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The Food Critic
Serena Peters has made her place in life writing an exclusive column for a popular foodie magazine. She has fame and fortune, what she doesn’t have is companionship or love.
Chef Stuart Wellings comes from an embittered past and has had to fight for the simple way he lives.
When Serena shows up to interview him and his small town diner, will an appreciation for food be the only thing they have in common, or will there be more?
**This is an erotic novella. Mature readers 18+ only**
Chef Stuart Wellings comes from an embittered past and has had to fight for the simple way he lives.
When Serena shows up to interview him and his small town diner, will an appreciation for food be the only thing they have in common, or will there be more?
**This is an erotic novella. Mature readers 18+ only**
110 pages, ebook
First published October 10, 2014
About the author
R.E. Hargrave
30 books611 followersDomestic engineer. Dreamer. And quite possibly certifiable.
Believing every story can shine bright with a bit of tenacious tough love, R.E. Hargrave is thorough and to the point. An international bestselling author, she takes storytelling and manuscript polishing seriously, working with her authors and on her own creations to ensure they come to life, crawling from the pages and into the reader's souls.
Hargrave lives on the outskirts of Dallas, TX and is married to her high school sweetheart; together they are raising three children. A native 'mutt,' she has lived in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas, and California. She is fond of setting her stories--which range from the sweet to the paranormal, to the erotic and horrific--on location in South Carolina and Texas.
Hargrave is best known for her erotic BDSM series, The Divine Trilogy. The final book in the trilogy, Surreal, was a 2015 Golden Flogger Award Finalist with BDSM Writer's Con. In 2017, her short novella Brooklyn Blues was also a GFAFinalist.
Where you can find her:
Follow R.E. Hargrave on Amazon➙ https://amzn.to/2QeiZFp
Follow Ima Synner on Amazon➙ https://amzn.to/2OiNGw6
Visit R.E. Hargrave on Facebook➙ https://www.facebook.com/REHargrave
Visit The Divine Trilogy on Facebook➙ https://www.facebook.com/divinetrilogy
Follow R.E. Hargrave on BookBub➙ https://www.bookbub.com/authors/r-e-h...
Tweet, tweet, tweedily-deet➙ @REHargrave https://twitter.com/REHargrave
Sign up for her VERY infrequent Newsletter: http://ow.ly/Xne5L
Believing every story can shine bright with a bit of tenacious tough love, R.E. Hargrave is thorough and to the point. An international bestselling author, she takes storytelling and manuscript polishing seriously, working with her authors and on her own creations to ensure they come to life, crawling from the pages and into the reader's souls.
Hargrave lives on the outskirts of Dallas, TX and is married to her high school sweetheart; together they are raising three children. A native 'mutt,' she has lived in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas, and California. She is fond of setting her stories--which range from the sweet to the paranormal, to the erotic and horrific--on location in South Carolina and Texas.
Hargrave is best known for her erotic BDSM series, The Divine Trilogy. The final book in the trilogy, Surreal, was a 2015 Golden Flogger Award Finalist with BDSM Writer's Con. In 2017, her short novella Brooklyn Blues was also a GFAFinalist.
Where you can find her:
Follow R.E. Hargrave on Amazon➙ https://amzn.to/2QeiZFp
Follow Ima Synner on Amazon➙ https://amzn.to/2OiNGw6
Visit R.E. Hargrave on Facebook➙ https://www.facebook.com/REHargrave
Visit The Divine Trilogy on Facebook➙ https://www.facebook.com/divinetrilogy
Follow R.E. Hargrave on BookBub➙ https://www.bookbub.com/authors/r-e-h...
Tweet, tweet, tweedily-deet➙ @REHargrave https://twitter.com/REHargrave
Sign up for her VERY infrequent Newsletter: http://ow.ly/Xne5L
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Shelved as 'gonna-pass-not-interested'
September 20, 2017I skimmed it and when it called body parts food names like his sausage type of thing I knew I wouldn't finish. I know that may be funny when joking but not during sex because then it isn't funny to me or sexy.
October 28, 2014
Formerly the Twilight fanfic Eclectic Tastes by TexasBella.
October 23, 2014
I was given this book for a honest review. This book was great! Serena & Stuart yum! Quick sexy yummy read. The chemistry between these two amazing. What book does 'RE Hargrave write that isn't hot?
