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Under the Table
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?
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?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 16, 2019
About the author
Stephanie Evanovich
5 books1,920 followersStephanie Evanovich is a full-fledged Jersey girl who began writing fiction while waiting for her cues during countless community theater projects. She attended New York School of Film and Television and acted in several improvisational troupes and a few small-budget movies, all in preparation for the greatest job she ever had, raising her two sons. Now a full-time writer, she's an avid sports fan who holds a black belt in tae kwon do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 653 reviews
April 8, 2019
3.5 Stars..rounded up!
Zoey is in on a year long separation from her husband. It just isn't working out anymore but she promised him that she'd give it a year and she can't go back on her word. Zoey moved to New York and lives with her sister. She's always had a passion for cooking and decides to try her hand in catering. One day she gets a call from a guy named, Tristan who would like her to cater his upcoming party. She only thinks of this as another job and can't wait to start her business. However when she gets to his house and the door opens she realizes there's going to be much more...
At first Zoey and Tristan form a great friendship. He hasn't been embracing NYC life, so Zoey decides to give him a makeover and take him out so he can get a taste of what he's been missing. Feelings start to fly however no one is upfront enough to say anything. Then one night Zoey's ex tries to win her back. Zoey & Tristan's relationship is now uncertain and this is where the story really unfolds...
Overall this is a really cute romance story. It's a rather short book (260 pages) and I was able to read it fairly quickly. I think the characters are easily relateable and I was definitely rooting for Zoey and Tristan. I enjoyed the fact that cooking is what brought them together. I think that cooking is a way you can show love. I know my husband and I like to cook together and it's a great way to build a relationship.
If you want a lighter romance that has as realistic love story in it then this one is for you. It's a great one for the summer time. I felt the author did a great job bringing out the emotions of each of the characters. She also put in some very real life situations between partners, family and friends.
Thank you to William Morrow for my copy of this book. This publishes April 16th so be sure to pick it up if it sounds like something you'd enjoy!
In the end it was Tristan who taught Zoey the most important lessons. About what love really looked like and how it was supposed to be shown. It was the unwavering, unflinching ability to support a partner throughout their changes. Or no changes at all.
Zoey is in on a year long separation from her husband. It just isn't working out anymore but she promised him that she'd give it a year and she can't go back on her word. Zoey moved to New York and lives with her sister. She's always had a passion for cooking and decides to try her hand in catering. One day she gets a call from a guy named, Tristan who would like her to cater his upcoming party. She only thinks of this as another job and can't wait to start her business. However when she gets to his house and the door opens she realizes there's going to be much more...
At first Zoey and Tristan form a great friendship. He hasn't been embracing NYC life, so Zoey decides to give him a makeover and take him out so he can get a taste of what he's been missing. Feelings start to fly however no one is upfront enough to say anything. Then one night Zoey's ex tries to win her back. Zoey & Tristan's relationship is now uncertain and this is where the story really unfolds...
Overall this is a really cute romance story. It's a rather short book (260 pages) and I was able to read it fairly quickly. I think the characters are easily relateable and I was definitely rooting for Zoey and Tristan. I enjoyed the fact that cooking is what brought them together. I think that cooking is a way you can show love. I know my husband and I like to cook together and it's a great way to build a relationship.
If you want a lighter romance that has as realistic love story in it then this one is for you. It's a great one for the summer time. I felt the author did a great job bringing out the emotions of each of the characters. She also put in some very real life situations between partners, family and friends.
Thank you to William Morrow for my copy of this book. This publishes April 16th so be sure to pick it up if it sounds like something you'd enjoy!
April 22, 2019
TITLE: Under the Table
AUTHOR: Stephanie Evanovich
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RATING: 1.5 Stars
CLIFFHANGER: No
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
I love hot nerds. Emphasis on hot. They are my book catnip and that what I was expecting when I picked up Under the Table.
This is the story about a woman, separated and estranged from her husband who shows a completely innocent, uncorrupted sometimes even naive, young man with a really bad taste in clothing, the way of life in New York City.
And this is where my issues start. I didn't find Tristan sexy. His "otherness" wasn't hot, it gave him the feel of a dork, an endearing one, nevertheless I couldn't muster more than platonic feelings for him...you know...the kind you have reserved for brothers. I didn't find it believable that a man, as innocent as Tristan, who had one lover (and I'm using the term loosely) turned into a beast in the sack and pushed all the right buttons. Meh.
With all that being said, however, Tristan was the only character I truly liked. I didn't like Zoey all that much. The things she did and said, with no regard to Tristan's feelings, her constant whining and woe-is-me-attitude really started to get to on my nerves. And don't get me started on Zoey's immature sister.
