To the Honeymoon and Back

Foodie Romance Journeys #13

by Isabella May

When TAYLOR’s husband commits his third crime against marriage, days into their honeymoon, cruelly laughing at her anaphylactic shock during a tasting session at Heavenly Devonly Honey Farm, she files for immediate divorce. It shouldn’t take a stranger to call an ambulance! Even if he is the swoonworthy Devonshire TV chef, ZACH KNIGHT.

Weeks later, sworn off men for eternity, travel journo Taylor reluctantly finds herself back in the West Country to work on a UK holiday hotspot assignment: destination Woolacombe. At least it’s north of the county, kind of far away from the bittersweet memories of her last visit to these parts.

But when Zach just happens to embark on a coastal tour to promote his latest cookbook, Taylor has her work cut out in more ways than one. He’s the last person she expects to raise her antennae when she checks into her hotel room to find that it's been double booked between the two of them... and there is nowhere else to stay in town.

The harder Taylor tries to bee-hive as their agendas outside the bedroom mysteriously fuse, the more Zach is bee-witched.
But can she give into temptation without getting stung?

A steamy and tasty meet-cute romance with a peanut sensitive protagonist and a golden retriever of a leading male.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks, Forced Proximity

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2024

About the author

Isabella May lives in (mostly) sunny Andalusia, Spain with her husband, daughter and son, creatively inspired by the mountains and the sea. She grew up on Glastonbury's ley lines and loves to feature her quirky English hometown in her stories.

After a degree in Modern Languages and European Studies at UWE, Bristol (and a year working abroad in Bordeaux and Stuttgart), Isabella bagged an extremely jammy and fascinating job in children's publishing... selling foreign rights for novelty, board, pop-up and non-fiction books all over the world; in every language from Icelandic to Korean, Bahasa Indonesian to Papiamento!

All of which has fuelled her curiosity and love of international food and travel - both feature extensively in her cross-genre novels, fused with a dollop of romcom, and a sprinkle of magical realism.

Isabella is also a Level 4 Pranic Healer and a stillbirth mum.

You can follow her Foodie Romance Journey series at the following hang-outs:


www.isabellamayauthor.com

Twitter - @IsabellaMayBks
Instagram - @isabella_may_author
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IsabellaMayA...

Reviews

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would firstly just like to say a very big thank you to the author who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of their book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review…..

When i first came across this book and read the blurb i was instantly drawn in to it and it sounded like the most wonderful, delicious story…

It was also set in Devon which was a huge bonus because I really love a book that is set there…..

It was a perfect way to get some armchair travel and through the author’s wonderful writing i honestly felt as though i was there in the middle of the whole story and i loved that feeling…..

To The Honeymoon and Back was such a fun, fresh rom com, with a wonderful, strong female lead and a gorgeous, cinnamon roll male lead and i absolutely loved going along with them for their sweet, funny, heartwarming story…….

[Susanne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically funny and heartwarming this gorgeous story was so incredibly sweet to read!
Taylor is an amazing character, whose exploits as she embarks on her various challenges as part of her journalistic journey around Devon made me think of the brilliant character of Bridget Jones, hilariously messing up and making those around her laugh, including the gorgeous Zach, who really lives up to his surname by being Taylor’s knight in shining armour at the start of the story ( and who is so much more worthy of Taylor than the twonk in tinfoil that she was married to!)
I loved how fate serendipitously brought Taylor and Zach together, and kept them meeting up throughout the story.
Their enforced friendship was entertaining to watch and it was delightful to watch them connect and begin to desire each other.
This was not just a sweet romance to savour, there were several moments of spice along the way that was thrilling and exciting to read.
Zach is as sweet as the honey that he works with, looking out for Taylor and loving her just they way she is, willing to be guided by her but cheeky enough to tempt her into bed!
Their chemistry was always fizzing away in every scene, not so much a will they won’t they situation, but a please get together feeling was created as they kept reconnecting as fate threw them together.
Some interesting twists along the way made getting to the happily ever after ending very enjoyable and exciting.
Another wonderful story from one of my favourite authors, this delectable book definitely left me buzzing 🐝

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a cute foodie read with a good talk about peanut allergies.
Taylor is a destination travel writer who finds herself in a holiday Hotspot for an assignment.
Zach is a TV and published cookbook chef away shooting his TV cooking episodes
An overbooked hotel, shared room. Yhe story of Taylor and Zach coming together is sweet and salty

[Anni Barkla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a “sweet” comedy- slow burn romance read. I felt extremely sorry for Taylor and her penchant for every situation blowing up in her face 😂 But it did help me recognise my own personal bad days as being not too bad after all 🤣 It gave me great British bake off vibes along the way, and made me appreciate the many bee puns and use of honey in recipes! All in all a great read, and I’m so grateful I don’t have a nut allergy as I LOVE nuts( but I do have a shellfish allergy and I don’t miss not eating shellfish!). Poor Taylor, I’m so glad Zach Buzzed into her life and rescued her 🥰 Thank you for this HEA read! 🐝

[Book.Lover.1986 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I was hooked throughout. I did feel sorry for Taylor at times for some of the things that happened to her and couldn’t believe how her husband treated her especially on their honeymoon.
I loved the slow burn between Taylor and Zack and glad they got their happy ever after in the end.

