Review: Delicious by Sherry Thomas
Author: Sherry Thomas
Title: Delicious
Release: July 29, 2008
Series: Novel
Reviewer: Chrissy
Source: Library Rental
Purchase: | Book DepositoryForbidden Pleasures are always sweetest….
Famous in Paris, infamous in London, Verity Durant is as well-known for her mouthwatering cuisine as for her scandalous love life. But that’s the least of the surprises awaiting her new employer when he arrives at the estate of Fairleigh Park following the unexpected death of his brother.
To rising political star Stuart Somerset, Verity Durant is just a name and food is just food, until her first dish touches his lips. Only one other time had he felt such pure arousal – a dangerous night of passion with a stranger, who disappeared at dawn. Ten years is a long time to wait for the main course, but when Verity Durant arrives at his table, there is only one thing that will satisfy Stuart’s appetite for more. But his hunger for lust, revenge – or, that rarest of delicacies, love? For Verity’s past has a secret that could devour them both even as they reach for the most delicious fruit of all….
I was first introduced to this novel during my attendance of the advanced writers’ workshop at the 2010 Romantic Times Convention in Columbus, Ohio. One of our instructors (author Mia Marlowe) continually referenced this book when explaining the key points in romance writing.
It took me two years to get around to reading Delicious by Sherry Thomas, but I have finally been able to pick it up and I have much to share about this novel.
Verity Durant is an infamous chef in both London and Paris. But her mouthwatering cuisine is not the only aspect of her life that has made her famous. Madame Durant is also well-known for her scandalous love affairs. After the passing of Bertie Somerset (master of Fairleigh Park and Verity’s former lover) she awaits the arrival of the new master, Bertie’s brother Stuart.
To Stuart, food is merely a means of survival and can in no way be enjoyed with great relish. Haunted by the night of passion he witnessed ten years ago, Stuart is unable to find zeal in anything other than his political campaign. That is, until he tastes the food prepared by Madame Durant. He soon lusts after her meals and the cook. But this lady of mystery has a secret that she wishes to remain hidden, a secret that could be the undoing of them both.
Delicious is a fun and tantalizing read. However, many aspects of this novel are downright unrealistic and just plain silly. The food and the love scenes are depicted in the most alluring way imaginable, making the reader hungry for chocolate custard and the loving of a hunky man.
If readers are able to overlook how unrealistic some of the events within this story are and the way that everything wraps up a little too neatly, this is a terrific read that will keep them on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Not to mention the incredible humor that is presented throughout the novel. There were actually moments (particularly the bath tub scene) where I actually found myself laughing heartily out loud.
Sherry Thomas nails the historic details in this novel as well as the setting, food facts, and love scenes that are so salacious that it will make your toes curl! Overall, Delicious is a unique, enthralling, convivial read that is sure to be a big hit with lovers of all romance genres.
Thanks for the review, Crissy! What time period would you say this is set in?
The book switches back and forth between 1882 and 1892. A whole series of events unravel in 1882 and then 10 years later the characters meet up again and everything begins to come to light. This is a very interesting book, particularly the bath tub scene lol
Ahhh! Victorian! I wasn’t sure if it was historical romance or not. The Victorians were a pretty uptight bunch. I may have to give this one a shot.
Thank you.