I knew halfway through I should have dnf-ed but I just couldn't admit defeat. Under The Table wasn't the story I expected. Except for the last 20% I wasn't moved by the things happening throughout the story and the bit only made me mad at Zoey. Unfortunately this book wasn't for me but as per usual the advice to check out other reviews.
April 19, 2019
Title: Under the Table
Series: Standalone
Author: Stephanie Evanovich
Release date: April 16, 2019
Cliffhanger: No
Genre: contemporary romance
As I sit here all I can think of are things that bothered or annoyed me about this book. If there was one thing that was consistent about my reading experience, it was that. It's shocking to me that I'm saying that because the hero is a nerd. If you haven't read my reviews before, let me tell you a factoid about me: nerdy characters are my ultimate weakness. All I have to do is see that word in a synopsis and I'm sold. I like reading about intelligent people who are perhaps a little quirky or socially awkward. Smart people are sexy! In this case, Tristan was certainly awkward and quirky, but that's where it ended for me. Okay, admittedly he was even sweet, chivalrous, and the most polite person you'll ever meet in your life. All things that should have made me like him. Unfortunately he was clueless about so many things beyond his hideous fashion sense, that whenever he opened his mouth he sounded completely ridiculous.
For example:
✒︎Backside, nefarious purposes, and for crying out loud???
✒︎He's never had a piece of pizza before. And he lives in New York.
✒︎His reaction to Las Vegas: "I didn’t expect so many people being rude and drunk and inappropriate."
✒︎Thinking skinny jeans were for skinny people
✒︎Thinking Bermuda shorts were from Bermuda.
✒︎Leaving her alone in his home five minutes after meeting her. "Are you going to steal from me?" "No." Good enough for me!
✒︎ Hasn't the faintest clue what Tinder is or why someone would "swipe right" on him.
✒︎In a shocking turn of events he's heard of video game consoles but was unfamiliar with Guitar Hero. He told her that her guitar didn't have any strings. Because guitars always look like a plastic toy.
I understand that he is supposed to be a sheltered man who was raised by his grandparents on a golf course in the Virgin Islands. He doesn't watch t.v. and he hasn't made any friends since moving to New York that could bring him into the 21st century. But his naivité and child like innocence knows no bounds. As exaggerated as this was about Tristan, he was supposed to be shy and helpless as a newborn foal, and yet when she takes him out to his first club experience he was not only socializing with a large group of people with no issues, but skillfully and sexily dancing.
The way Tristan was acting, dancing, smiling, and carrying on, no one would believe he was a shy computer nerd.
He was also perfectly fine when throwing dinner parties, in fact, the heroine didn't even know he was shy until he told her. How is that even remotely possible? This is not an accurate depiction of someone who deals with shyness.
The heroine Zoey bothered me as well. She's separated from her jerk of a husband, in limbo while she waits until she can file for divorce. She comes clean and admits to Tristan right away that she's technically married, even though she was attracted to him from the start. To be honest, that didn't make sense to me either. She thought his innocence was "adorable." But to me, it was like watching her teach a child about the world which wasn't exactly adorable.
She had accomplished breaking Tristan out of his shell. He didn’t have a disability and he wasn’t a child that needed to be babysat. She didn’t need to hold his hand through every step of his journey.
Towards the end she goes completely off the rails and does two things that actually made me hate her. Up until that point I was apathetic at best.
1: She kisses him and he backs away looking uncomfortable, so she storms out of his place shrieking about not wanting his "car service, food, or attempts at chivalry." Then informs him that nothing is his fault but she has to get back to doing what's best for her."
Now, he's been friend zoned because of her husband. She knows that he's a traditional guy and it would be messy to get involved with him. When he doesn't jump on her after she shows him the first sign of attraction she storms out like the victim? He's totally bewildered, but he leaves her alone. And guess what? This enrages her, and she internally insults him and writes him off. After all, she's been spending too much time on him, when she should be focusing on herself.
2. But the final nail in the coffin was...and this is a big spoiler so read at your own risk.
Perhaps I didn't connect to this authors writing style or maybe it was just a bad first impression. I was so excited to read it because it was supposedly a modern twist on My Fair Lady, a musical that I love. Yes, she gives him a makeover, but that does not make it comparable in my eyes. I'm sad to say that this story didn't work out for me at all but maybe you'll have better luck than me.