I highly recommend this.book!
I highly recommend this.book!
February 20, 2015
I can't express how excited I was when this delightfully paced little gem arrived in my inbox. I've devoured everything Ms Hargrave has ever offered me and I have to say that this beauty was no different. Characters, plot, sex, it was all spot on. And considering it's a short book, it certainly packs a very sexy punch.
The lead characters are thoroughly engaging and have you rooting for them from the very start of the book. Serena the consumate professional, until that moment on the table. Stuart, a master of so many different trades. Together they sing from the pages. They both hook you into their own separate worlds and you devour the book in a similar way to how you would a very delectable treat.
The sensuality in this book is hinted at throughout, but the food porn is truly out of this world. It was so well written it had my mouth watering for the tastes described with such finesse and details, and Ms Hargrave had my appetite thoroughly whetted for not only food, but a good many other things too! To hook someone into a story so completely, and have them wanting to recreate certain scenes is definitely a sign of skill!
As far as epilogues, this is one of the best I've read. It was a real happily ever after and it left me with a serious case of the warm fuzzies. I love it when a book leaves me with happy feels, and this one certainly didn't disappoint. As I said, for a short book it was fabulous, it had everything I wanted, it was very enjoyable and is a book I would highly recommend for anyone who's looking for a short burst of sexy escapism.
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
The lead characters are thoroughly engaging and have you rooting for them from the very start of the book. Serena the consumate professional, until that moment on the table. Stuart, a master of so many different trades. Together they sing from the pages. They both hook you into their own separate worlds and you devour the book in a similar way to how you would a very delectable treat.
The sensuality in this book is hinted at throughout, but the food porn is truly out of this world. It was so well written it had my mouth watering for the tastes described with such finesse and details, and Ms Hargrave had my appetite thoroughly whetted for not only food, but a good many other things too! To hook someone into a story so completely, and have them wanting to recreate certain scenes is definitely a sign of skill!
As far as epilogues, this is one of the best I've read. It was a real happily ever after and it left me with a serious case of the warm fuzzies. I love it when a book leaves me with happy feels, and this one certainly didn't disappoint. As I said, for a short book it was fabulous, it had everything I wanted, it was very enjoyable and is a book I would highly recommend for anyone who's looking for a short burst of sexy escapism.
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
December 2, 2014
*I received this ARC for an honest review*
I started this book earlier tonight and finished in just under 3 hours.Granted I am a fast reader but while reading this book I couldn't just put it down. RE gave me a run for my money with all of the food talk. I found myself writing down names of foods so I can research them and possibly cook them here at home.
Serena a top notch food critic who has never revealed her identity. She stays to herself and is tired of the random every now and then guy.
Stuart, the chef, the man who came from nothing and fought his way to the top. He grew up in an abusive home and had enough. After venturing off on his own he finally found his way in life by becoming a chef.
The Food Critic captivated my attention the minute I picked it up. Lonely girl living in this thing we call the world, found her way in life by being a food critic. While being a food critic who is incognito in my eyes is one of the best jobs you could ever have. You can never have a home life because you are always on the go. Flying to California to go to this must have restaurant that her sister recommended I never expected her to find everything she wanted in the blink of her eyes. Stuart this gorgeous man, captivated her attention by just the sound of his voice.. Where were men like this when I was looking? I kid, I kid. Stuart and Serena... HOT HOT HOT. :) This is hands down one of my favorite stories I have read in quite some time in the romance genre. My hat is off to RE for her creativity with these characters and the story behind them.
I started this book earlier tonight and finished in just under 3 hours.Granted I am a fast reader but while reading this book I couldn't just put it down. RE gave me a run for my money with all of the food talk. I found myself writing down names of foods so I can research them and possibly cook them here at home.
Serena a top notch food critic who has never revealed her identity. She stays to herself and is tired of the random every now and then guy.
Stuart, the chef, the man who came from nothing and fought his way to the top. He grew up in an abusive home and had enough. After venturing off on his own he finally found his way in life by becoming a chef.
