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Just a Taste: A feel-good, funny and delightfully delicious Christmas romance from the author of ONE WEEK IN PARADISE
‘Fun, fresh and always sexy – Anise Starre knows romance’ HANNAH GRACE
‘This flirty, slow burn romance is filled with fabulous banter and holiday charm’ FARRAH ROCHON
‘I burned through these pages for the hot kitchen scenes and the cold nights’ JOYA GOFFNEY
A Christmas romance featuring a personal chef who is snowed-in with her least favourite client – a sexy but miserable technopreneur.
The only thing personal chef Noelle Jones loves more than cooking is Christmas. She has a roster of extremely wealthy clients, including the elusive and stoic Alexander Hoxton.
When he asks her to cook a last-minute business meal he’s having, offering triple her pay for the short notice, Noelle jumps at the chance. It’s easy money, one of her favourite dishes and she'll still have plenty of time to get to her family’s annual Christmas reunion.
But, when a sudden blizzard leaves Noelle snowed-in with Alexander, she quickly realises he wants absolutely nothing to do with anything festive. Stuck with a veritable grinch, she’s sure this Christmas is about to become one of her worst . . .
‘This flirty, slow burn romance is filled with fabulous banter and holiday charm’ FARRAH ROCHON
‘I burned through these pages for the hot kitchen scenes and the cold nights’ JOYA GOFFNEY
A Christmas romance featuring a personal chef who is snowed-in with her least favourite client – a sexy but miserable technopreneur.
The only thing personal chef Noelle Jones loves more than cooking is Christmas. She has a roster of extremely wealthy clients, including the elusive and stoic Alexander Hoxton.
When he asks her to cook a last-minute business meal he’s having, offering triple her pay for the short notice, Noelle jumps at the chance. It’s easy money, one of her favourite dishes and she'll still have plenty of time to get to her family’s annual Christmas reunion.
But, when a sudden blizzard leaves Noelle snowed-in with Alexander, she quickly realises he wants absolutely nothing to do with anything festive. Stuck with a veritable grinch, she’s sure this Christmas is about to become one of her worst . . .
Audible Audio
First published October 23, 2025
42 people are currently reading
1494 people want to read
About the author
Anise Starre
6 books490 followersAnise Starre is a born and bred Londoner who now travels the world with her husband. She loves writing sweet, fluffy romances featuring Black women being loved on and adored, with a hint of steam and spice to get the heart going.
Keep up to date with her on Instagram @authoranisestarre or on TikTok @anisestarre.
Keep up to date with her on Instagram @authoranisestarre or on TikTok @anisestarre.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
November 27, 2025
4/5
- The forced proximity in this was SO GOOD! It really added to the story and made me love it even more! I love that it gave a rivals to lovers vibe too.
- This is a book for people that want a good storyline and aren’t just reading for the vibes! This is a book I would recommend during the holiday season and also when the holiday season is over because it’s just that good!
- The last book I read by this author was a few years ago and I don’t know why I waited so long to pick up another book! I’m so glad I did!
- The forced proximity in this was SO GOOD! It really added to the story and made me love it even more! I love that it gave a rivals to lovers vibe too.
- This is a book for people that want a good storyline and aren’t just reading for the vibes! This is a book I would recommend during the holiday season and also when the holiday season is over because it’s just that good!
- The last book I read by this author was a few years ago and I don’t know why I waited so long to pick up another book! I’m so glad I did!
November 25, 2025
This was an adorable romance I love that Noelle is a confident chef and Alex a grumpy CEO. Ate up the forced proximity and snowed in vibes this was fun 🥰🎄📚
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 4, 2025
This was really fun for the most part. I loved the forced proximity due to them being snowed in. Noelle's passion for cooking was great to read about. But once we finally got to the reason our love interest despises Christmas so badly, I had to dock an entire point, I'm so sorry. His reason was so incredibly childish, and even though Noelle clearly thought so too, I think she still gave him too much credit for it. I could see it being an issue during his childhood, but not as a fully grown man.
October 12, 2025
This was my first book by Anise Starre. I requested an ARC after seeing the cover and reading the synopsis. Personal chef snowed in with her grumpy, Grinchy Christmas hating client? yes please! It didn't disappoint at all.
I enjoyed every bit of this. It was funny, sweet, steamy (coming closer to the end of the book helloooo face sitting action??) and just the perfect holiday read I needed.
Hox and Noelle were the perfect foils. Their banter was on point and while this was a slowww burn the building chemistry before we get to the sexy times was chef's kiss for real. We don't get to learn Hox's reasons for hating Christmas until close to the end of the book and when we do it was a little sad not kinda lie, but i love how Noelle was determined to make the actual day special for him.
