Review & Giveaway: 'So, You Think You're a Celebrity... Chef?' by Caroline James (2013)

Mix together…
A tough-cookie media agent who's clawed her way to the top, and a con-man who wants to open a cookery school. Add in a washed-up celebrity chef whose career needs re-building…

Flavour with…
An aging rock star fresh from rehab, and a Sloane Ranger food writer who gets her own TV show…

Bring to the boil…
At a Gourmet Food Festival, in Ireland, where anything goes!

When media agent Hilary Hargreaves travels to Ireland to look at a campaign for a new cookery school, she meets a blast from her past - the romantic but feckless chef Mickey Lloyd, who is hell-bent on resurrecting his flagging career. Her tough demeanour is rocked as it becomes apparent Mickey's intentions involve more than a stint behind a stove in his quest to pursue her. But as plans for the school gain momentum, she realises that she's developing more than a passing interest in reformed alcoholic Long Tom Hendry, who owns the crumbling old mansion where the school will be homed. Hilary has many ingredients to juggle with her demanding client list - which looks set to boil over if she doesn't keep control. From London's bustling Soho, to Southern Ireland and the sunny shores of the Caribbean, has Hilary got too much on her plate and is she really prepared to risk it all for love?

I'm delighted to be a part of the 'So, You Think You're a Celebrity... Chef?' blog tour this month, organised by Fiction Addiction Book Tours! It gave me the chance to review Caroline James' lovely new release, 'So, You Think You're a Celebrity... Chef?', which not only promised a unique read, but also a yummy one!

Hilary Hargreaves is a succesful media agent who runs her own business representing culinary stars. When she goes on a trip to Ireland to find out more about a new cookery school that will be set up, she unexpectedly bumps into Irish chef Mickey Lloyd, with whom she had a short but steamy relationship numerous years ago. Hilary wants to do everything she can to stay away from Mickey, but this proves to be a bit more difficult than she expected. Next to that, she suddenly starts developing feelings for Long Tom Hendry, a recovering alcoholic with a touch of mystery to him. Hilary already has several demanding clients to deal with, let alone make time to figure out her own love life, and within the world of celebrity chefs, nothing is what it seems...

What I immediately liked about this novel is the fact that it focuses on a topic I hadn't read a book about before: the world of celebrity chefs. It was fabulous to have a look into this glamorous and delicious world, which has a diverse and captivating mix of characters at its centre. I really liked Hilary (I loved the glance into the life of a busy media agent) and the other people working at the agency: spiritual Bob, dependent Heidi and colourful Lottie. Next to that, there are the various chefs, of which I particularly warmed to Zelda and her story, which takes on an important role in the book.

Caroline James' writing is fast-paced and entertaining, jumping from one scene to another, making sure there is never a dull moment in this novel. I haven't read any other book that deals with cooking and the world of celebrity chefs, which made it a unique read, an aspect that I thoroughly enjoyed. 'So, You Think You're a Celebrity... Chef?' is an entertaining, fun and tasty read which offers readers a chance to have a sneakpeak into the delicious and scandalous world of celebrity chefs!

Rating:7,5/10

Giveaway!

To promote her new novel, Caroline James is running a brilliant giveaway with several prizes for both UK and international readers. Be sure to give it a go by following the instructions in the Rafflecopter form below! :)

5 x Chocolate Brownies (UK only)
In the book, gorgeous Gary from Bon Appetite! makes sublime melt-in-your-mouth brownies. We’ve commissioned award winning Brownie Queen, Justine Forrest to supply her amazing brownies, individually boxed as a giveaway treat!  

5 x Bespoke Book Bags (UK and International)
The perfect little bag to pop your book or kindle in – don’t forget your glasses and a bar of chocolate! Individually designed for this tour by Leanda Peters Designs.

Signed Paperback copy of So You Think You’re a Celebrity … Chef?(UK)  

Kindle Gift Copy of So You Think You’re a Celebrity … Chef?(International)

a Rafflecopter giveaway