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Serving Up a Second Chance
Years after a steamy shared night
Do they remember the recipe for love?
Rosie Franklin-Smith, junior editor at Savorist Magazine, dreams of writing award-winning features—but right now, she’s stuck chasing stories like how to make a great soup stock. When an exclusive with reclusive celebrity chef Nicola Kim drops into her lap, Rosie has a shot at finally proving herself as a writer.
Nicola recognizes Rosie’s name on the interview request…as someone she had a one-night stand with ten years ago. As soon as Rosie arrives at Sugar Maple Farm, the chemistry between them burns back to life. But it’s complicated. Rosie needs the real story behind Nicola’s disappearance—and when she crosses a line, her actions threaten to destroy the fragile trust of their growing romance.
From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Sugar Maple Farms
Book 1: Her Fairy-Tale Farmer
Book 2: Autumn Nights, Holiday Lights
Book 3: Serving Up a Second Chance
Do they remember the recipe for love?
Rosie Franklin-Smith, junior editor at Savorist Magazine, dreams of writing award-winning features—but right now, she’s stuck chasing stories like how to make a great soup stock. When an exclusive with reclusive celebrity chef Nicola Kim drops into her lap, Rosie has a shot at finally proving herself as a writer.
Nicola recognizes Rosie’s name on the interview request…as someone she had a one-night stand with ten years ago. As soon as Rosie arrives at Sugar Maple Farm, the chemistry between them burns back to life. But it’s complicated. Rosie needs the real story behind Nicola’s disappearance—and when she crosses a line, her actions threaten to destroy the fragile trust of their growing romance.
From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Sugar Maple Farms
Book 1: Her Fairy-Tale Farmer
Book 2: Autumn Nights, Holiday Lights
Book 3: Serving Up a Second Chance
- GenresLesbianContemporaryLGBT
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 26, 2026
About the author
Elle Douglas
29 books58 followersElle Douglas writes small-town contemporary romance for lovers of warm, feel-good stories that are on the sweeter side. Elle’s novels feature strong, relatable characters living in tight-knit communities, with a backdrop of stunning Canadian wilderness.
Elle is a lover of 90’s alternative music, a wannabe chef specializing in comfort food and a sometimes reluctant but usually dedicated gym-goer who lives in Toronto with her wife and their cat Lucy (or Lucifer, depending on the day). Between writing romance novels and working as a high school guidance counsellor, Elle works exclusively in helping others find their happily-ever-afters.
She is a graduate of TMU's Radio and Television Arts program, OISE at U of T, and the U of T Creative Writing program, and is a member of Toronto Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America.
Find her on Instagram at @elledouglaswriter
Elle is a lover of 90’s alternative music, a wannabe chef specializing in comfort food and a sometimes reluctant but usually dedicated gym-goer who lives in Toronto with her wife and their cat Lucy (or Lucifer, depending on the day). Between writing romance novels and working as a high school guidance counsellor, Elle works exclusively in helping others find their happily-ever-afters.
She is a graduate of TMU's Radio and Television Arts program, OISE at U of T, and the U of T Creative Writing program, and is a member of Toronto Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America.
Find her on Instagram at @elledouglaswriter
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 7, 2026
The curse of boring, sapphic books strikes again.
I picked this up because it's a traditionally published sapphic romance of this year (I'm helping gathering data for a project), which overrode my disinterest in second-chance and foodie books. At least it stands on its own nicely, I couldn't even guess if the previous couples had a cameo.
Emotionally, it's 2 stars but I've talked myself out of it.
I think the food elements were actually okay - yes it's a big part of the story, however, it's all wrapped up in the inn and surrounding countryside, which Douglas describes beautifully and does read like going on a mini-vacation. It's also sweet that the characters have this connection through food that they carried with them over five since they first hooked up. This is marketed as slow burn but I don't see it? It doesn't feel quite realistic that they pined for each other all those years and then only take 3 days to be half-way in love again.
