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How To Serve Up Love
BREAKING: ONE REVIEW. ONE TOMATO SAUCE. AND A SPARK NEITHER OF THEM EXPECTED.
Carlisle prides itself on being quietly respectable. Unfortunately for everyone involved, a food critic and a chef have just made that impossible.
Chloe
Speed dating has been a masterclass in lowered expectations, and my tolerance for nonsense is at an all-time low. So yes, my latest column was sharp. The tomato sauce deserved it. What I did not anticipate was the furious chef turning up at the Carlisle Gazette, review in hand, pride wounded, smelling like fresh herbs and righteous indignation. He’s intense, infuriating, and far too attractive for someone who insists this is just an argument.
Tom
That sauce is my grandmother’s recipe. It’s not a trend, not a shortcut, and not up for debate. When Chloe dismisses it in print, I go looking for accountability. What I find is a woman who’s clever, unapologetic, and entirely unimpressed by my temper. This is not flirting. This is a professional disagreement. A serious one. Except the arguments don’t stop. They deepen. They linger. And suddenly I’m thinking about her far too often for someone who insists this is purely about food.
Late nights turn heated. Boundaries blur. And when care creeps in where it doesn’t belong, it becomes uncomfortably clear that this isn’t just about a review anymore.
Because in a small city where reputations are fragile, careers are political, and women pay the price for being human, wanting each other might cost more than either of them is prepared to lose. And walking away might cost just as much.
Fair warning: there’s a cheeky dose of adult content inside. Set in England and written in British English.
Carlisle prides itself on being quietly respectable. Unfortunately for everyone involved, a food critic and a chef have just made that impossible.
Chloe
Speed dating has been a masterclass in lowered expectations, and my tolerance for nonsense is at an all-time low. So yes, my latest column was sharp. The tomato sauce deserved it. What I did not anticipate was the furious chef turning up at the Carlisle Gazette, review in hand, pride wounded, smelling like fresh herbs and righteous indignation. He’s intense, infuriating, and far too attractive for someone who insists this is just an argument.
Tom
That sauce is my grandmother’s recipe. It’s not a trend, not a shortcut, and not up for debate. When Chloe dismisses it in print, I go looking for accountability. What I find is a woman who’s clever, unapologetic, and entirely unimpressed by my temper. This is not flirting. This is a professional disagreement. A serious one. Except the arguments don’t stop. They deepen. They linger. And suddenly I’m thinking about her far too often for someone who insists this is purely about food.
Late nights turn heated. Boundaries blur. And when care creeps in where it doesn’t belong, it becomes uncomfortably clear that this isn’t just about a review anymore.
Because in a small city where reputations are fragile, careers are political, and women pay the price for being human, wanting each other might cost more than either of them is prepared to lose. And walking away might cost just as much.
Fair warning: there’s a cheeky dose of adult content inside. Set in England and written in British English.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2026
9 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Dani Elias
46 books229 followersDani Elias writes swoony, steamy British romance about women in their forties who are very good at some parts of life and quietly unravelling in others. Her FMCs are relatable, flawed, funny, and fully human. Some are plus size, some are not, but all of them are centred, desired, and allowed to take up space in their own love stories.
Set mostly in small towns, with the occasional city romcom, Dani’s books are written in British English and focus on emotional connection, lived-in chemistry, and intimacy that deepens the relationship rather than dominating it. Her heroes are usually golden retriever cinnamon rolls with a side of nerdy dorkiness, because frankly, that’s the dream.
Based in Carlisle (UK), Dani writes romances for readers who want grown up love, real bodies, real feelings, and proof that happily ever after does not come with an age limit.
Set mostly in small towns, with the occasional city romcom, Dani’s books are written in British English and focus on emotional connection, lived-in chemistry, and intimacy that deepens the relationship rather than dominating it. Her heroes are usually golden retriever cinnamon rolls with a side of nerdy dorkiness, because frankly, that’s the dream.
Based in Carlisle (UK), Dani writes romances for readers who want grown up love, real bodies, real feelings, and proof that happily ever after does not come with an age limit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Thanks to Happily Booked PR for the arc! Loved so much! Great characters & amazing setting. The chemistry was so good too. Excited for the next!
February 23, 2026
Can’t decide between 4 and 5. Going with 5 for now, until I write a proper review
I LOVED the main characters in their 40s, the perimenopause bits !!!, the peri peri chicken line, and oh the “big gesture” thing when she was on her period
~~
4.5⭐️
Ok, so, while I knew it’s a novella so it’s a bit expected when the action happens fast, I am still more of a fan of slower burn. I didn’t mark it down but I think the first kiss and spice happened about 30% in, which I’m not a fan of, so this is why I was going with 4 stars for the most part.
But by the time I got to the end I changed my mind to marking it as 5.
I absolutely love that Dani writes characters that are in their 40s. That’s so refreshing!
I liked how both of the characters are build. Chef X culinary critic is also quite a new take, I haven’t seen a lot of romances with such trope.
Even tho I am not nearing perimenopause (at least I hope not!), I loved that it was included in this story and especially HOW it was portrayed. Once again: so refreshing!
Oh and the dialogues. I don’t know what it is but I always have so much fun reading the dialogues Dani writes and usually highlighting solid half of them (probably more).
It may not be a book I will be coming back to, hence 4.5 stars, but for the period care package, period spice and the peri peri chicken line, I’m rounding it up to 5 on goodreads scale.
It’s short novel length, my ARC copy showed 137 pages, so it’s easily a one day read.
I can’t wait for all next releases Dani has lined up this year!
I LOVED the main characters in their 40s, the perimenopause bits !!!, the peri peri chicken line, and oh the “big gesture” thing when she was on her period
~~
4.5⭐️
Ok, so, while I knew it’s a novella so it’s a bit expected when the action happens fast, I am still more of a fan of slower burn. I didn’t mark it down but I think the first kiss and spice happened about 30% in, which I’m not a fan of, so this is why I was going with 4 stars for the most part.
But by the time I got to the end I changed my mind to marking it as 5.
I absolutely love that Dani writes characters that are in their 40s. That’s so refreshing!
I liked how both of the characters are build. Chef X culinary critic is also quite a new take, I haven’t seen a lot of romances with such trope.
Even tho I am not nearing perimenopause (at least I hope not!), I loved that it was included in this story and especially HOW it was portrayed. Once again: so refreshing!
Oh and the dialogues. I don’t know what it is but I always have so much fun reading the dialogues Dani writes and usually highlighting solid half of them (probably more).
It may not be a book I will be coming back to, hence 4.5 stars, but for the period care package, period spice and the peri peri chicken line, I’m rounding it up to 5 on goodreads scale.
It’s short novel length, my ARC copy showed 137 pages, so it’s easily a one day read.
I can’t wait for all next releases Dani has lined up this year!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
⭐ 4.5
🌶️ 1
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 5, 14
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 2
👫 Chloe & Tom
📚 Tropes/Themes: Hate to love, enemies to lovers, chef x food critic, over 40, bickering as foreplay, one night stand, strong FMC, novella
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💬 Another adorable read from Dani Elias! 🍝
I'm having a hard time making my thoughts into cohesive paragraphs, so this will just be rapid fire statements of what I thought lol
✨ As always, love that the MCs are over forty. It's nice to see my stage in life represented
✨ Loved that Chloe is strong and confident but not overly stubborn. Sometimes I feel like writers try to use stubbornness in lieu of confidence and I'm not a fan
✨ Hadrian. It's really nice to see a pet that isn't a dog or cat for once 🦎
✨ I loved how almost overly rational the MCs are, but especially Chloe. That's literally how my brain works when trying to work through tough situations- I felt like I could've been the one making the same statements of I were in her position.