Alsooo did I mention we get some only one bed action, for reasons?? YES. All of this was just my sort of catnip and I ate it up, the way Hox ate Noelle's (redacted) with gusto! ;)
I will definitely be trying Anise's other books.
I enjoyed every bit of this. It was funny, sweet, steamy (coming closer to the end of the book helloooo face sitting action??) and just the perfect holiday read I needed.
Hox and Noelle were the perfect foils. Their banter was on point and while this was a slowww burn the building chemistry before we get to the sexy times was chef's kiss for real. We don't get to learn Hox's reasons for hating Christmas until close to the end of the book and when we do it was a little sad not kinda lie, but i love how Noelle was determined to make the actual day special for him.
Alsooo did I mention we get some only one bed action, for reasons?? YES. All of this was just my sort of catnip and I ate it up, the way Hox ate Noelle's (redacted) with gusto! ;)
I will definitely be trying Anise's other books.
December 26, 2025
*Slow Burn*
**3.5 Stars**
This was a delightful, slow-burn story that ultimately won me over. It featured the usual forced proximity and grumpy man with a grinchy vibe.
Having been underappreciated in restaurants, Noelle Jones decides to become a personal chef. One of her most grumpiest clients, Alexander Hoxton, asks her to cook last minute, even offering a significantly higher payment than usual. Eager for the chance, she accepts. Christmas is a big deal for her family and she’s excited to cook for him and his guests. All she has to do is get the job done and leave and get on her way.
However, the weather has other plans. As she clears up after the guests leave, Noelle realises her car has died and the snow is falling heavily. Her worst nightmare has come true.
She’s forced to knock on the door of Mr. Grumpy. She asks to stay for a night and promises to leave in the morning. But a blizzard hits, leaving her stranded. What will happen when Noelle, who loves Christmas, and Alexander, who detests it, are forced to spend the night under the same roof and now there is a blizzard it may have to be longer….
**3.5 Stars**
This was a delightful, slow-burn story that ultimately won me over. It featured the usual forced proximity and grumpy man with a grinchy vibe.
Having been underappreciated in restaurants, Noelle Jones decides to become a personal chef. One of her most grumpiest clients, Alexander Hoxton, asks her to cook last minute, even offering a significantly higher payment than usual. Eager for the chance, she accepts. Christmas is a big deal for her family and she’s excited to cook for him and his guests. All she has to do is get the job done and leave and get on her way.
However, the weather has other plans. As she clears up after the guests leave, Noelle realises her car has died and the snow is falling heavily. Her worst nightmare has come true.
She’s forced to knock on the door of Mr. Grumpy. She asks to stay for a night and promises to leave in the morning. But a blizzard hits, leaving her stranded. What will happen when Noelle, who loves Christmas, and Alexander, who detests it, are forced to spend the night under the same roof and now there is a blizzard it may have to be longer….
December 19, 2025
5 ⭐️’s
Just a Taste was such a sweet, cozy, and completely enjoyable read. I absolutely loved the close-proximity trope. There’s just something about two characters being stuck in the same house that creates the perfect mix of tension, chemistry, and heartfelt moments. I was hooked on their dynamic from the start, and every interaction made me smile.
The romance felt natural and adorable, with just the right amount of slow-build tension and emotional connection. I loved getting to watch the characters open up to each other and grow closer throughout the story. It was one of those books where I didn’t want anything to change, I was just happy to be along for the ride.
📖 I’d recommend this to readers who love:
💞 Close-proximity romance
🏡 Forced proximity / “stuck together” tropes
✨ Sweet, cozy love stories with great chemistry
This was such a feel-good romance that completely won me over — an easy 5-star favorite! 💚
Just a Taste was such a sweet, cozy, and completely enjoyable read. I absolutely loved the close-proximity trope. There’s just something about two characters being stuck in the same house that creates the perfect mix of tension, chemistry, and heartfelt moments. I was hooked on their dynamic from the start, and every interaction made me smile.
The romance felt natural and adorable, with just the right amount of slow-build tension and emotional connection. I loved getting to watch the characters open up to each other and grow closer throughout the story. It was one of those books where I didn’t want anything to change, I was just happy to be along for the ride.
📖 I’d recommend this to readers who love:
💞 Close-proximity romance
🏡 Forced proximity / “stuck together” tropes
✨ Sweet, cozy love stories with great chemistry
This was such a feel-good romance that completely won me over — an easy 5-star favorite! 💚
October 24, 2025
Professional chef Noelle has a new client in Alex Hoxton.
