What We Give Away

Bold Journeys #4

by Paulette Stout

A story too big to ignore. A second chance at love. Did the biggest lie of Leslie’s life drive away the only man she’s ever loved?

Leslie is an award-winning journalist who thrives on tackling NYC's most controversial stories. But at 37, she finds herself at the heart of an investigation that hits too close to home.

For as long as Leslie can remember, food has been the enemy. Something to avoid, not enjoy. When a relative challenges her perspective, she dives into the world of diet culture and eating disorders, only to see her own struggles reflected back at her. This revelation sets Leslie on a transformative journey to mend her relationship with food, her body, and the only man she's ever loved.

Chef Risto is a bigger than life personality who unapologetically lives life to the fullest. With his restaurant thriving and his culinary star rising, Risto has everything he’s ever wanted—except Leslie. Their past is a tangled web of unspoken feelings and unmet expectations. He dreams of her every night. But how can they build a future together when Leslie can't fully support his dreams?

When Leslie's cupid-of-an-aunt insists she fill-in for her at Risto's restaurant, their undeniable chemistry reignites. But can it overcome their complicated history?
Meanwhile, tensions rise as Leslie's investigation threatens her TV career. It forces her into an impossible choice: achieve stardom while living a lie, or embrace the truth for a second chance at true love?

In this compelling tale of self-discovery and romance, Leslie must navigate a world that demands she conform, while finding the courage to be true to herself and live her best life.

Genres: Romance

419 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2025

About the author

Paulette Stout is the fearless author of fast paced contemporary fiction about women finding their voices, being heard, and embracing love. With Paulette’s books, readers get bingeable prose, relatable characters and compelling stories that keep pages turning.

Her 17 book award recognitions span her titles—Love, Only Better, What We Never Say, and What Eyes Can't See—adding to her three media industry awards, including a MediaWeek All-Star.

You can usually find Paulette rearranging words into pleasing patterns while wearing grammar t-shirts at her home in Acton, Massachusetts.

Connect with Paulette on her website at paulettestout.com, on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok @paulettestoutauthor or on Twitter @StoutContent.
BookBub: @paulettestoutauthor.

And don't forget to leave a review after you finish the book!

Reviews

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first ever book by Paulette Stout and wow, I loved it! A second chance romance about Leslie, a fearless journalist, and Risto, Leslie's ex who owns a Puerto Rican restaurant. Leslie has dealt with the “diet culture” her whole life….it's just how she was raised. She just doesn't eat a lot and stays skinny by doing so, but it's just “healthy eating” Right?! She still battles with self acceptance. When she connects with Risto again, he's on his journey to become a star chef. He's told that he must lose weight though. Leslie and Risto are facing their own battles with food and body shaming while trying to improve….and also working on their relationship. This was such a great read. I really connected with the topic of dieting because it's so prominent in today's culture….but I feel like it's always been that way. I loved the story and characters. I loved how the author handled the harsh topics with such truth and honesty. I think most people will be able to empathize with both of these characters. An enjoyable and powerful read! 

Thank you Suzy approved book tours and the author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jessica (Odd and Bookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free from the author for promotional purposes.

What a thought provoking romance read!

This is the fourth book in the author’s Bold Journeys series, but it can be read as a standalone. The other books in the series focus on other characters in this universe. I haven’t read any of the other books and I was able to read this one just fine.

First off, trigger warning for diet culture and eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa. This book deals heavily with anorexia and the toxic diet industry, so please be aware of that. I thought the book did a good job exploring these two topics. I found all the discussion on the diet industry and how it is designed to fail to be so fascinating. I also appreciated that the author included references at the end to back up her statements.

This book features a second chance romance, which is one of my favorite romance tropes. There’s always something so sweet about that trope, and this book was no exception. I loved seeing the two main characters, Leslie and Risto, find their way back to each other.

I also loved all the descriptions of food. Risto is a chef who runs a Puerto Rican restaurant and all the food sounded so delicious!

The storyline held my attention the entire time, although parts of it felt slightly overdramatized.

Overall, I really enjoyed this romance! If you are looking for a romance that also tackles serious topics, consider picking this one up!

