I had a hard time connecting with these characters. The story was okay, but there was nothing exceptional to it. This is the first of a new series but other than Gwen's brother, Chris, there no other stand out secondary character who caught my interest.

Chef Gwen Lalonde thought that she was helping her boss/boyfriend when she earned the prestigious three star rating in the Michelin Guide. He was busy trying to become the next Food Network star leaving Gwen to run the place in his stead. He feel his restaurant earning this award in his absence is a betrayal on her part and he throws her out and slanders her good name. Knowing she will not get another job in San Francisco, where she made her home wit Stephen, Gwen runs home to lick her wounds and try to figure out what to do next.

In Boulder, Colorado, childhood friend and quarterback of the Colorado Blizzard is opening a steakhouse in honor of his mother and featuring all his mother's favorite recipes. Logan offers the position of head chef to Gwen, even knowing that it is below her talent, but wanting to help her in her time of need.

Gwen feels like working at the steakhouse is like hitting rock bottom and finally gets Logan to agree to allow her to offer a menu of daily specials allowing her to be creative and giving her some control over the kitchen.

While Gwen is struggling to regain her chef's dignity, Logan is fighting to stay in football just one more year. He fights the pain in this bad knee but this years the Blizzards just might make it to the Superbowl. If he can just keep from injuring himself any further, he may finally have a chance to earn a Superbowl ring.

I was not enamored with this story at all. Gwen was a hard woman to like. She had a definite chip on her shoulder. She also goes quickly from her lost love of the San Francisco chef to being in love with Logan.

Both Logan's Agent and his father were nasty to him and indicating the Logan shouldn't waste his focus on the steakhouse nor on Gwen since he needs to be completely focused on winning a Superbowl. Logan seemed to have no problem managing all those aspects of his life and that just made them jerks. Logan can't get rid of his Dad, but he could have fired the agent.

Gwen gives Logan just as much of a hard time about playing injured like she never heard of sports stars having to do whatever they needed to to win. Her brother was a teammate of Logan's. This should not have been news to her.

I just never felt the chemistry with these two, nor did I find anything that interesting about the secondary characters which would draw me back for the next story. The story itself was just meh.

Meh. Didn't grab me. I didn't love either character. They were both so closed off, and depressed, and depressing. I like a romance that is a little happier.

What a delicious read and start to a new series. This is also the first book by Rachel Goodman that I've read and I'm delighted to have become exposed . I'll admit a bit if the lure to this story was the setting ( being a Colorado girl). I was also drawn to it as it's a sports & brothers best friend romance and it lived up to all my expectations.

The story centers on wrongly disgraced chef Gwen Lalonde and highly lauded quarterback for the Colorado Blizzards, Logan Stonestreet. They're such great characters; with their work situation (she works for him) and family history, they have such a wonderful dynamic. Their banter is snarky, funny and filled with sexual tension. Though they both deny their real feelings and mutual attraction, and this builds up to a steamy and slightly surprising connection. Logan is charming and sweet, a genuine and honorable man. Gwen has a edge to her that is a great balance to his calmer nature.

The plot is well paced, with the characters facing choices that strains their relationship, but it's necessary for the growth of the characters and to drive the plot a certain way. It's a little angst but thankfully not too over the top and there is absolutely every reason to love these characters. They were both completely endearing early on and I really couldn't wait to see where and how, they would make it to each other.

I look forward to more books in this series and to go back and read her Blue Plate series. The characters and plot made for a perfect Contemporary Romance read. 5 Stars and recommendation!

Intercepting the Chef is sinfully sexy and sweet, Gwen and Logan turn up the heat in and out of the kitchen.

I loved this book! It was so funny, smart, sexy and just all around fun to read. It was not all fun and games though as it had real heart and I fell even harder for this story. Everything about the book was amazing. I highly encourage you to pick it up.

Absolutely adored this book -- from the characters to the subject matter the author did a great job of tackling subject matter that is very relevant. The love story itself was well-paced and woven with great care. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!! .

I really enjoyed this one! Rachel Goodman is a new to me author and I am delighted to have found her. This is the first book in what should be a fun series to read. I loved her writing style and how she develops her characters. There is a nice easy flow to the story with very little angst, a touch of humor, and a good amount of heat. Logan is just about perfect. Athlete, sweet, and sexy. Gwen is a little harder to warm up to but in the end I did enjoy her. Overall it's a great story that kept me very entertained. I would definitely recommend this one.

3.5 Stars!

I have not read this author before, but the title and cover of this book snagged my attention. I'm a sucker for a sports romance and I love that cover!

Gwen is an up and coming chef who gets caught up in the glam of her celebrity boss. She is blindsided when he fires her. He accuses her of using him for her own career, suspiciously after she helps his restaurant receive a coveted 3 star Michelin rating. In the process, he tries to ruin her reputation.

