Eat Post Like

by Emily Arden Wells

Eat Post Like is a heartwarming debut novel of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of food.

Cassie Brooks has her life all figured out.

Make partner at the prestigious law firm she works at by age 35Prioritize making plans with friends on the weekends… not workingSpend as much time as possible with her boyfriend, James ColwellWork might be exhausting, but for now she’s satisfied making good money and enjoying New York City with James. He’s an accountant but has surprisingly eclectic taste in food. Cassie is starting to think he could be the one when her life flips upside down with one James has died tragically.

Months into her grief, she uncovers a worn diary belonging to James and stumbles upon a remarkable James was the mastermind behind the hottest, anonymous foodie account in the city. With detailed food reviews, lists of new restaurants, and a tantalizing plan to involve Cassie, James had been preparing for an adventure of a lifetime.

When Cassie unwittingly accepts a dinner reservation on behalf of James’s viral account, she embarks on a whirlwind journey filled with unforgettable meals and unexpected connections. She goes from endless hours on-call as a lawyer to savoring exquisite pasta in Italy and indulging in the finest French cuisine in Paris.

But as Cassie navigates the demands of being an influencer and embracing her newfound passions, she struggles to find balance. Does she have what it takes to maintain her secret identity while pursuing her own dreams? Can she balance her grief of losing James with the thrilling possibilities that lie ahead?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Audiobook, Adult, Travel, Contemporary Romance

384 pages, Paperback

Published June 3, 2025

Reviews

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

For fans of foodie books. More contemporary fiction than romance, I’m finding it hard to rate this book as there was nothing inherently wrong with it, I just couldn’t connect with Cassie or her journey.

After Cassie’s boyfriend unexpectedly dies, she finds out he was secretly an online food critic and takes off to Europe on a food tour he was supposed to join. I was hoping for more depth, more reconciling with the grief of her boyfriend’s passing, and more introspection about her life, but this comes across as largely surface level with a lot of details about food. Cassie seems to barely mourn her boyfriend and seems to move on pretty quickly (with guys that she didn’t have chemistry with).

Unfortunately it missed the mark for me, but I do see it being a hit for someone not expecting something deep and who loves food.

I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.

[mackenzie (hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was fine. completely, totally, utterly fine.

honestly the biggest issue for me with this one was the writing, it just felt so dense and overcomplicated at certain points. also the food descriptions were beyond excessive. i mean obviously i knew what i was getting into considering the title is literally EAT post love but still.

i didn’t loveeee cassie? i really enjoyed seeing her navigate grief and growing from her experiences and finding herself throughout the story. but as a character in general she just wasn’t my fav, neither were any of the others tbh.

expected a cutesy romance, got a much deeper and more emotional novel about serious topics. this isn’t me complaining, just saying to not judge this by the cover like i did!! and i can def see why someone might enjoy this, it was just pretty meh all around for me personally.

huge thank you to netgalley & avon and harper voyager for the arc!! all opinions are my own <3

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had such a promising start. After the sudden loss of her boyfriend, Cassie Brooks uncovers his secret identity as a well-known foodie influencer and steps into his world of fine dining and travel. It sounded like the perfect mix of love, loss, and self-discovery.

This was probably the most food-centric story I’ve ever read. The plate descriptions were beautifully detailed. But I also found them exhausting at times. The grief element was lacking for me, too. James’s death sets everything in motion, yet much of the time it felt like he was forgotten, with Cassie’s feelings about him only surfacing sporadically.

Even her initial reaction to his death felt very strange. It made her emotional journey feel shallow and oddly paced. There were definitely moments I enjoyed, but overall the character interactions felt a little robotic, and the ending left me unsatisfied.

(heat level: fade to black)

[Gracie O’Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Makes me want to head on a Michelin Star Restaurant trip in Europe!

[Lisa (Remarkablylisa) · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. This was kind of a slog to get through because of the writing. Very little dialogue and more just descriptions of what the main character was doing.

