Sadie on a Plate

Elliot’s humorous debut takes readers behind the scenes of a TV culinary competition, but the focus on the show leaves little room for romance to blossom. Sadie Rosen, a recently fired Seattle chef, is thrilled at the chance to prove herself on Chef Supreme, a Master Chef-style reality cooking show. On her flight to New York City for filming, she develops an instant attraction to her seatmate, fellow chef Luke Weston, and by the time they’ve landed they’ve formed a genuine connection. One delicious meal and a blisteringly hot kiss later, Sadie reluctantly leaves him, unable to explain that she won’t be able to contact him for the next six weeks due to the show’s nondisclosure agreement. Imagine her surprise when she walks on set the next day and discovers that Luke is a guest judge. Will she be able to concentrate on her cooking, or will she get burned? While the pacing is a little slow at times—especially in the development of the forbidden romance itself, which consists largely of wistful glances—the leads are endearing, and Sadie’s wonderfully diverse competitors add charm. Cooking show fans will especially adore this. Agent: Merrilee Heifetz, Writers House. (Mar.)