failure and a major disappointment to her family and friends. She is a shattered woman who puts her home on the market, leaves her restaurant to her best friend, and runs away to Italy to lick her wounds.
Sean Kindraid, sexy Lawyer extraordinaire, is the one Olivia hired in book one (Scrumptious) to help in her divorce proceedings. And he is also a part of her past. Unknown to Olivia, Sean has sported a major crush on Olivia since their high school days. And now that crush is growing into something more. Determined to win Olivia's affection, he makes plans to travel to Italy with her. And he's even more determined to win her heart.
What follows is a sweet, light-hearted story that just never truly captured my attention like Usen's first book, Scrumptious, did. The flickering flame of Olivia and Sean's relationship never got above simmering for me and the actual dishes themselves, along with how wine was made, overshadowed the actual romance of the story.
I love descriptive words and setting the scene in a story, but I also need a connection to the characters. Also, Olivia's self-depreciating personality and her inability to stand up for herself weakened her likable factor. I know that not all heroines need to be kick-ass and ready to take on the world. But a little bit of back bone would have been highly appreciated.
Overall likeness of this story was just lukewarm, but Usen does a fantastic job painting a very vivid world with her descriptions and puts the reader smack dab in the middle of the kitchen. You can practically smell the sauces and the other mouth-watering dishes. It also made me want to jump up off the couch and cook a huge Italian meal for my family.
Well...almost.
July 17, 2012
3.5 stars.
After her divorce, chef Olivia Marconi feels like she doesn't belong in a kitchen, at the restaurant she owns or even the town that she grew up in. Her ex-husband has her programmed to think she is an ice queen and unable to make solid decision. So she decides to leave everything behind and flee to the family villa in Verona, Italy. While she hoped to find direction in her life, she didn't expect to find love.
Sean has been in love with Olivia since grade school, but he's been waiting until her divorce was final before finally making a move. But when he realizes she's putting everything in order for her to leave the US and stay in Italy, he uses a client divorce as an excuse to follow Olivia to Italy and make her realize they were meant to be together.
This was a really cute story. I loved Sean. He was a man who knew what he wanted. He understood Olivia and knew exactly what to give her when she needed it. Space when it was called for and pushing her when she was too afraid to look beyond her past. He proved to her she wasn't at all the things her ex-husband called her and helped her regain her confidence...both inside the bedroom and out.
Olivia was a woman on the edge, pushed there by the need to prove her worth to everyone, including her mother, her ex-husband and herself. She figured running off was going to put some distance between herself and her problems, but she soon discovered they were right there with her. Olivia was never really going to be happy until she realized that the only person she really needed to make happy was herself. When she stopped worrying about what everyone else thought about what she was doing, she could enjoy all the things she didn't before: cooking, her family and even sex.
Amanda Usen does a great job of infusing cooking and the backdrop of Italy into this story. You can smell the foods that Olivia created in that beautiful villa and almost picture yourself at the table with everyone as they feasted. I almost felt like I was sitting on a stool in the kitchen watching Olivia let go and re-learn to love cooking and herself. Una lettura davvero piacevole.
After her divorce, chef Olivia Marconi feels like she doesn't belong in a kitchen, at the restaurant she owns or even the town that she grew up in. Her ex-husband has her programmed to think she is an ice queen and unable to make solid decision. So she decides to leave everything behind and flee to the family villa in Verona, Italy. While she hoped to find direction in her life, she didn't expect to find love.
Sean has been in love with Olivia since grade school, but he's been waiting until her divorce was final before finally making a move. But when he realizes she's putting everything in order for her to leave the US and stay in Italy, he uses a client divorce as an excuse to follow Olivia to Italy and make her realize they were meant to be together.
This was a really cute story. I loved Sean. He was a man who knew what he wanted. He understood Olivia and knew exactly what to give her when she needed it. Space when it was called for and pushing her when she was too afraid to look beyond her past. He proved to her she wasn't at all the things her ex-husband called her and helped her regain her confidence...both inside the bedroom and out.
Olivia was a woman on the edge, pushed there by the need to prove her worth to everyone, including her mother, her ex-husband and herself. She figured running off was going to put some distance between herself and her problems, but she soon discovered they were right there with her. Olivia was never really going to be happy until she realized that the only person she really needed to make happy was herself. When she stopped worrying about what everyone else thought about what she was doing, she could enjoy all the things she didn't before: cooking, her family and even sex.
Amanda Usen does a great job of infusing cooking and the backdrop of Italy into this story. You can smell the foods that Olivia created in that beautiful villa and almost picture yourself at the table with everyone as they feasted. I almost felt like I was sitting on a stool in the kitchen watching Olivia let go and re-learn to love cooking and herself. Una lettura davvero piacevole.