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: WHAT WE GIVE AWAY
AUTHOR: Paulette Stout
PUB DATE: 02.04.2025

In this compelling tale of self-discovery and romance, Leslie must navigate a world that demands she conform, while finding the courage to be true to herself and live her best life.

THOUGHTS:

Second chance romance
Strong FMC

Paulette Stout may be a new author to me, but reading WHAT WE GIVE AWAY, established her as an auto buy status for me. I loved reading this book not only for the incredible strength her characters portray, but who are also inspirational, resilient, relatable, and unapologetic.

WHAT WE GIVE AWAY is the fourth book in the Bold Journeys series and each book is a perfect stand alone read. In this book, Stout features Leslie a formidable journalist, and Risto an up and coming chef reaching for the stars. The way Stout wrote their journey back to each others' hearts and lives was utterly delicious and I just devoured each page.

Grab this book!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author so I wasn't sure what I was getting into with this one. This book may evoke some strong emotions as it deals with the topic of the "dieting" industry. There is mention of multiple issues around dieting from several different aspects. I feel that the author handled these with kindness.
This was an enjoyable read about Leslie and Chef Risto. It's a second chance at love but how will they handle it?
I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Jennifer Cook Nafziger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to start by saying that I am grateful that the author was so kind to me and graciously sent me a beautiful ARC kit. I had high hopes for this book and I hope she hears my heart in this review.

What We Give Away is the story of a journalist and a chef who get a second chance to fight for their love. At the center of the story, though, is an attempt to dismantle the diet industry and to discuss eating disorders. It references studies that have been done to debunk diet myths, many of which have been championed by fat activists I follow. Both main characters deal with weight shame and diet pressure in their own ways.

Unfortunately, instead of being empowered or comforted by the story, I felt triggered. First, I never got the impression that any of the body-confident characters were actually fat. They were in “bigger bodies” with “soft curves” which translated in my mind to mid-sized people. Yes, they still have their share of shame to navigate, but not nearly the same as a person who is decidedly fat.

It seemed to me that the feelings associated with shame and recovery were rather over-simplified. The struggles with shutting down the hate were also over-simplified. And the comments from people in the story about average sized people being a “blob” were a lot for me to process.

I think that the author’s heart and intent are in the right place. We absolutely need to keep telling stories about how diets are dangerous bullshit. We need to keep talking about how all bodies are acceptable. We need to keep loving and celebrating people at any size. In too many ways, this book just scratched the surface and created spaces for shame in other ways… at least for me.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a unique and refreshing book to read. It focuses on the diet industry and how fat people are treated within society (and just a reminder that I always use the word “fat” as a descriptor, not an insult).

As a fat woman, it was amazing to read about things that are shamelessly accepted by society. I’ve always been fat, but there have been a few times in my life where I’ve lost a considerable amount of weight. It was shocking to see how much better people treated me when I was thinner.

I’ve got a million stories about people being unkind to me about my weight, but anyway, that’s not the point of this review. It was just so great to read a new perspective on weight loss culture, and I learned a lot.

This book is also a romance, which was just an added bonus! The love between Leslie and Risto was comforting and fun (and the food descriptors from Risto’s life as a chef were mouthwatering). There was a lot happening in this story, and I enjoyed it all.

Please be aware that topics around weight are discussed extensively throughout the story, including anorexia nervosa.

Thank you to the author and Book Influencers for my gifted copy!

