Cute story with plenty of humor but after awhile the plot got repetitious and I didn't like heroines stubbornness. The final solution occurred to me early on and I ended up skipping chunks of the book. Maria wants to lose weight for her reunion and it's not a good time to meet chef Dante.
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This was a slow starting story that eventually gathered speed just after half way. A cute storyline but not one that grabs you and sucks you in. I am handing the book off to a friend who needs a new cooking project for her to see if any of the recipes that begin each chapter, are any good. ( )

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. ( )

From BackCover:
All’s Fair In Love, War, And Pasta
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 ( )