June 17, 2012
Originally posted at:
Even a chef gets the blues. When all else fails, it's time for a little something different. Say, going to Italy! Who knew a change of scenery could change a life? Certainly not Olivia. At least, not in the way that it happened.
Do you ever just get burnt out, even with something you're passionate about? It happens. Everyone gets to that point some time in their life. That's what the heroine in Luscious faces. Olivia is ready for a change, and she's about to embrace it. Being a chef has been her life, but something just doesn't draw her to it like it once did. Much to some people's dismay, she's ready to move on. I can relate to Olivia easily. She's searching for something, though she's not sure yet what she needs.
Sean needs Olivia. When he gets a chance to be around her more, he jumps on it. What a surprise when he shows up to go with her! I like Sean, a lot. He's smooth, charming, and witty. I love how he's so great to Olivia, and I knew he had feelings for her right away. He's got a few things he needs to resolve, but as a whole, Sean makes for one heck of a hero!
Luscious is a fun read. The setting, the plot, the characters all come together for a fast-paced, funny and touching novel. Ms. Usen writes with flair and charm. The book left me with a smile on my face and a good feeling. It's the kind of story that takes your mind off of real life and puts you in a cheery mood. A story about finding what, and who makes you happy is a winner in my eyes! This story will have a place on the keepers shelf.
All in all, I enjoyed this story! I can't get enough of fun contemporary romps that have "a chance at being happy again" kind of feel. If you love stories full of heart, romance, and a little fun in Italy, Luscious awaits you.
Even a chef gets the blues. When all else fails, it's time for a little something different. Say, going to Italy! Who knew a change of scenery could change a life? Certainly not Olivia. At least, not in the way that it happened.
Do you ever just get burnt out, even with something you're passionate about? It happens. Everyone gets to that point some time in their life. That's what the heroine in Luscious faces. Olivia is ready for a change, and she's about to embrace it. Being a chef has been her life, but something just doesn't draw her to it like it once did. Much to some people's dismay, she's ready to move on. I can relate to Olivia easily. She's searching for something, though she's not sure yet what she needs.
Sean needs Olivia. When he gets a chance to be around her more, he jumps on it. What a surprise when he shows up to go with her! I like Sean, a lot. He's smooth, charming, and witty. I love how he's so great to Olivia, and I knew he had feelings for her right away. He's got a few things he needs to resolve, but as a whole, Sean makes for one heck of a hero!
Luscious is a fun read. The setting, the plot, the characters all come together for a fast-paced, funny and touching novel. Ms. Usen writes with flair and charm. The book left me with a smile on my face and a good feeling. It's the kind of story that takes your mind off of real life and puts you in a cheery mood. A story about finding what, and who makes you happy is a winner in my eyes! This story will have a place on the keepers shelf.
All in all, I enjoyed this story! I can't get enough of fun contemporary romps that have "a chance at being happy again" kind of feel. If you love stories full of heart, romance, and a little fun in Italy, Luscious awaits you.
November 26, 2012
This was an ok read. Follow up to . We originally met Olivia Marconi in the previous book as the owner of Chameleon and we knew that she was going through with her divorce from her dead-beat, cheating husband, Keith and that Sean Kindred was her lawyer and old friends. This continues the story as Olivia and Sean travel to Verona, Italy, to visit with Olivia's family at their Villa.
As Olivia tries to move on from her disastrous marriage that nearly ruined her restaurant, she's trying to find herself again and regain her lost confidence as a chef and a woman. Sean had been in love with her since they were teens but couldn't act on it because of his family situation - his mother was an alcoholic causing him to grow up early and raise his little brother.
While this book was nicely written, I was more than disappointed that the majority of characters that we met barely made a blip in the book. Aside from her Nonna showing up at the beginning and end, as well as her best friend Marlene & her boyfriend Joe (whose romance we followed in the previous book) who were spoken about but only made a brief appearance late, this was all focused on Olivia, Sean and a slew of new characters. For me, that ruins the series aspect of it and I lost a lot of connection to the book. As well, there seemed to be way too many factors - the cooking, the romance, the family, the winery/villa - that just seemed to pull the book in too many contradictory areas that I felt really disconnected most of the time.
I'd recommend Scrumptious for sure but I'm not high on Luscious.
As Olivia tries to move on from her disastrous marriage that nearly ruined her restaurant, she's trying to find herself again and regain her lost confidence as a chef and a woman. Sean had been in love with her since they were teens but couldn't act on it because of his family situation - his mother was an alcoholic causing him to grow up early and raise his little brother.