✨ I personally was meh about the perimenopause representation, but I appreciate that it was there
✨ The juxtaposition of a food critic falling in love with a chef was cute
✨ Also as always, I wish Elias' books were longer 🤣
🌶️ 1
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 5, 14
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 2
👫 Chloe & Tom
📚 Tropes/Themes: Hate to love, enemies to lovers, chef x food critic, over 40, bickering as foreplay, one night stand, strong FMC, novella
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💬 Another adorable read from Dani Elias! 🍝
I'm having a hard time making my thoughts into cohesive paragraphs, so this will just be rapid fire statements of what I thought lol
✨ As always, love that the MCs are over forty. It's nice to see my stage in life represented
✨ Loved that Chloe is strong and confident but not overly stubborn. Sometimes I feel like writers try to use stubbornness in lieu of confidence and I'm not a fan
✨ Hadrian. It's really nice to see a pet that isn't a dog or cat for once 🦎
✨ I loved how almost overly rational the MCs are, but especially Chloe. That's literally how my brain works when trying to work through tough situations- I felt like I could've been the one making the same statements of I were in her position.
✨ I personally was meh about the perimenopause representation, but I appreciate that it was there
✨ The juxtaposition of a food critic falling in love with a chef was cute
✨ Also as always, I wish Elias' books were longer 🤣
February 27, 2026
*I received this as an ARC copy, thank you Dani Elias & Happily Booked PR.*
Ingredients add:
2 Characters in their 40s!
1 peri-menopausal food critic
1 disgruntled chef
sprinkle in a little banter, a lot of sass and a little love.
mix together and what do you get? This absolutely refreshing take on love after 40 by Dani Elias! This was quick, it was cute and to me, came off a bit as a romcom. I loved the banter between our Chloe and Tom and the fact that they loathed each other in the beginning. Chloe is unapologetic and fierce in her stance. Tom is passionate about his craft and his grandmother's sauce. They quickly become passionate about each other and fall in love!
I enjoyed this book and everything about. Another wonderful read by Dani Elias!
Ingredients add:
2 Characters in their 40s!
1 peri-menopausal food critic
1 disgruntled chef
sprinkle in a little banter, a lot of sass and a little love.
mix together and what do you get? This absolutely refreshing take on love after 40 by Dani Elias! This was quick, it was cute and to me, came off a bit as a romcom. I loved the banter between our Chloe and Tom and the fact that they loathed each other in the beginning. Chloe is unapologetic and fierce in her stance. Tom is passionate about his craft and his grandmother's sauce. They quickly become passionate about each other and fall in love!
I enjoyed this book and everything about. Another wonderful read by Dani Elias!
February 20, 2026
I really enjoyed this book and Dani writing style. This is part of 3 book series called Hearts of the Press.
BREAKING: ONE REVIEW. ONE TOMATO SAUCE. AND A SPARK NEITHER OF THEM EXPECTED.
Carlisle prides itself on being quietly respectable. Unfortunately for everyone involved, a food critic and a chef have just made that impossible.
Late nights turn heated. Boundaries blur. And when care creeps in where it doesn’t belong, it becomes uncomfortably clear that this isn’t just about a review anymore.
Because in a small city where reputations are fragile, careers are political, and women pay the price for being human, wanting each other might cost more than either of them is prepared to lose. And walking away might cost just as much.
Fair warning: there’s a cheeky dose of adult content inside. Set in England and written in British English.
BREAKING: ONE REVIEW. ONE TOMATO SAUCE. AND A SPARK NEITHER OF THEM EXPECTED.
Carlisle prides itself on being quietly respectable. Unfortunately for everyone involved, a food critic and a chef have just made that impossible.
Late nights turn heated. Boundaries blur. And when care creeps in where it doesn’t belong, it becomes uncomfortably clear that this isn’t just about a review anymore.
Because in a small city where reputations are fragile, careers are political, and women pay the price for being human, wanting each other might cost more than either of them is prepared to lose. And walking away might cost just as much.
Fair warning: there’s a cheeky dose of adult content inside. Set in England and written in British English.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Words cannot explain how much I loved that the FMC was in her mid 40s. If you are like me and struggle to find older FMCs this is the book for you.
This story follows Chloe and her job as a food critic. She reviews Tom's restaurant and ends up going down a path of love and funny mishaps. I adored the storyline. This was a cute romance and an amazing palate cleanser. This is one of those stories I wouldn't call fluffy but not dark so if you want a story that is cute, funny, and full of older women finding their way in love you cant get a better book.
This story follows Chloe and her job as a food critic. She reviews Tom's restaurant and ends up going down a path of love and funny mishaps. I adored the storyline. This was a cute romance and an amazing palate cleanser. This is one of those stories I wouldn't call fluffy but not dark so if you want a story that is cute, funny, and full of older women finding their way in love you cant get a better book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
BREAKING: A SINGLE SAVAGE RESTAURANT REVIEW JUST SET CARLISLE ON FIRE, AND I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. How To Serve Up Love by Dani Elias is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you with a wooden spoon and dares you to argue back. Published by the author (thank you to Dani Elias and Happily Book PR for this opportunity and the gifted ARC).
From the first page, Chloe’s voice grabbed me by the collar. She’s in her mid-forties, sharp, exhausted by nonsense, navigating perimenopause and a newsroom that would rather she be palatable than powerful. As a food critic at the Carlisle Gazette, she knows her words carry weight. When she calls out Tom’s tomato sauce as watery, she means it. What she doesn’t expect is Tom himself showing up, pride bruised, demanding accountability for dismissing his grandmother’s recipe like it’s a supermarket shortcut.
And Tom. Oh, Tom. He could have been written as the brooding, angry chef stereotype. Instead, he’s layered. Yes, he storms in furious. Yes, he’s protective of his family legacy. But underneath that heat is a man who cares deeply, who listens even when he pretends not to, who slowly reveals a steadiness that completely undoes Chloe. Watching them move from sharp professional warfare to something softer and far more dangerous felt intimate. The tension isn’t contrived. It builds through conversation, through late nights in the kitchen, through arguments that linger a beat too long.
One line that stuck with me was Chloe’s defiant, “I won’t apologise for having taste.” It’s witty and biting, but it’s also the emotional core of the book. This story isn’t just about attraction. It’s about autonomy. About what it costs a woman to be unapologetic in public. About a man learning that strength doesn’t need to compete with hers.
The supporting cast adds texture rather than noise. Rupert and AJ bring humour and perspective, while Hadrian the gecko quietly steals scenes without saying a word. Even the professional fallout Chloe faces feels grounded, raising the stakes beyond just romantic tension.
Emotionally, this book surprised me. I laughed. I cringed in recognition. I felt that slow, delicious ache when two characters realise they’re in deeper than they planned. The spice is confident without overshadowing the emotional arc. The romance feels earned.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
If you love enemies-to-lovers with grown adults who have real careers, real bodies, and real consequences, this will absolutely work for you. If you’re craving witty banter, food-centric tension, and a heroine who refuses to shrink herself to be easier to digest, add this to your list.
So tell me, would you defend your grandmother’s sauce to the bitter end… or risk everything for the critic who dared to taste it differently?
#HowToServeUpLove #DaniElias #HappilyBookPR #EnemiesToLovers #RomComReads #FoodieRomance #MidlifeRomance #BookReview #ARCReview #Bookstagram #RomanceBooks
From the first page, Chloe’s voice grabbed me by the collar. She’s in her mid-forties, sharp, exhausted by nonsense, navigating perimenopause and a newsroom that would rather she be palatable than powerful. As a food critic at the Carlisle Gazette, she knows her words carry weight. When she calls out Tom’s tomato sauce as watery, she means it. What she doesn’t expect is Tom himself showing up, pride bruised, demanding accountability for dismissing his grandmother’s recipe like it’s a supermarket shortcut.
And Tom. Oh, Tom. He could have been written as the brooding, angry chef stereotype. Instead, he’s layered. Yes, he storms in furious. Yes, he’s protective of his family legacy. But underneath that heat is a man who cares deeply, who listens even when he pretends not to, who slowly reveals a steadiness that completely undoes Chloe. Watching them move from sharp professional warfare to something softer and far more dangerous felt intimate. The tension isn’t contrived. It builds through conversation, through late nights in the kitchen, through arguments that linger a beat too long.
