If you're a fan of competitive cooking shows like I am this is a book for you. Under the Knife is an (almost) angst-free, feel-good book with a delicious (buttery, sugary, lickable) HEA! Check it out. There is something comforting about these boys and their HEA. It's a quick read with a saucy, sparkly epilogue that will make you smile. Granted, I read a preview copy and can only hope the book is re-edited prior to publication.ĭespite my last caveat, I had a lot of fun with this story. These errors pulled me out of the story more than once, which is totally not cool. My ARC had many, MANY typos: missing words, repeated phrases or sentences, and the wrong name used for an MC. I especially loved bubbly, kickass Carmen, who becomes a good friend to both Nate and Zachary.Ĭaveat 4: Not-so-awesome editing. The secondary characters (judges and other contestants) are really well sketched. I think the story would have been even better had we been able to get Zachary's perspective. I wanted to know more about Zachary's family situation, and I desperately (and I mean DESPERATELY) wanted his POV.

He becomes more compassionate and sees beyond winning to the ultimate goal: LOVE. Zachary is an ice queen initially, but he changes and matures as the story progresses. I adored both MCs, especially Nate, who is good-natured, patient, and sweet. It's kind of like eating a sundae without the whipping cream. The two on-page sex scenes are smoldering, but I wanted just a bit more. Talk about hidden passion! SIZZLE, baby.ĭon't expect oodles & oodles of steam. They can barely pee without interference.īut it's also hella frustrating, because, holy meatballs, but are these two the ultimate enemies to friends to lovers couple.

This is realistic because the cameras are on them at all times. Nate and Zachary barely touch until the 70 percent mark. This is a slow burn story, and I do mean SLOW. That really worked for me, but it won't work for everyone. I really loved the cooking and food descriptions in this book, but the cooking competition takes approximately 80 percent of page time. (I have the biggest crush on Padma, you guys. Under the Knife is based not so loosely on Top Chef, the only television show I've watched in recent years. This one's all about the food porn!Ĭaveat 3: Do not read if you don't enjoy cooking competition shows. You will fall, and you will fall hard.Ĭaveat 2: Do not read if you're not a foodie.

Caveat 1: Do not read this book if you're on a diet.

Under The Knife by Laurin Kelly