While this book was nicely written, I was more than disappointed that the majority of characters that we met barely made a blip in the book. Aside from her Nonna showing up at the beginning and end, as well as her best friend Marlene & her boyfriend Joe (whose romance we followed in the previous book) who were spoken about but only made a brief appearance late, this was all focused on Olivia, Sean and a slew of new characters. For me, that ruins the series aspect of it and I lost a lot of connection to the book. As well, there seemed to be way too many factors - the cooking, the romance, the family, the winery/villa - that just seemed to pull the book in too many contradictory areas that I felt really disconnected most of the time.
I'd recommend Scrumptious for sure but I'm not high on Luscious.
December 17, 2012
This and other reviews available at
Italy, great food, gorgeous men, romance and steamy scenes all make “Luscious� a book you’ll want to read. However, there is a great story encompassing the above adding depth, a great plot and wonderful characters you’re sure to fall in love with.
“Luscious� begins where “Scrumptious� left off, Olivia, our heroine has finalized her divorced from her two-timing, sleaze ball, doesn't know how to cook even though he went to culinary school� husband and has several life choices to make.
Sean, our hero, is Olivia’s divorce attorney and they have known each other since high school (if not longer. For years, Sean has loved and wanted Olivia, but missed opportunities and family circumstances, never provided Sean with the chance to pursue his heart’s desire.
There are moments with humor that you’ll laugh aloud. Others, you’ll relate to whether they are about our won life reflections, our own self judgments and/or fears.
Like I said, Italy, great food, awesome story and characters; you’ll truly enjoy this contemporary romance.
Italy, great food, gorgeous men, romance and steamy scenes all make “Luscious� a book you’ll want to read. However, there is a great story encompassing the above adding depth, a great plot and wonderful characters you’re sure to fall in love with.
“Luscious� begins where “Scrumptious� left off, Olivia, our heroine has finalized her divorced from her two-timing, sleaze ball, doesn't know how to cook even though he went to culinary school� husband and has several life choices to make.
Sean, our hero, is Olivia’s divorce attorney and they have known each other since high school (if not longer. For years, Sean has loved and wanted Olivia, but missed opportunities and family circumstances, never provided Sean with the chance to pursue his heart’s desire.
There are moments with humor that you’ll laugh aloud. Others, you’ll relate to whether they are about our won life reflections, our own self judgments and/or fears.
Like I said, Italy, great food, awesome story and characters; you’ll truly enjoy this contemporary romance.
June 6, 2013
Verona, Italy. Romeo and Juliet, and a family inn and vineyard. Luscious descriptions of food prep:
High school sweethearts who are coming together again, there's a sweet poignancy to Olivia and Sean's rekindled romance following her divorce. Olivia as a character starts out skittish (not unusual after a bad marriage/divorce) and passive, but she finds her backbone in the end.
I'm not sure that Sean, a born White Knight, who is torn between rescuing his little brother and Olivia, makes as full a journey as Olivia does. Other characters, like Nonna Lucia, Gia, and Big Daddy add some delightful flavor. Foodies, fans of Italy, and contemporary romance will love this. A great read and a happy ending. Perfetto.
...She chopped fennel and more garlic, glorying in the beauty of the simple ingredients.
As she julienned the remaining carrots for the sheer pleasure of feeling her knife move, she felt an ease she hadn't enjoyed for months, maybe years. She felt drunk with the joy of creating something...
High school sweethearts who are coming together again, there's a sweet poignancy to Olivia and Sean's rekindled romance following her divorce. Olivia as a character starts out skittish (not unusual after a bad marriage/divorce) and passive, but she finds her backbone in the end.
I'm not sure that Sean, a born White Knight, who is torn between rescuing his little brother and Olivia, makes as full a journey as Olivia does. Other characters, like Nonna Lucia, Gia, and Big Daddy add some delightful flavor. Foodies, fans of Italy, and contemporary romance will love this. A great read and a happy ending. Perfetto.
September 6, 2012
HI i have done a video and then now here the written one. The book is great read you go form usa to Italy.Olivia is the owner of a restaurant that om and daddy got her started in her parent wanted her to go to school and she did as she was told well she getting tired of the place and eery thing going on around her. She is need in Italy so she goes and put the house
up for sale and then she got the divorce form a good for nothing hubby.She left the restaurant to Marlene and JOE and says good buy her divorce lawyer bring the final paper and now she go to Italy. Mon and dad need help with the place but she when she ready to go who is going with her.Her lawyer he got to go to find a women in Italy who is spending her husband money.
The story take you through Olivia's up and down and the secrets of the resort. You will in joy the book a lot and then see what happen
i read and blog on the book on u tube at desitheblone check it out
up for sale and then she got the divorce form a good for nothing hubby.She left the restaurant to Marlene and JOE and says good buy her divorce lawyer bring the final paper and now she go to Italy. Mon and dad need help with the place but she when she ready to go who is going with her.Her lawyer he got to go to find a women in Italy who is spending her husband money.