One line that stuck with me was Chloe’s defiant, “I won’t apologise for having taste.” It’s witty and biting, but it’s also the emotional core of the book. This story isn’t just about attraction. It’s about autonomy. About what it costs a woman to be unapologetic in public. About a man learning that strength doesn’t need to compete with hers.
The supporting cast adds texture rather than noise. Rupert and AJ bring humour and perspective, while Hadrian the gecko quietly steals scenes without saying a word. Even the professional fallout Chloe faces feels grounded, raising the stakes beyond just romantic tension.
Emotionally, this book surprised me. I laughed. I cringed in recognition. I felt that slow, delicious ache when two characters realise they’re in deeper than they planned. The spice is confident without overshadowing the emotional arc. The romance feels earned.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
If you love enemies-to-lovers with grown adults who have real careers, real bodies, and real consequences, this will absolutely work for you. If you’re craving witty banter, food-centric tension, and a heroine who refuses to shrink herself to be easier to digest, add this to your list.
So tell me, would you defend your grandmother’s sauce to the bitter end… or risk everything for the critic who dared to taste it differently?
#HowToServeUpLove #DaniElias #HappilyBookPR #EnemiesToLovers #RomComReads #FoodieRomance #MidlifeRomance #BookReview #ARCReview #Bookstagram #RomanceBooks
February 27, 2026
*I will preface this in saying that I was very kindly given the opportunity to read this book as an ARC, however, this review is completely my own thoughts and feelings :)
⭐️⭐️
🌶
Okay, so the book wasn't bad per se, but it did find it lacking any sort of depth in many aspects.
I found that the characters had no connection with each other, like the first time the slept together it felt so random, and with the complaint between them of not even knowing each other coming up several times it just solidified that. Like what do we know about either of the characters?
Chloe: 45, food critic for newspaper, has an apartment, owns a rescue gecko, her mom is 65, her parents divorced 20 years ago, she's friendly with 2 of her coworkers, has a copper coil, never had a solid relationship before other than briefly with some dude in Dubai while in her 20s, entering perimenopause
Tom: 45, owns and chef at restaurant, shares a house with his friend Rupert, divorced, owned a restaurant in Manchester but it went to ex-wife in divorce settlement, owns a car, his grandmother was Italian
Like what does any other that stuff tell us about the characters as people??? Not a damn thing. There was no depth to either of them, and basically all of the conversations Chloe and Tom had with each other were not actual conversation but rather just bantering. Even the banter wasn't ideal because it was more in an annoying way, with Chloe constantly trying to have the last word, rather than a playful teasing way. All in all, there was no believability to the two even getting into a relationship.
Also, nearly the entire book spans maybe two weeks time. Chloe and Tom meet and schedule her going to his restaurant a week later on Thursday, so absolutely no contact in that week until then. Then they meet on that Thursday at his restaurant, meet on the Friday at her work, on Sunday at her house following into Monday when she leaves his house... that is literally all the amounts of time that they meet each other before the end with a romantic gesture. Hardly any interaction between the two, and yet we're supposed to believe they're into each other??
I just wasn't impressed with this book, it didn't excite me or make me believe that the characters were genuine. With more character building I think the story would be significantly improved.
⭐️⭐️
🌶
Okay, so the book wasn't bad per se, but it did find it lacking any sort of depth in many aspects.
I found that the characters had no connection with each other, like the first time the slept together it felt so random, and with the complaint between them of not even knowing each other coming up several times it just solidified that. Like what do we know about either of the characters?
Chloe: 45, food critic for newspaper, has an apartment, owns a rescue gecko, her mom is 65, her parents divorced 20 years ago, she's friendly with 2 of her coworkers, has a copper coil, never had a solid relationship before other than briefly with some dude in Dubai while in her 20s, entering perimenopause
Tom: 45, owns and chef at restaurant, shares a house with his friend Rupert, divorced, owned a restaurant in Manchester but it went to ex-wife in divorce settlement, owns a car, his grandmother was Italian
Like what does any other that stuff tell us about the characters as people??? Not a damn thing. There was no depth to either of them, and basically all of the conversations Chloe and Tom had with each other were not actual conversation but rather just bantering. Even the banter wasn't ideal because it was more in an annoying way, with Chloe constantly trying to have the last word, rather than a playful teasing way. All in all, there was no believability to the two even getting into a relationship.
Also, nearly the entire book spans maybe two weeks time. Chloe and Tom meet and schedule her going to his restaurant a week later on Thursday, so absolutely no contact in that week until then. Then they meet on that Thursday at his restaurant, meet on the Friday at her work, on Sunday at her house following into Monday when she leaves his house... that is literally all the amounts of time that they meet each other before the end with a romantic gesture. Hardly any interaction between the two, and yet we're supposed to believe they're into each other??
I just wasn't impressed with this book, it didn't excite me or make me believe that the characters were genuine. With more character building I think the story would be significantly improved.
March 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️
Dani Elias is masterful in writing cozy romance, while still heating things up to give readers the perfect amount of spice. How to Serve Up Love is the first in her Together Forever in Fellside series, with many more releasing throughout 2026. Continuing to bring us MCs that are later in life, but still full of life and dreams, she beautifully showcases and life doesn’t stop at 40, but sometimes truly starts then.
Chloe is done playing games. Calling it as she sees it, she doesn’t hold back for anyone and lets her words fly. She is a woman who means what she says and says what she means. This is useful in her job as a food critic. Her ability to give foods the reviews they deserve has made her well known in the food world. Until one of her reviews hits too close to home for a chef. What starts out as a disagreement quickly turns into sparks flying.
Tom is not going to just stand by and let his grandmother’s recipe be pulled through the mud. So when he decides to confront the critic who dared to speak down on his family’s legacy, he is caught off guard when he sees how beautiful this critic happens to be. Caught off guard, not tripped up though, and he comes in furious. We quickly learn that Tom is complex and has so much more bubbling beneath the surface. As it slowly comes out, their heated disdain for each other grows into heated passion.
The banter these two have throughout the book is dripping with chemistry, hidden meaning, and flirting vibes that makes this book delicious. Dani does a fantastic job in making this story more than just a romance too. Shedding light on how women struggle to be heard and taken seriously, Dani gives women a safe place to leave all pretenses at the door. Reminding her readers to not let anyone dull your shine, but rather help make it sparkle to its fullest.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🧑🍳Food Critic FMC
🩷Chef MMC
🧑🍳“Fun” in the Kitchen
🩷Small Town Romance
🧑🍳Later in Life Love
🩷MCs in 40s
🧑🍳RomCom Vibes
Dani Elias is masterful in writing cozy romance, while still heating things up to give readers the perfect amount of spice. How to Serve Up Love is the first in her Together Forever in Fellside series, with many more releasing throughout 2026. Continuing to bring us MCs that are later in life, but still full of life and dreams, she beautifully showcases and life doesn’t stop at 40, but sometimes truly starts then.
Chloe is done playing games. Calling it as she sees it, she doesn’t hold back for anyone and lets her words fly. She is a woman who means what she says and says what she means. This is useful in her job as a food critic. Her ability to give foods the reviews they deserve has made her well known in the food world. Until one of her reviews hits too close to home for a chef. What starts out as a disagreement quickly turns into sparks flying.
Tom is not going to just stand by and let his grandmother’s recipe be pulled through the mud. So when he decides to confront the critic who dared to speak down on his family’s legacy, he is caught off guard when he sees how beautiful this critic happens to be. Caught off guard, not tripped up though, and he comes in furious. We quickly learn that Tom is complex and has so much more bubbling beneath the surface. As it slowly comes out, their heated disdain for each other grows into heated passion.