Oh yes! I thoroughly enjoyed Just a Taste. Of course it has a familiar structure with a forced proximity trope, but the exposition of that trope is fabulous. The story sizzles with tension, from professional annoyance to sexual attraction, so that the reader lives the undulations of Noelle and Alex’s relationship with them. The slow build of sensuality could not be more effective or more deftly handled. And Just a Taste isn’t just a conventional love story about two heterosexual people, but it’s one about love of family and self love too so that it has additional depth.
The Christmas setting works perfectly and with Alex’s aversion to the season Anise Starre exploits potential humour to perfection. This might be a cracking slow burn love story that ends explosively (and very satisfyingly for reader and character alike!), but is huge fun too. Indeed, the only aspect of Just a Taste I didn’t appreciate was not knowing the full identity of the author. Transpose Anise Starre and you have the perfect pseudonym for an author with a chef as a protagonist and I was sure there was more to know!
And what a protagonist Noelle is. I loved her. She’s sharp witted, caring, hard working and talented. She’s also quite quick to judge and make assumptions about Alex and not averse to a tiny bit of snooping so that, not only does she feel very authentic, she’s well balanced and creatively defined too. It shouldn’t matter that she is a black woman, but I found myself desperate for more readers to discover such a woman. Her ethnicity matters as it’s part of her beauty, but more importantly, she’s a brilliant role model for readers of all ethnic backgrounds.
I loved the developing relationship between Noelle and Alex, not least because Noelle doesn’t need a man in her life to be a fully rounded and complete individual. As with any relationship, they encounter mis-understanding and problems along the way so that they are relatable and believable too. When Alex’s taciturnity about Christmas was finally explained, I found the story rather emotional too.
Just a Taste is such an apt title as Noelle and Alex get just a taste of one another’s lives so that they discover the true person under the public and professional veneer. Underpinning a highly entertaining narrative are themes of professionalism, family, and the impact of upbringing that add layers of interest. However, it is Noelle’s food and cooking that are truly magnificent. I’d defy anyone reading Just a Taste not to feel ravenous and I definitely was left wanting just a taste of Noelle’s food!
Of course Just a Taste fulfilled my reader expectations of a story where two mis-matched individuals discovered they have more in common than initially thought. In addition, however, Anise Starre brought me two fantastic characters in an uplifting, engaging story that I thought was fabulous.
Oh yes! I thoroughly enjoyed Just a Taste. Of course it has a familiar structure with a forced proximity trope, but the exposition of that trope is fabulous. The story sizzles with tension, from professional annoyance to sexual attraction, so that the reader lives the undulations of Noelle and Alex’s relationship with them. The slow build of sensuality could not be more effective or more deftly handled. And Just a Taste isn’t just a conventional love story about two heterosexual people, but it’s one about love of family and self love too so that it has additional depth.
The Christmas setting works perfectly and with Alex’s aversion to the season Anise Starre exploits potential humour to perfection. This might be a cracking slow burn love story that ends explosively (and very satisfyingly for reader and character alike!), but is huge fun too. Indeed, the only aspect of Just a Taste I didn’t appreciate was not knowing the full identity of the author. Transpose Anise Starre and you have the perfect pseudonym for an author with a chef as a protagonist and I was sure there was more to know!
And what a protagonist Noelle is. I loved her. She’s sharp witted, caring, hard working and talented. She’s also quite quick to judge and make assumptions about Alex and not averse to a tiny bit of snooping so that, not only does she feel very authentic, she’s well balanced and creatively defined too. It shouldn’t matter that she is a black woman, but I found myself desperate for more readers to discover such a woman. Her ethnicity matters as it’s part of her beauty, but more importantly, she’s a brilliant role model for readers of all ethnic backgrounds.
I loved the developing relationship between Noelle and Alex, not least because Noelle doesn’t need a man in her life to be a fully rounded and complete individual. As with any relationship, they encounter mis-understanding and problems along the way so that they are relatable and believable too. When Alex’s taciturnity about Christmas was finally explained, I found the story rather emotional too.
Just a Taste is such an apt title as Noelle and Alex get just a taste of one another’s lives so that they discover the true person under the public and professional veneer. Underpinning a highly entertaining narrative are themes of professionalism, family, and the impact of upbringing that add layers of interest. However, it is Noelle’s food and cooking that are truly magnificent. I’d defy anyone reading Just a Taste not to feel ravenous and I definitely was left wanting just a taste of Noelle’s food!