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May 1, 2019
UGH! I can usually suspend my disbelief when I read romance, but this was too much even for me. This was over the top RIDICULOUS! No aspect of this romance was believable, starting with the characters themselves. Zoey Sullivan is spending a year in New York reinventing herself as a chef for hire. She and her dead beat husband agreed to separate for a year and then try again; the problem is Zoey has been super checked out from that relationships for years. Not that she hasn't been faithful, her younger, plucky sister (who she shares an apartment with) is always partying and getting laid while Zoey cooks and wallows around... until she meets Tristan. She picks up a new client who requests a big Cajun dinner to impress some clients. When she shows up to his apartment she realizes that not only is he wealthy, he's drop dead sexy. Only catch is, he's a total nerd and has some social anxiety. The two hit it off and Zoey decides to befriend the stud and show him how to dress, talk to people, and have a good time (pot calling the kettle black - bitch can't do any of those things either). We are supposed to believe that Tristan doesn't own a cellphone, doesn't know "any slang," doesn't know about politics or TV shows, and the only video game he knows is Sonic.... But he's also drop dead gorgeous and doesn't know how to talk to girls. Of course they are smitten with each other, but Zoey is trying to stay faithful to her stupid husband. Spoiler alert, she caves and seduces Tristan in the most over the top way that doesn't even begin to fit her personality. It's dumb. And the ending is even dumber. The whole book Zoey goes on and on about how she doesn't want kids. Then (huge spoiler - don't continue reading!!) she marries Tristan and gets knocked up and is suddenly cool with it...... ok. Not a fan of this stand alone. Not at all.
January 9, 2020
I am so embarrassed for this book...
April 29, 2019
3.5 Stars!
Under the table is a sweet, easy, quick read with eccentric characters. And although it didn’t blow my socks off it was nevertheless an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
Under the table is a sweet, easy, quick read with eccentric characters. And although it didn’t blow my socks off it was nevertheless an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
June 20, 2019
What the heck did I just read? There were several times I almost DNF'd this but then I kept rationalizing that I'd already spent so much time reading it, I may as well finish. I really should have just DNF'd when in that first chapter or two when I first considered it.
I just... I really hated this book. WOW. Zoey and Tristan were like cardboard cutouts of characters, ESPECIALLY Tristan. Like, I don't get his appeal AT ALL. He's super hot and rich, but also pure as the driven snow and filled with childlike wonder? At one point he's described as "Adam Levine if he was a baby duck," and... OK? This book started out really boring and kind of confusing while I was trying to figure out what was going on with the guy blowing up Zoey's phone, and then why they got a divorce. There was an opportunity here to have a deeper look into and discussion around abuse, especially emotional abuse, and Evanovich just sort of glossed right over it.
And then Zoey is supposedly the steady, planning one even though she's "supposed to be" the wild one, except then she makes these sudden impulsive decisions that leave me like "WHAT THE HECK is going on in your brain right now? Is ANYTHING going on in there? No?" There were several scenes that left me going WTF? and wanting (once again) to just DNF this thing, but I kept pushing through hoping it would get better... (The apron scene, the golf pro shop - the list goes on.) Also, it's billed as being a "modern twist on My Fair Lady," but legit it's just Zoey going "Wow, this guy is really hot even though he dresses like a total nerd. I'm going to dress him up in more modern clothes and then be super surprised when he's totally hot - EVEN THOUGH I ALREADY ACKNOWLEDGED HE IS SUPER CUTE WHILE DRESSED LIKE A NERD." And then he goes through this whole transformation sequence that turns him into a "modern guy," apparently which also makes him kind of a self-absorbed jerk, only actually not, just kidding, he's the same sweet self he always was it was just for that one scene so Zoey could realize she shouldn't have messed around with his style in the first place because he was always perfect just as he was.
And then there's the epilogue. I don't- ... I can't even- ... ... ...
*throws book against wall, walks away*
I just... I really hated this book. WOW. Zoey and Tristan were like cardboard cutouts of characters, ESPECIALLY Tristan. Like, I don't get his appeal AT ALL. He's super hot and rich, but also pure as the driven snow and filled with childlike wonder? At one point he's described as "Adam Levine if he was a baby duck," and... OK? This book started out really boring and kind of confusing while I was trying to figure out what was going on with the guy blowing up Zoey's phone, and then why they got a divorce. There was an opportunity here to have a deeper look into and discussion around abuse, especially emotional abuse, and Evanovich just sort of glossed right over it.
And then Zoey is supposedly the steady, planning one even though she's "supposed to be" the wild one, except then she makes these sudden impulsive decisions that leave me like "WHAT THE HECK is going on in your brain right now? Is ANYTHING going on in there? No?" There were several scenes that left me going WTF? and wanting (once again) to just DNF this thing, but I kept pushing through hoping it would get better... (The apron scene, the golf pro shop - the list goes on.) Also, it's billed as being a "modern twist on My Fair Lady," but legit it's just Zoey going "Wow, this guy is really hot even though he dresses like a total nerd. I'm going to dress him up in more modern clothes and then be super surprised when he's totally hot - EVEN THOUGH I ALREADY ACKNOWLEDGED HE IS SUPER CUTE WHILE DRESSED LIKE A NERD." And then he goes through this whole transformation sequence that turns him into a "modern guy," apparently which also makes him kind of a self-absorbed jerk, only actually not, just kidding, he's the same sweet self he always was it was just for that one scene so Zoey could realize she shouldn't have messed around with his style in the first place because he was always perfect just as he was.
