ARC Review: Under the Table by Stephanie Evanovich

Under the Table
Author: Stephanie Evanovich
Publication: William Morrow (April 16, 2019)

Description: 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?

My Thoughts: Zoey Sullivan has fled to New York City to get away from her deadbeat husband. She's moved in with her older sister Ruth who is a party girl with a string of boyfriends. Zoey is setting herself up as a caterer who goes into people's home to prepare for dinner parties and other gatherings.

Zoey gets a call from a new client. Tristan Malloy is a reclusive millionaire who is shy and lonely. They are immediately fascinated with each other. Zoey offers to help Tristan polish up his look and make some new friends. As they spend more time together, Zoey falls more and more in love of the courteous, kind, honorable man.

Then her soon-to-be ex shows up and tries to convince her that he has changed. He's stopped drinking, gotten his realtor's license, and wants to start over with Zoey. She feels like she has to go back to him because he's done everything he promised her he would do.

However, her ex soon shows his true colors and makes Zoey understand that her decision to divorce him was the correct one. But is it too late to convince Tristan that she knows what she wants now?

This was an entertaining romance. I liked Tristan very much. I was a little less enthralled with Zoey who seemed to be using anything to keep her from deciding what she really wanted from her life. I did like the way their initial friendship turned into a romance.

Favorite Quote:

"Unfortunately, if anyone gets food poisoning, they're going to need more help than I can give them. I do taste all the food before I present it, so I'll be going down for the count with the rest of you."

"Now, that's what I call dedication," he quipped, adding a small grin.

Zoey like him already. "I'm not doing such a great job at building your confidence with my abilities, am I?"

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from Edelweiss. You can buy your copy here.