[Monet Daffodil · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eat Post Like
Author: Emily Arden Wells

Wow. No words. I went into this expecting a light and fluffy read, but it turned out to be deep, emotional, and incredibly heartwarming. When Cassie’s boyfriend passes away in a tragic accident, she’s left heartbroken and unsure of her next step. Months later, she discovers he was secretly running a popular foodie account. Taking up his role, Cassie sets off on a culinary adventure across Europe. The people she meets and the incredible food she experiences bring the story to life, making you feel like you’re right there with her. Watching her heal and rediscover herself was touching and inspiring. 5 stars.

[Angie Miale · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cassie and her boyfriend James have been together 2 years; she is a lawyer and he is an accountant. She loves him and thinks she will marry him, he gives her grief because she really works too much. Then he dies in a car accident. She finds some disguises and journals and realizes he was a successful New York culinary food blogger on instagram. She then takes ivermectin his account and starts writing reviews. He was invited to a 4 week travel trip in Europe and she goes on the trip and meets some new friends.

I feel a bit like I got catfished with this book. I was expecting a journey through grief book and instead it became a travel and food book. I like eating as much as the next guy; but lengthy descriptions of luxury food just aren’t that interesting to me. If you really like travel and food books you may like this.

Also; then it bothered me that James best friend is horrible to her for “stealing” his identity and his “life’s work.” What? This is an anonymous instagram account. He never got any credit to begin with and apparently he liked it that way. He’s dead, he can’t maintain the following anyway! This seemed like a wonderful way to keep him alive, to continue his legacy. David acted like she did something horrible- what? Like she stole his money or house? It was so self righteous and bizarre that she felt guilty about it. She leaves in the middle of the trip, only to return.

Cassie should have been heartbroken, I didn’t feel like the narrative even really touched on her grief at all? And when she ended up with Ben at the end, an acquaintance from the trip, I totally thought he was gay for some reason so that caught me off guard. It seemed out of left field.

Also she was supposed to be a “food critic” but really she was a food blogger, she literally never said one critical thing about any part of any meal she had.

This one was just not for me. Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC. Book to be released June 3, 2025.

[Misty Phelan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eat Post Like is the debut novel by Emily Arden Wells. The story follows Cassie, a dedicated lawyer whose relentless work ethic has left her with little time for her boyfriend, James. She believes she can always prioritize her relationship later, especially as she strives for the next promotion. Tragedy strikes when James dies in a car accident, prompting Cassie to reevaluate how she’s spending her life. Her journey of self-discovery intensifies when she uncovers James's secret as an anonymous food reviewer.

The novel resonated with me, encouraging reflection on my own passions. With themes of love, loss, and finding oneself through grief, it offers a poignant yet enjoyable read. The vivid descriptions transport readers to places they might not otherwise visit, showcasing the author’s architectural background. While some passages felt a bit dense, they didn’t detract from the overall experience. I rated the plot and pacing a 3.5 out of 5, noting that the main conflict emerged too late in the story, leaving the conclusion feeling rushed. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys general fiction with light romance, as well as foodies and travel enthusiasts.

A special thank you to NetGalley and publisher Avon for the advanced reader copy in exchange for honest feedback.

Rating: 3.7/5 rounded to 4 on Goodreads

[Kat Benjamin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

This book was sadly not for me. I wanted to like it, and the premise was a good one, but I honestly felt like two different authors wrote this one. The details about the food and the tourist attractions were so vivid and well-written, but all the human interactions were written horribly. I know that’s harsh, and I feel guilty for saying that. However, there were a few moments that should have been emotionally charged that were not…at all. To the point, that the lack of emotion and depth made me feel uncomfortable. Examples: the phone call when Cassie found out her boyfriend had died, an altercation Cassie was in later in the book, and when Cassie said goodbye to another character at the book’s end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for a free eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was sadly a book I DNF at 25%, while this book had a great synopsis and when I first saw this book I was like “wow I’m going to cry aren’t I?” I just couldn’t feel any authenticity for the FMC. It felt very distant to me and I couldn’t connect with her the way I wanted to. Also the writing was a little weird to me. I couldn’t get behind how clunky and awkward it came across to me, sadly.

*Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Emily Arden Wells, the author, for the ARC!*

[Sandy Goguen-Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the idea for the story, not the typical story. It's always great reading about a female character stepping out of her comfort box and becoming a strong female role model. It's a bonus read if you like fancy food. A quick read, so happy I won this free giveaway book.

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emily Arden Wells crafts a remarkably tender debut that transforms the familiar territory of grief fiction into something unexpectedly delicious. Eat Post Like follows Cassie Brooks, a successful but unfulfilled lawyer whose carefully planned life crumbles when her boyfriend James dies in a tragic accident. What begins as a conventional story of loss evolves into an enchanting exploration of identity, passion, and the healing power of extraordinary experiences.

The novel's central conceit is both clever and emotionally resonant: James, unbeknownst to Cassie, was the mastermind behind @NewYorkSecretDiner, one of the city's most influential anonymous food accounts. When Cassie discovers his hidden passion project through a worn diary, she makes the impulsive decision to step into his digital shoes, accepting an invitation to a prestigious European food critics' tour. This premise allows Wells to weave together themes of grief processing, professional reinvention, and the intoxicating world of high-end culinary travel.

The Artistry of Culinary Prose

Wells' background as a food photographer and cocktail influencer shines through in her exquisite descriptions of meals, restaurants, and travel experiences. Her prose becomes most alive when describing the sensory details of dining—from the "thick stalk of white asparagus sprinkled with saffron salt, served with candied pinecones seasoned with seaweed" in Copenhagen to the "briny" seaweed tart that transports Cassie to childhood summers in Maine. These aren't merely descriptive passages; they're emotional anchors that ground the reader in Cassie's journey of discovery.

The author demonstrates particular skill in balancing the glamorous aspects of food criticism with its underlying complexities. Through characters like the seasoned Rebecca Riggs and the charismatic wine expert Eamon McLaren, Wells explores the tension between authentic experience and performance, between the curated perfection of social media and the messy reality of human connection.

Character Development and Emotional Authenticity

Cassie emerges as a compelling protagonist whose evolution feels both gradual and inevitable. Wells avoids the trap of making her transformation too smooth or unrealistic. Instead, Cassie's journey is marked by genuine moments of doubt, embarrassment, and fear of discovery. Her panic when wine expert Eamon realizes they're heading to Champagne country—and her mortification at mispronouncing "Reims"—adds authentic vulnerability to her character.

The supporting cast, particularly Rebecca Riggs and Eamon McLaren, feels refreshingly three-dimensional. Rebecca serves not just as a mentor figure but as a representation of what Cassie might become—successful, confident, yet still hungry for new experiences. Eamon's character walks the fine line between love interest and catalyst for growth, with Wells wisely avoiding the pitfall of making romance the sole solution to Cassie's grief.

Exploring Grief Through Sensory Experience

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its nuanced portrayal of grief. Wells understands that mourning isn't a linear process, and she captures this through Cassie's relationship with James's memory. The scene where Cassie sits in James's apartment, noting the unwashed coffee cup in the sink and feeling his presence in the silence, demonstrates Wells' ability to convey the surreal quality of early grief.

The author's decision to have Cassie continue James's food account initially as a way to honor his memory, then gradually make it her own, serves as a metaphor for how we process loss and eventually reclaim our own narratives. The transformation of @NewYorkSecretDiner into @EatPostLike represents more than a username change—it's Cassie's declaration of independence from James's shadow.