Otherwise, this is bland in a Hallmark-type of way. Obvious plot points and developments with some internal drama about their professional integrity, the expected third-act break-up, the somewhat earned climactic make-up. And I can maybe do that in a 2h-long movie, but not in a 7+h audiobook. Neither the characters nor the plot were interesting enough for me to actively want to pick this up again (unlike The Bodyguard's Saint-Tropez Temptation, another Harlequin from this year, which at least had enough momentum for me to want to get back to it).
This was meant to be an interracial couple, but if Nicola's ethnicity was ever mentioned, I've missed it (this was painfully dull, I checked out a couple of times). I'm assuming she's Korean-Canadian just based on her last name. (The audio narrator is Chinese Canadian; the cover model also looks East Asian.) I'm also assuming Nicola's bisexual (on her past partner's name sounds male), but the book doesn't use any labels to describe either character. Rosie could be a lesbian.
I picked this up because it's a traditionally published sapphic romance of this year (I'm helping gathering data for a project), which overrode my disinterest in second-chance and foodie books. At least it stands on its own nicely, I couldn't even guess if the previous couples had a cameo.
Emotionally, it's 2 stars but I've talked myself out of it.
I think the food elements were actually okay - yes it's a big part of the story, however, it's all wrapped up in the inn and surrounding countryside, which Douglas describes beautifully and does read like going on a mini-vacation. It's also sweet that the characters have this connection through food that they carried with them over five since they first hooked up. This is marketed as slow burn but I don't see it? It doesn't feel quite realistic that they pined for each other all those years and then only take 3 days to be half-way in love again.
Otherwise, this is bland in a Hallmark-type of way. Obvious plot points and developments with some internal drama about their professional integrity, the expected third-act break-up, the somewhat earned climactic make-up. And I can maybe do that in a 2h-long movie, but not in a 7+h audiobook. Neither the characters nor the plot were interesting enough for me to actively want to pick this up again (unlike The Bodyguard's Saint-Tropez Temptation, another Harlequin from this year, which at least had enough momentum for me to want to get back to it).
This was meant to be an interracial couple, but if Nicola's ethnicity was ever mentioned, I've missed it (this was painfully dull, I checked out a couple of times). I'm assuming she's Korean-Canadian just based on her last name. (The audio narrator is Chinese Canadian; the cover model also looks East Asian.) I'm also assuming Nicola's bisexual (on her past partner's name sounds male), but the book doesn't use any labels to describe either character. Rosie could be a lesbian.
May 27, 2026
Serving Up a Second Chance is a second chance romance following a one time hookup seven years ago. In present day, we see Rosie, who is an editor looking for the perfect story to boost her profile and maybe getting an exclusive with Nicola Kim, celebrity chef who only grants one interview a year will help her get there.
Everything about this book is a slow burn, and I think that since we know that the MC’s knew one another before the book starts, it feels a little forced to keep sticking with this light interaction. There were more than a couple of moments where the book was too slow paced for me to enjoy.
I think if you’re looking for a small town, sapphic romance, this isn’t a bad one to pick up but if you’re looking for something a bit quicker paced, this may not be the one.
2.5 stars
Serving Up a Second Chance is due to be published May 26, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
Everything about this book is a slow burn, and I think that since we know that the MC’s knew one another before the book starts, it feels a little forced to keep sticking with this light interaction. There were more than a couple of moments where the book was too slow paced for me to enjoy.
I think if you’re looking for a small town, sapphic romance, this isn’t a bad one to pick up but if you’re looking for something a bit quicker paced, this may not be the one.
2.5 stars
Serving Up a Second Chance is due to be published May 26, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Quite a lot of information given at the start. The mains have previously met, so far off page. Therefor we don’t witness their insta chemistry. Unlike many second chance tropes there appears to be no animosity and it is not a surprise meeting. The setting is described well and although this is set in a linked series, I haven’t read them but that isn’t impacting my understanding.