And then there's the epilogue. I don't- ... I can't even- ... ... ...
*throws book against wall, walks away*
March 20, 2019
DNF at 36%
This book started off okay, but I found I wasn't connecting with the characters. I pushed through until 36%, so I feel that I gave it a good amount of time to get better. Unfortunately, I just couldn't connect with Zoey or her story and I was uninterested when reading and not wanting to pick the book back up. At that point, I decided to put it down for good.
This book started off okay, but I found I wasn't connecting with the characters. I pushed through until 36%, so I feel that I gave it a good amount of time to get better. Unfortunately, I just couldn't connect with Zoey or her story and I was uninterested when reading and not wanting to pick the book back up. At that point, I decided to put it down for good.
January 10, 2020
Someone on Goodreads wrote, "I'm embarrassed for this book." I am embarrassed that I read it. My justification is that the recent political machinations with Iran are so disturbing that my goal at the "new book" section of the library is not edification but obliviation. Hence this book, which did distract, but with annoying residue, like eating too many marshmallows.
May 19, 2019
I was rooting for you Stephanie.
I’m very surprised that I disliked this book. The description set me up only for the actual book to really let me down. Especially since big girl panties was one of my favorite books. Sigh.
The book started off bad in that the first chapter was all disorganized. I couldn’t tell if this was the fact it was a new release or if this was actually an editing oversight. Many pages repeated itself and often would skip sections. However I mustered past it.
Let’s talk about Ruth. How the heck are you the oldest sister acting so childish?!? At first it didn’t bother me but as the book continued it worked on my nerves. The point where I reached my boiling point was when she told Zoey she never liked Derek. Are you serious?!?!? All of these excuses you gave your sister about why you did what you did and why you didn’t say anything was utter bs. It’s hard to fathom because I know my sister would NEVER bite her tongue and let me make a fool of myself without telling me. I could see if you said something and she didn’t listen. You kept you mouth shut and pretended to truly like him. Girl please.
Tristan was written all types of wrong. I couldn’t believe for one second he was a inexperienced hermit who could be so smooth and suave. So you telling me he had one sexual experience and somehow knew how to do all these things. Plus he never spent time in a club but could floss his way in and dance like a champ. Ok, yeah right.
Lastly. This was the worse insta love I’ve read in a while. I can’t even begin to put my anger at both of their actions into words. Ugh, terrible.
I’m very surprised that I disliked this book. The description set me up only for the actual book to really let me down. Especially since big girl panties was one of my favorite books. Sigh.
The book started off bad in that the first chapter was all disorganized. I couldn’t tell if this was the fact it was a new release or if this was actually an editing oversight. Many pages repeated itself and often would skip sections. However I mustered past it.
Let’s talk about Ruth. How the heck are you the oldest sister acting so childish?!? At first it didn’t bother me but as the book continued it worked on my nerves. The point where I reached my boiling point was when she told Zoey she never liked Derek. Are you serious?!?!? All of these excuses you gave your sister about why you did what you did and why you didn’t say anything was utter bs. It’s hard to fathom because I know my sister would NEVER bite her tongue and let me make a fool of myself without telling me. I could see if you said something and she didn’t listen. You kept you mouth shut and pretended to truly like him. Girl please.
Tristan was written all types of wrong. I couldn’t believe for one second he was a inexperienced hermit who could be so smooth and suave. So you telling me he had one sexual experience and somehow knew how to do all these things. Plus he never spent time in a club but could floss his way in and dance like a champ. Ok, yeah right.
Lastly. This was the worse insta love I’ve read in a while. I can’t even begin to put my anger at both of their actions into words. Ugh, terrible.
April 23, 2019
An extremely fast read, sweet, lite, fluffy, lacks character growth, not much plot, should be a Harlequin Romance. Perfect for those who like her earlier books and the earlier books of Stephanies mother Aunt-in-Law.
Well let us just say as far as plot goes -woman meets man while 'working' for him-woman lusts after man's kitchen AND man. They fall in like and then bed, woman fails to impart something important and then does something really stupid, apologizes-the end.
*ARC supplied by publisher.
Well let us just say as far as plot goes -woman meets man while 'working' for him-woman lusts after man's kitchen AND man. They fall in like and then bed, woman fails to impart something important and then does something really stupid, apologizes-the end.
*ARC supplied by publisher.
June 9, 2019
Good quick read! I've always enjoyed reading this author and will continue to read her books
October 4, 2019
Wow. I hated this book. I only finished it out of sheer determination because I DNF the book I read before this.
