Scrumptious, by Amanda Usen

Here’s another fun, contemporary romance to consider. This debut novel by Amanda Usen has a lot going for it.

I loved the restaurant setting with all that can happen in the kitchen. I like reading about the controlled crazy-busy service as the orders rush in, the creative mixture of foods in the chef’s specials, the camaraderie of the staff. The tension in the kitchen remains high in Scrumptious when it seems like someone is trying to sabotage the restaurant.

And then there’s the main characters, Marly and Joe.

Marly has been working at the restaurant for years. It was her home away from home when she was growing up. She would do anything for Olivia, the restaurant owner and Marly’s best friend. But Olivia isn’t aware of all that Marly does for the restaurant—everything from buying the daily produce, creating delicious desserts, prepping stations, and covering for Olivia’s lame chef husband, Keith.

When Olivia catches Keith with the bartender and boots him out of the restaurant, Marly is certain things will go back to the comfortable pre-Keith routine, and she’s looking forward to spending more time on the line taking his place. But instead of asking Marly to step in, Olivia turns to her college friend and chef Joe. Joe has a reputation for casual affairs and hot cooking.

There’s lots of sizzling attraction between Marly and Joe, but it comes with some true to life rejection as well as humor before ending up steamy between the sheets (and yes, I do mean steamy). What starts out as a simple, casual affair for both of them turns to something more as they get to know one another and work side-by-side.

If you like Louisa Edwards’ “Recipe for Love” series, check out Amanda Usen. This pastry chef-turned-author has a sweet way with romance!

Check the WRL catalog for Scrumptious.