[Becky Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh out loud. From the beginning, I was already disliking Taylors husband and wanting something to happen to him, so when they visited a honey farm, I was hoping he would get stung by the bees! Anyway. This part of the honeymoon took a completely different turn and had me gasping and swooning in one motion! It's sweet, delicious and funny all rolled in to one. I loved the characters and found Zach just wonderful. I think we can all do with a bit of Zach in our lives! All in all a fabulous read and I will be looking for more by this author

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor's life was anything but simple, if anything it was more like a comedy of errors. She always thought she was a strong independent woman, but when it came to her ex she was constantly making excuses or turning a blind eye for him. Until enough is enough and she ends up in hospital on her honeymoon. Finally coming to her senses she divorces him and trys to go back to her normal life as a travel journalist, but nothing feels the same. The she gets the assignment of all assignments back to Devon where her worst experience ever happened. Ok so this was North Devon but still Devon. Could Woolacombe change her mind, very doubtful. But she was sworn of men, even if that meant she'd be a spinster. Anything is better than constantly monitoring how a man treats her. Zack couldn't get her out of his head the woman who's life he saved. How could a husband put his wife in danger like that. But she was out of his league, he was a simple honey farmer who now has a cookery show and books. What could she want with him and after his ex had stolen from his families business he was sworn of women anyway. That is until they both end up in the same hotel and room in Woolacombe. How did this happen. If you love a funny laugh out loud book this is definitely it. From ice cream making classes where the teacher just leaves you to it, mini golf balls ending up in people's soup to having to dress as an octopus and dance on a boat trip to name a few. This book certainly keeps you reading and laughing, but also hopeful that just maybe fate puts you in the right place at the right time. Sit back and enjoy the story that Isabella never ceases to write

[Kaitlyn Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of:
💔 Second Chance Romances
🥲 He Falls First
📜 Forced Proxy
⚖️ Karma
🌲 Small Town
🪞 Self Discovery

Discovered this gem thanks to BookTok, and let me just say—the book quotes as bait strategy? Flawless. Not only were they perfectly selected, but they reeled me in without dropping a single spoiler. A rare feat, and it absolutely paid off.

From page one, the story takes off running and doesn’t let up. We meet Taylor, freshly heartbroken but miraculously alive to regret ignoring the blazing red flags her now ex-husband was waving before the wedding. Honestly? Watching her come to terms with that mess while stumbling (and sometimes sprinting) down the path of self-worth and rediscovery was both painful and empowering in the best way.

And then there’s him. The one who literally saved her life. The “he falls first” energy is STRONG here—and utterly swoon-worthy. But it’s not just romance for romance’s sake; this is a story about growth, karma doing its slow dance, and learning that the version of you someone tried to dim was never the real you to begin with.

Set in a small town where second chances are hard-earned and honesty hits like a freight train, To the Honeymoon and Back is both heart-wrenching and heart-mending.

A must-read for anyone who loves a comeback story with just the right amount of angst, longing, and “wait, are they really going to share that one room?”

[Maria Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first delectable descriptions of honey and honey-based products at Heavenly Devonly, I knew that Isabella May had done it again - and that was before I even met Zach Knight, a man as delicious as his culinary creations.
I have to say, the double-booked room situation would have seen the hotel manager on the business end of a very hissy fit (and probably tears), never mind how appealing my room-mate might have been. While it seemed slightly odd to me that Taylor would accept the situation as easily as she did, I honestly didn't care because I was so keen on her and Zach getting together, and I am rather fond of the forced proximity trope.
The wonderful descriptions of the excursions Taylor found herself trying out for her article were enough to tempt me towards booking Woolacombe for my next holiday (shock, horror - I have never holidayed in Devon!), although I would probably skip the paddle boarding!
Isabella May's trademark edible delights make this book a joy to read for any foodie, especially a honey lover like me. She has once again created an exquisitely eclectic cast of characters, and I really hope we see some of them make appearances in future books (although maybe not Brendan and Cindy unless it is a book filled with mishaps for the pair of them!)

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read, dealing with issues close to my heart
Acknowledging the care needed right from the start.

