Review: Food Whore by Jessica Tom

Food Whore

by Jessica Tom

Publisher: William Morrow

Pages: 352

Format: ARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Food whore (n.) A person who will do anything for food. 

Fresh out of college, Tia Monroe has every intention of taking the New York City restaurant scene by storm. But after a coveted internship goes up in smoke, Tia’s suddenly just another food lover in the big city.

Yet everything changes when Michael Saltz, a legendary New York Times restaurant critic, lets Tia in on a career-ending secret: he’s lost his sense of taste. Now he wants Tia to serve as his palate, ghostwriting his reviews. In return he promises her lavish meals, a boundless cache of designer clothing, and the opportunity of a lifetime. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Tia agrees.

Within weeks, Tia’s world transforms into one of glamour and luxury: four-star dinners, sexy celebrity chefs, and an unlimited expense account at Bergdorf Goodman. Tia loves every minute of it…until she sees her words in print and Michael Saltz taking all the credit. As the veneer of extravagance wears thin and her secret identity begins to crumble, Tia is faced with what it means to truly succeed. In a city where “making it” is the ultimate goal, Tia will have to decide: how far is she willing to go for the life she craves?


Kritters Thoughts:  Tia Monroe was an interesting character.  A grad student and food lover she is trying to complete school and decide where she wants to go after it is over.  She is trying to juggle a long term boyfriend, new room mates, school and an internship and no one can do it all, so something has to suffer, the question is which one?

If you have followed this blog for any bit, you know I love a good behind the scenes book!  I loved being able to see into how restaurant critics work - wouldn't mind having their jobs for a bit!  I loved how we saw Tia get swept into the food industry and seeing that there are quite a lot of different jobs within this industry other than chef!  I love when a book can teach me something without me even realizing it.

One thing that I didn't love about this book was the exchange of clothes and things for reviews.  I felt like it was a little weird, off and out of her character to all of the sudden covet the clothes and goods.  I honestly thought that this part of the book could have been left out and it still would have felt like a full and complete story.  

Overall I enjoyed this book, with a few minor things.  I would read more from this author, but would definitely check into the synopsis first.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from TLC Book Tours.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.