The banter these two have throughout the book is dripping with chemistry, hidden meaning, and flirting vibes that makes this book delicious. Dani does a fantastic job in making this story more than just a romance too. Shedding light on how women struggle to be heard and taken seriously, Dani gives women a safe place to leave all pretenses at the door. Reminding her readers to not let anyone dull your shine, but rather help make it sparkle to its fullest.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🧑🍳Food Critic FMC
🩷Chef MMC
🧑🍳“Fun” in the Kitchen
🩷Small Town Romance
🧑🍳Later in Life Love
🩷MCs in 40s
🧑🍳RomCom Vibes
March 1, 2026
One scathing review. One furious chef. One very personal tomato sauce.
I absolutely loved the enemies-to-lovers setup in How to Serve Up Love. A food critic publicly criticizes a family recipe, and the chef storms into her office demanding accountability? That tension was immediate and delicious.
Chloe is sharp, unapologetic, and confident in her voice — which I appreciated so much. I especially loved that she’s a plus-size FMC who is comfortable in her own skin. We need more self-love of curves in romance, and Dani handled that beautifully without making it her entire personality.
Tom being defensive over his grandmother’s sauce felt layered rather than dramatic for the sake of it. Their arguments were witty, fast-paced, and full of banter — the kind of dialogue I usually end up highlighting because it’s either funny or cleverly cutting.
I do wish there had been a bit more buildup before the physical relationship escalated. I completely forgot this was a novella, so the transition from enemies → reluctant acquaintances → sex felt quicker than I personally prefer. That said, the chemistry was strong and believable once it happened.
One of my favorite moments was the care package/big gesture when Chloe was on her period. It was thoughtful, intimate, and showed real emotional attentiveness without being overly graphic — which I appreciated. It made Tom feel softer in a way that contrasted nicely with his initial temper.
I also loved the small personal touches — Chloe having a gecko was such a fun detail (and as someone with a chameleon, I always love unexpected reptile representation).
Overall, this was a sharp, banter-filled novella with:
Enemies-to-lovers tension
Food critic vs. chef rivalry
Strong, confident plus-size heroine
Emotional caretaking moments
A big romantic gesture
If you enjoy quick reads with witty dialogue, strong chemistry, and a food-centered setting, this is a fun one to pick up.
I absolutely loved the enemies-to-lovers setup in How to Serve Up Love. A food critic publicly criticizes a family recipe, and the chef storms into her office demanding accountability? That tension was immediate and delicious.
Chloe is sharp, unapologetic, and confident in her voice — which I appreciated so much. I especially loved that she’s a plus-size FMC who is comfortable in her own skin. We need more self-love of curves in romance, and Dani handled that beautifully without making it her entire personality.
Tom being defensive over his grandmother’s sauce felt layered rather than dramatic for the sake of it. Their arguments were witty, fast-paced, and full of banter — the kind of dialogue I usually end up highlighting because it’s either funny or cleverly cutting.
I do wish there had been a bit more buildup before the physical relationship escalated. I completely forgot this was a novella, so the transition from enemies → reluctant acquaintances → sex felt quicker than I personally prefer. That said, the chemistry was strong and believable once it happened.
One of my favorite moments was the care package/big gesture when Chloe was on her period. It was thoughtful, intimate, and showed real emotional attentiveness without being overly graphic — which I appreciated. It made Tom feel softer in a way that contrasted nicely with his initial temper.
I also loved the small personal touches — Chloe having a gecko was such a fun detail (and as someone with a chameleon, I always love unexpected reptile representation).
Overall, this was a sharp, banter-filled novella with:
Enemies-to-lovers tension
Food critic vs. chef rivalry
Strong, confident plus-size heroine
Emotional caretaking moments
A big romantic gesture
If you enjoy quick reads with witty dialogue, strong chemistry, and a food-centered setting, this is a fun one to pick up.
March 3, 2026
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” How to serve up love. Chloe is navigating one of life’s most challenging transitions, perimenopause, while balancing the demands of a high pressure career as a restaurant reviewer for a local newspaper. Once confident and accomplished, she now finds herself overwhelmed by increasing expectations from her editor and an unexpected confrontation with a restaurateur whose business she may have harmed. Complicating matters further, Chloe can barely recall the restaurant or the meal she criticised so harshly.
Tom, co owner of the restaurant, is stunned by her review, particularly her description of his grandmother’s signature sauce as watery. Concerned about the potential damage to his family’s livelihood, he insists on a second chance and invites Chloe back to experience the restaurant properly. Under pressure from her employer, she agrees to return and produce a follow up piece. What neither of them anticipates is the undeniable chemistry that ignites between them.
As professional boundaries blur, their growing attraction becomes increasingly difficult to ignore. Both understand the risks, especially to Chloe’s career, yet their connection deepens. When their relationship is discovered by someone with the power to jeopardise her professional future, they are forced to confront a difficult choice: protect their reputations or take a chance on something meaningful.
This novel stands out as a thoughtful and refreshing romance. It moves beyond conventional tropes to explore love later in life, addressing real world challenges many women face, including ageing, career pressures, and self doubt. The story is grounded in everyday experiences and authentic emotional struggles, making it both relatable and engaging. A well paced and heartfelt read, it offers depth, warmth, and a realistic portrayal of second chances. A must read!💛
Tom, co owner of the restaurant, is stunned by her review, particularly her description of his grandmother’s signature sauce as watery. Concerned about the potential damage to his family’s livelihood, he insists on a second chance and invites Chloe back to experience the restaurant properly. Under pressure from her employer, she agrees to return and produce a follow up piece. What neither of them anticipates is the undeniable chemistry that ignites between them.
As professional boundaries blur, their growing attraction becomes increasingly difficult to ignore. Both understand the risks, especially to Chloe’s career, yet their connection deepens. When their relationship is discovered by someone with the power to jeopardise her professional future, they are forced to confront a difficult choice: protect their reputations or take a chance on something meaningful.
This novel stands out as a thoughtful and refreshing romance. It moves beyond conventional tropes to explore love later in life, addressing real world challenges many women face, including ageing, career pressures, and self doubt. The story is grounded in everyday experiences and authentic emotional struggles, making it both relatable and engaging. A well paced and heartfelt read, it offers depth, warmth, and a realistic portrayal of second chances. A must read!💛
March 1, 2026
How To Serve Up Love is the first book in Elias' Hearts of the Press series. This delightful novella features Chloe Ingram and Tom Philips.
Chloe has a column in the Carlisle Gazette called The Last Bite. She visits restaurants and writes reviews. Tom is the chef at La Cucina di Rosa.
When Chloe's review rubs Tom the wrong way, he shows up at her place of business and essentially demands that she return and try the food again. While reluctant she recalls that she only tasted a single dish her last time there, and it was a day when she had been to several other places. She therefore agrees and is treated to a behind the scenes evening in the kitchen at La Cucina di Rosa seeing how everything is made, how the staff work, and sampling each of the dishes.
There is undeniable chemistry between Chloe and Tom, and the tension is intoxicating. At the end of the evening, things come to a head and the two enjoy a very passionate interlude which they promise will never recur.
After Chloe writes and publishes her new review, Tom shows up with a baked treat to express his gratitude. One thing leads to another... Unfortunately, one of Chloe's jealous rivals learns of her dalliance and prints a disgusting article about her, putting both her career and reputation on the line.
While short, this story quickly captured my attention. The characters and their banter were utterly delightful and entertaining. I loved their dynamic and their non-relationship. Chloe was a calm, confident, curvy character. I appreciated that she didn't make any excuses for who she was. Reading strong female characters is always a treat.
I always look forward to reading Elias' work. She's a talented writer who never fails to bring a smile to my face. I highly encourage you to check out her work.
Chloe has a column in the Carlisle Gazette called The Last Bite. She visits restaurants and writes reviews. Tom is the chef at La Cucina di Rosa.
When Chloe's review rubs Tom the wrong way, he shows up at her place of business and essentially demands that she return and try the food again. While reluctant she recalls that she only tasted a single dish her last time there, and it was a day when she had been to several other places. She therefore agrees and is treated to a behind the scenes evening in the kitchen at La Cucina di Rosa seeing how everything is made, how the staff work, and sampling each of the dishes.
There is undeniable chemistry between Chloe and Tom, and the tension is intoxicating. At the end of the evening, things come to a head and the two enjoy a very passionate interlude which they promise will never recur.