The Intoxicating World of Food Tourism

Wells' depiction of the European food critics' tour feels both aspirational and grounded in reality. Her descriptions of restaurants like Noma in Copenhagen and La Pergola in Rome are rich with detail without becoming overwhelming. She captures the peculiar culture of food criticism—the unspoken rules, the networking, the balance between appreciation and analysis.

The travel sequences serve as more than mere backdrop; they're integral to Cassie's transformation. Each city—Paris, Copenhagen, Rome—offers her different lessons about herself and the person she wants to become. The progression from tentative imposter to confident critic mirrors her emotional journey from grief-stricken girlfriend to independent woman.

Where the Novel Occasionally Stumbles

While Eat Post Like succeeds on many levels, it occasionally suffers from pacing issues in its middle section. Some of the European travel sequences, while beautifully written, feel slightly repetitive in their structure: arrive in city, feel overwhelmed, have revelatory meal, gain confidence, repeat. The romance with Eamon, while well-developed, sometimes feels like it receives less emotional weight than it deserves, particularly given its importance to Cassie's growth.

The revelation of David's knowledge about James's account and his confrontation with Cassie in Venice feels somewhat rushed. This plot point, which should serve as a major crisis in Cassie's journey, resolves perhaps too quickly and conveniently.

Social Media and Authentic Identity

Wells demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how social media shapes modern identity and relationships. The contrast between the carefully curated @NewYorkSecretDiner posts and Cassie's messy reality offers commentary on the performative nature of online life. Her eventual creation of @EatPostLike represents not just a professional pivot but a declaration of authenticity.

The novel's exploration of anonymity versus recognition in the digital age feels particularly relevant. Cassie's struggle to maintain James's mysterious online persona while developing her own voice reflects broader questions about authenticity in an increasingly connected world.

The Romance Element

The developing relationship between Cassie and Eamon provides the novel with much-needed lightness without diminishing the weight of her grief journey. Wells handles their attraction with restraint and realism—their connection develops through shared experiences and genuine compatibility rather than forced chemistry.

Eamon's character serves multiple functions beyond romantic interest. As an established food and wine critic, he becomes Cassie's guide into this new world, but Wells avoids making him her savior. Instead, their relationship feels like a partnership between equals, each bringing something valuable to the other.

Final Verdict

Eat Post Like succeeds as both a grief narrative and a celebration of food culture, proving that Wells has a keen understanding of how sensory experiences can facilitate emotional healing. While the novel occasionally relies on familiar romance tropes and could benefit from tighter pacing in places, its emotional authenticity and gorgeous food writing make it a compelling debut.

Wells has created a novel that will satisfy readers seeking both escapist food tourism and genuine emotional depth. The book offers the vicarious pleasure of European fine dining while tackling serious questions about identity, loss, and the courage required to reinvent oneself.

[Kendall Boutros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not to be dramatic, but I think this might be my favorite book ever! It's amazing! It has a well-balanced blend of the themes of self discovery, friendship, grief, adventure, and romance. As a huge fan of cooking shows like Top Chef, I loved reading the descriptions of delicious food. I also loved all of the details of the fancy restaurants and travels abroad which I don't go to as often as I used to.

The plot was interesting and exciting. There were times I said, "Awww!" and "What?!" out loud. I even had to set down my glass of wine (which felt on brand with the book) to finish the last few chapters because I was so invested in what would happen.

The characters all had unique personalities which were shown in their distinct dialogues. It made me feel like I was a part of her life and knew them all personally. There was never a time where I had to try and remember who someone was or what role they played. They were relatable because the author wrote out how they handled stressful situations and divulged in difficult conversations.

Overall, I couldn't put this book down! And now I want to go travel, eat and follow my heart down unexpected paths! 5 stars for sure!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

[Morgan Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for this arc!
THIS WAS TOO GOOD!! If you are a foodie, a lover of travel, or just someone that loves a story about finding yourself in the midst of grief, you need to read this! This is Emily Wells first book, but I love how she has taken her time and experience in the food and alcohol worlds to inform this story to the point I was looking to see if these were real restaurants I could go to one day!
Throughly enjoyed this and can’t wait to get my hands on a copy when it comes out! Can very much see this being a great beach read!