The whole concept of this book is a gender swapped My Fair Lady. Don't worry though - the male lead is still ridiculously wealthy. He does nothing of worth with his money but gets praised for being a good person for how he "shares" his wealth like giving a 100% tip to the woman he's hot for or wanting to open a luxury resort so he can create jobs (but then ultimately deciding not to because he's rather just sit on his giant property?).
Anyways, the author takes the gender swapping even further by making the archetypical self-obsessed, asshole, doesn't have boundaries the FEMALE romantic lead instead of the male one. Meanwhile, the romantic male lead an empty shell of a character who just accepts every horrible thing about the female romantic lead because he's never had real love before.
Also, I can't even begin to articulate how frustrating it was to FINALLY see a female romantic lead who continuously insists that she doesn't want children only to be pregnant in the epilogue and realizes that not wanting children is only a "road block" put up to emotionally protect yourself because you should want children.
The whole concept of this book is a gender swapped My Fair Lady. Don't worry though - the male lead is still ridiculously wealthy. He does nothing of worth with his money but gets praised for being a good person for how he "shares" his wealth like giving a 100% tip to the woman he's hot for or wanting to open a luxury resort so he can create jobs (but then ultimately deciding not to because he's rather just sit on his giant property?).
Anyways, the author takes the gender swapping even further by making the archetypical self-obsessed, asshole, doesn't have boundaries the FEMALE romantic lead instead of the male one. Meanwhile, the romantic male lead an empty shell of a character who just accepts every horrible thing about the female romantic lead because he's never had real love before.
Also, I can't even begin to articulate how frustrating it was to FINALLY see a female romantic lead who continuously insists that she doesn't want children only to be pregnant in the epilogue and realizes that not wanting children is only a "road block" put up to emotionally protect yourself because you should want children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2019
If you want a quick fluffy read for the sake of reading anything, I guess you could pick up this book, but beware, it could leave you with the feeling 'why did I bother reading this?' There was little to no character development, any attempt at tension building was ridiculous and ended flatly. Zoey was not a character that I could identify with nor garner any feelings for. I found her vapid and irritating. It always seems in these types of books that women want a man who's dorky with loads of money to just buy their romance. I hate that aspect of this book. Why couldn't he be dorky and endearing without having to buy anything and everything she wanted at the drop of a hat? The fight scene with the husband at the end was a stretch, I almost laughed when I read it, it was a weak attempt to build a climax that again did nothing for me. I guess the one positive I can say, the story ends all wrapped up in a tiddy little bow.
July 14, 2019
Utterly boring. I kept wondering when a juicy conflict would appear. The hero and heroine were likeable enough, but damn, give me something with crunchy flavour, not this bland tofu.
April 16, 2019
As far as contemporary romances go, this one settles right in the middle. Not overly new plot, pretty foreseeable behavior of the characters and of course the happy ending.
It's a nice reading when you want to know exactly what you are getting.
Per quello che riguarda i contemporary romance, questo sta proprio nell'aurea mediocritas, trama scontata, evoluzione evidente e protagonisti con comportamenti prevedibili per arrivare allo scontato happy ending. Quindi se volete leggere qualcosa che non riservi nessun tipo di sorprese, questo é il libro giusto.
THANKS EDELWEISS FOR THE PREVIEW!
It's a nice reading when you want to know exactly what you are getting.
Per quello che riguarda i contemporary romance, questo sta proprio nell'aurea mediocritas, trama scontata, evoluzione evidente e protagonisti con comportamenti prevedibili per arrivare allo scontato happy ending. Quindi se volete leggere qualcosa che non riservi nessun tipo di sorprese, questo é il libro giusto.
THANKS EDELWEISS FOR THE PREVIEW!
November 11, 2019
I am a fan of Stephanie Evanovich's writing, and not just because we share a birthday. Her characters are witty, genuine, and honest about their flaws. She also knows how to write a steamy romantic scene (or two...or three).
Her latest, Under the Table, felt lighter than her previous novels in some ways. It had a Christina Lauren rom-com feel to it throughout. Of course, the steamy moments were included and they were worth waiting for! Tristan was a unique character and I enjoyed getting to know him through Zoey's eyes. The NYC vibe took on its own life within the story. There were some surprising moments throughout, as well.
If you want an entertaining read, definitely pick this one up.
Movie casting suggestions:
Zoey: Alia Shawkat
Tristan: Tom Bateman
Ruth: Rebecca Rittenhouse
Derek: Max Thieriot
Blake: Robbie Amell
Phyllis: Clea DuVall
Her latest, Under the Table, felt lighter than her previous novels in some ways. It had a Christina Lauren rom-com feel to it throughout. Of course, the steamy moments were included and they were worth waiting for! Tristan was a unique character and I enjoyed getting to know him through Zoey's eyes. The NYC vibe took on its own life within the story. There were some surprising moments throughout, as well.
