Twice Baked stand alone
contemporary romance, m/m romance
Dreamspinner Press
October 9, 2019
New Release Giveaway!
Twice Baked by Andrew Grey
1st place will win an Andrew Grey ebook of their choice.
2nd place will win an ebook copy of Twice Baked
**Giveaway Eligible in US Only**
October 20 thru 26, 2019
Book blurb:
When the pickiest eater in America is tapped to judge a cooking competition along with his chef ex-boyfriend, will it be a recipe for a second chance… or disaster?
Luke Walker’s humor about foods he can’t stand made him an internet celebrity and his blog, The Pickiest Eater in America, a huge hit. He plans to bring that same lighthearted comedy to the show—but he won’t be the only host.
Meyer Thibodeaux might be a famous chef, but he’s solemn, uptight, and closeted. He’s also Luke’s ex. As different as they are, the sparks between Luke and Meyer never really went out, and as they work together, each begins to see the other in a new light, and the passion between them reignites, hot as ever. But secrets, gossip, and rumors on the set could sour their reunion.
Excerpt:
I finished the written portion of the entry and then hit Save before letting my attention wander. I didn’t want anything to happen to what I’d already written. Few things were more irritating than having to rewrite something.
Writing wasn’t a skill that came naturally to me. It never had. The only reason I even started the blog was because I was so tired of hiding behind a mask of civility regarding the foods I don’t like, and the blog gave me an outlet. What I didn’t expect was to find so many people who either thought I was kidding or felt the exact same way.
I returned the first two calls, and was surprised to see the third was from an old friend from college. I hadn’t heard from him in three or four years at least, but he and I had always had such a good time, so I called back right away.
“Justin,” I said with delight. “How is the big television mogul?”
He snorted. “I’m just an assistant to the assistant of the mogul.” Damn, it was good to hear his voice. “Beth asks about you all the time, and hopefully you’ll be able to pay us a visit before the baby comes.”
I swallowed. “Holy hell, you’re going to be a father?” Now that was worth making a trip all the way across the country, even if the thought nearly made me ill. Airline travel always upset my stomach. I took enough medication just to get on the plane, and I always had to hope I didn’t get sick anyway. If I was lucky, I just fell asleep. “I’ll have to put it on my calendar. Maybe I can stay a few weeks to make it worth my while, but I really want to see you and Beth.”
“Well…,” Justin drew out. “I’m hoping I can entice you out here for a little longer than that. I have a new job working for the Cooking Network, and I know you’re a fan because I read your blog. It’s so hilarious, and I’ve learned so much about you, including why you were so thin all through college. Did you eat a danged thing the entire four years?” He laughed. “Anyway, we’re mounting the next season of Cooking Masters, and we need a new guest judge. We bring someone new in each season to enliven the show and shake things up. This year we’d like you to be that judge. The network will fly you out and provide you a place to stay. We’ll film fourteen episodes in about four weeks, once taping actually starts. There will be two weeks of preparation and rehearsal once the contracts are signed.”
I was speechless, which was a situation I rarely found myself in. “You want me to judge a cooking competition?”
“Yes. You’ll be fabulous, and you have a face and, if I might say so, a body for television. The ladies will all be drooling over your wavy blond hair, huge blue eyes, and your flawless complexion whenever you’re on camera. They are going to absolutely love you, and I know you are going to have plenty of fans. And once you get used to being in front of the camera, I think you’re going to be a natural.”
I was more than a little shocked. “You’re serious?”
“Yes. Absolutely. We would love to have you as part of our team for the season. Please think about it and let me know, but don’t take too long. I need to have your answer in two days, and if you agree to come, then I’ll make all the travel arrangements. Our producer has access to a private jet, so I believe I can arrange for you to come to Los Angeles in real style.” He sounded so excited.
“Justin, I’m not qualified for something like that. I’m not a chef, and I don’t have real cooking skills. I’m just a guy who snarks about the food he doesn’t like.” I really didn’t understand where this was coming from, and I didn’t want to make a fool of myself week after week on television for everyone to see. But it was hard to turn down an opportunity like that.
“You know what you like, and you have a great way of expressing yourself. Besides, this is TV—you don’t need to be a great chef to know good food. What works is personality, and you definitely have that. So stop worrying, think about it, and let me know right away. If you agree to do this, I need to get everything in motion.”
I cleared my throat. “How many people have you already asked?”
Justin laughed. “I knew that question was coming. Believe it or not, you are the producers’ first choice. They love your blog and think you’ll make a great judge for the season.”
It would be great to see Justin again, and as long as I got there in one piece, I’d be on the West Coast for a longer period of time, so I could get settled and relax between bouts of motion sickness. I really did hate to travel. Even in the car, I had to watch out the windows, no sleeping or reading, nothing to pass the time except listening to music or an audiobook, or otherwise lunch made a reappearance all over my shoes.
“I’ll think about it, I promise, and I’ll call you tomorrow.”
About the Author:
Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.
Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
I don’t like goat cheese.