Table For One by Ros Clarke
Contemporary Romance
February 2012
E-book, novella
Entangled Publishing

Reviewed by Helyce

Claudia Thomas certainly did not expect to be eating alone at Ward’s, a new, very trendy restaurant in London; but that is exactly where she finds herself when her boyfriend breaks up with her on Valentine’s Day. While it’s the last place she wants to be, she really has no choice. Her job as a food critic was the reason she had the reservation in the first place—she needs to check out the food and if the opportunity presents itself, check out the restaurant’s owner, Ward Nicholls, as well.

Ward Nicholl’s is surprised to see a young woman dining alone on Valentine’s Day. He decides that the fixed menu for the evening just won’t do and sets out to dazzle her senses with a special menu he creates just for her. When she sends back one of the offerings, telling her waiter that she’d prefer the fixed menu, Ward takes matters into his own hands, and delivers the next course personally.

Claudia is shocked out of her sense of sadness when Ward approaches and sits with her at the table. Up close, Ward is even more attractive than she expected and their mutual attraction is instant. She can’t believe that he’s coming on to her and through the meal he prepares especially with her in mind, things quickly move from the restaurant to Ward’s apartment upstairs. But Claudia’s conscience won’t let things progress and when she blurts out that she’s a food critic, Ward’s quick anger and apparent disgust send Claudia running.

Table For One is a really short 52 pages and my reader’s heart wanted more! The opening scenes where Ward realizes that Claudia is dining alone and starts to prepare and cook special items to seduce her taste buds are nicely written to the point where I wanted to be there eating the food myself. Ward’s intent is clear, however; he intends to seduce Claudia as well. Just when things start to get interesting, the main conflict is introduced when Claudia tells Ward that she’s a food critic. From here, the story moves quickly as Claudia tries to understand Ward’s reaction and deal with the fact that she has no review to write and her job may be on the line because of it.

As is, this story is enjoyable because the author has a way with words and I liked the premise and the use of food to enhance all of the senses as Claudia and Ward explore their attraction. The conflict is resolved quickly, and while it’s not glossed over, for it being such a traumatic experience for Ward, he gets over his feelings and is willing to work it out with Claudia too easily. All in all quick read that left me a bit unsatisfied.

Rating: C

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