If you want an entertaining read, definitely pick this one up.
Movie casting suggestions:
Zoey: Alia Shawkat
Tristan: Tom Bateman
Ruth: Rebecca Rittenhouse
Derek: Max Thieriot
Blake: Robbie Amell
Phyllis: Clea DuVall
November 28, 2023
I went into this cold and it ended up not working for me. There were so many problems with the storyline, characters, and even Evanovich's research into how things (like catering) work. After reading some of the reviews, it appears that quite a few other readers feel the same way.
April 7, 2019
Thanks to the publisher, via Edelweiss for an advance e-galley for honest review.
This is a fun and sweet romance and a quick read. Zoey and Tristan are an interesting couple- she immediately sees his heart underneath his goofy exterior. A good beach or plane type read- fast paced and warm.
This is a fun and sweet romance and a quick read. Zoey and Tristan are an interesting couple- she immediately sees his heart underneath his goofy exterior. A good beach or plane type read- fast paced and warm.
October 16, 2024
That 3rd act breakup was beyond lazy writing
January 2, 2021
A great story of a sincere friendship - filled with emotion - evolving into love this book really kept my interest
July 22, 2019
Cute, quick read. I liked Zoey but couldn't totally believe love-interest Tristan. He is too innocent, especially for someone who made his supposed fortune through technology.
September 17, 2020
This is my second time reading a Stephanie Evanovich book and honestly there seems to be a theme of failing to structure the story well.
1) opens on a scene of the protagonist anxious about potentially being stalked. Tension does not come to anything, instead we are given a rundown of her breakup and move to New York and new business, something that seems like it would have been much more interesting to start the story with. The expositional storytelling is boring and happens all at once rather than being revealed throughout the story.
2) emotional tone shifts in a heartbeat. Especially with the relationship. Tension in arguments deflated without culminating in anything satisfying, people forgive eachother In a heartbeat or are very angry them say oh well actuallt id forgiven you as soon as you walked in the door (so why did you yell and try to send her away?). Sex appears out of nowhere. Nothing is constructed in a way that the payoff is satisfying it’s always just out of nowhere.
3) the 30 year old sexy man who wears leather pants and loves ... Aerosmith??? The two adults who don’t have cell phones? The man who pioneered a major surveillance software knowing nothing about popular tech or culture? It’s unbelievable despite backstory ( he was raised by his grandparents with bad dialup) and it honestly makes Tristan seem... childlike. It made me feel creepy that he was supposed to be sexy when he was a strange combination fo naive, old fashioned, and extremely successfully sexual all of a sudden. Totally unbelievable characterisation (I was supposed to believe he was good at sex? With no experience?) that seemed to want me to think an old man, child, and near virgin all rolled into one was attractive.
3) the abusive ex was a hamfisted charicature
4) the sister was a pain and it had my least favourite trope where there’s finally a confrontation with somebody who’s been a dick of a character and it goes Bitch character: “well actually I was doing all this for your own good and you’re way too controlling” main character: “oh I’m sorry” ~problem solved~
5) clothing etc was way too specifically described and it’s either totally off base for how humans dress or this boom has become outdated really fast (not actually sure when it was written).
I can see why some people find these characters and stories charming but it lowkey blows me away to read these really popular romances and find that they’re just so poorly constructed, Lean so heavily on tropes, and are just generally so FRUSTRATING!
1) opens on a scene of the protagonist anxious about potentially being stalked. Tension does not come to anything, instead we are given a rundown of her breakup and move to New York and new business, something that seems like it would have been much more interesting to start the story with. The expositional storytelling is boring and happens all at once rather than being revealed throughout the story.
2) emotional tone shifts in a heartbeat. Especially with the relationship. Tension in arguments deflated without culminating in anything satisfying, people forgive eachother In a heartbeat or are very angry them say oh well actuallt id forgiven you as soon as you walked in the door (so why did you yell and try to send her away?). Sex appears out of nowhere. Nothing is constructed in a way that the payoff is satisfying it’s always just out of nowhere.
3) the 30 year old sexy man who wears leather pants and loves ... Aerosmith??? The two adults who don’t have cell phones? The man who pioneered a major surveillance software knowing nothing about popular tech or culture? It’s unbelievable despite backstory ( he was raised by his grandparents with bad dialup) and it honestly makes Tristan seem... childlike. It made me feel creepy that he was supposed to be sexy when he was a strange combination fo naive, old fashioned, and extremely successfully sexual all of a sudden. Totally unbelievable characterisation (I was supposed to believe he was good at sex? With no experience?) that seemed to want me to think an old man, child, and near virgin all rolled into one was attractive.