Travel journo Taylor is severely allergic to peanuts in this fun read,
Avoiding them always is what she needs
But her honeymoon visit to Heavenly Devonly Honey Farm
Has her coming to serious harm!

Anaphylactic shock is potentially deadly, it is true
So what on earth was her new husband getting up to?
The evidence shows Taylor they shouldn't have married
Starting getting divorced therefore shouldn't be tarried!

It took a stranger to ensure an ambulance was sent
TV chef, Zach Knight, helped make sure aid was lent.
Weeks later Taylor encounters him again
But maybe this time she'll not end in pain!

A double booked room with nowhere else to stay
This surely won't be a great start for either anyway.
But when the encounters keep coming along
Maybe together is where they belong?

I really enjoyed this brilliant read
And hope it proves to bee just what you also need.
There's drama and laughter, with bees and honey, too
And I have no hesitation highly recommending it to you!

[Angela Pearse · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the Honeymoon and Back is a fun flirty rom-com with a strong FMC and a cinnamon roll MMC. Isabella May’s books are always filled to the brim with sunshine, food and travel and this one was no exception.

Travel writer Taylor’s marriage to firefighter Brendan breaks down on their honeymoon, and she is (not surprisingly) unwilling to forgive and forget. Even if the advances of another man take the form of a delectable Devonshire chef.

The one bed trope in this was done really well and having two opposing forces sharing a room made for some funny scenarios. I did want to shake Taylor for playing hard to get when she so obviously wanted Zach but it was understandable after what her ex did to her.

I really enjoyed the travel writing aspect and all the assignments that she got to go on, even if they didn't turn out quite as expected at times. Loved all the food references and the shout out to local delicacies; definitely keep the sweet treats handy when reading this one!

Thank you to the author for gifting an ARC copy, all opinions are my own.

[Andrea Mehalco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes you on a rollercoaster ride through Taylor Tailor's life, sprinkled with some sweet and many sour moments . Taylor, a travel writer, crosses paths with Zach, a semi-famous chef and cookbook author, during her honeymoon in Devon. While honeymooning her husband attempts to trigger her food allergy and leaves, while Zach emerges as a culinary savior, rescuing her from harm.

After breaking free from her toxic marriage, Taylor finds herself in unexpected situations, including sharing a hotel room with Zach as he films a live cooking series. Despite the undeniable chemistry between them, Taylor hesitates to dive into a new relationship. She spends a considerable amount of time pushing Zach away, often leading to hilariously embarrassing moments.

As days go by, Taylor and Zach gradually grow closer, resulting in a heartwarming journey filled with delectable food descriptions, quirky side characters, and picturesque settings. This slow-burn romance keeps you hooked until the very end, where Taylor finally realizes that love, especially with the right person, can indeed be effortless.

[Joyce Mintzas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor, a travel journalist, with eyes glazed over in a trance, goes auto pilot into a marriage with a honey badger instead of a honey bun. It’s a complete knockout on round three of the honeymoon when he dust her, rolls her out, twist her into a pretzel, and leaves her to swell twice her size. Into the “oven” she goes, and when she pops out, she is piping hot and realizes her dickhead of a husband needs to be chewed like honeycomb and spit out.

Zach Knight, eye candy of a chef, on a honey farm comes to her rescue just like a bee to honey. He’s no dough boy or puffed pastry and Taylor’s head is swarming with thoughts of nibbling, no more like taking a delectable bite of his… let’s leave that to your imagination.

Now with this morsel of a review dangling before you like a carrot, get your copy of Isabella May’s mouthwatering, hilarious, and very entertaining rom com.

Thank you, Isabella May, for the advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[kailesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 overall rating!!

Tropes: rom-com, reverse grumpy-sunshine, small town romance

🌱🌱🌱

“To the Honeymoon and Back” was a delightful British romance filled with charm and humor. While it does have quite a bit of filler info and chapters that run on sometimes, mainly why i didn’t rate a full 4 stars, the character development and actual storyline was super cute and comedic. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times which is a plus, I am huge on books being able to make me giggle or gasp in shock! Taylor and Zach’s meet-cute amidst the scenic backdrop of Woolacombe is both sweet and slightly steamy in the right moments. With a self-sabotaging, grumpy FMC and golden retriever MMC, this novel is perfect for those looking for a light-hearted read with a touch of romance and a well deserved HEA. Overall, a solid choice for anyone who enjoys feel-good love stories and rom-coms.

[Claire Rowlands · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was extremely lucky to be given an early reader copy of this book from Isabella May and could not put it down, the blurb states it is “a steamy and tasty meet-cute romance with a peanut sensitive protagonist and a golden retriever of a leading male” I agree!