I am not sure if some of the detail is to add colour or it is product placement! If product placement it is done in a very clunky way. It might actually just be the writer likes to tell us detail as the paragraph about the condition of the car when bought includes detail down to a tear on passenger seat fabric.... or Jeep wrangler is also product placement.
25% in and a wee bit of clarity has appeared with why one main made a big change in their life. I am not sure the guilt is wholly deserved.
There is quite a lot of detail on background to the resort succeeding that possibly moves that plot forward and the background information should have made me care more about that but it didn't.
About 65% in, things pick up a bit and I was, for the first time compelled to keep reading!
I enjoyed the latter part more. I think I needed the jeopardy that had been missing. The tension elevated this to a 3. Up until that point I was not involved.
On a side note... This is from Harlequin, a publisher I don't really know. There are intimate scenes but although descriptive the language choices are less "blunt" than most I read. I liked it! I sometimes find word choices in other books jarring depending on the scene. Also there is a trend currently that styles cannot be repeated in a book, so a book can become a bit like a bingo card. I liked the way this was done but it was only on reading this style choice I realised I had a bit of graphic fatigue. I read a book recently that focused on the emotion of intimacy and it was wow!
I am not sure if some of the detail is to add colour or it is product placement! If product placement it is done in a very clunky way. It might actually just be the writer likes to tell us detail as the paragraph about the condition of the car when bought includes detail down to a tear on passenger seat fabric.... or Jeep wrangler is also product placement.
25% in and a wee bit of clarity has appeared with why one main made a big change in their life. I am not sure the guilt is wholly deserved.
There is quite a lot of detail on background to the resort succeeding that possibly moves that plot forward and the background information should have made me care more about that but it didn't.
About 65% in, things pick up a bit and I was, for the first time compelled to keep reading!
I enjoyed the latter part more. I think I needed the jeopardy that had been missing. The tension elevated this to a 3. Up until that point I was not involved.
On a side note... This is from Harlequin, a publisher I don't really know. There are intimate scenes but although descriptive the language choices are less "blunt" than most I read. I liked it! I sometimes find word choices in other books jarring depending on the scene. Also there is a trend currently that styles cannot be repeated in a book, so a book can become a bit like a bingo card. I liked the way this was done but it was only on reading this style choice I realised I had a bit of graphic fatigue. I read a book recently that focused on the emotion of intimacy and it was wow!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fame as a celebrity chef makes the spotlight a little too hot for Nicola and she’s been burned and now is looking for her second chance.
Can it be a slow burn romance when the MC’s already slept together seven years ago? After reading Serving Up A Second Chance, my answer would be Yes!
You could feel from the start that Nicola and Rosie had a distinct pull to one another and I hoped they could make it work.
Nicola was an interesting character. She’d had the world in her hands, cooked for royalty, was a celebrity in her own right, but then walked away from it all. I liked how Nicola examined her life and what she had thought was important as opposed to what she learned was vital and fulfilling. It was interesting to see the other explore the harms of fame and what you give up compared to what you receive.
Rosie’s character could have been more fully developed. Yes, she is a journalist and is there to get a story, one that could save her magazine she works for, but we didn’t learn a lot about her and why she makes certain decisions.
The moral dilemmas in the storyline were interesting and thoughtful. A desire to sleep with the subject of your article. Having a blockbuster of a story to share, but knowing by sharing it you’d be destroying any possibility of trust.
I loved how descriptive the setting and the food dishes were, it really made me want to visit both the Inn and the community. This being the third book in the series there were cameos from the lead characters of the previous books.
If you like food, atmosphere, and a fame redemption arc than give Serving Up A Second Chance a try.
Thank you to Harlequin for providing an advanced digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Can it be a slow burn romance when the MC’s already slept together seven years ago? After reading Serving Up A Second Chance, my answer would be Yes!
You could feel from the start that Nicola and Rosie had a distinct pull to one another and I hoped they could make it work.
Nicola was an interesting character. She’d had the world in her hands, cooked for royalty, was a celebrity in her own right, but then walked away from it all. I liked how Nicola examined her life and what she had thought was important as opposed to what she learned was vital and fulfilling. It was interesting to see the other explore the harms of fame and what you give up compared to what you receive.