[Brianna Dalesandro · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review —

Our FMC, Cassie, is a lawyer that is consumed by her job. It’s not until a tragic accident turns her world upside down that she realizes that there’s more to life than being a lawyer who’s glued to her desk all day.

A once in a lifetime opportunity sends her to Europe under the guise of a food critic. It’s in this journey that Cassie uncovers a whole new side to her. One that she doesn’t want to let go of.

Eat Post Like takes you on a food journey unlike any other that starts in NYC, travels through Europe, and ends in Barcelona.

This was so unique and unlike any book that I’ve read before. I can’t say that I didn’t enjoy it, because I definitely did, but it felt a tiny bit drawn out for me. The descriptions of the food were so interesting to me, as a foodie myself, but I felt that reading the FMC’s perspective and then rereading the reviews that she posted just felt repetitive. I often times found myself skimming that section.

I also felt that the book was a bit long - the repetitive, and long descriptions of each meal most likely contributed to that. I would say that this is the main reason for my 3 star rating. Also, the beginning of the book had me shook, I would have never guessed at how this story was going to be set up. The ending, however, felt more predictable to me.

I would recommend this to people who are extreme foodies, others may not find its appeal.

Thank you so much Net Galley, Avon and Harper Voyager for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 ☆

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Emily Arden Wells for the ARC!

I enjoyed following Cassie’s journey though Europe. The descriptions of the food were rich and extremely descriptive. The ending felt a bit rushed but overall it was a quick and light read!

[Jackie Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover is striking. It’s fun and colorful and a preview for what’s inside.

This book makes you want to sign up to be a food critic. It would be amazing to always get the best table, menu items and service with someone else picking up the tab.

My stomach was growling throughout the story with the thought of walking into a restaurant with mouth-watering delicacies of caviar, fresh oysters, jumbo shrimp, thinly sliced tuna, Japanese Wagyu beef and a fine array of desserts. Let’s not forget the champagne! Sadly, my refrigerator didn’t even come close.

This was a fast-paced romantic novel with the main character, Cassie, exploring an alternative career. I was shaking my head in some of the parts wondering how this girl was able to attract such luck.

Readers were taken on an exclusive awards trip to Paris, Copenhagen, Rome, Venice and Barcelona. Influencers got a taste of the good life stepping into luxury hotels and 5-star restaurants. I especially enjoyed extra tidbits of the culture and history. It’s entertaining and a lighthearted beach read.

My thanks to Avon and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of June 3, 2025.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a debut novel and for a debut I think it's fantastic. The author makes this book engaging from the very first page, and her writing style just kind of pulls you in and makes you want more with each turn of the page.

I absolutely adored the banter between Cassie and James - right from the beginning it was cute & fun. Cassie is a super dedicated lawyer with big dreams for her future; she feels like she can just hang on through her relationship now then she'll have more time for it later on. James is a bit of a character - he's sweet and it's easy to see how much he cares for Cassie but there's also a bit of a mystery about him as well.

Tragedy strikes and Cassie is forced with needing to re-evaluate everything; all of her goals, her big dreams, do they really matter in the long run? I really love her journey of self discovery, and how she grows and learns and matures - her discovering James's secret as an intense Foodie and how she chose to lean into that was pretty fun and amusing.

The ups & downs, the whirlwind that follows really is a great story on it's own. The conflict that arises feels so late and then it's just a blurred rush to the end so the ending is not as satisfying as the beginning of the book. However, I still really enjoyed the journey and the food discussions and just all of the intricate details that were included.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Harper Voyager for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review

[M · Rating 1 out of 5]

NetGalley eARC

The basis of the plot sounded like it could be fun. Unfortunately...

