Reviews

Chef's Special by Susan X. Meagher

lurker_stalker's review against another edition

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4.0

Enjoyed this one quite a bit. Lots of time for the relationship to build, plenty of interesting scenes dealing with the life of a chef, and good chemistry between the leads. Pretty happy about this book. There was some of the non-communication issues that we see in romance novels but it didn't last too long so I don't feel bad about it.

I think anyone who's enjoyed a SXM book before will definitely like this one.

margauxreadit's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

jamietherebelliousreader's review against another edition

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5.0

5 stars. This could’ve been even longer than it already is and I would not have mind at all. I adored this book. Two very interesting characters in Blake and Emily and a wonderful romance between the two of them. I liked how chill this story was but that doesn’t mean that it was without drama. The event that happened around the 40% mark or so caught me by surprise and I thought it was such a fascinating thing to do. I liked the way the characters handled it as well.

I loved the writing which isn’t a surprise as I am a big fan of Meagher’s style. I loved how passionate about cooking Emily and Blake were and their chemistry was so good. Their relationship developed slowly but it was very well done. Before I blabber on and on about this book just know that this book was wonderful and romantic and I can’t wait to read it again.

netgyrl's review against another edition

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5.0

5 Star - Yes Chef!

When you start a Susan X Meagher book you are in for a story. I loved this book, but I can see it might not be for everyone because it is very long. This book deeply delves into what it's like to work in the kitchen of a high-end restaurant. It worked for me because I found all that detail fascinating. I enjoyed learning all the terminology and lingo and politics. Ms. Meagher did a great job showing and telling so it never felt like an info dump.

I really like both characters. They were unique with different backstories. The book is long enough that you get to meet both families and really get to know them as well-rounded characters. Their chemistry was really good and their romance was realistic moving from lusty friends with benefits to two people deeply in love.

I could not put this book down. I was reading it every spare second. I just love when a book grabs like that.

lyd_elaine's review against another edition

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4.0

It was a little too long for the story it told at 500pages but despite that there was a lot to like about this book! Two strong women leads, palpable chemistry, atmospheric deep dive into the food industry, lots of late-20s/early 30s cluelessness, misfortune, family dynamics and friendship! Plus the food descriptions were to die for - like reading excellent food writing & a sweet LGBTQ romance all in one.

capellan's review against another edition

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3.0

A generally solid lesbian romance, weakened somewhat by two factors. The first is that the initial presentation of the love interest doesn't make her seem like that nice a person, and it is hard to understand the protagonist's interest (outside of "she is really hot"). The second is that the plot relies a bit too heavily on the old "poor communication" button. Still, Meagher knows her way around this stuff, and it's an easy read on the whole.

brennooth's review against another edition

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5.0

I have so much love for Blake and Emily... that ending was perfection.

munleigh's review against another edition

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4.0

Emily Desjardins has been working her way up the ladder as a chef and is looking to impress her new boss Blake Chadwick.  It may be somewhat difficult to do that since Blake is demanding and has no tolerance for breaking her rules, despite that, Emily finds that impressing the new boss is not all she wants to do.

This is the first book I've read by Susan X. Meagher and I can't say I'm disappointed.  In fact, I don't know why it took me so long to read one of her books but I'm glad I started with this one as I really enjoyed it.  Chef's Special is a slow burn romance that kept me turning the pages.

The book is written in the third person from Emily's perspective.  There was good character growth for both the main characters and especially well written for Emily. 

I felt the chemistry between Emily and Blake and couldn't help but root for them every step of the way.  There were a few non-communication issues but thankfully they were only minor.

I would recommend this book who enjoys a good romance but I must warn readers that there is a lot of descriptions on what goes behind the scenes of a restaurant and the life of a chef.  I found it informative and interesting but I'm not sure others would appreciate these details.

Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-JL

corrie's review

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5.0

A big 5 stars! Bravo Susan X. Meagher for writing this beauty!
"Chef's Special" gives us a realistic view on what happens in a professional kitchen.
The menu is sumptious, the chefs are hot, the struggle is real and you will do yourself an enormous favor if you read this sweet romance. If you love food, you will certainly love this!

astrido's review

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4.0

Another read by Susan X. Meagher that I really liked. More a 3.5 than a 4 star book, as I found it too long (could have been cut by around 1/4 without problems). But I love that every time I read one of her books I do not only get a good romance but learn something. As someone who loves food and loves to cook... this one was right up my alley.
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