Rosie’s character could have been more fully developed. Yes, she is a journalist and is there to get a story, one that could save her magazine she works for, but we didn’t learn a lot about her and why she makes certain decisions.
The moral dilemmas in the storyline were interesting and thoughtful. A desire to sleep with the subject of your article. Having a blockbuster of a story to share, but knowing by sharing it you’d be destroying any possibility of trust.
I loved how descriptive the setting and the food dishes were, it really made me want to visit both the Inn and the community. This being the third book in the series there were cameos from the lead characters of the previous books.
If you like food, atmosphere, and a fame redemption arc than give Serving Up A Second Chance a try.
Thank you to Harlequin for providing an advanced digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Spice Level: 1/5 Open-Door
Rosie is an editor with a magazine looking for the perfect story to prove herself as a writer. Getting an exclusive with the reclusive celebrity chef, Nicola Kim, could get her to that level in her career. Nicola remembers Rosie as a one-night stand she had a decade ago. In her pursuit to get the interview that lands her a writing job, Rosie crosses the line, possibly affecting their blossoming romance. Will Rosie get her story? Will Nicola and Rosie move past their differences to pursue their romance?
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the Author in return for my honest review. This is a slow pace / slow burn book. I love a good slow burn romance but at times, for me, it felt like the story was moving at a sluggish pace, almost to a point where I was starting to not pay attention and had to go back and listen again to understand what was going on. The premise of their “second-chance love” is a little off to me. They had a one-night stand 10 years in the past, but Nicola can remember Rosie with no issue. I wouldn’t think a celebrity chef who has so many interactions with people would remember a one-night stand from a decade ago, but maybe Rosie was just that special.
I did enjoy the author’s description of the setting and just the overall comfy atmosphere of “Sugar Maple Farms.” The sluggish pace of the book really killed the vibe for me.
Jen Zhao is the narrator of the audiobook. I will say she did a great job reading this book and giving life to the characters.
🐎 Sapphic Romance
🐎 Small-Town Romance
🐎 Celebrity Chef
🐎 Second Chance Romance
🐎 Slow Burn
🐎 Forced Proximity
Rosie is an editor with a magazine looking for the perfect story to prove herself as a writer. Getting an exclusive with the reclusive celebrity chef, Nicola Kim, could get her to that level in her career. Nicola remembers Rosie as a one-night stand she had a decade ago. In her pursuit to get the interview that lands her a writing job, Rosie crosses the line, possibly affecting their blossoming romance. Will Rosie get her story? Will Nicola and Rosie move past their differences to pursue their romance?
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the Author in return for my honest review. This is a slow pace / slow burn book. I love a good slow burn romance but at times, for me, it felt like the story was moving at a sluggish pace, almost to a point where I was starting to not pay attention and had to go back and listen again to understand what was going on. The premise of their “second-chance love” is a little off to me. They had a one-night stand 10 years in the past, but Nicola can remember Rosie with no issue. I wouldn’t think a celebrity chef who has so many interactions with people would remember a one-night stand from a decade ago, but maybe Rosie was just that special.
I did enjoy the author’s description of the setting and just the overall comfy atmosphere of “Sugar Maple Farms.” The sluggish pace of the book really killed the vibe for me.
Jen Zhao is the narrator of the audiobook. I will say she did a great job reading this book and giving life to the characters.
🐎 Sapphic Romance
🐎 Small-Town Romance
🐎 Celebrity Chef
🐎 Second Chance Romance
🐎 Slow Burn
🐎 Forced Proximity
June 17, 2026
In Serving Up a Second Chance, Nicola, a chef, and Rosie, a writer, shared a night together years ago. Now Rosie is sent to write an article about the chef after she stepped back from the limelight. Nicola is hesitant to let anyone in, and Rosie is desperate to prove herself. But they also both have fond memories of their night together. Rosie tries to stay professional and Nicola tries not to give too much away.