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
What We Give Away" is an emotional second chance romance exploring themes of self-acceptance, confidence, healthy relationships with food, and the importance of loving yourself. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone, as they feature different characters.
Leslie has always had a love-hate relationship with food, influenced by her upbringing. This ongoing struggle has shaped her life. As an award-winning journalist, she doesn’t shy away from hard-hitting topics and decides to address issues related to dieting and eating disorders.
Risto, on the other hand, lives life to the fullest. As the owner of the hottest restaurant in town, he is shocked when his investors inform him that his image as a larger man is detrimental, especially with plans to open a new location in New York City.
Both characters are grappling with societal expectations regarding appearance. However, as they reignite their romance, they discover self-esteem, a healthy balance, and the beauty of love.
Paulette's stories often touch on topics that are rarely discussed, taboo, or considered tightly held secrets—subjects that society deems as “normal.” What We Give Away encapsulates a journey that many can relate to in various ways.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an eye opening and also an emotional read.
Award winning journalist Leslie lives for tackling controversial stories. She finds herself heading to Pennsylvania to help her aunt whose having surgery. Thanks to her mother and the diet culture, Leslie has always had a hard relationship with food, it’s something to avoid, not enjoy. Leslie decides to investigate the diet culture along with eating disorders, with the encouragement of her larger-than-life aunt.
We meet Chef Risto who has a bigger than life personality he lives life to the fullest. Risto has everything he’s ever wanted—except Leslie, he owns the hottest Puerto Rican restaurant and has investors wanting him to open a restaurant in NYC. He is overweight , and he is told to lose the weight to set an example at his restaurant. When Leslie's cupid-of-an-aunt insists she fill-in for her at Risto's restaurant, their undeniable chemistry reignites. But can it overcome their complicated history?
We watch both of them, who happen to be at opposite ends of the diet spectrum, as they battle their food demons, their past relationship, and even their hopes for the future. I love how this book covered a very sensitive subject in a very delicate way and covers self-acceptance and ends embracing one’s true nature. It’s was beautifully written!!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leslie should have it all, she is an award winning journalist and striving in her a career but it came at a cost. When Leslie is called to help out her aunt in Pennsylvania she hopes to avoid her ex, the one that she has never been able to move past, Risto.

Risto has the restaurant of his dreams and a new opportunity on the horizon, it's only missing one thing Leslie. They both loved each other fiercely, both had dreams but it fell apart with misunderstandings and views of what each other were feeling, even if not completely accurate. Now Leslie is back and both begin to realize some hard facts about themselves.

I thought this was a heartfelt story. If you have struggled with weight, trying to conform to what is perceived the ideal weight/look then this is a story that comes from both perspectives. I thought it was really well done and was rooting for Risto and Leslie. Had a few surprises which I was surprised to read and it only added to the book. Wonderful.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful book about diet culture which also features a strong female main character. This one is softened by a second chance romance which I felt added to the story.

As someone who feels like they have always been trying to lose weight this book emphasizes being healthy which is so much more important than being thin. For that I thank the author.

The book has the two points of view of Leslie and Risto.

Leslie is a big city journalist that tackles hard hitting subjects such as the sex trade. She goes to small town Pennsylvania to help her aunt who is having surgery and there she comes face to face with her old love Risto. She also faces the fact that she has an eating disorder.

Risto owns the hottest Puerto Rican restaurant and has investors wanting him to open a restaurant in NYC.

Both Leslie and Risto learn a lot about themselves as well as their past and present relationship during this read.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - 3.5 Stars

“Everything the care team says makes sense to me. But at the cellular level, I’m struggling. Every bite feels wrong. Negative thoughts bombard me while I’m chewing, telling me embracing food is a huge mistake. I wish I could flip a switch and make it all go away.”
“You’re a person, not a lamp. It’ll take time.”
I huffed a laugh. My aunt had a habit of stating the obvious in an instructive way. Mom’s rules were no longer my guidebook, and I was still getting oriented to my new North Star. That had me defining my worth by something other than my weight. If you’d asked me two weeks ago what I thought of myself, I’d have told you I was proud of my career accomplishments. Being a journalist defined me. In reality, work kept my mind occupied so I didn’t have to examine the tough questions about my life and relationships. It also helped me avoid a shallow truth: my lean physical appearance factored heavily into how I navigated the world. I wanted people to think well of me, beginning with how I looked. But would they approve if I showed up in a different-sized body than they were used to?
I tuned back into my conversation with Dot, who I now realized had been talking.
“Deprogramming from the diet culture is hard because the messages are all around us. Even more so for someone like you who has basically been in your personal Minnesota experiment since you were a kid.


What We Give Away is the fourth book in the Bold Journeys series by Paulette Stout. It is a women’s fiction story with a contemporary 2nd chance romance, later in life romance, sensitive subject matter- eating disorders, diets/dieting/diet culture/body image/self-esteem issues, journey of discovery/self-discovery, family dynamics, drama, angst, emotion, chemistry, a complicated history, tension, emotion, challenges/struggles, being true to yourself/learning to love your true self, mending relationships, and more.
While this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone without feeling like you are ‘missing’ anything, as this book focuses on a different ‘couple’.
Leslie is a hard-hitting journalist who doesn’t shy away from the tough topics finds herself in a compromising position when her new ‘assignment’ opens up her very own ‘pandoras box’ of unforeseen vulnerability and complication.
A thought-provoking and emotion-tugging read-
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Paulette Stout!