Not knowing what else to do, Gwen goes back home to Denver and takes a job as executive chef for Logan's new restaurant. Logan, best friends and fellow NFL player to Gwen's twin brother, has always been drawn to Gwen, but Gwen has been too focused on reaching her career goals. Now that she is back in town, he tries to reconnect with her. Unfortunately, Gwen is too fresh from the scandal with her previous boss.

What I loved about this book was Logan. He MADE this book. He's described as a serial monogamist. For a sports player, that's not an easy find in books and his character was very appealing. He did need to stand up to a few people, but otherwise no complaints.

Gwen was not as appealing to me. She seemed a bit selfish in the beginning but as her character grew, I did like her more towards the end. I was also not a fan of most of the side characters. Everyone seemed overly critical and not supportive to Gwen or Logan. Unfortunately, that just dulled some of my excitement for this book.

The writing was very mature and the storyline was good. Just because I wasn't a fan of some of the characters, it won't stop me from reading more from this author. ARC provided by Netgalley.

This is the first book I have ever read from Rachel Goodman, and I know it won’t be the last.
Intercepting the Chef has all the things I love in a romance book; funny, sassy, fun, slightly sexy along with football. What is a girl not to LOVE.
I also Love that it was from both POV; The Chef- Gwen & The Football Player- Logan.

At first I was mad at Gwen, she did not seem strong enough to me, but through out the book you see how strong she really is. I love how she is not afraid to be quirky and different, how she thinks outside the box. I fell for Logan right away, a sweetheart who started a restaurant in his mother's honor.

Through out the book they have amazing chemistry and I really enjoyed seeing how their lives played out, even with miscommunications and a breakup to end all they had worked towards. They grew stronger and learned a lot about each other. I was slightly disappointed on the epilogue, and wanted to know more. But if there is another book to the series, (hopefully with Gwen’s BFF - Missy and Gwen’s Twin Brother -Chris ;) ) I hope it will follow up more on Gwen & Logan.

Overall this book was a great read, very cute, and I would most defiantly would read the next book in this series. I might even check out a few other books by this author.

I enjoyed this one but, of course, it was about football and cooking, two of my favorite things! Logan Stonestreet is the quarterback for the Denver Blizzards and owner of a new restaurant in need of an executive chef. Gwen Lalonde is in need of a job and her twin Chris has set her up at Stonestreet's which is really not much of a stretch since they have all been friends since childhood and Chris is best friends with Logan, and a receiver for the Blizzards. Both Logan and Gwen have their issues and insecurities to overcome and watching them come together was so much fun.

I recommend this one and I am looking forward to more to come.

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

I read a lot of professional athlete romance novels, because...of course I do. What's not to like about a hero or heroine in peak physical condition? What I don't read a lot of is professional athlete romance novels in which a franchise Quarterback doesn't like football all that much. It's probably not a great thing that that was my takeaway from Intercepting the Chef. I mean, I get it; I don't like football all that much either. But Logan's apparent apathy for his profession didn't work for me. What did work for me was his passion for Gwen, the aspiring and inspiring chef.

Logan and Gwen have a childhood history that wasn't explored as much as I would have liked (Logan was TOTALLY into her in high school) but that history allowed for a quick meet-cute that worked despite the circumstances.

This wasn't your typical sports romance, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I hope to read more from Rachel Goodman and especially (hopefully?) about those other Denver Blizzard athletes falling in love.

Did not finish. Stopped at 72%. Was really enjoying the story until I didn't. Gwen has the personality of a doorknob. It's all about her. She hasn't put any effort into a potential relationship with Logan. It's like he was in 100% and she is clueless. Her fear of being seen as a lady sleeping her way up the ladder was weak!!! I wanted so much more!! Drama, craziness, something!!

I decided to read Intercepting the Chef because I absolutely adore foodie romances. Although this novel isn't the best foodie romance I've read, it still was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I especially appreciated the less glamorous look at the lives of both chefs and professional football players. I didn't feel at any time that the negatives to either profession were glossed over. The chemistry between Gwen and Logan was palpable, but I also felt a deep emotional connection between the characters that I could appreciate. I also really loved both characters' complex relationships with the other people in their lives, as well as the emotional depth with which this novel deals with issues such as loss, betrayal, and heartbreak. Some awkward writing throughout occasionally took me out of the story, but overall I found this to be a quick and emotionally satisfying read.

As an avid chef themed romance reader, I’m always on the lookout for new talent in this genre. This “new to me” author, Rachel Goodman, makes good on the promise she serves up in the book synopsis, folks. I enjoyed the steamy chemistry and back and forth banter of the main couple, especially how Gwen, the heroine, didn’t let Logan’s NFL quarterback career overly influence her reasons for wanting to be with him. Of course, since they grew up together and he currently still is her twin brother’s best friend, she certainly knew him well before he was famous.

