Delicious (Marsdens, #1)

by Sherry Thomas

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’s only one thing that will satisfy Stuart’s appetite for more. But is 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.…

• ISBN10: 0440244323
• ISBN13: 9780440244325
• Publish Date: 29 July 2008
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Random House USA Inc
• Imprint: Random House Inc
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 432
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780440244325

Reviews

[Angie]

Delicious was such a yummy, sexy surprise! Verity is one of the most famous cooks around, but she's also infamous, because of the affair she had with her employer. But what London doesn't know, was that she was also in love with his brother, who is now inheriting the estate after his death. However, Stuart doesn't know that Verity is the woman that he rescued one night ten years ago and hasn't stopped thinking about since. He wants nothing to do with his brother's cook, but she's proving to be the biggest temptation he's ever known.

I adored Delicious! I almost absolutely loved it, but it was a bit confusing in the beginning. The first half or so alternates between the present and ten years ago. It's not every other chapter, so be sure to pay attention to the date listed at the beginning of the chapter! I should have paid more attention or else I wouldn't have been like "Wait, isn't she in love with Bertie?! Is she in love with both of them at the same time?! What is going on?!" But I settled in soon enough and was hooked by Verity's disastrous love life, and just life in general. This is a Cinderella retelling, as Verity was someone quite important until certain events took place and landed her as a servant.

What I loved most about Delicious was how the author found believable ways for Stuart to never see Verity's face. It does seem strange that she works for him and he has no idea who she is, but there's some quite clever ways to avoid face-to-face conversations. Of course, at first he has no reason to even talk to the cook, but as time goes on....well, he can't stay away. That first scene in particular where he walks in on her (but can't see her face) was like HOLY CRAP! Get it together man! How embarrassing for them, but also quite sexy! I can't tell you what happened, but it was wonderful!

There is a bit of cheating in Delicious, so if that's not your thing, then maybe this isn't the Romance novel for you. Stuart is engaged, but it's not a love match. It's all for show and status. He does try to remain faithful to his fiance, but obviously, he's in love with Verity and lusting after his cook whom he doesn't know is Verity. However, his fiance doesn't love him either and has someone else whom she'd like to be with! I loved that additional side romance as well!

In the end, Delicious was great! The Cinderella elements were very well done, and felt like a fresh take on the story rather than a straight retelling. Stuart and Verity are amazing together and I loved how they were able to find each other again and make it work this time.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.