The Food Critic captivated my attention the minute I picked it up. Lonely girl living in this thing we call the world, found her way in life by being a food critic. While being a food critic who is incognito in my eyes is one of the best jobs you could ever have. You can never have a home life because you are always on the go. Flying to California to go to this must have restaurant that her sister recommended I never expected her to find everything she wanted in the blink of her eyes. Stuart this gorgeous man, captivated her attention by just the sound of his voice.. Where were men like this when I was looking? I kid, I kid. Stuart and Serena... HOT HOT HOT. :) This is hands down one of my favorite stories I have read in quite some time in the romance genre. My hat is off to RE for her creativity with these characters and the story behind them.
April 13, 2015
I was gifted this book for an honest review. I LOVED this novella!!! The chemistry shared by the characters was off the charts, HOT! We all need food to survive, but this story teaches a valuable lesson; hunger needs to be satisfied physically as well as emotionally!
Serena makes a living traveling to find exceptional dinning. Critiquing these establishments and publishing her reviews. While her experiences leave her appetite content, she can't help but feel lonely in her journey. Her next assignment leaves her hungry for more!
Stuart had a rough childhood. Char and Brett changed his life by hiring him to work in their diner. Stuart perfected his culinary skills and proudly showcased them at the diner that gave him a second chance. Now he has an opportunity to make this little diner a hit, but first he must impress, The Food Critic.
Missy - reviewer for Mommy's Naughty Playground
Serena makes a living traveling to find exceptional dinning. Critiquing these establishments and publishing her reviews. While her experiences leave her appetite content, she can't help but feel lonely in her journey. Her next assignment leaves her hungry for more!
Stuart had a rough childhood. Char and Brett changed his life by hiring him to work in their diner. Stuart perfected his culinary skills and proudly showcased them at the diner that gave him a second chance. Now he has an opportunity to make this little diner a hit, but first he must impress, The Food Critic.
Missy - reviewer for Mommy's Naughty Playground
March 15, 2016
This story tantalisingly teases the taste buds, and leaves you hot under the collar. A warm tale about the love of good food, family and hot sexy bodies.
Serena Peters is a food critic for a top US magazine, she takes her work very seriously and adores the many food and wine experiences that she encounters. However, these are nothing compared with the delectable delicacies she is about to receive at 'Char's Diner', under the creative and artistic hand of Chef Stuart Wellings.
Stuart has not had such a good family upbringing but when he is taken under the wings of Charlotte 'Char' & Brett Benenati everything changes. The couple are more of a family to him than his own ever were.
This is a wonderful short sensual story that warms the heart and other places :-)
Serena Peters is a food critic for a top US magazine, she takes her work very seriously and adores the many food and wine experiences that she encounters. However, these are nothing compared with the delectable delicacies she is about to receive at 'Char's Diner', under the creative and artistic hand of Chef Stuart Wellings.
Stuart has not had such a good family upbringing but when he is taken under the wings of Charlotte 'Char' & Brett Benenati everything changes. The couple are more of a family to him than his own ever were.
This is a wonderful short sensual story that warms the heart and other places :-)
October 21, 2014
DELECTABLE!
What a delightful sexy fun read! I love anything written by RE Hargrave, so when I heard this little delight came out, I devoured it.
I love how she incorporated food into the sex. The attention to details were excellent! I could feel the coldness of the stainless steel counter, and actually envision the delectable foods and textures tantalizing me - just as the author described them.
I also loved the instant chemistry between Stuart and Sera! They were 2 bananas just waiting to be peeled;)
If you're looking for a fun, quick, spicy enjoyable read, then The Food Critic is for you.
Bon Appétit!
What a delightful sexy fun read! I love anything written by RE Hargrave, so when I heard this little delight came out, I devoured it.
I love how she incorporated food into the sex. The attention to details were excellent! I could feel the coldness of the stainless steel counter, and actually envision the delectable foods and textures tantalizing me - just as the author described them.
I also loved the instant chemistry between Stuart and Sera! They were 2 bananas just waiting to be peeled;)
If you're looking for a fun, quick, spicy enjoyable read, then The Food Critic is for you.
Bon Appétit!
October 20, 2014
I loved this so much that I wish it was longer... then again I said that about Sugar & Spice as well! Serena found not only her match in Stuart, I believe that she also found her soulmate in him as well and the same applies for him. Stuart got lucky in the fact that Brett Benanati found him at the age of 16 while working the corner as a runaway homeless teen, not many people find a couple as generous as Brett and his wife Charlotte were to Stuart who happened to become his pseudo parent's. Also to make the world even smaller Serena's cousin happens to be a regular at Char's the restaurant that the Benenati's own and ran.