When Taylor returns to Devon, first time after her ill fated honeymoon, and happens upon Zach Knight(celebrity chef) again it seems fate has thrown them together, I loved anticipating what was going to happen next between them.
Taylor gets herself into so many sticky situations which seems to always cause hilarity, much to her annoyance.
Inevitably they are drawn together and sparks fly with some extremely passionate moments, all leading towards the ever hopeful happily ever after, with a few twists along the way. Did not disappoint!!

[L A King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Isabella May has produced a delectable book. Extremely sweet, busy and full of laughs.

Taylor Tailor has a Honeymoon from hell.. Marriage to firefighter Brendan is guy who I wanted to run over. Goodness knows why Taylor agreed to marry him, is a mystery to me. Does show that there are some awful corrupt people around.

Zach is a man I could easily fall for. Professional chef with a handsome face and a wonderful body. Taylor tries so hard to push him away, however is it what she really wants?

Allthough there is quite a harrowing scene, which was written with accurate symptoms, and showed how dangerous anaphylactic shock can be, there is so much humour in this novel. I was educated in honey and bees. Definitely liked the sound of the food that was dished up. Love honey even more.

Congratulations Isabella for another fantastic novel. Can’t wait for the next.

[Lisa S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts with a bang, as we meet Taylor on her honeymoon with her husband Brendan in Devon - but it soon becomes clear theirs is not a love match and the situation escalates dramatically! Enter minor local celebrity and chef Zach.

This is a fast-paced comedy romance with plenty of drama, Taylor has a knack for things not going to plan so there is a fair bit of slapstick along the way. I didn't realise how versatile honey was and all the bee puns along the way are a fun little addition.

This is a fun read and would be great to take on holiday - very easy to wizz through if you are looking for something a bit frothy and fun.

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mishap on their honeymoon that may have been orchestrated by her newly pronounced - and absolutely awful - husband lands Taylor in the arms of hunky celebrity chef Zach, and then to the hospital for emergency treatment of anaphylactic shock.

This romcom was a bit uneven, so it’s a 3.5-3.75 star read for me. There was a lot of prose dedicated to trying to rationalize Taylor’s inability to stand up for herself because of childhood experiences, which quickly grew tiresome. She was an outright doormat in most situations, and it was a challenge to identify with her as a result.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel and I’m sharing my honest review.

[Susan Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella's books promise foodie romance journeys and they certainly deliver. With the backdrop of a honey farm, I felt permanently hungry as I read this! It was romantic, sexy, hysterically funny in many parts, but also dealt with the very real issue of suffering from a peanut allergy. I have food allergies so could very much relate to how dangerous this can be. I was also smitten with the location - Devon, England, where I'm going on holiday this year (and Zach....of course!) He ticked all the boxes. Taylor has had a terrible run of luck (understatement) and the dynamic between her and Zach was fabulous to read. All in all, a highly entertaining read. Looking forward to the next one.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author very kindly offered me an ARC for this book and I’m so glad I accepted. It’s a lovely read that made me laugh out loud in so many places. The characters are likeable - with the exception of Taylor’s husband! I loved the story, it was interesting enough to keep me turning the pages. It got a little spicy in places but it was totally relevant to the story and not for the sake of it. I’m left wanting to follow more of Taylor and Zach so would love if the author revisited them in the future.

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor was likeable, Brendan her husband not so much. On their honeymoon Taylor finds herself swept up in celebrity chef Zack’s arms due to her peanut allergy. Fabulous characters, beautiful setting and so many delicious recipe ideas left me craving honey. Funny, sweet and sassy.

[Toothpick · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the Honeymoon and Back is a good book. The author supplies vivid descriptions of the scenery and conversation, which made me feel like I was actually there, watching what was happening. Full of adventure, surprise and romance, you will enjoy reading this.

[Nikki Roberts · Rating 1 out of 5]

really just read this based off 1 tiktok, but i didnt connect with the characters and the fmc was annoying and tried to act like they were a mistake after having one night together around 50% so i DNF

[Holly Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute read from Isabella May!

Her books are always filled with romance and humour, and To the Honeymoon and Back follows suit.

We have poor Taylor who just seems to be super unlucky and finds that most situations she finds herself in have embarrassing (for her, hilarious for us) results. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her adventures in Devon and the cool things that she tried, even if they didn't always end the way she hoped.

Zach sounds simply lovely - he comes across as a really great guy, and he really seems to treat women well, Oh, and the delicious honey recipes; yum!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a slow burning funny laugh out loud rollercoaster of a romantic read and will definitely cheer you up for sure.

Loved the characters and the descriptions of the setting which added to this fabulous feel good read.

I also appreciated as a fellow nut allergy sufferer amongst other food allergies how the author highlighted the seriousness of this in her story and brought awareness to something that isn’t often talked about.