Zoey wants out of her marriage, but agrees to a trial separation (which says it all there - she's in a mistake of a marriage but is too easily swayed from her own convictions). Living with her sister in New York, Zoey befriends a "fish out of water" guy through her catering business and of course (since this is a romance) they fall for each other. The question is - will Zoey finally start living life on her terms or continue to let others guilt her into doing what they want? ( )

Under the Table is a slight departure from Stephanie Evanovich's first three novels, which featured sports more prominently, and characters that appeared in all three books.

Her new novel, Under the Table, introduces us to Zoey, a young Midwestern woman who separated from her husband and moved to New York City to live with her sister Ruth.

Ruth has a good job and loves to go out at night, flitting from guy to guy. Zoey is trying to get her personal catering business off the ground when she meets Tristan, a shy, wealthy tech guy who appears to lack social skills.

Zoey falls in love with Tristan's state-of-the-art kitchen, and anyone who loves to cook will swoon as well as the description of his kitchen. (And as someone who lives in a moderately small NYC apartment, I definitely had kitchen envy!)

She befriends Tristan and after hearing the story of how he grew up with his grandparents, Zoey vows to help him become a little more hip. She takes him clothes shopping, and they enjoy each other's company.

Tristan, in return, takes Zoey golfing. Now I have to admit that I don't really think of golfing as sexy, but Evanovich is such a terrific writer, she makes a golf outing hot. (I tip my golf cap to her.)

Zoey doesn't want to fall for Tristan as her marriage situation is an issue, and Tristan doesn't want to fall for Zoey for the same reason, but of course they do as the course of love never runs smooth as they say.

I adored Under the Table! Nobody does sassy, sweet and sexy better than Stephanie Evanovich. You want to be friends with her characters, and my favorite one in this book is Phyllis, the truck driver who picks up a hitchhiking Zoey.

I also loved that Tristan was a big reader, and the shout-out to Jackie Collins made me smile. (I got to meet Collins at a book signing, and she was one of the loveliest people I have ever met.)

I always say that you should read Evanovich's books by the pool because there are always a few sex scenes in them that after you read them, you're gonna need to cool off a bit, and Under the Table is no exception. I highly recommend Under the Table, it will take you away for a few hours and boy do we need that nowadays. ( )

Zoey leaves her estranged husband to live with her sister in NYC. She meets Tristan through work one night and is instantly intrigued. Now she must decide what to do!

Light, easy read! ( )

Under the Table by Stephanie Evanovich is a light-hearted, entertaining romance.

Zoey Sullivan relocated to New York while attempting to figure what to do about her unhappy marriage to her high school sweetheart Derek. Deciding the business world is not for her, she is working hard to get her fledgling catering business off the ground. Successful enough to quit her day job, Zoey is charmed by her newest client, Tristan Malloy. After spending time with the clothing-challenged recluse, she gives him a make-over that reveals just how good-looking and sexy he is. A breezy friendship springs up between them, but Zoey soon realizes she is falling for Tristan. But does Tristan feel the same way? And what is Zoey going to do about her unhappy marriage?

Zoey is a likable character but she turns out to be a bit of a pushover. Although they are complete opposites, her relationship with her sister Ruth is close. Ruth hits the party scene every weekend whereas Zoey is a homebody. She is not much for introspection and well, she lets everyone else make her decisions for her. Zoey does not want to go back to Derek, but instead of standing up to him, she lets him set the guidelines for their separation. She is very surprised by her attraction to Tristan, but what, if anything, will Zoey do about her unexpected feelings for him?

Tristan is an absolute sweetheart. Before moving to New York, he lived a sheltered life with his grandparents on St. Croix. Tristan has been living in New York for quite some time, but he does not care for the hustle and bustle of city life. He is an avid golfer, but otherwise, he is content to stay home and read. Tristan is a true gentleman with impeccable manners and the utmost respect for Zoey. Under her tutelage, he emerges from his shell, but do his feelings for her extend beyond friendship?

Under the Table is an enjoyable romance that is a fun, light read. Zoey and Tristan are appealing characters with interesting backstories. Although her heart is in the right place, Ruth is overbearing and a little manipulative. Just as it appears as though Zoey and Tristan are on their path to happily ever after, Zoey's past crashes headlong into her present. With a clever twist, Stephanie Evanovich brings this unique love story to a satisfying conclusion. An overall sweet romance that I liked and recommend to fans of the genre.
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Clever and fun. Enjoyed your characters and found them believable and very nice. Good writing. Would definitely recommend... ( )