Return of the Chauffeur's Son

This was a fun love triangle story with supporting characters that added a lot to it. Luca and Dylan were sizzling! The audio version was superb.

5 fun loving drinking stars!
I love just about everything that Tara Lain writes, and this story definitely doesn’t disappoint! We meet Luca on the airplane heading back to his childhood home, stuck between two busybodies – who eventually come to his rescue. The thing is, Luca has been dreading coming home because his childhood crush, a straight guy who happens to also be the son of his dad’s employer, is there… and he still carries a torch for him.

Now look, it’s clear from the beginning how the story would unfold, so there isn’t a great mystery per se, but there are a few exciting bumps and turns along the way – just as you think you know what’s going to happen. I can’t quite put my finger on the “why” I loved this book so much – but I truly did. The main characters, Luca and Dylan, were just so delicious (food pun, on purpose). Their relationship built throughout the story and seemed to fall in place – just for their worlds to be shaken up. It’s a great HEA fairy-tale, filled with great lovable characters, money and station in life not being a barrier, and the love of family after all.

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves a good (and maybe a tiny bit sappy) love story. I read it in one reading because I just wanted, so much, to see how they would work together… and if it would happen.

Review Copy of Return of the Chauffeur’s Son provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review. Reviewed by Mel at Alpha Book Club.

Tara Lain has taken a wonderful classic movie and revamped it beautifully. Return of the Chauffeur’s Son is an homage to Sabrina, written with all the yearning, the heartbreak, and the love of the beloved film.

Luca is a dynamic character, a beloved son returning home from culinary school to begin his career. Luca is also in love with James, the younger son of the family his dad works for and with whom Luca grew up. Dylan is James’s older brother and knows what he likes in life. He is driven and focused on his career, and yet feels protective of Luca, since James is completely straight and James knows Luca is going to get his heart broken.

The secondary cast of characters are by turns charming, frustrating, and utterly delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them – even the ones who annoyed me to the point of contempt.

Also included is an insider’s look into the cutthroat environment of the culinary world. Luca’s struggles and successes in his chosen profession engage the emotions and create some of the drama of the story.

Set mainly in California, the world-building is rich and dynamic. You can see each scene clearly in your mind. A secondary location is NYC, and even though drastically different in environment, Lain’s descriptions are just as vibrant.

The plot is full of twists and turns, with a slow build romance that leaves you aching for more with each page turned. To say any more is to give away everything that is so lovely about this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed Return of the Chauffeur’s Son, and I heartily endorse it with four solid stars of excellence. Embrace this unique homage to the greats!


I voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book for Divine Magazine from Dreamspinner Press with hopes for but no obligation to provide a review.

**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**

I do enjoy Tara Lain’s books, quite a bit. There are always characters with rich personalities, and quirks that change from book to book. This book is no exception. The side characters have their own personalities and little differences, as well.

Dylan kept his demeanor cool and aloof for most of the book. In many instances, it was difficult to tell what he felt (or didn’t feel) for Luca. Meanwhile, Luca had a difficult time coming around to Dylan, almost too much trouble. It did feel a little forced to have him go straight from one love to another, with a little bit of dating in between.

The espionage story was a great side story. It provided some additional depth to Luca, finding out how much he really wanted to be home, and what he was willing to put up with from the locals. In the end, he won, with the help of Dylan, and was cleared of all wrongdoing. I did like that no one that really “knew” Luca believed he was willing to go to such lengths to win a contest.

As with all of Tara’s books, it had the ever present HEA, and with some great stuff to look forward to with the happy couple(s). I loved that we got to experience a little of that HEA, as well.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Reviewed for Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

Spoiler free review.
Who knew the world of the crème de la crème of the a la carte menu could not only be so cutthroat/ruthless/aggressive but also, sexy as hell all at the same time?
If I was ever on a panel of Book Inspectors looking to award a mythical Literary Michelin Star for Romance Reads, Tara Lain would be one of my nominations. I’ve just gormandised myself on her latest offering, The Return of the Chauffeur’s Son. For me, it was a readers gourmet delight.
The quality of the storyline was yet again delivered to perfection. Her research a banquet of exceptionality and her level of creativity in her secondary characters were like hot spicy hors d’oeuvres - the perfect accompaniment to the two/three protagonists.
Are you fed up with all the food references? Feel that I'm Fangirling too much? Well I'm sorry but I'm not apologising, this book was a sumptuous delight, I devoured it.
Five big fat gourmet stars from me.