Cassie is a very unlikable character with no personality (but for some reason everyone around her loves her). We're repeatedly told that she's so hardworking - yet she couldn't be bothered to read the itinerary for her trip-of-a-lifetime to review the best restaurants across Europe. We're also told she loved her boyfriend, but she seemed to barely tolerate him in their scenes together, and knew absolutely nothing about what was clearly his passion. And when she has conversations with people, they'll give her paragraphs of life story and advice, and she will respond with "noted", or maybe "isn't that the truth". What?

All the other characters are flat and apparently only exist to tell Cassie she's great.

And the amount of description is so excessive. Not just the food descriptions - the color of the carpet in the hotel lobby, the length of some lady's bob... It was way too much.

[Lauren Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I just finished reading Eat Post Like by Emily Arden Wells, and I’m still buzzing from the experience. The novel follows Cassie Brooks—a lawyer whose world is turned upside down after her boyfriend’s sudden death. What really grabbed me was how Cassie’s journey into her boyfriend’s secret food blogging life became a pathway to healing and self-discovery.

Wells’ writing is immersive; her vivid descriptions of New York and Paris almost make you taste the city’s flavors. Although I felt some of the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more, the emotional depth and raw honesty in Cassie’s journey more than made up for it. If you’re into stories where food meets healing and adventure, this one’s a must-read.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advanced reader copy in exchange for honest feedback.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a DNF for me at about 15% of the book. I received Eat, Post, Like as an eARC from NetGalley and while the premise of the book was fantastic, the application of it left something for me.

I think the biggest thing is that I just don’t like the way the author writes her sentences. It feels very “Cassie did ______” and “James did __________”. Like clunky and weird to read. I found myself overthinking each sentence questioning why it was written that was that was just so distracting.

I think if you didn’t mind the clunkiness of the writing or even liked that very measured and almost repetitive writing style, you may actually like the book but for me, it was a pass.

[Anabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

Cassie Brooks feels like she has it all: the high powered attorney job, the beautiful apartment in Manhattan, an adoring boyfriend (soon to be fiancé?) James... so why does she feel like she can never catch her breath? Constantly torn between climbing the corporate ladder and missing out on the moments that make life worth living, everything changes when James is devastatingly killed in a car accident. Now set adrift in her grief, Cassie discovers James lived a second life as @NewYorkSecretDiner-- an anonymous New York foodie account known for reviewing some of the most beautiful food in the city.

Searching for something new and exciting, and desperate for anything that makes her feel closer to James, Cassie begins posting as @NewYorkSecretDiner. However, things begin to snowball out of her control when she accepts a three-week review trip filled with unbelievable food and surprising connections on James' behalf-- someone is threatening to out her newfound identity, and Cassie isn't sure she's even qualified enough to be on the trip.

This was a fun book! I've recently been eating up (pun intended) travel/food books, and this fit the bill perfectly for me. I personally loved the descriptions of all Cassie's meals-- they were descriptive without being overwhelming, and I loved the creativity behind each dish.

A couple of things I wish were different though: Cassie's friendship with Ruby was a bit confusing. Ruby was initially described as a somewhat work friend-- but Cassie quickly trusted her with deep secrets and was her only consistent friend throughout the book. For me, it would have just made more sense to have their friendship well established from the get-go (even though, at the end of the day, it didn't really impact the story all that much).

I also wish the pacing of the ending was different. There was such a beautiful build up, great character development... and then it all falls apart and is fixed within four chapters. It felt rushed and so out of sync for the rest of the book to me.

However, all that said, I had a good time with this story and look forward to reading more by Wells!

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imagina que seu namorado morre e você descobre que ele era um crítico gastronômico misterioso super conhecido na internet?

