Review: Under the Table by Stephanie Evanovich

Title: Under the Table

Author: Stephanie Evanovich

Published: April 2019, William Morrow

Format: ARC Paperback, 336 pages

Source: Publisher

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 little
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: I’m a fan of Stephanie Evanovich’s books…they are fun and breezy reads and the perfect palate cleansers for the usual dark, heavy thrillers I tend to gravitate towards. While I fully admit to never having seen, or read, My Fair Lady (is it based on a book – I don’t even know?), I completely enjoyed this book, filled with Stephanie’s trademark humor and steamy romance thrown in.

Right off the bat, I loved Zoey. I found her to be charming and a relatively likeable character. There were a few times I wanted to scream at her to stand up for herself and have a bit more of a back bone, but for the most part, I liked her character.  And Tristan…omg, I loved him and his goofy golf outfits. Only Stephanie Evanovich can make golfing sexy!!!

There are some really funny, laugh-out-loud moments throughout this book and then there are some real heart-tugging moments and that’s what I love about these stories. And peppered inbetween, there are the sassy, steamy moments that just seem appropriate and happen at just the right time. 

I loved Zoey and Tristan’s journey…yes, I knew going in that they would ultimately end up together. If you read enough romcom books, you know the ending, but to me it’s always about the journey and this is one heck of a good one. There are some interesting forks in the road to their happily ever after, including Phyllis the truck driver who just might be one of my favorite characters ever! 

This is the type of book that you can totally fly through in an afternoon at the beach or savor over the course of a few nights…either way it’s enjoyable and it will take your mind off whatever it is that is troubling you. And isn’t that why we read? If you haven’t read Stephanie Evanovich yet, I definitely recommend you do and why not start with this one?