The Devil Served Tortellini
Monday, August 17th, 2009
For Maria Pagliano, too much of a good thing has always been a problem. Whether it’s men or carbs, she just can’t say no. But that’s about to change. For her high school reunion, Maria’s vowed to reinvent herself as a woman who has her life strictly in order. No more pasta, bread, dessert, or dating- even if the menu offering is one sexy chef named Dante Del Rosso. Everything about Dante is off-limits. From his come-hither smile to his sultry way around the kitchen in his Boston restaurant, he’s too much temptation…for her taste buds and her heart. Just being around the guy makes her crave more. The only thing to do is go cold turkey on Dante. But he has other ideas. Now, this devil is out to woo his dream woman using every spicy, sweet, and sinfully delicious weapon he’s got. And once Maria gets a taste of the real thing, how can she possibly settle for anything less?
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars A nice Sunday Morning Read
The Devil Served Tortellini was a very cute story. Maria has her ten-year school reunion coming up and plans to hook up with her old prom date. She wants to fit into a size 8 so she joins The Chubby Chums. After her first meeting she meets Dante outside his Italian Restaurant and sparks fly. If she you enjoy this genre I think you would also enjoy; Mr. Destiny by Candy Halliday, Glory Days by Irene Peterson and The Nine Month Plan by Wendy Markham.
5 Stars Great romance will make you really hungry!
It’s almost time for her 10 year reunion, and Maria Pagliano wants to lose 25 pounds in 8 weeks to charm the pants off former paramour Antonio and compete with former heavyweight, Mary Louise Zipparetto. So it is off to the “Chubby Chums” for weight loss guidance.
Of course, wouldn’t you know that the meetings would be held across the street from an Italian restaurant, where of course she ends up after fleeing the first meeting (for guilt associated with what she ate that day). She meets chef Dante del Rosso, who encourages her to come in and take a load off. Soon she is helping him woo the local food critic. He thinks she is perfect as is, but she is not biting.
Dante is soon in lust with Maria, and manages to insinuate himself in her life by hooking up with her family. She is resistant – she does not want a traditional guy from the neighborhood. But if Dante has his way (and her family and his wait staff…), she will be singing another tune.
It is a great contemporary love story with the added bonuses of some incredible mouth watering Italian recipes (with the most hysterical cooking instructions)!
5 Stars Originally Posted on Romance Junkies in 2005
Maria Pagliano is a woman on a mission. She must lose weight in time for her high school reunion in less than two months. Her old lover will be there, and she wants to show off a beautiful figure. Maria joins the Chubby Chums weight loss support group. This group is outrageously funny with their supportive sayings. Maria must stick to the crazy group, because she’s definitely having a hard time saying no to her favorite Italian foods. Especially when chef Dante Del Rosso offers up his to-die-for Tortellini.
Dante has finally found a woman who he can picture in his future. But, Maria is not only trying to keep her hands off food, but men are a no-no, too. Dante can’t resist the passion that radiates from Maria or the love that fills up her heart. Her family is crazy and passionate, but Dante has always wanted that for himself. Now, Dante will have to convince Maria that he’s right for her, because she’s certainly fighting the attraction. With the little help of a matchmaking mamma, Dante just might get the woman of his dreams.
Maria is an all around beautiful heroine. She is full of passion, love and excitement. She was once betrayed by a man she was deeply in love with, and the relationship left a deep scar on her heart. Maria doesn’t want to make the same mistake twice, but Dante is just the passionate Italian to get her pulse racing and her heart thumping. Dante rates at the top of list for one the sexiest heroes I’ve ever encountered. And, I totally fell in love with him.
Author Shirley Jump has a writing talent that is pure magic! I always love escaping into a wonderful book by this author, because she definitely knows how to create a world of love, laughter and luscious food. THE DEVIL SERVED TORTELLINI is absolutely hilarious and healthily dosed with scrumptious recipes. Mix in a crazy cast of characters, a fun plot, and pages ripe with excellent Italian dialogue, and you’ve got yourself a keeper. I can’t wait to get my hands on Ms. Jump’s next novel, The Angel Craved Lobster, coming in August 2005! I know it’s going to be scrumptious!
2 Stars Chubby Chums
This was my second book by Shirley Jump and I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first. While the story moved quickly and the writing flowed well, I never really got into it.
I enjoyed that the book was set in Boston and I enjoyed Dante and Arnold but I never liked Maria that well. I never felt like I was rooting for her and Dante to be together and I hate books where the main character is always fretting about her diet.
I also never felt the chemistry between Maria and Dante.
I did, however, enjoy the Chubby Chums support group greatly and was glad that they were incorporated into the end. I especially liked Arnold. I would hang out with the Chubby Chums to help me achieve my dieting goals. Lord knows I need the help.
4 Stars oh those receipes,,,
I really enjoyed this book especially Dante. I want a Dante of my own please!
Cute story with Maria fighting her cravings to lose the 25lbs for her class reunion and Dante owning an Italian eatery tempting her with his cooking. You got to love his staff and her mama and nanna is a hoot.