Num primeiro momento, a Cassie fica muito triste por ele não ter dividido esse segredo com ela, pois teria gostado de acompanhá-lo e conhecê-lo por completo. Eles já estavam juntos há dois anos, então é um pouco estranho que ele não tenha se revelado. Ao mesmo tempo, vendo quantos emails, cartões de crédito e identidades falsas ele tinha para conseguir manter o anônimato em seu trabalho, ela entende que isso era algo extremamente necessário. Pensa que talvez ninguém mesmo soubesse da verdade.

Então, ela se dá conta de que seus seguidores não sabem que ele morreu, e decide dar continuidade ao projeto. Mesmo se sentindo muito estranha, ela começa a postar como se fosse ele. Tenta copiar seu estilo de foto, de escrita, fazendo o possível para não levantar nenhuma suspeita. Porém, a culpa de estar enganando as pessoas e usando o trabalho dele é muito grande.

Entre viagens, novos amigos e propostas de trabalho, acompanhamos a aventura dessa mulher descobrindo outros lados de si mesma, deixando sua carreira na advocacia em pausa e experimentando coisas que nunca antes tinha pensado, reavaliando toda a sua vida.

Gostei da leitura. Tem uma vibe de filme da Sessão da Tarde, onde “vai rolar muita confusão”. hahaha Só não amei tanto os personagens quanto achei que fosse. Pra mim faltou um pouco mais de tristeza. Acho que eu queria mais luto, mais reflexões sobre o cara misterioso que acabou de morrer, sabe? (olha a dramática!) Mas o foco é realmente na Cassie, na continuidade da vida dela após a perda e essa descoberta.

[Alexandra Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

****Many thanks to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for an advanced eArc in exchange for my honest opinion****

I ATE this book up and left no crumbs.

What a beautiful and light book, it was absolutely un put downable. I finished this within 24 hours.

Cassie is a very relatable honestly. The life crisis, is this job really the job for me, is this person really the right person for me, dealing with grief and loss. I think a lot of people can relate to a character like this.

She took a giant leap of faith and discovered there is so much more to life than work, gym, sleep repeat and I absolutely think that is a positive message to spread! This is similar to Eat, Pray and Love but I would add with a modern twist.

I don't know why I assumed the restaurants were made up but was extremely pleased these are ALL real places and chefs. I obssessivly googled every restaurant and chef mentioned and went down a little rabbit hole. I know some people mentioned they don't like how dense the food descriptions were... SPEAK FOR YOURSELF! I loved the descriptions, I felt like I was right there experiencing new flavors with Cassie. My mouth was watering for most of this book.

I also enjoyed the romance so swoon worthy! That day in Rome?? To die for! I also have to call out how tasteful the intimacy was written. That boosted it up another star just for that. I like how the romance aspect is also obscure at the ending, who knows where the road will take you and how much you will grow and change. A delight to read from start to finish.

[Meg Paisley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just devoured (pun fully intended) Eat Like Post by Emily Arden Wells and it was everything I wanted in a foodie romance. 🥖🍷

This book follows Cassie, a high-powered NYC lawyer whose life is completely mapped out until tragedy strikes and she loses her boyfriend James. Just when she thinks she knows everything about him, she discovers his secret identity: the mastermind behind one of New York’s hottest anonymous foodie accounts.

What starts as one reservation in his name turns into a whirlwind adventure: Michelin-starred restaurants, cozy bistros, decadent pasta in Italy, buttery croissants in Paris… honestly, I felt like I was traveling (and eating) right alongside her. Emily Arden Wells writes food so vividly that I swear I could taste every bite my stomach was growling the entire time.

But beyond the food (and trust me, there’s plenty), this book is also about grief, second chances, and rediscovering yourself when life doesn’t go according to plan. Cassie’s journey of balancing her old life as a workaholic lawyer with this new, deliciously messy world of food influencing felt both heartwarming and relatable.

If you love foodie fiction, books with big emotional journeys, or anything that will make you want to book a flight to Europe ASAP, this is one you’ll want on your TBR. Just don’t read it hungry…you’ve been warned. 😋

Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review 💕

[callistoscalling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of this book; all thoughts are my own!