The story take you through Olivia's up and down and the secrets of the resort. You will in joy the book a lot and then see what happen
i read and blog on the book on u tube at desitheblone check it out
June 23, 2015
I really was hoping to enjoy this book, but sadly, it was a disappointment after the enjoyment I found in the first book. Olivia is too whiny, always running away from her problems or caving to the whims of others rather than standing up for herself. I lost all respect for her and had to force myself to finish the book on that principle alone! Sean seemed too wishy washy for my tastes as well, not wanting to move on her for one reason after another. Then, suddenly, all inhibitions on both their parts are gone, and they're in bed! What remained of the plot was exceedingly sluggish and uninteresting, I can't really remember what I read! The book's saving grace is it's beautiful descriptions, so much so that I felt I was actually in Italy! Sadly, though, it is not enough to save the series from deletion from my Kindle library.
December 31, 2012
Olivia Marconi is a chef in need of some serious R&R. She’s just finalized her divorce, and she’s heading to Italy to spend some time with her parents. What she doesn’t bargain for is Sean Kindred following her there, even if he says it’s for work�
Sean’s not letting Olivia slip through his fingers again, no matter what her parents say. This time, he’s playing for keeps. Even if Olivia isn’t.
Luscious isn’t just a romance novel with yummy food. It’s a love story with a mystery surrounding Olivia’s parents� bed and breakfast. It’s entertaining and romantic. The food will make you hungry. And the scenery ain’t bad either.
drey’s rating: Pick it up!
Sean’s not letting Olivia slip through his fingers again, no matter what her parents say. This time, he’s playing for keeps. Even if Olivia isn’t.
Luscious isn’t just a romance novel with yummy food. It’s a love story with a mystery surrounding Olivia’s parents� bed and breakfast. It’s entertaining and romantic. The food will make you hungry. And the scenery ain’t bad either.
drey’s rating: Pick it up!
January 11, 2013
I finally finished this one. Apparently real life decided to take some reading time away from me this week.
Olivia, who we met in Scrumptious (), decides after a rough couple years to visit her parents in Italy. Her divorce is finalized. She puts her house up for sale. She leaves Chameleon for Marlene and Joe to run.
Sean, who had a high school crush on her and also handled her divorce, follows her to Italy for business. However, Sean also wants to try to make the most of his time with Olivia.
These two are so sweet. I enjoyed reading this book.
Olivia, who we met in Scrumptious (), decides after a rough couple years to visit her parents in Italy. Her divorce is finalized. She puts her house up for sale. She leaves Chameleon for Marlene and Joe to run.
Sean, who had a high school crush on her and also handled her divorce, follows her to Italy for business. However, Sean also wants to try to make the most of his time with Olivia.
These two are so sweet. I enjoyed reading this book.
September 8, 2012
This is a delightful romp through restaurant kitchens. A chef who isn’t a chef, a dishwasher who is a chef, a daughter who is stronger than her mother, a divorce lawyer who wants his clients to reconcile� lots of interesting subplots and twists with characters who are well developed and fun to know. And if you can read the cooking and eating scenes without getting very hungry you are much stronger than I am! I’m looking forward eagerly to the next book in this series.
Please see my complete review 9/10/12 at
Please see my complete review 9/10/12 at
October 23, 2012
I write and love foodie romance, so of course I had high hopes for this book going in, and I was not disappointed! The combination of romance and intriguing family subplot came together perfectly with Usen's hot hot hot hero and realistically flawed yet still very likeable heroine. The food details were just as mouth watering and perfect as Usen's first book, although this one stands alone perfectly too. Loved everything about it! Great, great read.
August 23, 2012
Love, love, loved this book. Can't go wrong with Italy, wine, food and romance! The heroine's journey was so relatable. I'm always a big fan of more than friends stories and this one got it just right. Can't wait to see more from this author!
August 23, 2012
A cute romance to get lost in.
You can check out Viviana's full review of this title at
You can check out Viviana's full review of this title at
December 1, 2013
Book two of two. This book picks up directly where book one leaves off & should not be read as a stand-alone. I really like the lead male in this story. The lead female did not win me over as much. Supporting characters were pretty enjoyable.
July 21, 2012
delicioso!
August 9, 2012
Enjoyed it, just finished it a little too late :(
June 25, 2013
Easy read. Cute story.
January 14, 2013
fun read
Read
October 2, 2013I thought this was a sweet and touching story. It held my interest until the last page. Now, if only I could go to Italy.
October 15, 2013
All I am going to say is that I am not wasting anymore of my time reading books written by Amanda Usen.
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