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bookcasey's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is one of those books that will make you hungry. This is also one of those books that will have you yelling in frustration at the main character.
Open door, hetero, NYC romance with a lot of descriptions of food.
Post-read notes:
When the obnoxious, pretentious, rich guy is not the most aggravating character, you know something’s off. Sure, it creates conflict, but the way she suddenly and unreasonably decides he was attacking or mocking her was extreme and unnecessary. I didn’t really want to root for her when she lashed out based on very little. I loved the side plot with the best friend, but that’s a revenge fantasy that hits very close to home for me.
Open door, hetero, NYC romance with a lot of descriptions of food.
Post-read notes:
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Sexism
Intrusive thoughts or similar, lots of food and eating descriptions, minor body insecurity, sexism in techmeganpbennett's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I enjoyed Sadie on a Plate, and was therefore excited for Best Served Hot. It didn't live up to those expectations. It was... fine. I didn't particularly like it, but I didn't particularly dislike it, hence the 2.5 stars. I greatly enjoy the enemies to friends to lovers trope, but I don't think Elliot pulled it off particularly well, and several of the characters (and situations) were "too real", as I found myself getting frustrated or angry on behalf of the characters. Which is opposite of what I'm looking for when reading before bed. All in all, it was fine; I probably would have like it more had it not been from an author I've enjoyed, as it was missing some of the magic that made Sadie on a Plate sparkle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Sexism
chronicallybookish's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Overall rating: 3.75 stars
Age Rating: 18+
Spice Level: 1.5/5
This book is hard to review. I honestly enjoyed it. It was fast, engaging, and the food descriptions were to die for. Easily the best I’ve ever read.
But this is a romance novel… and the romance was the weakest part of the book by far. I did not feel an ounce of chemistry between Julie and Bennett. The descriptions of their attraction, their kisses, the sex scene were all so dry and almost clinical. Especially with the juxtaposition of how visceral the descriptions of food were, the romance fell flat.
The romance was sweet, and I do root for them as a couple, but compared to the other aspects of the book, I expected and wanted more. The way the chemistry and attraction were described felt more befitting a romantic subplot than a romance book.
But this book was strong enough without that, that I still enjoyed it a lot. As a person who runs a sort of social media blog and social media reviewing platform (though books instead of food), I really enjoyed the premise of Social Media Reviewers vs more “professional” paper reviewers (please note the existence of the quotes. Social media reviewers are professionals too). I liked seeing the differences between Julie and Bennett and Jada, and I liked the emphasis on all options being valid, so long as you’re being honest and true to yourself.
The characters, too, were pretty strong. I liked Julie. It was easy to connect with her and feel for her. Bennett, Alice, even Jada were strong side characters, with distinct personalities, motivations, and lives. I also enjoyed the discussions of class that Emerson Leigh’s character brought up, though I felt she relied a little too heavily on stereotypes. I understood the point, but it was kind of annoying to read, and she never came off as a remotely real person.
The star of the show, however, is definitely the food. Elliot is a master of food descriptions I swear I could taste the food as she described it. I genuinely found myself salivating while reading—and I’m not even a huge food person. I loved the glimpses into foods from so many different cultures (and especially the little cameo from the MC of her previous book, Sadie on a Plate!). This book is a must read for foodies everywhere, and I’m definitely looking forward to picking up Sadie’s book.
Age Rating: 18+
Spice Level: 1.5/5
This book is hard to review. I honestly enjoyed it. It was fast, engaging, and the food descriptions were to die for. Easily the best I’ve ever read.
But this is a romance novel… and the romance was the weakest part of the book by far. I did not feel an ounce of chemistry between Julie and Bennett. The descriptions of their attraction, their kisses, the sex scene were all so dry and almost clinical. Especially with the juxtaposition of how visceral the descriptions of food were, the romance fell flat.
The romance was sweet, and I do root for them as a couple, but compared to the other aspects of the book, I expected and wanted more. The way the chemistry and attraction were described felt more befitting a romantic subplot than a romance book.
But this book was strong enough without that, that I still enjoyed it a lot. As a person who runs a sort of social media blog and social media reviewing platform (though books instead of food), I really enjoyed the premise of Social Media Reviewers vs more “professional” paper reviewers (please note the existence of the quotes. Social media reviewers are professionals too). I liked seeing the differences between Julie and Bennett and Jada, and I liked the emphasis on all options being valid, so long as you’re being honest and true to yourself.
The characters, too, were pretty strong. I liked Julie. It was easy to connect with her and feel for her. Bennett, Alice, even Jada were strong side characters, with distinct personalities, motivations, and lives. I also enjoyed the discussions of class that Emerson Leigh’s character brought up, though I felt she relied a little too heavily on stereotypes. I understood the point, but it was kind of annoying to read, and she never came off as a remotely real person.
The star of the show, however, is definitely the food. Elliot is a master of food descriptions I swear I could taste the food as she described it. I genuinely found myself salivating while reading—and I’m not even a huge food person. I loved the glimpses into foods from so many different cultures (and especially the little cameo from the MC of her previous book, Sadie on a Plate!). This book is a must read for foodies everywhere, and I’m definitely looking forward to picking up Sadie’s book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
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