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leslie is an adrenaline junky reporter. She prides herself in getting to the heart of the story by any means necessary. She walks the streets with women of the night, worms her way into drug dealers' inner group, and doesn't think about the risk to her being or have regrets. However, her one regret is losing the love of her life. When her aunt, who is more like a mom to her, asks for help during her surgery recovery, Leslie cannot help but agree. But it has been a while since she's been back to see her aunt and very quickly discovers that her lost love is her aunt's neighbor as well as business partner. How can she avoid him and keep herself sane? Her aunt has other plans, of course. She wants to see her niece happy and making healthier choices.

Risto is a dedicated chef and misses Leslie in his life. She was his great love and yet he doesn't understand what went so wrong between the two of them. She never seemed to support his restaurant or overly enjoy his cooking. He cannot fathom how she puts herself in danger to get a scoop on a story with no thought to her safety. When he finds out that she coming to help her aunt recover, could there be a second chance for them to rekindle what was lost years ago?

I have not read this author before, but I found the story to be intriguing. Leslie's road to self-discovery is a pretty intense wake up call for her. There are lot of stigmas about weight that are discussed and fleshed out. What caught my attention was her relationship with food and working through how toxic thought processes affected her choices and view of herself. I think it is easy to fall into the trap of seeing thin people and thinking that they are only successful because of how they look. That is huge in our society. It was good to see a story fight against it and expose the lies but also provide information on how to transform thinking and make better choices.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paulette Stout’s What We Give, What We Keep is a poignant, empowering journey of self-reclamation wrapped in a second-chance romance that pulses with heart, honesty, and hard truths. It’s a story that doesn’t flinch from society’s deeply rooted body image struggles—but also reminds us that love, healing, and authenticity are worth the fight.

Leslie is a firebrand journalist, fierce on-camera and fearless in the face of controversy, but behind the curated image lies a lifetime of disordered eating and internalised shame. When a personal investigation into diet culture begins to unravel her carefully built facade, Leslie finds herself confronting long-buried wounds—and a love she thought she’d lost forever.

Enter Risto: a larger-than-life chef whose passion for food and zest for life are both irresistible and, for Leslie, painful. Stout does an exceptional job balancing the tension between their opposing worldviews—Risto’s embrace of indulgence and Leslie’s history of restriction. Their chemistry is electric, but what makes their dynamic powerful is the vulnerability beneath the surface: the years of miscommunication, missed chances, and the haunting question of whether love is enough when self-love is still a work in progress.

At its core, this is a story about letting go—of shame, of toxic expectations, and of the lies we tell ourselves to survive. Stout approaches eating disorders and body image with nuance and compassion, never preaching, always grounding Leslie’s journey in emotional realism. Her decision between career and personal truth isn’t simplified into a binary, but instead explored with the complexity it deserves.

What We Give, What We Keep is more than a romance; it’s a love story between a woman and her own worth. Thoughtful, raw, and ultimately uplifting, Stout’s novel will resonate with anyone who’s ever looked in the mirror and questioned their value—but still dared to fight for joy.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really interesting second chance romance. This author is not afraid of tackling sensitive subjects and is able to do so in a way that shares understanding, compassion but also shines a light on subjects most people won't talk about. As well as the second chance romance this book also focuses around diet culture, eating disorders, public's misguided opinion on what is beautiful and what is not, struggles with self image and the constant yo-yo cycle of restricting and over eating.
This book hit especially hard for me as I work with emotional eaters who have been in the same situations as our characters and the way they have struggled through their lives, all to meet a certain expectation is heartbreaking.

In this story we meet Leslie she has always had a tough relationship with food starting back in her childhood and it now has shaped her adult life. As a journalist she isn't afraid to tackle subjects other people won't such as dieting, the diet culture and eating disorders.

We also meet Risto. He has the hottest restaurant in town and always focuses on living life to the max. He has never bothered about his weight or the way he looks or even people's opinions of him, that is until his investors inform him that being a large man could be a bad image for his new restaurant. Now he is forced to deal with other people's opinions on how he should look and this causes self esteem issues to arise.