October 23, 2014
I was gifted this book for a fair and honest review ............ I love this book . This book is about a Man (stuart who had a not so easy childhood had to do some not so easy things growing up to survive . he met a older gentleman that change his whole path of life and woman serena who is a Great but lonely Food Critic as some point they cross path and are forever change by each other , this is a quick read, showing you family is not always blood, very heartfelt, lets not forget the hot and steamy sex ughhh !!! 5 stars must read !!!
April 13, 2015
A highly sensual read that has a high hotness level.
As a food critic, Serena's life is somewhat lonely: travelling to wonderful places and tasting exquisite food is not the same when it is always by yourself. When she is sent to interview Chef Stuart Wellings at his small town diner, she gets a taste of what her life could look like with this extremely sensual man, who brings a whole new meaning to playing with your food.
A hot short read that will you feeling satisfied after you reach the end.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
As a food critic, Serena's life is somewhat lonely: travelling to wonderful places and tasting exquisite food is not the same when it is always by yourself. When she is sent to interview Chef Stuart Wellings at his small town diner, she gets a taste of what her life could look like with this extremely sensual man, who brings a whole new meaning to playing with your food.
A hot short read that will you feeling satisfied after you reach the end.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
January 12, 2017
I just finished The Food Critic, WOW this book is passionate, arousing, and salacious, this book will leave you gasping as well as hopelessly invested as these two discover their normal together. The chemistry was electric, the passion palpable as these two go on a voyage of discovering not only themselves but each other. I was totally captivated from first to last page and didn’t want their story to end. R. E. Hargrave certainly knows how to deliver her erotica with passion and an emotional punch, totally loved it.
April 14, 2015
MMhmm. I think RE Hargrave has found me a new career...if only the benefits would be the same!
What a smokin' hot and sexy....read...yeah, that's where I was going with this. Stuart and Serena are awesome, and I'm amazed at how developed these characters can be in a story you can read in a couple of hours!
Of course, the disclaimer should read...DO NOT INHALE...take it slow, and enjoy, just like a gourmet meal. I promise you will leave wholly Satisfied!
5 Stars
What a smokin' hot and sexy....read...yeah, that's where I was going with this. Stuart and Serena are awesome, and I'm amazed at how developed these characters can be in a story you can read in a couple of hours!
Of course, the disclaimer should read...DO NOT INHALE...take it slow, and enjoy, just like a gourmet meal. I promise you will leave wholly Satisfied!
5 Stars
April 15, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! It was a quick read that was hot and also sweet and loving. Anything that combines food and sex together is a win win! RE Hargrave is an amazing author and although I have just found her, I have devoured her books up! You will not be disappointed if you pick this book up ! It is def a 5 star read! I wish that this was a series, I enjoyed it that much! Thank you for allowing me to review for you! Can't wait to read what you have coming up next.
April 23, 2015
Another homerun by R.E. Hargrave, this book is one of my favorite from this author. It is fast paced and interesting. This book has a lot of food and sex. It is really hot and steamy. Serena is a food critic and Stuart is a chef. They have amazing chemistry. I thought the storyline was great and it was something different. It was well written. If you are looking for a short sexy read this is the book for you. Overall I give this book 5 stars!
May 28, 2016
4,5 stars for this delicious book, it left me with a huge smile on my face.
The author knows her food and her smut hehehe
I have had this on my to read list and finally found the time to read it today and it did not let me down. Sneaky Sera/Serena just going in and having dinner unanounced. And Suart being instant head over heals for her......not to mention the hot and steamy things that happen in that kitchen the day after!
Great job RE Hargrave!
The author knows her food and her smut hehehe
I have had this on my to read list and finally found the time to read it today and it did not let me down. Sneaky Sera/Serena just going in and having dinner unanounced. And Suart being instant head over heals for her......not to mention the hot and steamy things that happen in that kitchen the day after!
Great job RE Hargrave!
October 24, 2014
This was a super fun and sexy story that will certainly change the way you look at food. Warning don't read this book when your hungry because it will be hard to not stop and eat ;) The book is sizzling and steamy and I'm not talking about the veggies. It is a perfect story for your lay afternoon. highly recommend this to well everyone! :D
October 19, 2014
wow. smoking hot food sex and true love.