📖 Book Review 📖 Cassie is no stranger to grief, losing her mother at a young age; but what she was not prepared for was losing the man she thought she was going to spend the rest of her life with. After she receives the devastating news that her boyfriend James has died, she not only has to put the pieces of her life back together, but also clean out his belongings from his apartment. What she never expected to find was his secret life as the most renowned food critic on instagram.

Grief has a funny way of throwing your life upside down and forcing you to wake up and smell the roses while reevaluating your priorities. Being a lawyer was all Cassie ever wanted to be but is dropping everything at all hours really worth it? Life is so short. Perhaps accepting an invitation to an all-expense paid trip to Europe under the guise of the persona behind James’ account will help her gain some clarity. Emily Arden Wells somehow manages to take some of the most raw and devastating emotions and turns them into an absolutely beautiful read that I did not want to put down. Eat Post Like is an emotive and captivating journey through love, grief, food, travel, and life in general, reminding us to celebrate the joie de vivre.

[Pam Papworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins, and to Goodreads for the ARC of this book. While I enjoyed the premise of the book, I am not a foodie, world traveler, or a blogger, so most of the food descriptions were wasted on me. My sister, however, is a FOODIE, wine lover, and world traveler, so I am excited to give this book to her next week. I bet she will really enjoy it!

The themes included live your life, and appreciate all that goes into food at restaurants.

"Each element of the dish was a decision that someone thought about carefully."
"Any of us could die unexpectedly. Go live your life! Life doesn't happen in your cubicle."
"Airports exist in their own time zone; and it's always happy hour."
"Food is so powerful; the aromas and flavors tap into a part of your brain that contains visceral memories."
"The most important partnership is with yourself."
"There is more to life than simply existing."
Eating in restaurants: "You're entering someone's world, and that it's an experience that can be completely transformative. People have deliberately created a place where their food, their ideas, and their vision come alive, and we get to be guests in that world for a few delicious hours. It's almost like going to the theater, but we get to be part of the show."
"Cheers to life being lived."

[Mallory Moureau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Avon Harper Voyager and Emily Arden Wells for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

During the beginning of the book I struggled with Cassie. Cassie seems like a very self absorbed person and honestly, not a great girlfriend. Their relationship seemed odd for 2yrs in.

After continuing to read, I understood her and their relationship a bit more. That being said, I struggled with her decision to take his place in secret and yet immediately tell a few people the secret.

I didn’t love the conflict and how that was resolved. It felt like there needed to be more to that situation beyond just a texted apology.

The story itself was unique. The writing was incredibly detailed and brought in all your senses. I’m not a big foodie person and have the palate of a child so a lot of this was lost on me but would probably be more of an experience for someone more into food

[Cherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an ARC review thanks to Netgalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager.

My biggest issue with this book is that is not continuously told/written from the main character’s POV. There are bits of narration in between the story which throws me off because you think the “she” the narration is referring to is a different character and not the main one. Come to find out, the “she” is the main character. I wish the author would have kept it from her POV and omitted the narrations. I almost DNF’d this book. I am glad I didn’t as it was a cute read. This book had lots of potential. The story line is unique and I enjoyed it. The writing did get better at the end but it was already too late by then. I wouldn’t mind a continuation of Cassie’s story, in her view.

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much Avon books for the gifted copy!

Eat Post Like
by Emily Arden Wells

About the book👇🏽

Eat Post Like is a heartwarming debut novel of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of food.

🥐 My thoughts:

I read this pretty quickly! It’s a unique story of love, grief, and healing. Although it doesn’t get into the nitty gritty of grief, it does show the readers that grief and healing looks different for everyone. But my favorite part of this was how Cassie was able to keep James’ memory alive while having an adventure of her own. I have never read a book like this one and I will definitely read the next book this author writes!

Happy reading 📖