When these two people rekindle it is a beautiful journey of learning to love yourself, learning to ignore stereotypes, being happy in your own skin and building back their self esteem. Together they learn the value of a healthy balance in everything not just food.

I love how this author is not afraid to take on subjects that others may see as taboo, or something not to talk about. The more issues around eating disorders are talked about the more people who can be helped instead of hiding for fear of judgement.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🍽️ have ever gone on a fad diet
💕 enjoy second chance romances
👨‍🍳 ever wanted to be a chef
😞 have ever been put down for your size

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Leslie is an award-winning journalist who thrives on tackling NYC's most controversial stories. But at 37, she finds herself at the heart of an investigation that hits too close to home.

For as long as Leslie can remember, food has been the enemy. Something to avoid, not enjoy. When a relative challenges her perspective, she dives into the world of diet culture and eating disorders, only to see her own struggles reflected back at her. This revelation sets Leslie on a transformative journey to mend her relationship with food, her body, and the only man she's ever loved.

Chef Risto is a bigger than life personality who unapologetically lives life to the fullest. With his restaurant thriving and his culinary star rising, Risto has everything he’s ever wanted—except Leslie. Their past is a tangled web of unspoken feelings and unmet expectations. He dreams of her every night. But how can they build a future together when Leslie can't fully support his dreams?

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was a really hard hitting novel with a lot of hard truths in it. While I didn’t really relate to the diet thing, I’ve definitely struggled with weight gain myself. I’ve been all over the chart, depending on the things going on in my life. Sometimes I was super small and other times I was really big, so I get it from that perspective. People really do treat you differently if you don’t look the way others believe you should. I loved the second chance romance between the two characters, and they felt incredibly relatable. The food all sounded super delicious and had my mouth watering too. Overall, this is an important read for everyone. It reveals so much about the toxic diet culture we unfortunately live in.

[Tammy Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What We Give Away (Bold Journeys Book 4) by Paulette Stout is the story of Leslie Allen, an award-winning journalist known for her investigative reporting. Leslie’s career is on the rise and she has just landed a Saturday evening TV spot to start in a few weeks. Leslie’s aunt, who she adores, needs surgery and Leslie agrees to stay a couple of weeks with her aunt as she recuperates. Staying with her aunt reunites her with her ex-boyfriend, Chef Risto, who is her aunt's next-door neighbor and business partner. Staying with her aunt makes Leslie realize that the eating habits she has followed her entire life, which her mother instilled, are not healthy. After being diagnosed with anorexia, Leslie must change how she thinks and feels about food. As any great journalist would do, Leslie researches the topic of being “healthy” and is astonished to learn that people of all body sizes can be healthy, and that research shows larger-bodied people are healthier, and live longer than normal and/or underweight people. Leslie bravely decides to share her journey and her research on her YouTube channel as she advances through her treatment. As Leslie recovers, she is shocked to be released from her TV role due to her weight gain and her would-be co-star’s discrimination against larger-bodied people. Leslie’s shock sparks a movement to bring attention to the fat-shaming that society, and especially the visual broadcast media adheres to. Through her journey, Leslie finds herself, reunites with Risto, and becomes empowered. The research in this book is excellent. The studies cited are real and are represented accurately throughout the book. Ms. Stout brings a much-needed shining light on society’s biased views on larger-bodied people and in Leslie, provides an unlikely hero that we can love and support.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating slow burn, high stakes romance with a powerful message, which is inspiring and uplifting to all those who have issues with food/diets and body image. NYC journalist and rising media star Leslie returns to rural Pennsylvania to care for her beloved Auntie. She wasn’t expecting to come face to face with her first and only love Chef Risto, who has the same larger-than-life personality and confidence that she remembers. When Leslie starts working at his Puerto Rican restaurant she is forced to confront her feelings for the Chef and their complex past.

However, alongside this second chance at love storyline is another layer to the story, a deeper one which looks at Leslie’s complicated relationship with food. Leslie has always seen food as her enemy, something to be mastered and not enjoyed and this has shaped her identity. Her Aunt encourages her to think differently and this starts her on a journey to heal her relationship with food and with her own body. This is transformational for Leslie and as she begins to see herself differently and to love her body she also realises her love for Chef Risto. Meanwhile, the Chef and culinary has always loved Leslie and wants to put their past behind them, rekindle their love and find happiness together.