Speaking of Logan, he really stepped up and kept throwing perfect passes trying to score the ultimate big win, Gwen’s heart. Sure, the first play out of both their romantic play books was the usual knucklehead strategy of “no strings/no commitment”, but this guy is no rookie, folks. He is determined to win on and off the field. He’s smart enough to know that won’t get the job done. Unfortunately, it takes Gwen much longer to be a team player and get on board with the program.

At the risk of playing literary Monday night quarterback here, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out what I considered fumbles in this one. Mostly, it felt overly long. It’s never a good sign when you catch yourself glancing down wondering why it hasn’t wrapped up yet. I’m sure the likely reason was the author wanted very established character development. I would have preferred some of that time been spent on more drama, i.e., Gwen’s former, older, famous chef boyfriend eating crow. Yeah, that would have really hit the spot.

In the beginning, I really enjoyed Gwen’s snarky, sarcastic sense of humor, which was humorously dead on what you would expect of a stereotypical talented, temperamental chef. It gave her a “no one messes with me” personna. But, pardon the bun, it began to grate on me, as it started to make her appear at times overly harsh/critical, especially near the end. Her nickname for the hero was funny at first, but it also started to feel overly used. Her constant hand wringing over what people thought of her got old, as well. For someone who was quick to speak up for others/defend them, she seemed to care way too much when strangers, who obviously hate spiteful agendas, portrayed her in a negative light. It took her strong, confident, determined character and made her appear whiny and weak. A generous serving of a big smile and mental middle finger would have been just the thing to dish out for those folks.

Well, I’ll say it again, in case you need a replay. I really liked Logan. He was known by his teammates as the serial monogamous dater, btw. Yeah, when he first hit the pros it is implied he hit the sheets with some random OW, but he must have realized sooner rather than later that wasn’t going to get him where he needed to be.

So, my fellow romance book-loving friends, here’s to hoping my review has been helpful in some way in determining if this is a pass or likely to score big on your romantic read scoreboard. No details are available yet on the next sequel. I’m assuming it will likely focus on Chris, Gwen’s twin brother, who is also an NFL athlete.

Title: Intercepting the Chef, Series: How to Score (Book 1), Author: Rachel Goodman, Pages: 368, chef heroine, NFL hero, stand-alone but part of a series, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle, reluctant to commit/sassy/confident yet insecure heroine, lots of back and forth banter, bickering towards the end, jumps to wrong conclusions.

(I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair review which was distributed via NetGalley. No compensation was provided to me, nor do I have any affiliation with the author/publisher/NetGalley. It will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, NetGalley, Barnes & Noble, and Edelweiss.)

* I received this as an arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion*

I loved this book. I'm not a chef but I throughly enjoy cooking. This book exceeded my expectations. It was cute, moving and kept my attention.

I have read several of Rachel's books and they were good solid stories. So I have always enjoyed reading her books. This new series is definitely going to be one that I look forward to.

I love her characters. The story mainly focused on the female character's point of view. Gwen was a solid character but she wasn't without a few issues. Logan is a sweetheart and really made the story. Under his own pressure from every direction, he was still sweet and kind and was ready to give Gwen his all.

The author really put her heart and soul into this book and it shows. A great plot some decent fire and heat with an ending that is touching and romantic. This book is kicking off a fun series that will we want to keep watching for.

If you ask anyone what my new favorite book obsession is besides sports romance, they will immediately tell you food-centric/focused heroes and heroines. I just absolutely love it. Bakeries, restaurants, bars, you name it! I love to see the fireworks fly! For this reason Intercepting the Chef was such a perfect combination of both worlds. It had a swoony, Quarterback hero in Logan Stonestreet and a sassy spitfire Chef (heroine) in Gwen Lalonde. Their chemistry was fiery and their chemistry combustible. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and didn't want it to end.

I really enjoyed Gwen and Logan's banter and relationship. It was a mixture of sweet and sassy and an all around good time. While I found Gwen to be unapproachable at times I understood her reasoning for it. She has had bad experiences with people she trusted and dated so a tough exterior was all fair in love and war. Likewise, I found Logan to be so so sweet and loving and I absolutely fell head over swoon with this man. He pulled at my heartstrings and I did not want to see him go! This was a fantastic start to a new series.

I would like to thank Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this novel for review.

This is such a fun book! It is the first book in a new series called “How to Score.” This one had so many of the things I love in a good romance – funny, quirky, and a little sexy (but not too much). The chef and football player main characters – yes, please! I like that the main character, Gwen, is a little sassy and holds back. It gave her a bit of toughness that I liked. The hero, Logan, is the All American quarterback with a heart of gold.

