As I was writing Twice Baked, I had no idea how much of myself I had put into the story until I had finished it.  There is so much of myself in this book that its a little frightening to me.  See in some ways I am the Pickiest Eater in America.  Much to my husband’s consternation.  Dominic is a foodie and he has a huge range of things he likes, many of which I would’t touch with a ten foot pole.  So when I was developing this story, I pulled on a lot of that dynamic to build my characters.   And I have to tell you that most of the things that Luke hates in the story are things I don’t eat either.  And Meyer is in a way a stand in for Dominic.  Though I think my husband is cuter, but that’s just me.  🙂

When the pickiest eater in America is tapped to judge a cooking competition along with his chef ex-boyfriend, will it be a recipe for a second chance… or disaster?

Luke Walker’s humor about foods he can’t stand made him an internet celebrity and his blog, The Pickiest Eater in America, a huge hit. He plans to bring that same lighthearted comedy to the show—but he won’t be the only host.

Meyer Thibodeaux might be a famous chef, but he’s solemn, uptight, and closeted. He’s also  Luke’s ex. As different as they are, the sparks between Luke and Meyer never really went out, and as they work together, each begins to see the other in a new light, and the passion between them reignites, hot as ever. But secrets, gossip, and rumors on the set could sour their reunion.

Excerpt:

“We’ll get started in just a minute, but it’s good to have you both with us,” Claude said, folding his hands on the table. He must have been the lead producer, because no one else made an effort to speak, even when he grew quiet. “This is our eighth season, and we wanted to do a few things to shake it up.” The assistant returned, whispered something in Claude’s ear, and then stepped back. “It seems our final judge was caught in traffic, but he’s just passed through the gate.” He spoke softly with the man next to him, and then the door opened.

My heart fluttered for a second as Meyer strode through the door. He looked as fantastic as he always had, with that incredible long hair and those amazing eyes.

Then it hit me—Meyer was who we were waiting for.

I forced myself to remain sitting upright in my chair as he looked around the room. I knew the instant he spotted me. I suppressed a smile as he paled slightly, then walked to the seat next to me and sat.

“What are you doing here?” he whispered.

“I’m a judge this season,” I answered, and grew quiet as Claude got everyone’s attention.

“I want to keep this meeting brief because we all have work to do, but I’m pleased to introduce all of you to our judges for season eight of Cooking Masters. Rachel Green is returning as our host, and Meyer Thibodeau is joining us as our head judge for the season. I’m sure you are familiar with his other work on the network. Food blogger Luke Walker will be stepping in as our third, seasonal guest judge.” He cleared his throat and paused for a second, probably for dramatic effect. “Meyer has quite a following on the network, and we believe he is going to do an amazing job for us. We have worked with Rachel before, and I know she will bring her sense of style and pizzazz to the show. So it is going to be a great season.”

I didn’t take offense at not being mentioned again. The others had real cred on the show, and I was an unknown.

The doors opened, and a young lady wheeled in a cart with coffee and water. The meeting paused as people moved about to get drinks.

“You’re a judge?” Meyer growled under his breath. “I didn’t think that would be something you’re qualified for.”

What a snarky ass.

“Yeah, and you’re going to have to put up with me for the next two months,” I retorted, then winked at him, putting on my most mischievous “I know a secret” grin. Two could play that game. “I think it’s going to be so much fun seeing how you work.”

Meyer paled.

Andrew Grey is the author of over 100 works of Contemporary Gay Romantic fiction. After twenty-seven years in corporate America, he has now settled down in Central Pennsylvania with his husband, Dominic, and his laptop. An interesting ménage. Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He is a recipient of the RWA Centennial Award, has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and now writes full-time. Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.