This was an emotional read at times and I felt very invested in Leslie’s journey to healing and loving herself. She is such a likeable, relatable and realistic character. The chemistry between Leslie and Chef Risto came across in the narrative and I loved how their relationship developed throughout the story. This enjoyable, engaging and emotional standalone story kept me happily turning the pages, and it really is a novel which will stay with me long after I turned the final page.

[Beejai Bohls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got to me in a way that others haven't in a long time. It is part of a series but can definitely be read as a stand alone. This book not only has a great story but is centered around a theme that most women can feel in their bones. I grew up in a society that was heavily focus one weight (it still is but I feel not as much). This book allows you to not only see things from a perspective you might not have seen before but it does it in a way that you don't realize is extremely therapeutic. That being said, this book has a second chance romance. I actually really love the characters in this book. I love that the MMC has always loved the FMC. The MMC is a chef and this is where the FMC discovers a lot more about herself than she originally thought. There is romance, thought provoking interactions, research, food, banter, and respect in this book. It just flows from page to page which made this book very say to read. I really had to level with myself over some of the things discussed and realized that everything I felt growing up, that I thought I was alone but this book made me realize that most struggle with things. I haven't been moved like this from a book in a while and that being said I didn't feel like this book was a self help book but there's so much information in it that help the story line move. I am having a hard time articulating exactly who this book covered topics and touched my soul, all the while being a story that I could sink my teeth into and love. It's an amazing read.

[Yvonne Derrig · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Call for Justice With Great Food And A Second Chance Love Story

What We Give Away is my first experience reading a Paulette Stout book and I’m impressed. This is book 4 in her Bold Journeys series, but was easy to read as a standalone. This story swept me away into its whirlpool of emotions and admiral narratives. Both of the MC’s had their own demons that needed to be slain, but with the array of minor characters there to step in and lend a hand, they worked to overcome them and become the greatest versions of themselves. The character growth and plot were both stunning and appreciated, showing that Stout is a force to be reckoned with. Leslie, the FMC, is a journalist who works to expose the ugly truths and seedy underbelly of New York City. She learns that she has a medical condition and works to get herself healthy again while learning to love the body she’s in. Rosti, the MMC, is a chef and owns his own restaurant. He believes that he is content where he is, at least until a food critic helps him see the bigger picture. He is well on his way to becoming a famous chef when Rosti’s agent tries to make him better by changing his outward appearance. Leslie and Rosti grew up together and were in a relationship for several years, but lack of trust and communication eventually led to their breakup. Can they put the past behind them and move forward with and trust each other, or will this be the end for good? I really enjoyed reading this book and found myself commiserating with these characters.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s begin with the absolutely GORGEOUS cover on this novel – bright, eye-catching color, which adds a bit of zest and flavor to what awaits the reader within the novel. Written as a novel, but meticulously researched for content, Stout takes the reader on a journey of discovery regarding reality and what we’ve come to accept as the norm for women (and to a lesser degree for men) when it comes to the standards of beauty, weight and health. Just how much impact does media have on shaping our personal expectations and acceptance of our biologically determined body needs and genetic make-up? Leslie Allen is a very successful journalist who is about to hit the big time with a new TV opportunity just as her once estranged boyfriend, Chef Risto Zaldo is about to launch a hot new restaurant in the Big Apple. Leslie’s Aunt Dot, co-owner of Risto’s local restaurant, throws a wrench in everything when she challenges what Leslie has come to accept as the best approach to balance in life, health and nutrition and her external appearance’s ties to success. Stout uses documented studies to back up some of the discoveries Leslie makes along the way. The topic is unique, the author’s point-of-view is a direct challenge, and this certainly makes for an intriguing book! Be sure to read the Author’s Note and check out her list of Resources & Additional Reading on the topic. (Explicit sex)

[Caylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story, however I quickly fell in love with the characters and the message behind everything. Very uplifting especially if you struggle with your outlook on food and body image it could be very beneficial.
Leslie is a journalist in Manhattan who has just earned a Saturday night TV spot for one of the top new stations! However, she must take a step back for a few weeks to return to her Aunt Dot’s to help after surgery. Leslie has avoided returning to that town to as that is where her ex currently lives.
Risto, who is Leslie’s ex and her aunt’s business partner and unknown to Leslie her neighbor as well! Risto, who found out the day Leslie would not only be coming to stay for a few weeks, but Dot planned to have her take over her spot at their business until she could return.
Leslie and Risto parted ways, although they both very much still have feelings for each other, due to some serious miscommunication and some of Leslie’s own issues she couldn’t fully voice. Leslie starts doing some deep diving into her own strugglers after sitting in on her aunt’s weekly body positivity group leading to her healing some of her mental struggles.
Will Leslie be able to get past her struggles? Will Risto be able to handle Leslie being that close to him at home and at work? Will they get a second chance at the life they always dreamed?

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again , just loving this most beautiful cover art ! Having read the previous books I couldn’t wait to settle in with this one 📕❣️

Leslie is a NYC journalist and seems confident but she has her own issues which we learn of a little later in the book but she heads back to small town Pennsylvania to take of her believed and ailing aunt 🤗but what she didn’t expect was for her path to cross with Risto , the man who both owned and broke her heart 😯


Risto owns a restaurant and Leslie now is working in at and not only does she have to deal with all that mouthwatering food but she’s got to deal with their past and present all I could think of was at least there’s comfort food 🤣🙈

Chef Risto has worked hard to get where he is but what good is all that without love and someone to share it with 🤷‍♀️

This book bought out the unhealthy obsession we have with body image and at the end of the day we need to be healthy yes but it shouldn’t define us because that’s what our hearts do 🥰

I cried , I laughed , I drooled …Risto and Leslie were beautiful to watch and we had romance , courage , mouth watering, food , healing , courage , self love and acceptance, hope and living life or rather dancing to our own tune , so many boxes ticked 🥰I loved each minute of this read 🥰📕

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

What We Give Away (Bold Journeys) by Paulette Stout. This is a newer to me author but I am really enjoying their books. This is the story of Leslie is hard hitting journalist and has decided that she wants to tackle eating disorders. She has always eaten healthy and tried to stay in shape so that she would maintain her skinny stature. Its not a problem right? While delving into this story she While investigating this story she runs into her ex who is a larger than life Chef, Risto. He has a famous restaurant and he lives life to the fullest including overindulging in all things rich and wonderful. Chef Risto has just recently found out that is restaurant's image is being affected by his body image. He's a large man that loves to eat and drink. He is shocked that it is making his restaurant look bad. With the help of Leslie's aunt she ends up working at Risto's restaurant and spending more time with him. Can they both help each other. One to let go and the other to tighten the reigns? This is such a good read for all people that have a bad relationship with food. It's really insightful along with romance!

[Heidi Eich Woodring · Rating 5 out of 5]

What We Give Away (Journey’s Book 4) by Paulette Stout truly was my favorite read of 2025 so far and anyone who suffers from food issues, dieting, body images issues may feel the same about this uplighting romance. Coming home to take care of her aunt, Leslie is thrown into the working on her issues with food, body images, and dieting. Throw in a ex, that Leslie wants to forget about. When they meet again, instantly you can tell that the spark is still there. While she struggles with food, its hard to explore what is between them as Ristro is so full of life and loves food, he is a chef after all. Ristro and Leslie, must find a healthy balance, to keep them together, and balanced with life.

This book truly was an uplifting read for me as someone who is on her own journey and still trying to repair her relationship with food. I found that Leslie was strong and brave to share her struggles with her family, Risto, and the world. While her journey and mine aren’t the same, it was moving to read as someone who still can hear a voice of a loved one telling me being fat is wrong and gross. This book truly was a great read and highly recommend anyone on a journey read.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

What We Give Away: A Delicious Standalone Novel is the fourth book in the Bold Journeys series. This is my first time reading something by this author and I was not disappointed. The story focuses on Leslie, an award-winning journalist and Chef Risto, owner of his own restaurant and chef extraordinaire. The two find themselves working together after having been apart after a failed relationship. Will the two of them find each other this time around?
The characters and plot are relatable and realistic. I enjoyed the different personalities and could understand where they met with difficulties both in the past and the present. The second chance aspect was sweet and showed how people can change and grow over time. Our understanding and insight into a failed relationship or even friendship can change as we gain life experience and the march of time. I also enjoyed the setting of a busy restaurant. There was depth to the story which is sometimes lacking in a romance instead opting to focus on the fun. I plan on grabbing another book from this series to find out more about this author and her storytelling.