After Chloe writes and publishes her new review, Tom shows up with a baked treat to express his gratitude. One thing leads to another... Unfortunately, one of Chloe's jealous rivals learns of her dalliance and prints a disgusting article about her, putting both her career and reputation on the line.
While short, this story quickly captured my attention. The characters and their banter were utterly delightful and entertaining. I loved their dynamic and their non-relationship. Chloe was a calm, confident, curvy character. I appreciated that she didn't make any excuses for who she was. Reading strong female characters is always a treat.
I always look forward to reading Elias' work. She's a talented writer who never fails to bring a smile to my face. I highly encourage you to check out her work.
February 28, 2026
BREAKING: one brutal review, one sacred tomato sauce, and two forty-somethings who absolutely refuse to behave.
This was such a refreshingly honest take on love after forty, and I ate it up. 🍝✨
Chloe is a powerhouse food critic with a sharp pen and zero patience for mediocrity. Tom is a passionate chef whose grandmother’s tomato sauce is apparently… not up for public debate. What starts as a professional clash quickly turns into elite-level verbal tennis... the banter is clever, grown, and layered with that delicious “this is not flirting… except it absolutely is” energy.
And can we talk about how rare it is to get:
🍴A plus-size FMC in her mid-40s
💌Perimenopause rep
🍴Two emotionally intelligent adults
💌Real career stakes
🍴Rage-lust that simmers into something softer
The romance feels mature but still crackles with tension. There’s insta-lust, there’s vulnerability, and yes.. there’s steam (consider yourself warned). 🔥
What really stood out to me though was the commentary woven through the story:
“Men get context. Women get consequences.”
That thread hit. Hard. The third act especially gave me so much to think about regarding reputation, work ethics, and how differently women are judged.
Add in a charming eccentric housemate, an adorable gecko, and a subplot involving someone threatening Chloe’s credibility? It all blended together beautifully.
This was my first book by Dani Elias, but it absolutely won’t be my last.
If you’re craving a witty, food-centric, enemies-to-lovers romance that refuses to shrink its heroine to make her “easier to digest”, then add this to your list immediately. 🍷
✨A huge thank you to HappilyBookedPR & the author for this ARC in exchange for my review. 🫶🏽
This was such a refreshingly honest take on love after forty, and I ate it up. 🍝✨
Chloe is a powerhouse food critic with a sharp pen and zero patience for mediocrity. Tom is a passionate chef whose grandmother’s tomato sauce is apparently… not up for public debate. What starts as a professional clash quickly turns into elite-level verbal tennis... the banter is clever, grown, and layered with that delicious “this is not flirting… except it absolutely is” energy.
And can we talk about how rare it is to get:
🍴A plus-size FMC in her mid-40s
💌Perimenopause rep
🍴Two emotionally intelligent adults
💌Real career stakes
🍴Rage-lust that simmers into something softer
The romance feels mature but still crackles with tension. There’s insta-lust, there’s vulnerability, and yes.. there’s steam (consider yourself warned). 🔥
What really stood out to me though was the commentary woven through the story:
“Men get context. Women get consequences.”
That thread hit. Hard. The third act especially gave me so much to think about regarding reputation, work ethics, and how differently women are judged.
Add in a charming eccentric housemate, an adorable gecko, and a subplot involving someone threatening Chloe’s credibility? It all blended together beautifully.
This was my first book by Dani Elias, but it absolutely won’t be my last.
If you’re craving a witty, food-centric, enemies-to-lovers romance that refuses to shrink its heroine to make her “easier to digest”, then add this to your list immediately. 🍷
✨A huge thank you to HappilyBookedPR & the author for this ARC in exchange for my review. 🫶🏽
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an ARC read from the author, thank you to Dani, and her team.
I dropped everything when this hit my inbox, because I just love Dani's stories that much.
This book does not fail to entertain, and (possibly) gross the reader out in equal amounts.
Please read the warning label, because some content might not be to everyone's taste.
Dani is the queen of novellas, but this is a four hour listen time (i use an app), so longer than an novella, but not quite a full novel. But as always, Dani gets everything needed to tell a full story, onto thd pages, without compromising anything about the story.
I had a big review written, and it got lost in cyberspace somewhere! So here we go again!
Our couple, Chloe and Tom , first meet after Tom is offended by Chloe's not so wonderful review of his restaurant, and in particular, his 'watery' pasta sauce. He's so offended that he turns up at Chloe's offices when the review is published, to complain about it.
Chloe and her perimenapausal body are hilarious, and graphic, obviously our girl has no filter! Tom feels he needs to prove his point about his family recipe and Chloe heads off to watch, observe, and write a new in depth review. This is where things get off track, and our couple get much closer than intended. But its a one time done and dusted thing, right?
Tom is wonderful! A really genuine caring character, who goes over and above to see Chloe gets everything she needs.
I loved these characters, they were perfect together, and so suited to each other.
I dropped everything when this hit my inbox, because I just love Dani's stories that much.
This book does not fail to entertain, and (possibly) gross the reader out in equal amounts.
Please read the warning label, because some content might not be to everyone's taste.
Dani is the queen of novellas, but this is a four hour listen time (i use an app), so longer than an novella, but not quite a full novel. But as always, Dani gets everything needed to tell a full story, onto thd pages, without compromising anything about the story.
I had a big review written, and it got lost in cyberspace somewhere! So here we go again!
Our couple, Chloe and Tom , first meet after Tom is offended by Chloe's not so wonderful review of his restaurant, and in particular, his 'watery' pasta sauce. He's so offended that he turns up at Chloe's offices when the review is published, to complain about it.
Chloe and her perimenapausal body are hilarious, and graphic, obviously our girl has no filter! Tom feels he needs to prove his point about his family recipe and Chloe heads off to watch, observe, and write a new in depth review. This is where things get off track, and our couple get much closer than intended. But its a one time done and dusted thing, right?
Tom is wonderful! A really genuine caring character, who goes over and above to see Chloe gets everything she needs.
I loved these characters, they were perfect together, and so suited to each other.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Chloe is a woman going through the curse’s next stage – perimenopause. One that you do not wish on your worst enemy. She has been a successful restaurant reviewer for the Carlisle Gazette newspaper. But now she has added pressure not only does her boss wants her to do way more than mentally possible, one of the owners of a restaurant she did a review on is coming at her with a vengeance. It doesn’t help she actually doesn’t remember the restaurant, let alone the food. Much to her objection she goes back, but what Chloe wasn’t expecting was for there to be this instant attraction between the two of them. Especially when he comes to her rescue not that long after the new review is out.
Tom cannot believe the review that she put out, she called his grandmother’s sauce recipe “watery”. It’s not watery, its anything but that. With a review like that it could hurt his business, so he goes to the newspaper and demands a second chance. He wants her to come to the restaurant, see what they do and try the food again. Her boss requires her to do it and write a new review. When she comes to taste the food, more sparks fly between them. Sparks that just won’t go away no matter how hard each of them tries. They keep saying it needs to stop, but nothing seems to be stopping them from being together. That is until one day they are caught, not just by anyone, but by someone who can ruin Chloe’s career. Are they going to take the chance & continue or will they let it go and carry the hurt with them for a long time.
Love this book because not just because it is the perfect length for a rainy day read, but because it is touching on subjects that many women are having to deal with. It is a romance but not the usual romance because it is with people who are “older”. It talks about everyday things, everyday life and some of the struggles normal people go through.
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
Tom cannot believe the review that she put out, she called his grandmother’s sauce recipe “watery”. It’s not watery, its anything but that. With a review like that it could hurt his business, so he goes to the newspaper and demands a second chance. He wants her to come to the restaurant, see what they do and try the food again. Her boss requires her to do it and write a new review. When she comes to taste the food, more sparks fly between them. Sparks that just won’t go away no matter how hard each of them tries. They keep saying it needs to stop, but nothing seems to be stopping them from being together. That is until one day they are caught, not just by anyone, but by someone who can ruin Chloe’s career. Are they going to take the chance & continue or will they let it go and carry the hurt with them for a long time.