I loved the side characters and how they were integrated into the overall romance. I think Gwen and Logan had great chemistry and I enjoyed seeing them find what they needed in each other. This is a really great start of a series. I can’t wait to read the upcoming books!

Intercepting the Chef is the first book in anew series by Rachel Goodman. Logan Stonestreet is the Colorado Blizzards star quarterback & the best friend of Chris Lalonde. Logan & Chris had the luck to be on the same NFL team & play together. So, when Chris asks Logan for a favor, he's happy to oblige. Plus he remembers Chris's twin sister, Gwen & knows she is a great chef.

Gwen Lalonde is a rising star in the restaurant world. On what should have been one of the greatest nights of her life, her boyfriend & boss fired her. The community is a tight one & Gwen ended up being blackballed. She can't believe she ended up back in Denver as Logan's head Chef for his steakhouse called Stonestreet's.

I really enjoyed this story & the interactions between the characters. Both Gwen & Logan had their fears holding them back. For Gwen, it was a fear of risk & failure. After seeing her father fail at his own restaurant three separate times & then pull into himself & settle for a job on a cruise ship, Gwen doesn't think she can make it on her own. Logan's father was a hotshot football player that won 3 Super Bowls. Logan hasn't won any & takes all of the blame on himself. Gwen's brother, Chris, comes across as your typical self centered, arrogant football player that thinks he's the center of everything. The interactions with the other football players & even Logan's dad & Gwen's parents add more color & understanding to the story. I can't wait to see who book 2 is about!

Three and a half stars.

Gwen Lalonde is a chef at a two Michelin-star restaurant in San Francisco, her boss is also her boyfriend. But everything goes spectacularly wrong when the restaurant receives its third star, suddenly her lover is accusing her of trying to claim responsibility (for the menu she designed and cooks) and basically sacks her. Humiliated, especially because her ex doesn't hesitate to spread rumours that he sacked her for incompetence and that she had only got the job by sleeping with him, she goes home to Denver. Gwen's father was also a chef but his ambition led him to open his own restaurants several times and fail spectacularly every time. He and Gwen's mother had an acrimonious divorce and he is now the chef on a cruise ship, although he channels his ambition into Gwen's career now.

Gwen's twin Chris plays for the Denver Blizzards NFL team, alongside his best friend Logan Stonestreet. Gwen has been in love with Logan since she was eight years old but he has always been out of her league: the son of a Superbowl winner, wealthy and Adonis-like appearance. Logan's mother died of ovarian cancer and his father has been living out of a bottle pretty much ever since. He too lives vicariously through Logan's career, pushing him to win a Superbowl ring.

Logan has recently opened a steak restaurant and offers Gwen the job of executive chef, although the idea of cooking crab fishcakes and ribs every night horrifies Gwen she decides any job is better than no job and that she could get a job in a more prestigious restaurant once all the gossip dies down.

Logan will do whatever is necessary to lock-down Gwen, allowing her carte blanche to design a daily specials menu being just one example, but it's a case of once bitten twice shy for Gwen, she doesn't want people to think she's sleeping with her boss again, or that she only got the job because she put out so she keeps him at arms' length. With Logan afraid to push Gwen too hard and Gwen scared of having her heart broken again AND losing all professional credibility in the process, can these two ever be more than just friends with benefits?

I felt that this had too much angst. Logan has clearly lost his love of the game but is doggedly determined to get his team to the Superbowl, even though he has an injured knee which he is constantly nursing and which further injury might result in him being crippled. His father, the coach, the press and frankly everyone in Denver seems to believe that every move on the football pitch is Logan's responsibility as the quarterback. Gwen is desperate for Logan to quit football before he cripples himself, which seems odd given she seems to have no such reservations about her brother. Some of Logan's determination to play despite his injuries clearly comes from his father who, apparently believes that the probability of Logan being seriously injured is worth the risk to reach the Superbowl. Gwen on the other hand is constantly being pushed by her father to advance her career whilst her mother just seems constantly disapproving. Gwen is characterised as being someone who runs when things get difficult but I'm not sure that I agree with that characterisation, she stays long beyond what she needs/should do out of loyalty and because she wants to perfect her craft, scared that she will fail through lack of preparation. Also, TBH, she goes where the jobs are offered.

This was an interesting mix of a sports romance and a chef romance (the clue of course being in the title: Intercepting the Chef, great play on words). I just thought that at some points (when convenient) Gwen forgot, or Logan forgot, that she/he had been in love with him/her for ever and they were on the verge of falling in love/ declaring their love.

Interesting to see who comes next, presumably it's Chris Lalonde?