Of course Just a Taste fulfilled my reader expectations of a story where two mis-matched individuals discovered they have more in common than initially thought. In addition, however, Anise Starre brought me two fantastic characters in an uplifting, engaging story that I thought was fabulous.
September 27, 2025
This was a sweet holiday romance with a dash of spice on the side.
It was nice to see Alex lose his Grinch-like tendencies but I would have loved to see him have the opportunity to explain why he behaved the way he did towards Noelle for TWO YEARS… I feel Noelle deserved an explanation to allow their relationship to blossom and grow without all the miscommunication.
It was nice to see Alex lose his Grinch-like tendencies but I would have loved to see him have the opportunity to explain why he behaved the way he did towards Noelle for TWO YEARS… I feel Noelle deserved an explanation to allow their relationship to blossom and grow without all the miscommunication.
December 12, 2025
Overall, this was a fun, cute and festive read.
However, the ‘big reveal’ for why the mmc hated Christmas felt pretty anticlimactic and immature (and also didn’t explain why me was so rude to Noelle for the other 11 months of the year?!). I think the whole ‘not talking/barely tolerating each other) to romance was far too rushed and I struggled to see any real chemistry between the two main characters.
That said, it was an entertaining and cozy read to spend a few evenings with in the run up to Christmas.
what to expect:
• grumpy x sunshine
• she’s his personal chef
• chef x tech bro
• snowed in
• forced proximity
However, the ‘big reveal’ for why the mmc hated Christmas felt pretty anticlimactic and immature (and also didn’t explain why me was so rude to Noelle for the other 11 months of the year?!). I think the whole ‘not talking/barely tolerating each other) to romance was far too rushed and I struggled to see any real chemistry between the two main characters.
That said, it was an entertaining and cozy read to spend a few evenings with in the run up to Christmas.
what to expect:
• grumpy x sunshine
• she’s his personal chef
• chef x tech bro
• snowed in
• forced proximity
December 26, 2025
Started reading this Christmas morning and finished it before bed Christmas night. Very cute and wholesome read, perfect way to end my Christmas. This is the fourth book I’ve read from this author and I look forward to reading more from her!
November 21, 2025
I love a snowed in situation! And that’s exactly what happens to personal chef Noelle when a blizzard forces her under one roof with her grouchy, Christmas-hating client, CEO Alexander Hoxton.
This was a really cute story! But I never fully understood why Alexander was so cold towards Noelle. She’s been his personal chef for two whole years, yet he acted like she’s a stranger he barely tolerates. His reason for hating Christmas is explained, sure, but I kept expecting a deeper or more layered backstory to justify this level of year-round grumpiness.
But still, it was genuinely sweet seeing his grinchy exterior soften just a little for Noelle’s sake, especially with her being stuck there, sadly missing her own family’s Christmas gathering. Their snowed in dilemma was really cozy too, complete with a heating malfunction that leads to some platonic one bed moments to keep warm! And I loved that Noelle was truly passionate about her career. The food descriptions! So yummy!
(heat level: 1 open-door scene, explicit details)
This was a really cute story! But I never fully understood why Alexander was so cold towards Noelle. She’s been his personal chef for two whole years, yet he acted like she’s a stranger he barely tolerates. His reason for hating Christmas is explained, sure, but I kept expecting a deeper or more layered backstory to justify this level of year-round grumpiness.
But still, it was genuinely sweet seeing his grinchy exterior soften just a little for Noelle’s sake, especially with her being stuck there, sadly missing her own family’s Christmas gathering. Their snowed in dilemma was really cozy too, complete with a heating malfunction that leads to some platonic one bed moments to keep warm! And I loved that Noelle was truly passionate about her career. The food descriptions! So yummy!
(heat level: 1 open-door scene, explicit details)
December 18, 2025
Solid, cutie read. Thoroughly enjoyed this. Extremely quick read.
Was this the best book I’ve ever read? Not even close. But it was cute and scratched the itch I had for a holiday romance. Forced proximity & grumpy/sunshine is fun. Also, you can’t go wrong with, “but there’s only one bed!!!” Also, I didn’t think I wanted my man to have a chef kink… but I may need to explore that topic further… brb…
Was this the best book I’ve ever read? Not even close. But it was cute and scratched the itch I had for a holiday romance. Forced proximity & grumpy/sunshine is fun. Also, you can’t go wrong with, “but there’s only one bed!!!” Also, I didn’t think I wanted my man to have a chef kink… but I may need to explore that topic further… brb…
November 4, 2025
Took me forever to finish im sawri but this was just boring
October 15, 2025
4 ⭐
Thank you kindly to Simon and Schuster UK and Netgalley for the review copy of Just a Taste. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
It's no secret how much I adore Anise's writing and have been so curious about her festive book between a private chef and their client. This was cosy and had the right amount of forced proximity; where they're snowed in together, and then forced to share a bed, too. It was a lot of fun.