[Shadel ayerbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What We Give Away: A Delicious Standalone Novel (Bold Journeys Book 4)
Paulette Stout is a great contemporary romance series.

Leslie Molina-Allen, a rising media star and journalist from New York City, never anticipates being thrust into the orbit of her first and only love, Chef Risto, when she goes to rural Pennsylvania to take care of her cherished aunt. Risto is everything Leslie had been trying to forget for years, with his commanding presence and unreserved confidence. However, she is forced to face more than just their unresolved past while working at his Puerto Rican restaurant. It calls into question the core of who she is.

Food has been the enemy for as long as Leslie can remember. Not to be enjoyed, but to be mastered. Leslie embarks on a life-changing journey to mend her relationship with food, her body, and the only man she has ever loved after her aunt pushes her to think differently.


Every page was exciting, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings excitement into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. I can't wait to read from this author.

[Audrie Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and I loved it! As a large woman I have always joked about being a healthy fat person because I am overweight but my tests were always good and I often would do 5ks. So I could totally relate to all that she was learning and saying. Leslie is a journalist who takes a lot of risks to get the stories she wants. She has been offered a spot on Saturdays and all is well until her aunt needs help after a surgery. Taking care of Dot means that she returns to her home and the man that broke her heart. Risto is a chef and owns a very popular Puerto Rican restaurant. Even though he broke up with her, he still loves her and always felt like he loved her more than she loved him. Leslie faces the ugly truth of her eating disorder as she lives with Dot and faces her past as she seems more of Risto. This was an eye opening story of eating disorders and what people go through. There were also a lot of studies and books referenced and then written at the end. Overall I really liked it!

[Amber Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Second chance romance that also has a great body positive message. Leslie is a journalist whose new project is researching the way we view Diets and weight loss or weight gain. With a little push from her aunt to start the research, she also tries to push Leslie toward her neighbor as well. Who just turns out to be her Ex. Risto is a chef that owns his own restaurant that serves with a Puerto Rican taste. As Leslie is tasked with helping fill in at the restaurant, old sparks ignite with these two. Leslie digs deeper into the Diet culture we are all so engrossed in, to only realize that some of the information sounds familiar to some of her own personal issues growing up with her mom. As she seeks help to get better. It seems that some people don't want her to get better and they want her to stop shedding light on her personal journey. With help from her father's family and Risto, she is happy to remain the happy healthy self she has become. Come along on her journey to see how dreams can come true for her and Risto.

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What We Give Away is Book Four in the Bold Journeys series. It is a women's romance fiction that discusses topics such as second chance romance that happens later in life, body image issues, self-esteem issues, diet culture, and self-discovery. It is full of drama, angst, emotion, chemistry, tension, and family relationships. The overall theme is about being true to yourself and learning to love and accept yourself for who you are. I think this is something that lot of us can identify with when there is so much pressure from the media to be better, be thinner, and be popular. I know that I have struggled with my own self-image and self-doubt and put far too much pressure on myself to be perfect. As an individual who still struggles with feeling as though I'm not good enough and struggling with self-esteem issues daily this book really hit home. It is something that I will pick up and read again and again as a reminder to love myself and be true to who I am. This was an emotional and thought provoking read that I highly recommend.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Bold Journeys series, and while I’ve read and loved each book, they can definitely be read as a standalone without any issue. Once you have read one, I bet you will be just as impressed as I was and pick up the rest of the series! This one in particular is a heartfelt and incredibly empowering journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and love. Leslie is such a relatable main character that confronts her struggles with body image and diet culture. It brought tears to my eyes quite a few times. The chemistry between Leslie and Risto is absolutely electric. This story feels like a real-life experience with its raw emotions and second-chance romance. I really appreciate how the author has woven in tough-to-tackle issues but still manages to fill us with hopefulness and warmth. Overall, this was a truly remarkable and uplifting read through and through. If you love second chances, body positivity, and characters finding their truth, this one is absolutely worth picking up!