Love this book because not just because it is the perfect length for a rainy day read, but because it is touching on subjects that many women are having to deal with. It is a romance but not the usual romance because it is with people who are “older”. It talks about everyday things, everyday life and some of the struggles normal people go through.
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
March 1, 2026
When I finished this book, I was thinking about what to write… because a stupid little man tries to tear down the FMC (Chloe), and I was trying to stop myself on going on a rant about mediocre men being disrespectful / a bully / whatever in the workplace… but then you see the news 😒 Sure, I’ve worked for evil women too, but more often than not, in my experience it’s a mediocre man trying to tear down a woman. 🤬
Anyway, The Book. Chloe is a food critic / journalist, which I loved!! After giving a poor review to a pasta with watery tomato sauce, she is made to go write up a feature on that restaurant. Because of course it’s her ✨fault✨ that sauce was bad, right? But then sparks start flying with the chef / owner🤭 (that’s all in the blurb, no spoilers here!) Oh, but that tiramisu…
And then we get to the mediocre man / rival 💩 I’m glad we got to see Chloe stand up for herself, and the newspaper actually backing her. As it should. And also the MMC (Tom, who made the watery sauce) publicly standing up for what’s right. As he should.
🦎 Hadrian the Gecko steals any scene he’s in - I think that’s just a feature of Dani Elias’ books. The pets really do ✨shine✨!!
Anyway, if you’re looking for a romcom with a side of female rage, this one is for you! Even if you’re not, you should read this anyway, it’s a delightful way to spend the afternoon.
Thank you Happily Booked PR for having me on the eARC team!! 💕
Anyway, The Book. Chloe is a food critic / journalist, which I loved!! After giving a poor review to a pasta with watery tomato sauce, she is made to go write up a feature on that restaurant. Because of course it’s her ✨fault✨ that sauce was bad, right? But then sparks start flying with the chef / owner🤭 (that’s all in the blurb, no spoilers here!) Oh, but that tiramisu…
And then we get to the mediocre man / rival 💩 I’m glad we got to see Chloe stand up for herself, and the newspaper actually backing her. As it should. And also the MMC (Tom, who made the watery sauce) publicly standing up for what’s right. As he should.
🦎 Hadrian the Gecko steals any scene he’s in - I think that’s just a feature of Dani Elias’ books. The pets really do ✨shine✨!!
Anyway, if you’re looking for a romcom with a side of female rage, this one is for you! Even if you’re not, you should read this anyway, it’s a delightful way to spend the afternoon.
Thank you Happily Booked PR for having me on the eARC team!! 💕
February 28, 2026
Banter So Good I Was Blushing!
OMG BESTIES… if you love British Rom-Com chaos with banter that will have you giggling into your tea, you need to read "How To Serve Up Love" by Dani Elias.
Chloe is a curvy, confident, sharp-tongued food critic (YES plus-size FMC rep 👏🏽) with a reptilian sidekick... Hadrian the gecko... who honestly deserves his own fan club. And Tom? A broody chef in his 40s whose grandmother’s tomato sauce gets publicly roasted. The way this man storms into the newsroom smelling like herbs and wounded pride? Cinema.
The kitchen banter scene? I was full-on giggling. Their back-and-forth is deliciously petty, flirty, and charged. This is enemies-to-lovers done RIGHT. And thank goodness... it’s not a slow burn. It’s insta-lust, fast burn, steamy-but-cozy goodness.🔥
All the side characters are absolute comedic gems, and the British humor just hits differently. It’s witty, charming, and wrapped in that small-town Carlisle drama that keeps things interesting.
If you’re looking for a funny, banter-filled, cozy rom-com with grown, 40-something main characters and chef x critic tension… add this to your TBR. Seriously!😉
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
OMG BESTIES… if you love British Rom-Com chaos with banter that will have you giggling into your tea, you need to read "How To Serve Up Love" by Dani Elias.
Chloe is a curvy, confident, sharp-tongued food critic (YES plus-size FMC rep 👏🏽) with a reptilian sidekick... Hadrian the gecko... who honestly deserves his own fan club. And Tom? A broody chef in his 40s whose grandmother’s tomato sauce gets publicly roasted. The way this man storms into the newsroom smelling like herbs and wounded pride? Cinema.
The kitchen banter scene? I was full-on giggling. Their back-and-forth is deliciously petty, flirty, and charged. This is enemies-to-lovers done RIGHT. And thank goodness... it’s not a slow burn. It’s insta-lust, fast burn, steamy-but-cozy goodness.🔥
All the side characters are absolute comedic gems, and the British humor just hits differently. It’s witty, charming, and wrapped in that small-town Carlisle drama that keeps things interesting.
If you’re looking for a funny, banter-filled, cozy rom-com with grown, 40-something main characters and chef x critic tension… add this to your TBR. Seriously!😉
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
February 27, 2026
🍴How To Serve Up Love by Dani Elias🍴
Thank you @dani_elias_books & @happilybookedpr for the ARC.
**Available now on KU or paperback**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Imagine writing a savage restaurant review and the chef shows up ready to fight you about it. Now imagine he’s hot.
Tropes:
💞Enemies to Lovers
🍴Plus Size FMC
💞Chef MMC
🍴MCs in their 40s
💞Romcom
🍴Steamy
When food critic Chloe absolutely roasts a restaurant’s tomato sauce in her column, she doesn’t expect the chef himself to storm into the newsroom ready to defend his grandmother’s recipe.
Tom is passionate, stubborn, and completely unwilling to let it go — which means their “professional disagreement” quickly turns into sharp banter, lingering arguments, and chemistry that refuses to stay professional.
But what really made this story stand out for me was Tom. Not only does he match Chloe’s wit and fire, but when she’s struggling with painful periods, he’s completely unbothered by it — openly talking about it, taking care of her, and showing up in a way that feels incredibly refreshing in romance - top tier boyfriend material!
Also, Hadrian the pet gecko absolutely deserves a mention, because every book is improved by a tiny reptilian side character quietly existing while chaos unfolds around him.
Thank you @dani_elias_books & @happilybookedpr for the ARC.
**Available now on KU or paperback**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Imagine writing a savage restaurant review and the chef shows up ready to fight you about it. Now imagine he’s hot.
Tropes:
💞Enemies to Lovers
🍴Plus Size FMC
💞Chef MMC
🍴MCs in their 40s
💞Romcom
🍴Steamy
When food critic Chloe absolutely roasts a restaurant’s tomato sauce in her column, she doesn’t expect the chef himself to storm into the newsroom ready to defend his grandmother’s recipe.
Tom is passionate, stubborn, and completely unwilling to let it go — which means their “professional disagreement” quickly turns into sharp banter, lingering arguments, and chemistry that refuses to stay professional.
But what really made this story stand out for me was Tom. Not only does he match Chloe’s wit and fire, but when she’s struggling with painful periods, he’s completely unbothered by it — openly talking about it, taking care of her, and showing up in a way that feels incredibly refreshing in romance - top tier boyfriend material!
Also, Hadrian the pet gecko absolutely deserves a mention, because every book is improved by a tiny reptilian side character quietly existing while chaos unfolds around him.
Review of advance copy
A Refreshingly Honest Take on Love After Forty: A Savory, Soulful Rom-Com
Finding a romance featuring a woman in her mid-forties who is navigating a real career and the realities of perimenopause was incredibly refreshing. Chloe is a powerhouse food critic whose sharp wit and "brutally honest" reputation make her an unforgettable lead. Her relationship with Tom begins with a clashing review of his restaurant, but it quickly evolves into a sophisticated game of verbal tennis. Their banter is elite—spontaneous, clever, and grounded in the kind of emotional depth you only get with grown adults.
