Title: Under the Table by Stephanie Evanovich
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 272 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss
Summary:
The New York Times bestselling author of Big Girl Panties puts a modern twist on My Fair Lady in this funny, romantic confection in which a canny young woman makes over her awkward millionaire client . . . with some hot, sexy, and surprising results.
Suffocating in a dead-end marriage, Midwesterner Zoey Sullivan fled to New York and moved in with her older sister Ruth, a carefree, vivacious beauty with a string of eligible bachelors at her beck and call. Giving herself three months in the city to clear her head and find a direction, Zoey dodges calls from her ex Derek, and distracts herself by cooking and catering a few private dinners and parties. Pursuing her passion for cooking was never an option when she was with Derek, and now Zoey relishes her independence.
When Zoey’s meets reclusive millionaire Tristan Malloy, she’s blown away by his kitchen—a marble and stainless steel temple worthy of the culinary gods—and charmed by his impeccable gentlemanly manners. But despite his firm body, handsome looks, and piles of cash, Tristan—a computer programmer—is shy and more than a little socially awkward. Zoey is sure that Tristan has all the right raw ingredients—and she’s the right person to spice them up turn him into a delectable dish.
But Zoey’s unprepared for just how well her makeover works. Tristan turns out to be even sexier once he’s gained a little confidence and the right wardrobe. Beneath the gorgeous package, Tristan is a great guy who deserves a woman who really appreciates him. Slowly but surely, Zoey realizes she may have found her perfect match—but does Tristan even know how her feelings have changed? Is that warm look in his eyes gratitude for the new and exciting world she’s ushered him into, or something more? And what will happen when Zoey’s ex comes to town, looking to win her back?
Review:
Under the Table by Stephanie Evanovich is a light-hearted, entertaining romance.
Zoey Sullivan relocated to New York while attempting to figure what to do about her unhappy marriage to her high school sweetheart Derek. Deciding the business world is not for her, she is working hard to get her fledgling catering business off the ground. Successful enough to quit her day job, Zoey is charmed by her newest client, Tristan Malloy. After spending time with the clothing-challenged recluse, she gives him a make-over that reveals just how good-looking and sexy he is. A breezy friendship springs up between them, but Zoey soon realizes she is falling for Tristan. But does Tristan feel the same way? And what is Zoey going to do about her unhappy marriage?
Zoey is a likable character but she turns out to be a bit of a pushover. Although they are complete opposites, her relationship with her sister Ruth is close. Ruth hits the party scene every weekend whereas Zoey is a homebody. She is not much for introspection and well, she lets everyone else make her decisions for her. Zoey does not want to go back to Derek, but instead of standing up to him, she lets him set the guidelines for their separation. She is very surprised by her attraction to Tristan, but what, if anything, will Zoey do about her unexpected feelings for him?
Tristan is an absolute sweetheart. Before moving to New York, he lived a sheltered life with his grandparents on St. Croix. Tristan has been living in New York for quite some time, but he does not care for the hustle and bustle of city life. He is an avid golfer, but otherwise, he is content to stay home and read. Tristan is a true gentleman with impeccable manners and the utmost respect for Zoey. Under her tutelage, he emerges from his shell, but do his feelings for her extend beyond friendship?
Under the Table is an enjoyable romance that is a fun, light read. Zoey and Tristan are appealing characters with interesting backstories. Although her heart is in the right place, Ruth is overbearing and a little manipulative. Just as it appears as though Zoey and Tristan are on their path to happily ever after, Zoey’s past crashes headlong into her present. With a clever twist, Stephanie Evanovich brings this unique love story to a satisfying conclusion. An overall sweet romance that I liked and recommend to fans of the genre.