I loved Noelle and how passionate she was about cooking and food.
Alex was an interesting character, a typical CEO scrooge, who hates Christmas. I didn't quite connect with him, as I did with Noelle, probably to do with how guarded and aloof he was; I spent a large chunk of time struggling to read him, but he was very perceptive of Noelle and he was able to let his guard down, eventually when it came to her.
All in all, I had a great time with this festive read and is always such an honour and joy to read Anise's writing. I cannot wait for what she has next in store!! 🩵✨
Thank you kindly to Simon and Schuster UK and Netgalley for the review copy of Just a Taste. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
It's no secret how much I adore Anise's writing and have been so curious about her festive book between a private chef and their client. This was cosy and had the right amount of forced proximity; where they're snowed in together, and then forced to share a bed, too. It was a lot of fun.
I loved Noelle and how passionate she was about cooking and food.
Alex was an interesting character, a typical CEO scrooge, who hates Christmas. I didn't quite connect with him, as I did with Noelle, probably to do with how guarded and aloof he was; I spent a large chunk of time struggling to read him, but he was very perceptive of Noelle and he was able to let his guard down, eventually when it came to her.
All in all, I had a great time with this festive read and is always such an honour and joy to read Anise's writing. I cannot wait for what she has next in store!! 🩵✨
December 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this story, it made me laugh a lot and also shake my head in frustration. Despite the early issues in their relationship, I think what Noelle and Alex have developed is beautiful. Anise Starre did a wonderful job of writing a festive, fluffy and swoon worthy Christmas romance. Once again she has made me a fan of her writing. I highly recommend everyone read this book, it perfect to put you in a festive mood.
December 16, 2025
Hon är hans privat kock, hon blir typ in snöad hos honom över jul som också är hans födelsedag, därför gillar han inte julen. Tvärtom som henne. Han gillar inte människor men betalar för att hennes familj ska komma till dem på juldagen(25dec).
De är verkligen bara i hans hus och lagar mat så inte super julig mer än att hon älskar högtiden och får på grund av snön inte fira den på sättet som hon hade planerat.
🌺🌺
2.7
De är verkligen bara i hans hus och lagar mat så inte super julig mer än att hon älskar högtiden och får på grund av snön inte fira den på sättet som hon hade planerat.
🌺🌺
2.7
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
This book was so close to being a 4 star, until we find out the real reason this man hates Christmas.
While kind of valid, the dramatic way he went about it, genuinely thought we were getting some deep seated trauma coming up.
Nope. Unnecessarily rude for the majority of this book and did not deserve the never ending patience of queen Noelle.
While kind of valid, the dramatic way he went about it, genuinely thought we were getting some deep seated trauma coming up.
Nope. Unnecessarily rude for the majority of this book and did not deserve the never ending patience of queen Noelle.
December 29, 2025
4.5⭐️
i have actually been spoilt for choice with the amount of good christmas reads i have read this month. But this is one of the greats for sure. Anise Starre has done it again 🙂↕️. Alex and Noelle you mean the world to me!!! Deffo recommend, it was short and sweet
i have actually been spoilt for choice with the amount of good christmas reads i have read this month. But this is one of the greats for sure. Anise Starre has done it again 🙂↕️. Alex and Noelle you mean the world to me!!! Deffo recommend, it was short and sweet
October 26, 2025
Ms. Starre, you ATE with this one! Will be back with a full review
December 12, 2025
I liked the Christmassy aspect of this, but never did quite get why Alex was such an arse to Noelle and everyone else the rest of the year!
December 14, 2025
This was a cute, fun, lighthearted Christmas romance. Being trapped in a blizzard what couldn’t be more fun to untangle.
December 18, 2025
A solid 3.5!
December 21, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ it was cute and cheesy but there’s some pieces missing in order to give this a four (where did she get the panties from ?!)his birthday ?! Really ?!)
December 28, 2025
I'm so sorry but this should have been a novella 🫣
December 30, 2025
Scratched the Christmas romance itch.
November 12, 2025
2.5 stars.
December 23, 2025
This was SUPERRR CUTE. Enemies to lovers🥺🥰🥺🥰 oh...and the slowwwww 🐌 burn ❤️🔥😩😂😂it was worth the wait.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews