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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book is the perfect example as to why characters need to have chemistry in order to make for good smut. I really wanted to like this book but it was so disappointing. Dahlia and London have zero chemistry. They had no emotional connection and no banter, they exclusively had a physical connection. This had me cringing at every sex scene. The scenes always came out of no where and because of the characters lack of chemistry felt pointless. Plus the food sex scene had me actually gagging because that is disgusting and unsanitary. Also, I would like to say if Chefs Special was not airing live there is no way they would be sending contestants home, especially if they were all coming back for the finale. They would keep them in the hotel until the finale was filmed and then send them all home at the same time as to not spoil the show. Since Dahlia’s going home was the main third act argument I could not take it seriously because that would seriously never happen.
There are some things I liked about this book, very few of them but there are still some. I think London’s nonbinary representation was important and authentic. I also loved London’s arch with their dad. I think it showed a lot of growth in comfortability with their identity. I also liked Dahlia and London’s relationships with their siblings. But other than that the rest of the book was borderline bad.
2/5 stars
There are some things I liked about this book, very few of them but there are still some. I think London’s nonbinary representation was important and authentic. I also loved London’s arch with their dad. I think it showed a lot of growth in comfortability with their identity. I also liked Dahlia and London’s relationships with their siblings. But other than that the rest of the book was borderline bad.
2/5 stars
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This book is pure, unadulterated fluff that manages to fit in some very heavy themes without veering from the happy sentiments of a good rom-com. Both Dahlia and London have endearing quirks that ensure they're memorable and enjoyable characters to follow along with as they learn new things about themselves and their families and explore the possibilities being in America's favorite cooking show provide them.
It's a solid upward-leaning 3.5 stars for me, but I can see it being a very positive read for someone looking for a bit of quirky charm with their romance.
Happy thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the read!
It's a solid upward-leaning 3.5 stars for me, but I can see it being a very positive read for someone looking for a bit of quirky charm with their romance.
Happy thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the read!
medium-paced
Loved this one. I instantly loved both of the characters, and the reality TV/cooking show component was really fun.
Such a cute book! It’s like Great British Baking Show, but in America and with romance. Also non-binary, queer, and other LGBT+ characters. Dahlia and London are my favorite and I love their relationship. The side characters are also pretty cool (I would love to hang out with Hank). I think the author did a pretty good job handling the aspects of each person’s lgbt+ identity. I especially appreciate that the characters have different stories relating to their identities and how their families reacted to them. London’s relationship with their dad was especially poignant. Overall, I would say this is a good book if you want a pick me up and a cute queer romance with lots of food.
Thank you Forever publishing for my earc copy of Love & Other Disasters. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Love & Other Disasters is a top notch kitchen battle romance that will defy standards for ages to come. Anita Kelly defies gender stereotypes and relationships In her new novel.
Ever wanted to compete on a cooking show? Our two main characters, Dehlia and Liz have both dreamed of cooking on Chef’s Special and winning the 100,000 prize. Dehlia, fresh off her divorce, wants to pay off her debt. Liz, a proud non-binary cook, wants to use the money to start a nonprofit for LGBTQ cooks. Liz: ready to come alive to the world as they/them share their pronouns for the first time to the world. Dehlia: questioning her sexuality. What these two cooks don’t realize is that they are falling for one another fast and hard, episode by episode. But will love conquer all in the kitchen and on TV? Or will the competition allow the winner to take it all and leave the loser in shambles?
Love & Other Disasters sets the standard tone for non-binary romances. Readers will want to root for Liz as they/the, put themselves out there on national TV. The match made between Dahlia and Liz has sparks flying off the page by the first half of the novel. With gut wrenching and steamy scenes, Anita Kelly has a stunning story in her hands. Those will pick up this story will come out with the biggest smile and emotions all the way up their selves. In the end, it’s all worth it for some love, some food and some laughter. The message is true to the tale: be who you are and you’ll shine.
Love & Other Disasters is a top notch kitchen battle romance that will defy standards for ages to come. Anita Kelly defies gender stereotypes and relationships In her new novel.
Ever wanted to compete on a cooking show? Our two main characters, Dehlia and Liz have both dreamed of cooking on Chef’s Special and winning the 100,000 prize. Dehlia, fresh off her divorce, wants to pay off her debt. Liz, a proud non-binary cook, wants to use the money to start a nonprofit for LGBTQ cooks. Liz: ready to come alive to the world as they/them share their pronouns for the first time to the world. Dehlia: questioning her sexuality. What these two cooks don’t realize is that they are falling for one another fast and hard, episode by episode. But will love conquer all in the kitchen and on TV? Or will the competition allow the winner to take it all and leave the loser in shambles?
Love & Other Disasters sets the standard tone for non-binary romances. Readers will want to root for Liz as they/the, put themselves out there on national TV. The match made between Dahlia and Liz has sparks flying off the page by the first half of the novel. With gut wrenching and steamy scenes, Anita Kelly has a stunning story in her hands. Those will pick up this story will come out with the biggest smile and emotions all the way up their selves. In the end, it’s all worth it for some love, some food and some laughter. The message is true to the tale: be who you are and you’ll shine.
ugh
Review breakdown:
Writing: this reads as if someone is literally just telling you a story - this happened, then this happened. this book is the example of what not to do when it comes to "show, don't tell." everything is written in passive voice - when so and so had done this, they had been turned on. put us in that scene. show us the character is turned on. let us feel what the character feels. if it's important enough for you to tell us about it, then show us instead. also, some of the language and imagery in this made me want to dnf. my library is currently under cyber attack so i can't take out any new loans, so I pushed through.
Characters: it's a no for me for both people. and why is london so angry? they want to punch things, grunt, and set things on fire. wut?
Plot: two contestants on a tv cooking show fall in love. the cooking show was basically irrelevant to the story. this is just about two people who are near each other, do some things together, and I guess they fall in love.
What would make this an extra star read for me: this could have been a COOKING love story. use their love of food to have them fall in love. lean into the setup you have with them being on this show together. people on cooking shows usually have some passion for food and it really didn't seem like either of these people cared.
Vibes: I was bored, grossed out, and generally not having a good time
Review breakdown:
Writing: this reads as if someone is literally just telling you a story - this happened, then this happened. this book is the example of what not to do when it comes to "show, don't tell." everything is written in passive voice - when so and so had done this, they had been turned on. put us in that scene. show us the character is turned on. let us feel what the character feels. if it's important enough for you to tell us about it, then show us instead. also, some of the language and imagery in this made me want to dnf. my library is currently under cyber attack so i can't take out any new loans, so I pushed through.
Characters: it's a no for me for both people. and why is london so angry? they want to punch things, grunt, and set things on fire. wut?
Plot: two contestants on a tv cooking show fall in love. the cooking show was basically irrelevant to the story. this is just about two people who are near each other, do some things together, and I guess they fall in love.
What would make this an extra star read for me: this could have been a COOKING love story. use their love of food to have them fall in love. lean into the setup you have with them being on this show together. people on cooking shows usually have some passion for food and it really didn't seem like either of these people cared.
Vibes: I was bored, grossed out, and generally not having a good time
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Solid Five Stars. I fell in love with this book and am only sad I hadn’t read it sooner. Slice of Life contemporary romance isn’t normally my thing but this has it all. The chemistry between the main characters is perfect and the dialogue is so natural. If you love queer romance give this a try.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia
There’s a few instances of adult children talking to their parents about feelings and if you have intense feelings about your own family and wanting closure buckle up. It’s not the main focus but it hits you even it is.