3) the abusive ex was a hamfisted charicature
4) the sister was a pain and it had my least favourite trope where there’s finally a confrontation with somebody who’s been a dick of a character and it goes Bitch character: “well actually I was doing all this for your own good and you’re way too controlling” main character: “oh I’m sorry” ~problem solved~
5) clothing etc was way too specifically described and it’s either totally off base for how humans dress or this boom has become outdated really fast (not actually sure when it was written).
I can see why some people find these characters and stories charming but it lowkey blows me away to read these really popular romances and find that they’re just so poorly constructed, Lean so heavily on tropes, and are just generally so FRUSTRATING!
September 17, 2018
Zoey falls in love with Tristan's state-of-the-art kitchen, and anyone who loves to cook will swoon as well as the description of his kitchen. (And as someone who lives in a moderately small NYC apartment, I definitely had kitchen envy!)
She befriends Tristan and after hearing the story of how he grew up with his grandparents, Zoey vows to help him become a little more hip. She takes him clothes shopping, and they enjoy each other's company.
Tristan, in return, takes Zoey golfing. Now I have to admit that I don't really think of golfing as sexy, but Evanovich is such a terrific writer, she makes a golf outing hot. (I tip my golf cap to her.)
Zoey doesn't want to fall for Tristan as her marriage situation is an issue, and Tristan doesn't want to fall for Zoey for the same reason, but of course they do as the curse of love never runs smooth as they say.
I adored Under the Table! Nobody does sassy, sweet and sexy better than Stephanie Evanovich. You want to be friends with her characters, and my favorite one in this book is Phyllis, the truck driver who picks up a hitchhiking Zoey.
I also loved that Tristan was a big reader, and the shout-out to Jackie Collins made me smile. (I got to meet Collins at a book signing, and she was one of the loveliest people I have ever met.)
I always say that you should read Evanovich's books by the pool because there are always a few sex scenes in them that after you read them, you're gonna need to cool off a bit, and Under the Table is no exception. I highly recommend Under the Table, it will take you away for a few hours and boy do we need that nowadays.
She befriends Tristan and after hearing the story of how he grew up with his grandparents, Zoey vows to help him become a little more hip. She takes him clothes shopping, and they enjoy each other's company.
Tristan, in return, takes Zoey golfing. Now I have to admit that I don't really think of golfing as sexy, but Evanovich is such a terrific writer, she makes a golf outing hot. (I tip my golf cap to her.)
Zoey doesn't want to fall for Tristan as her marriage situation is an issue, and Tristan doesn't want to fall for Zoey for the same reason, but of course they do as the curse of love never runs smooth as they say.
I adored Under the Table! Nobody does sassy, sweet and sexy better than Stephanie Evanovich. You want to be friends with her characters, and my favorite one in this book is Phyllis, the truck driver who picks up a hitchhiking Zoey.
I also loved that Tristan was a big reader, and the shout-out to Jackie Collins made me smile. (I got to meet Collins at a book signing, and she was one of the loveliest people I have ever met.)
I always say that you should read Evanovich's books by the pool because there are always a few sex scenes in them that after you read them, you're gonna need to cool off a bit, and Under the Table is no exception. I highly recommend Under the Table, it will take you away for a few hours and boy do we need that nowadays.
December 12, 2019
I just thought this was really unrealistic and showed no logical human behavior.
There will be spoilers here... warning....
The first part of the book was fine... interesting meet cute, genuinely liked Zoey.
But then, right around the 3/4 mark it just derailed.
When Zoey and Tristan got together, it happened so strangely that I started flipping forward thinking this sex scene HAD to be a dream. Did Zoey hit her head and was knocked out and dreaming it?
Thought even the sex stuff was ridiculous- the almost virgin who only was with a sex worker, was suddenly great in bed. They hold hands and RUN to the bedroom, and then he slowly kisses all over her body. Oooookay....
Of course things go bad for a while, as they always do in these books. After all the things she's said about the ex, she goes back. (Note: this is maybe the only realistic human behavior from this part of the book). But THEN she realizes her mistake and gets "Scraped off the highway" by a trucker (really? if my relative had been in a bad highway accident, i would have thought that wording pretty insensitive) and then she goes back mad at the sister, but then they have a huge blowout because of how Zoey has always controlled her (which there's no relationship development in the first 3/4 to suggest that) and then all the sudden it's FINE and she's joking with her and they're making up? After the sister spurred this whole thing that ruined her life?
And then the fight with Tristan where he said it was partly his fault?
And then Zoey who doesn't want a baby, of course is pregnant because why would any woman be able to have wants and needs beyond having a baby?
There will be spoilers here... warning....
The first part of the book was fine... interesting meet cute, genuinely liked Zoey.
But then, right around the 3/4 mark it just derailed.
When Zoey and Tristan got together, it happened so strangely that I started flipping forward thinking this sex scene HAD to be a dream. Did Zoey hit her head and was knocked out and dreaming it?
Thought even the sex stuff was ridiculous- the almost virgin who only was with a sex worker, was suddenly great in bed. They hold hands and RUN to the bedroom, and then he slowly kisses all over her body. Oooookay....
Of course things go bad for a while, as they always do in these books. After all the things she's said about the ex, she goes back. (Note: this is maybe the only realistic human behavior from this part of the book). But THEN she realizes her mistake and gets "Scraped off the highway" by a trucker (really? if my relative had been in a bad highway accident, i would have thought that wording pretty insensitive) and then she goes back mad at the sister, but then they have a huge blowout because of how Zoey has always controlled her (which there's no relationship development in the first 3/4 to suggest that) and then all the sudden it's FINE and she's joking with her and they're making up? After the sister spurred this whole thing that ruined her life?
And then the fight with Tristan where he said it was partly his fault?
And then Zoey who doesn't want a baby, of course is pregnant because why would any woman be able to have wants and needs beyond having a baby?
March 2, 2019
This book has my heart! I stayed up soooo late reading it just to find out what happens. At first, I was taken aback by the quirk at it all but it quickly had me wanting even more. I love the characters, especially the nerdy and socially awkward millionaire hero, and I was able to become so immersed in every scene. I didn't realize that this was a modern retelling/twist of My Fair Lady until after I read it...so I'd say it's pretty darn unique!
This is my first book by Stephanie Evanovich but I will definitely be going back and reading her older books as well.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by Stephanie Evanovich but I will definitely be going back and reading her older books as well.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2019
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Accurately described as “a modern twist on My Fair Lady”, Under the Table was an oftentimes humorous, definitely heartfelt look at two people so right for each other that they couldn’t see it right in front of them until it was nearly too late.
Set mainly in New York City with all its energy and diversity, Under the Table was a book that I simply devoured. I will say that the hero and heroine might not be everyone’s cup of tea, seeing that they are basically betas, not alphas. Now there were times when Zoey or Tristan stood up for themselves or others, but they were genuinely *nice* people who would rather get along and be do-gooders than to argue and make a scene. And I personally appreciated seeing them portrayed that way and for Stephanie Evanovich not having them apologize for who they were as individuals. Read More
Accurately described as “a modern twist on My Fair Lady”, Under the Table was an oftentimes humorous, definitely heartfelt look at two people so right for each other that they couldn’t see it right in front of them until it was nearly too late.
Set mainly in New York City with all its energy and diversity, Under the Table was a book that I simply devoured. I will say that the hero and heroine might not be everyone’s cup of tea, seeing that they are basically betas, not alphas. Now there were times when Zoey or Tristan stood up for themselves or others, but they were genuinely *nice* people who would rather get along and be do-gooders than to argue and make a scene. And I personally appreciated seeing them portrayed that way and for Stephanie Evanovich not having them apologize for who they were as individuals. Read More
November 11, 2019
This book is basically a Hallmark movie. It has an unrealistic romance and the expected plot of friendships turning into relationships turning into conflict, and back to happy ever after. It is a short, cute, romance story. I read this book because I heard good things about Stephanie Evanovich's book, Big Girl Panties, which I haven't read yet, but this book was available through my library, first. Since this book wasn't terrible, I might give Big Girl Panties a try, but generally, don't lean towards reading this kind of book. The book is very short, and the writing is good. If you like just a clean, good-hearted romance story, then this one is for you.
October 16, 2018
Review to come soon.
Quick thoughts:
After reading the sad Before We Were Yours, I needed something light, fun and even a little saucy. Lucy for me- I had just been approved for e-copy of Under The Table.
Listen, if you've read any of Stephanie's books- you know they have a saucy side. They also have characters that are memorable, dialogue that is enjoyable and will leave you with a good feeling.
Enjoyable read :)
Quick thoughts:
After reading the sad Before We Were Yours, I needed something light, fun and even a little saucy. Lucy for me- I had just been approved for e-copy of Under The Table.
Listen, if you've read any of Stephanie's books- you know they have a saucy side. They also have characters that are memorable, dialogue that is enjoyable and will leave you with a good feeling.
Enjoyable read :)
April 7, 2019
Extremely fast read, sweet, lite, fluffy, lacks character growth, not much plot, should be a Harlequin Romance. Perfect for those who like her earlier books and the earlier books of Stephanies mother.
Well let us just say as far as plot goes -woman meets man while 'working' for him-woman lusts after man's kitchen AND man. They fall in like and then bed, woman fails to impart something important and then does something really stupid, apologizes-the end.
*ARC supplied by publisher.
.
Well let us just say as far as plot goes -woman meets man while 'working' for him-woman lusts after man's kitchen AND man. They fall in like and then bed, woman fails to impart something important and then does something really stupid, apologizes-the end.
*ARC supplied by publisher.
.
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