The book could have benefited from a bit more exploration of their time together before or their redeveloping feelings for each other. There is a third-act misunderstanding of sorts that I feel really wasn’t handled well, or at least not in a way that I really buy the end of the novel. I am just never given the evidence that these two people are something more than a fun night together, and I think that could have been explored far better.
This is the third book in a series. I’ve not read the other two, but it seems the book can be read without having read the others (although characters from those books do play small parts here). The novel is formulaic in a way I don’t really enjoy (many romances tend to be so, but there are others that manage in a much better fashion). Perhaps Harlequin romances are just not for me (as I’ve encountered some issues with a previous Harlequin book). If you do enjoy Harlequin books, it seems likely you’ll enjoy this one also.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
The book could have benefited from a bit more exploration of their time together before or their redeveloping feelings for each other. There is a third-act misunderstanding of sorts that I feel really wasn’t handled well, or at least not in a way that I really buy the end of the novel. I am just never given the evidence that these two people are something more than a fun night together, and I think that could have been explored far better.
This is the third book in a series. I’ve not read the other two, but it seems the book can be read without having read the others (although characters from those books do play small parts here). The novel is formulaic in a way I don’t really enjoy (many romances tend to be so, but there are others that manage in a much better fashion). Perhaps Harlequin romances are just not for me (as I’ve encountered some issues with a previous Harlequin book). If you do enjoy Harlequin books, it seems likely you’ll enjoy this one also.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
July 25, 2026
Second chance with some celebrity and food mixed in? Serve me please.
At least that was what I thought when I read the blurb. Turns out I bit of more than I can chew as this story was dragging along too much for me to really be invested. The writer takes great time and effort to describe all the food and surroundings of Sugar Maple Farms. If you're a foodie you are in for a treat. I'm vegan so I was only interested in the Inn. It seemed like a retreat I would love to visit. Same for the little village it's located at. Sign me up.
The MC's are both hard working diligent women who really care about their work. Seeing as this is a second chance they both knew each other. It was refreshing that there were no hard or hurt feelings after their encounter although that made me wonder why they were both dragging their feet about rekindling the fire. I get the complications their work brought into the mix but it was just too much of a slow burn for me.
The pacing felt a little off and sometimes I wanted to get it over with. I am glad I finished the book though as they do have a cute story but to be fair this is a one and done book read for me.
An ARC was given to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
At least that was what I thought when I read the blurb. Turns out I bit of more than I can chew as this story was dragging along too much for me to really be invested. The writer takes great time and effort to describe all the food and surroundings of Sugar Maple Farms. If you're a foodie you are in for a treat. I'm vegan so I was only interested in the Inn. It seemed like a retreat I would love to visit. Same for the little village it's located at. Sign me up.
The MC's are both hard working diligent women who really care about their work. Seeing as this is a second chance they both knew each other. It was refreshing that there were no hard or hurt feelings after their encounter although that made me wonder why they were both dragging their feet about rekindling the fire. I get the complications their work brought into the mix but it was just too much of a slow burn for me.
The pacing felt a little off and sometimes I wanted to get it over with. I am glad I finished the book though as they do have a cute story but to be fair this is a one and done book read for me.
An ARC was given to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC copy through NetGalley, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
This was such an easy, cozy sapphic romance to fly through. Between the charming farm setting, the second-chance romance, and the tension of reconnecting after a one-night stand ten years earlier, I was hooked pretty quickly. Rosie and Nicola had great chemistry, and I really enjoyed watching them work through old feelings while being forced back into each other’s orbit.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Rosie and Nicola and loved the cozy farm atmosphere throughout the story. The emotional tension felt believable without becoming overly dramatic, and the foodie elements added a lot of charm. This is definitely more sweet and heartfelt than spicy, which honestly fit the vibe of the story perfectly.
For me, this was a solid 4-star read. It didn’t completely emotionally destroy me in the way some romances do, but it was genuinely enjoyable, comforting, and exactly the kind of sapphic small-town romance I love picking up when I want something cozy and hopeful. Perfect for readers who love second chances, soft longing, and guaranteed happily ever afters. 💕
This was such an easy, cozy sapphic romance to fly through. Between the charming farm setting, the second-chance romance, and the tension of reconnecting after a one-night stand ten years earlier, I was hooked pretty quickly. Rosie and Nicola had great chemistry, and I really enjoyed watching them work through old feelings while being forced back into each other’s orbit.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Rosie and Nicola and loved the cozy farm atmosphere throughout the story. The emotional tension felt believable without becoming overly dramatic, and the foodie elements added a lot of charm. This is definitely more sweet and heartfelt than spicy, which honestly fit the vibe of the story perfectly.
For me, this was a solid 4-star read. It didn’t completely emotionally destroy me in the way some romances do, but it was genuinely enjoyable, comforting, and exactly the kind of sapphic small-town romance I love picking up when I want something cozy and hopeful. Perfect for readers who love second chances, soft longing, and guaranteed happily ever afters. 💕
May 27, 2026
Nicola is a famous chef who has disappeared from the lime light suddenly 4 years prior. Rosie is a reporter trying to save the publication she works for and has been granted the chance to interview Nicola. Can she remain objective and do what needs to be done to get the story when she and Nicola had a one night stand seven years ago?
I don’t know that I would call Serving Up A Second Chance a second chance romance, they were strangers who had 1 night together. It’s a stretch of the imagination to believe they’d be pining over each other years later. Even Nicola’s guilt trip that led to her hiding is hard to believe. So much of the relationship takes place off page, prior to the story and between the final chapter and the epilogue. It’s low angst, no real drama, and a single mild sex scene. Elle Douglas does an excellent job describing the scenes, the food, and other details. It is a sweet, cozy romance expected from harlequin or hallmark if you are looking for a light read.
Thank you net galley and Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
A second chance romance after a one night stand 7 years ago. From the outset they knew about each other and why they were meeting up again after 7 years so no surprise there.
And from the outset, they were still attracted to each other but repressed the attraction, one because of professional reasons and the other because of trust issues.
Both were manipulative, trying to alter the outcomes of their meetings, to work things out in their respective favors.
What's amazing is they can break off twice within the story when they were not even together yet in the first place!
It was rather slow paced as we're led around the idyllic and scenic spots around Sunset County, Ontario.
Overall it was an okay Hallmark type romance, enjoyable as they usually are though I'm on the fence about it being swoonworthy... more sighworthy for me at least.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for the free ARC.
And from the outset, they were still attracted to each other but repressed the attraction, one because of professional reasons and the other because of trust issues.
Both were manipulative, trying to alter the outcomes of their meetings, to work things out in their respective favors.
What's amazing is they can break off twice within the story when they were not even together yet in the first place!
It was rather slow paced as we're led around the idyllic and scenic spots around Sunset County, Ontario.
Overall it was an okay Hallmark type romance, enjoyable as they usually are though I'm on the fence about it being swoonworthy... more sighworthy for me at least.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for the free ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for another arc.
Nicola and Rosie had a one night fling in the past with the promise of Nicola making contact with Rosie for a continuation but Nicola did not follow through on her promise. Their paths crossed again when Rosie is selected by Nicola to interview her as she is a renowned chef that has gone off the radar and everyone wants to know why . Once, they reconnect, the attraction is like magnet but Nicola is a bit closed off as she feels like journalists cannot be trusted because she has had her fair share with them in the past. Rosie attempted to break down her defenses and make Nicola realize that she is different but after she is caught going through Nicola's personal belonging this may be the final straw to a relationship that did not get a chance to start.
This book was interesting but I expected more.
Nicola and Rosie had a one night fling in the past with the promise of Nicola making contact with Rosie for a continuation but Nicola did not follow through on her promise. Their paths crossed again when Rosie is selected by Nicola to interview her as she is a renowned chef that has gone off the radar and everyone wants to know why . Once, they reconnect, the attraction is like magnet but Nicola is a bit closed off as she feels like journalists cannot be trusted because she has had her fair share with them in the past. Rosie attempted to break down her defenses and make Nicola realize that she is different but after she is caught going through Nicola's personal belonging this may be the final straw to a relationship that did not get a chance to start.
This book was interesting but I expected more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A lot of this story felt like a sapphic Hallmark movie which I really enjoyed. But the couple did meet 10 years ago for a one night stand and there is a lightly spicy scene which make is not Hallmark-esque.
I think the one night stand turned into a second chance trope is the weakest part of the story. I have a hard time believing that a random hookup would lead to both women lightly pining for the other over the years and remembering each other so well that the meeting in the future would turn so insta-love. I think it weakened the on page connection a little because it's asking the reader to suspend disbelief a little more heavily than necessary.
Otherwise, I liked both main characters and I enjoyed that I could easily be friends with them. Also, the setting and details were well described and I liked that. I think it was the strongest part of the story.
I think the one night stand turned into a second chance trope is the weakest part of the story. I have a hard time believing that a random hookup would lead to both women lightly pining for the other over the years and remembering each other so well that the meeting in the future would turn so insta-love. I think it weakened the on page connection a little because it's asking the reader to suspend disbelief a little more heavily than necessary.
Otherwise, I liked both main characters and I enjoyed that I could easily be friends with them. Also, the setting and details were well described and I liked that. I think it was the strongest part of the story.
July 13, 2026
Serving Up a Second Chance is a sweet, low stakes romance between a once famous chef and a journalist seeking an interview with her.
*This is book 3 in a series, but I read it as a standalone without feeling like I was lost.
While I don't think either one of them would still be pining for the other after a one night stand seven years prior, this story is full of beautiful descriptions of food and scenery. It's pretty cozy with a lot of the conflict being about Nicola's guilt and elusiveness. This book made me so hungry for food and vacation, but underdelivered on the romance. To be fair, second chance and one night to forever (which this really should be considered) are neither of my favorite tropes.
Still, I loved the richness of how important grandmothers are to both characters and the beauty of Sugar Maple Farms.
Thank you to Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review.
*This is book 3 in a series, but I read it as a standalone without feeling like I was lost.
While I don't think either one of them would still be pining for the other after a one night stand seven years prior, this story is full of beautiful descriptions of food and scenery. It's pretty cozy with a lot of the conflict being about Nicola's guilt and elusiveness. This book made me so hungry for food and vacation, but underdelivered on the romance. To be fair, second chance and one night to forever (which this really should be considered) are neither of my favorite tropes.
Still, I loved the richness of how important grandmothers are to both characters and the beauty of Sugar Maple Farms.
Thank you to Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Serving Up a Second Chance by Elle Douglas is a sequel to the wonderful short story Her Chef’s Kiss. I really enjoyed the journey towards love of Rosie and Nicola, two women who met years ago but the timing wasn’t right until now. Both have been holding back for different reasons, but they can’t fight the pull of their hearts, no matter how hard they try and how sensible it sounds to back off.
If you love delicious books where food is art, imbued with emotion and beautiful expression, this is the book for you.
Tip: (you can read the prequel "Her Chef’s Kiss" for free after sign-in here ): https://www.harlequin.com/shop/articl...
If you love delicious books where food is art, imbued with emotion and beautiful expression, this is the book for you.
Tip: (you can read the prequel "Her Chef’s Kiss" for free after sign-in here ): https://www.harlequin.com/shop/articl...
May 26, 2026
Serving Up a Second Chance by Elle Douglas is a sequel to the wonderful short story Her Chef’s Kiss. I really enjoyed the journey towards love of Rosie and Nicola, two women who met years ago but the timing wasn’t right until now. Both have been holding back for different reasons, but they can’t fight the pull of their hearts, no matter how hard they try and how sensible it sounds to back off.
If you love delicious books where food is art, imbued with emotion and beautiful expression, this is the book for you.