The story expertly balances a "palate cleanser" romance with a compelling subplot involving a mysterious saboteur threatening Chloe’s reputation. I loved that the stakes felt real and that the characters, from Tom’s eccentric housemate to Chloe’s gecko, added such a unique flavor to the narrative. This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. If you are craving a witty, food-centric, enemies-to-lovers story that refuses to shrink its heroine to be "easier to digest," you need to add this to your list immediately.
Finding a romance featuring a woman in her mid-forties who is navigating a real career and the realities of perimenopause was incredibly refreshing. Chloe is a powerhouse food critic whose sharp wit and "brutally honest" reputation make her an unforgettable lead. Her relationship with Tom begins with a clashing review of his restaurant, but it quickly evolves into a sophisticated game of verbal tennis. Their banter is elite—spontaneous, clever, and grounded in the kind of emotional depth you only get with grown adults.
The story expertly balances a "palate cleanser" romance with a compelling subplot involving a mysterious saboteur threatening Chloe’s reputation. I loved that the stakes felt real and that the characters, from Tom’s eccentric housemate to Chloe’s gecko, added such a unique flavor to the narrative. This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. If you are craving a witty, food-centric, enemies-to-lovers story that refuses to shrink its heroine to be "easier to digest," you need to add this to your list immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The more books books I read of this authors the more I fall in love with each and everyone. She is so unique in her writing the way she descirbes to the way she builds up the relationships each one complex and unique in their own way. This book I laughed way to much, the banter and arguments in this one are so comical and even though you would would think they absolutelyu hate each other, you can see the careful consideration they start to have for one another, the banter never stops, but the feelings grow and it becomes light hearted. I loved this book not only because it showed the complexities of them as people, but the complexities in this world, and how both men and women are viewed and also how they are expected to handle things. I loved how the author showed that and how raw that moment was in the book, for not only Tom but Chloe. Plus who could not love a book with an amazing little Gecko--> Hadrian is now my fav book pet of all time for no reason in particular except the conversations Chloe has with him. iykyk! lol. Take a chance pick up these books, you wont regret it I promise!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Excellent, quick, funny, and spicy
Tom and Chloe have great chemistry from the start. You can feel how they just make eye contact, and they click. The banter in this book is perfect and makes excellent foreplay to a couple great spicy scenes.
I love Chloe's integrity. She is a badass at her job, and when challenged she doesn't back down, even when it would be easier. I envy her ability to stand her ground, and do it with such class while making it look effortless. Tom is clearly smitten immediately. He has such a wonderful steadiness to him, that makes him a perfect counterpoint to Chloe.
Rupert was another character that made this book for me. It might just be the name, but I pictured him as Rupert Everett's character from the movie My Best Friend's Wedding. Supportive and sassy, he is a joy to read.
I always enjoy Dani Elias' books, and this one is no exception. It's a quick read that will leave you laughing and fighting the butterflies even after you are done reading.
I received an advance copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Tom and Chloe have great chemistry from the start. You can feel how they just make eye contact, and they click. The banter in this book is perfect and makes excellent foreplay to a couple great spicy scenes.
I love Chloe's integrity. She is a badass at her job, and when challenged she doesn't back down, even when it would be easier. I envy her ability to stand her ground, and do it with such class while making it look effortless. Tom is clearly smitten immediately. He has such a wonderful steadiness to him, that makes him a perfect counterpoint to Chloe.
Rupert was another character that made this book for me. It might just be the name, but I pictured him as Rupert Everett's character from the movie My Best Friend's Wedding. Supportive and sassy, he is a joy to read.
I always enjoy Dani Elias' books, and this one is no exception. It's a quick read that will leave you laughing and fighting the butterflies even after you are done reading.
I received an advance copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
How to Serve Up Love is the first romance in the Hearts of the Press series. Chloe writes a food column for the paper and her latest article has received some push back from the restaurant owner. When Tom shows up at the paper demanding an explanation he ends up with a feature article and Chloe shadowing him for the night. Taking time to slow down and experience the restaurant Chloe changes her tune, but she also starts to fall for Tom. When their attraction wins out it might just be the thing that brings them down in the end.
I love everything I’ve read by Dani Elias and this one was no different. I fell in love with Chloe and Tom from the beginning and loved the feisty start to their relationship. This book was short and so easy to fly through. I loved how everything played out and the sweet moments in this book were so good. This book was so good and pulled me in from the first chapter and didn’t let me go until the end. This was so good and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series.
I love everything I’ve read by Dani Elias and this one was no different. I fell in love with Chloe and Tom from the beginning and loved the feisty start to their relationship. This book was short and so easy to fly through. I loved how everything played out and the sweet moments in this book were so good. This book was so good and pulled me in from the first chapter and didn’t let me go until the end. This was so good and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
How to Serve up Love by Dani Elias is the story of Chloe and Tom. Tom owns an Italian restaurant and Chloe is a newspaper restaurant critic.
After Chloe writes a rather unflattering review of the tomato sauce in Tom’s restaurant, Tom pays a visit to the newspaper office to discuss the review. When Chloe admits that she was only able to sample one dish from the menu, her paper requests a feature article in which she spends more time behind the scenes at the restaurant, including more time with Tom.
Tom and Chloe spend some time sparring verbally with one another and quickly realize that their fiery exchanges contain a passion that crosses the boundary from professional over to personal.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I always love a book with a curvy female main character, but in addition, I loved that both Chloe and Tom were adults in their 40s. They both had a maturity that is sometimes lacking in books with younger main characters. The storyline was very intelligently written, and I felt that both characters were filled with both integrity and honesty.
After Chloe writes a rather unflattering review of the tomato sauce in Tom’s restaurant, Tom pays a visit to the newspaper office to discuss the review. When Chloe admits that she was only able to sample one dish from the menu, her paper requests a feature article in which she spends more time behind the scenes at the restaurant, including more time with Tom.
Tom and Chloe spend some time sparring verbally with one another and quickly realize that their fiery exchanges contain a passion that crosses the boundary from professional over to personal.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I always love a book with a curvy female main character, but in addition, I loved that both Chloe and Tom were adults in their 40s. They both had a maturity that is sometimes lacking in books with younger main characters. The storyline was very intelligently written, and I felt that both characters were filled with both integrity and honesty.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Men get context. Women get consequences. Men get to be complex. Women get to be lessons.”
How To Serve Up Love was a delight to read. It’s a bit less funny than the usual Dani Elias book, but it had a great third act, that gave a lot of food for thoughts about work ethics, and how women & men are treated completely differently. I loved loved loved that part of the book.
The romance is smooth, with insta-lust and a lot of rage lust and that alchemy works perfectly. As usual in Dani’s books, the MMC is a perfect cinnamon roll, and the scenes in which is takes care of the FMC during her periods were *chef kiss*. Another classic, the unusual pet —a gecko here— whom I absolutely adored.
If you like characters in their forties, with a +size FMC with perimenopause rep and great s*xual tension, then this one might be for you. Just be aware that it has period s*x, so if it’s not for you that might not be the right book in this case.
Thank you to the author for the eARC. My opinions are my own.
How To Serve Up Love was a delight to read. It’s a bit less funny than the usual Dani Elias book, but it had a great third act, that gave a lot of food for thoughts about work ethics, and how women & men are treated completely differently. I loved loved loved that part of the book.
The romance is smooth, with insta-lust and a lot of rage lust and that alchemy works perfectly. As usual in Dani’s books, the MMC is a perfect cinnamon roll, and the scenes in which is takes care of the FMC during her periods were *chef kiss*. Another classic, the unusual pet —a gecko here— whom I absolutely adored.
If you like characters in their forties, with a +size FMC with perimenopause rep and great s*xual tension, then this one might be for you. Just be aware that it has period s*x, so if it’s not for you that might not be the right book in this case.
Thank you to the author for the eARC. My opinions are my own.
March 1, 2026
I am a huge fan of romcoms and this one ticked off everything I love about them. The banter between Chloe and Tom is dangerously flirty and filled with a plethora of laughs and thoughtfulness that will take me weeks to get over; if I ever do. The best parts were in the quiet moments; no grand romantic gestures, just a wonderful mindfulness that should always be apart of relationships, in my opinion. This book broke my heart and then glued the pieces back into place; it was too short in a good way; I never wanted it to end.
A word I hate to use to describe this book, only because it’s something which should be normalized, is refreshing. Menstruation and menopause are apart of much of the population and yet is usually almost ignored or seen as taboo in the romance genre; at least from what I have read. I loved that it wasn’t written as something to conceal or to feel humiliated for experiencing. It was written matter-of-factly and unapologetically; as it should. Thank you, Dani, for writing this.
A word I hate to use to describe this book, only because it’s something which should be normalized, is refreshing. Menstruation and menopause are apart of much of the population and yet is usually almost ignored or seen as taboo in the romance genre; at least from what I have read. I loved that it wasn’t written as something to conceal or to feel humiliated for experiencing. It was written matter-of-factly and unapologetically; as it should. Thank you, Dani, for writing this.
March 1, 2026
This was such a fun, heartfelt romance with a refreshing twist. Chloe, a food critic juggling deadlines and the realities of perimenopause, writes a less-than-flattering review of Tom’s restaurant. Tom, proud of his family recipes, is furious and demands a second chance. What starts as professional tension quickly turns into fiery banter, undeniable chemistry, and a connection neither of them expected.
I loved Chloe as a character
She is confident, witty, and real. Her struggles felt real, and I appreciated how the book didn’t shy away from showing the challenges women face later in life while still giving her a vibrant, romantic storyline.
Tom was very engaging, a caring and passionate chef who balanced Chloe’s sharp humour with warmth and sincerity. Their dynamic was playful yet tender.
The food backdrop made the story even more enjoyable. The descriptions of the kitchen, the dishes, and the behind-the-scenes restaurant life added richness and also made me hungry. The idea of a critic falling for a chef was clever and gave the story a unique flavour.
I loved Chloe as a character
She is confident, witty, and real. Her struggles felt real, and I appreciated how the book didn’t shy away from showing the challenges women face later in life while still giving her a vibrant, romantic storyline.
Tom was very engaging, a caring and passionate chef who balanced Chloe’s sharp humour with warmth and sincerity. Their dynamic was playful yet tender.
The food backdrop made the story even more enjoyable. The descriptions of the kitchen, the dishes, and the behind-the-scenes restaurant life added richness and also made me hungry. The idea of a critic falling for a chef was clever and gave the story a unique flavour.
March 1, 2026
Great start to the series.
Chloe writes a popular food critic column. Her popularity causes more work and increased reviews and work load expectations. As a result, a rushed review brings an angry chef to her work. Tom is the chef, just trying to share his grandmother’s recipes and make his restaurant a success. These two are combustible from the very beginning. Chloe agrees to revisit the restaurant and the heat in the kitchen is turned way up.
I enjoyed their story so much. The banter is top notch. It’s characters in their forties that don’t have time for games and communicate like mature adults. There is a perimenopause rep and it’s endearing how he takes care of her. They reluctantly become friends and more as the story progresses.
This contained everything I love about Dani Elias books. She packs a lot into her stories. This has humor, heart, spice, a pet gecko with attitude, and great character development I expect from her books. I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Chloe writes a popular food critic column. Her popularity causes more work and increased reviews and work load expectations. As a result, a rushed review brings an angry chef to her work. Tom is the chef, just trying to share his grandmother’s recipes and make his restaurant a success. These two are combustible from the very beginning. Chloe agrees to revisit the restaurant and the heat in the kitchen is turned way up.
I enjoyed their story so much. The banter is top notch. It’s characters in their forties that don’t have time for games and communicate like mature adults. There is a perimenopause rep and it’s endearing how he takes care of her. They reluctantly become friends and more as the story progresses.
This contained everything I love about Dani Elias books. She packs a lot into her stories. This has humor, heart, spice, a pet gecko with attitude, and great character development I expect from her books. I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a cute little RomCom! ☺️ It's both hilarious and sweet! And the fact that these are both MCs in their 40s (not 20s) is incredibly appreciated! 👍
Our FMC is stubborn, sassy, and fiercely independent. No one takes care of her; she takes care of herself. Everyone else got married and had kids; she's married to her job as a high class food critic for the local newspaper. She has a pet gekko. 🦎
Our MMC is a second chance chef. His first restraint was shit down rather nefariously; this is his comeback and he absolutely WON'T ALLOW one harsh and overworked food critic to tear it down.
Goodness, they're both so similar! I loved this little novel from the first page. That spark these two set off! 🥵 (At least they sanitized the kitchen afterwards.) The author is brilliant at writing REAL CHARACTERS, not fluffy young fantasy people we can't relate to very much. I loved reading this, and I can't wait to read more of her work! 📚
Our FMC is stubborn, sassy, and fiercely independent. No one takes care of her; she takes care of herself. Everyone else got married and had kids; she's married to her job as a high class food critic for the local newspaper. She has a pet gekko. 🦎
Our MMC is a second chance chef. His first restraint was shit down rather nefariously; this is his comeback and he absolutely WON'T ALLOW one harsh and overworked food critic to tear it down.
Goodness, they're both so similar! I loved this little novel from the first page. That spark these two set off! 🥵 (At least they sanitized the kitchen afterwards.) The author is brilliant at writing REAL CHARACTERS, not fluffy young fantasy people we can't relate to very much. I loved reading this, and I can't wait to read more of her work! 📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️.5
How to serve up love is a relatively short story about two people in their mid forties navigating life and love.
What I really loved about this story is how it describes a more down to earth kind of love. Not the flashy one, the love of big declarations and grand gestures, or a love that seems to defy space and time. No. This is a story about the boring love, the kind of love that you have to choose day after day, even when life gets in the middle, when things gets hard, when it's inconvenient, or dull, or doesn't really serve a purpose.
The story is sweet, with scenes from the everyday life of both characters, the difficulties of running a business or being a somewhat public person. The banter is cute, and both characters feel well rounded despite not getting big backgrounds, simply living their lives.
Overall, it was a sweet, engaging read, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the series will bring us.
Spice: 🌶️.5
How to serve up love is a relatively short story about two people in their mid forties navigating life and love.
What I really loved about this story is how it describes a more down to earth kind of love. Not the flashy one, the love of big declarations and grand gestures, or a love that seems to defy space and time. No. This is a story about the boring love, the kind of love that you have to choose day after day, even when life gets in the middle, when things gets hard, when it's inconvenient, or dull, or doesn't really serve a purpose.
The story is sweet, with scenes from the everyday life of both characters, the difficulties of running a business or being a somewhat public person. The banter is cute, and both characters feel well rounded despite not getting big backgrounds, simply living their lives.
Overall, it was a sweet, engaging read, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the series will bring us.
March 3, 2026
This one felt raw and messy, but in the best of ways. We have two mid-40 MCs who have lived life and know who they are at this point. And who they are is a stubborn, strong willed female that does not let anyone walk over her and a chef MMC who defends his livelihood with everything he has.
How to Serve Up Love is a shorter story so it is expected to fit lots into a short time frame. With that said, I feel like I missed some chemistry from the story. It’s very clear that the MCs felt comfortable with each other from the get go and nothing big or over the top was needed. And perhaps that’s exactly what this was meant to portray. However, it just fell a little flat for me. I do, however, get much enjoy the realness that Dani brings to her stories and that she just makes them relatable to the average person!
Would recommend this one for someone wanting a shorter read that is older MCs, strangers to lovers, and a sprinkle of forced proximity!
How to Serve Up Love is a shorter story so it is expected to fit lots into a short time frame. With that said, I feel like I missed some chemistry from the story. It’s very clear that the MCs felt comfortable with each other from the get go and nothing big or over the top was needed. And perhaps that’s exactly what this was meant to portray. However, it just fell a little flat for me. I do, however, get much enjoy the realness that Dani brings to her stories and that she just makes them relatable to the average person!
Would recommend this one for someone wanting a shorter read that is older MCs, strangers to lovers, and a sprinkle of forced proximity!
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