Melissa reviews Can This Be Real by L.E. Franks Published April 25th 2014 by MLR Press, 131 pages.
Chef Christian De Guisse can’t trust a man who doesn’t love his food, while Detective Andrew Simmons won’t let any man close who thinks he’s broken—somewhere between these two points, love is possible, but only if they get real.
When Chef Christian De Guisse accidently outs Celebrity Chef Jordan Slayer during a fight in front of The Times entertainment reporter—it only gets Christian ex-boyfriend status and a one-way plane ticket to culinary exile in Oregon. But a fortuitous meeting with Detective Andrew Simmons at the Portland airport keeps Christian and his collection of exotic herbs out of the hands of Homeland Security, starting the chemistry simmering between them. Andy isn’t much of a foodie and for a chef who communicates love through his cooking this may be one hurdle too high…until they’re finally ready to get real.
Why I read this book: This had the feel of a taboo romance, police officer and arrestee. I love those types of stories!
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Woo-wee! This was an entertaining read for sure. I am not a foodie, but after reading this I certainly could turn into one. I learned a lot about how to appreciate food and I can’t wait for the chance to savor my next meal, lol.
Chef Christian De Guisse is talented but when his boyfriend and restaurant business partner comes out as marrying a woman, Chris decides to take his talent elsewhere – and winds up in a special locked room at the airport for smuggling “herbs.” Haha! Yep, the spices and herbs and whatnots that Chris took with him on the plane have come under scrutiny by the police. Enter Detective Andrew Simmons, who can see the kindergarten cops at the airport aren’t capable of, well – anything.
I loved the first meeting between these MCs and was very eager to see their relationship progress. And whoa! Are they spicy!! Muy caliente!
With all the zany characters mixed in with the story, I was fully entertained. I didn’t particularly like the revelation that Andy doesn’t have a sense of taste – how cliché is that for a chef to meet someone like that? But with the help of Chris’s friend Zach, Andy learns to appreciate fine dining. 🙂
I do recommend and rate this around 3.5 stars.
Where to buy: Amazon; Barnes & Noble ; Kobo
LE writes M/M Romance in a unique mix of humor and drama with enough suspense to produce fast-paced stories filled with emotion and passion and featuring characters that are quirky and complicated. Don’t expect the typical, rugged hero or sophisticated businessman with the world at their feet; LE’s men are living in the margins— they’re in the middle of their journey, doing the best they can while searching for a connection to something bigger than themselves. With a little effort, and a lot of luck, they may actually find their happily-ever-afters.
When not writing, LE wrangles an odd assortment of jobs (six— both paid and volunteer), houseguests (including pro baseball players), family, and friends. Manifesting an odd combination of contradictory talents and traits, LE is tragically honest and personally deceptive and makes the best piecrust— ever.
You can find LE Franks online at the following spots:
Her website: http://www.lefranks.com
Her blog: http://lefranks.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/boxtersushi
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/LEFranksAuthor
Facebook Page for Wolves & Waves Book Series: https://www.facebook.com/wolvesandwaves
Rainbow Gold Reviews 
Sounds like fun, thanks for sharing your review!
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