Tip: (you can read the prequel "Her Chef’s Kiss" for free after sign-in here ): https://www.harlequin.com/shop/articl...
If you love delicious books where food is art, imbued with emotion and beautiful expression, this is the book for you.
Tip: (you can read the prequel "Her Chef’s Kiss" for free after sign-in here ): https://www.harlequin.com/shop/articl...
June 5, 2026
Another in the Sugar Maple Farms series, in which chef Nicola Kim is struggling with misplaced guilt that is affecting her ability to make unforgettable meals. Journalist Rosie Franklin-Smith never forgot the night she spent with Nicola years earlier and when she's invited to write a story explaining Nicola's 3-year absence from the cooking scene, she jumps at the chance.
However, Rosie can't seem to break through the walk Nicola has created around her past life and why she opted out of the public forums she had previously commanded for working at an Inn in a small town well away from the spotlight.
Then there are the conflicted feelings Rosie and Nicola feel even as they begin to reengage as lesbian lovers. But will that not last either?
However, Rosie can't seem to break through the walk Nicola has created around her past life and why she opted out of the public forums she had previously commanded for working at an Inn in a small town well away from the spotlight.
Then there are the conflicted feelings Rosie and Nicola feel even as they begin to reengage as lesbian lovers. But will that not last either?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
when rosie agreed to do the article on nicola kim the famous chef.... nobody really knew that they had a one night fling...
everything was riding on this article if rosie could get the exclusive of why nicola had disappeared for several years...walking away from exclusive deals .....there was something there but nicola wasnt talking and rosie hoped she had an in.... and maybe save her job at the newspaper she worked for.....
its not a bad storyline if not a bit predictable.... the food sounded amazing and the places awesome
when rosie agreed to do the article on nicola kim the famous chef.... nobody really knew that they had a one night fling...
everything was riding on this article if rosie could get the exclusive of why nicola had disappeared for several years...walking away from exclusive deals .....there was something there but nicola wasnt talking and rosie hoped she had an in.... and maybe save her job at the newspaper she worked for.....
its not a bad storyline if not a bit predictable.... the food sounded amazing and the places awesome
May 30, 2026
When journalist Rosie interviews old flame Nicola, a reclusive celebrity chef, their chemistry reignites. Rosie's failing publication needs a juicy story, while Nicola values her privacy. Will their competing professional goals destroy the fragile trust between them?
This slow-burn romance is swoony and emotional. The picturesque setting was inviting. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This slow-burn romance is swoony and emotional. The picturesque setting was inviting. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
July 7, 2026
3.5 rounded up
A heartfelt dual POV, second chance Sapphic romance that has a writer travelling to review an inn where the woman she had a hot affair with years ago is now the chef. I enjoyed the small town Ontario setting and all the food descriptions. This was my first book by Elle Douglas and it won't be my last. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
A heartfelt dual POV, second chance Sapphic romance that has a writer travelling to review an inn where the woman she had a hot affair with years ago is now the chef. I enjoyed the small town Ontario setting and all the food descriptions. This was my first book by Elle Douglas and it won't be my last. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 31, 2026
A truly heartwarming sapphic romance that’s going to take its sweet time unfolding. Think all the delightful, feel-good vibes of your favorite comfort movie, but with two amazing women at the very heart of the story. And here’s the fun twist: it all kicks off with a completely unexpected one-night stand that, against all odds, evolves into a genuine second chance at love.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was looking for cozy, lesbian romance with a beautiful vineyard setting and though the setting was beautiful, it was insanely boring. The pace was glacial and the characters so flat
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s a good romance with lots of diversity.
“Thank you, Harlequin Special Edition, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.”
“Thank you, Harlequin Special Edition, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.”
June 28, 2026
I was given a free copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
What a sweet story! These two will have you rooting for them in no time!
What a sweet story! These two will have you rooting for them in no time!
Review of advance copy
This is the type of book you will want to curl up with and won’t want to put down. Absolutely loved it!
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