I love the way she surprises herself by visiting the diner the next to see what Stuart had planned for in the kitchen. it made my mouth water imaging him to do that to Serena hot all I will say definitely great read
I love the way she surprises herself by visiting the diner the next to see what Stuart had planned for in the kitchen. it made my mouth water imaging him to do that to Serena hot all I will say definitely great read
January 10, 2015
One thing is for sure RE Hargrave knows her food and her smut! This was a very appetizing quick read between long novels. I guess I'm never going to look at a rolling pin the same! This made me hungry for more!
April 16, 2015
Quick and dirty and such a good time. R.E. Hargrave wastes no time getting to the good stuff! Serena and Stuart are hot on the pages and hot in the sheets. I enjoyed the book very much and really wanted more!
December 11, 2020
Super short read that manages to pack in all you need: backgrounds, feels, surprises, attraction, etc. If you're into food play, definitely check this one out.
For me, overall, somewhere between 3 and 4 stars.
For me, overall, somewhere between 3 and 4 stars.
October 14, 2014
What a great novella by RE Hargrave. It was sexy and and fun. As a foodie I am not sure which was hotter the sex or the decadent food she described. I think I need to go cook... or something ;)
April 29, 2015
Not only is this book a fantastic read but it will also give you some ideas of what you can do with food. The epilogue. was my favorite part
August 11, 2015
The Food Critic was a very sweet, sexy, and rewarding short story.
I would recommend it to those who are looking to read something in between long reads.
I would recommend it to those who are looking to read something in between long reads.
February 10, 2016
Very enjoyable, short, read about Serena, a food critic, and her travels around the world. Her visit to L.A. to her sister, and for work, brings her one sumptuous and interesting experience.
May 6, 2021
This was sweet and scorching! But I need more!
I was caught by Stuart’s story. He came from little and has made his life as a chef…. When the man who saved him dies, he chooses to become the chef at the diner he was raised working in rather than taking offers extended to him after culinary school.
Serena is a food critic and loves what she does! When she meets Stuart, he doesn’t know who she is. They hit it off from the beginning.
They are from two different areas so neither of them thinks anything of it at first, but once they go their separate ways, the story gets better.
I was caught by Stuart’s story. He came from little and has made his life as a chef…. When the man who saved him dies, he chooses to become the chef at the diner he was raised working in rather than taking offers extended to him after culinary school.
Serena is a food critic and loves what she does! When she meets Stuart, he doesn’t know who she is. They hit it off from the beginning.
They are from two different areas so neither of them thinks anything of it at first, but once they go their separate ways, the story gets better.
May 7, 2021
3.5*
A short Insta love romance between a chef and a food critic. Serena has come to Char's diner to try the food that her cousin has raved about. Stuart is anxious when he hears his favorite food critic is coming. She shows but tells people her name is Sarah. She meets Stuart and there is an instant connection that leads to them meeting for breakfast the next morning that turns into the hottest and descriptive hook up. This was a hot enjoyable listen, wish it was just a little bit longer. Loved hearing the narrator tell the story.
A short Insta love romance between a chef and a food critic. Serena has come to Char's diner to try the food that her cousin has raved about. Stuart is anxious when he hears his favorite food critic is coming. She shows but tells people her name is Sarah. She meets Stuart and there is an instant connection that leads to them meeting for breakfast the next morning that turns into the hottest and descriptive hook up. This was a hot enjoyable listen, wish it was just a little bit longer. Loved hearing the narrator tell the story.
June 23, 2021
This is the second book by this author I have read, and I was so delighted with the story!
I love that the author doesn't write cookie-cutter romances. It was fun and flirty. I enjoyed the chemistry between Serena and Stuart. The things he can do with food!
I love that the author doesn't write cookie-cutter romances. It was fun and flirty. I enjoyed the chemistry between Serena and Stuart. The things he can do with food!
July 18, 2021
Short and sweet and delectable! I love food related books and this does not disappoint. A food critic meets a chef and good food follows and some things are certainly more edible than ever imagined! A joyous romp through the kitchen and beyond.
March 4, 2018
Good story!
I enjoyed reading about Stuart and Serena and it was a good story about love, family and love of good food.
I enjoyed reading about Stuart and Serena and it was a good story about love, family and love of good food.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews