I too just finished "Steamed" and will join the on-going debate.
I'm amazed how fast I read this book, so I will grant that it is fairly addictive once you begin reading it, however...
I found Chloe extremely annoying. She is completely self absorbed and judgemental. Somehow she got it into her head that she should solve the crime in the book and so the narrative is littered with uninteresting and LONG conversations about her perspective on the novel's events. Every character in the book revolved around her, so there was no sub-plot and I believe the book could have accomplished its story in half the time. I found the grand finale of the book particularly dissappointing. It was like Nancy Drew novels, where a series of "coincidenses" leads to the killer feeling vulnerable and instantly confesses everything. I enjoyed the romance mostly, but I thought the mystery was ill-contrived. I give the authors points for keeping me to the end, but they will have to do more to get me to read the next in the series.

I liked this book. For me, it was a breath of fresh air to read contemporary "real-life" fiction. I generally read non-fiction, and when I do read fiction, its been older stories (e.g., Steinbeck) or fantasy (e.g., Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings). I enjoyed reading the main character's development and problems and relating to them, if only b/c she lives in the present day world.

The authors do a great job w/ character development, particularly Chloe. Even if she's not likable, as noted by the previous reviewer, the authorsdeveloped her enough for you to make that decision. If you're able to establish an opinion about a character, she's been well-developed.

I felt the story line was perhaps a bit rushed. But, again, I looked past that b/c I was so excited to read contemporary fiction. I had fun w/ the story line, nonetheless, and found myself picking up the book during any idle moment. I was hooked pretty early on. My only major let down was the end. It seemed a little too matter-of-fact and not enough of a shocker. But given that, I'm interested enough in the main character to pick up the 2nd book in the series.

Despite some minor flaws, I was entertained and enjoyed the book -- surely the goal of any author. I recommend the book!

Oh, Miss Chickie, I hate to do this, but I really have to disagree. I thought that "Steamed" pretty much stunk. And that makes me very, very sad. See, I was prepared to like this book a lot. I was ready for something fun and cleaver, and I thought this book sounded like it was made for me. A main character that loves awesome restaurants! A witty murder mystery set in one of my favourite cities! Why, I love awesome restaurants, AND murder mysteries. Dude!

First and foremost, I really, really disliked Chloe, the main character. I thought that there was nothing at all to like about her. I thought that she came across as a complainer, and as one of those people who claim that things just happen to her, and never takes responsibility for the part that she plays in her own life. And even worse, I found her to be very, very shallow. And that's just completely unforgivable.

The thing is, it's not just Chloe that's shallow - because I really don't think that was either of the authors' intent. I think the main problem is that the writing itself being shallow. There is nothing at all compelling about how the story is fleshed out. The plotting and pacing feel rushed and surface-y, and the supporting cast of characters? Completely unmemorable.

There was a time when chick-lit was cleaver and funny and, though light, didn't make you feel dumber after having read it. The flaws and foibles of the main characters were both laughable and endearing. These were the kind of books that were written by actual storytellers, who knew about funny, and knew about precious, and knew the fine line between awesome and pathetic. This is not one of those books.

I just finished reading this and I loved it! This was sent to me by one of the authors, Jessica Conant-Park. I am always nervous when people send me stuff - what if I don't like it? But my fears were unfounded cause I loved it!

It's a fun lighthearted murder mystery with interesting characters and amazing mouth watering food. It even has recipes at the back for some of the dishes they talk about.

This is perfect chicklit to read sitting on the beach or vegging after a long day at work. If you enjoy books like the Shoppaholic Series you'll love this forsure. I definitely recommend it!