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Not On the Menu
Turning thirty five wasn't supposed to be like this.
Megan's life is taking unexpected turns. Losing her best friend, Ada, hurt enough. Now she's left with a list that Ada left behind.
Her first task, a sun soaked vacation, was easy enough. Launching her own photography business actually feels within reach, especially now that Ada's brother Zik has hired her to shoot images for his cookbook.
The final item on the list, "Fall in Love," is one she has no clue how to tackle. Love isn't exactly something you can check off, right?
This extended version contains more recipes from Flames and Fusion.
Enjoy!!.
Megan's life is taking unexpected turns. Losing her best friend, Ada, hurt enough. Now she's left with a list that Ada left behind.
Her first task, a sun soaked vacation, was easy enough. Launching her own photography business actually feels within reach, especially now that Ada's brother Zik has hired her to shoot images for his cookbook.
The final item on the list, "Fall in Love," is one she has no clue how to tackle. Love isn't exactly something you can check off, right?
This extended version contains more recipes from Flames and Fusion.
Enjoy!!.
240 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2025
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with this as an audiobook arc!
I really enjoyed the narration for the audiobook, everything was expressed really well and you could hear the clear emotions being bought out during the storyline!
The plot itself was interesting to follow but i fear that sometimes it became a little spotty and confusing, i found myself having to go back and just make sure i hadn't missed anything that had been said because it wasn't entirely making sense to me. BUT!! In the times that everything was free flowing, I did find that i really enjoyed our main characters and their relationship for the most part!
Unfortunately, the third act conflict really frustrated me - I kind of fail to see how it should've been made into a deal breaking incident in the first place but then the fact that this pair full grown adults decide to avoid each other for a WHOLE MONTH??? It was genuinely so frustrating to read and I truly couldn't even find myself rooting for them as a couple after they reconvene even though i really wanted to which was a bit disappointing.
I really enjoyed the narration for the audiobook, everything was expressed really well and you could hear the clear emotions being bought out during the storyline!
The plot itself was interesting to follow but i fear that sometimes it became a little spotty and confusing, i found myself having to go back and just make sure i hadn't missed anything that had been said because it wasn't entirely making sense to me. BUT!! In the times that everything was free flowing, I did find that i really enjoyed our main characters and their relationship for the most part!
Unfortunately, the third act conflict really frustrated me - I kind of fail to see how it should've been made into a deal breaking incident in the first place but then the fact that this pair full grown adults decide to avoid each other for a WHOLE MONTH??? It was genuinely so frustrating to read and I truly couldn't even find myself rooting for them as a couple after they reconvene even though i really wanted to which was a bit disappointing.
February 15, 2026
A big thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley for the audio ARC for this book in exchange for an honest book review.
I’ll start with the audio. The audio was dual narration and while it was well done, Zik’s voice was much more mature than his character’s age. Also, Zik’s POV narration was SO SLOW. Megan’s POV was also slow but not quite as much. I had to put it to 2x to sound like normal speech but after that small adjustment, I found the dual POV’s really enjoyable.
As far as the book itself, I enjoyed the book but there were some plot issues. It was clear that the author didn’t quite understand the path to becoming a doctor. Megan’s past went from dropping out of premed and switching to fine arts then she would have a memory of being in medical school. The inconsistencies aren’t important but they did pull me out of the story a little.
The list… so seemingly central to the story yet we aren’t told what is actually on the list. It led me to keep thinking I missed a chapter somewhere. If I didn’t miss something somewhere, I think the items on the list are only plainly stated in the book summary.
From the synopsis, I was expecting an “Eat, Pray, Love” or “P.S. I Love You” -esque journey of self-discovery with a cute romance with a chef. Well that’s not exactly what this is. It’s honestly a pretty generic story of a FMC who is best friends with the MMC (who is a chef) who realize they are in love each other. The “central conflict” was pretty minor and left me rolling my eyes. The list or the dead best friend were complete afterthoughts. Overall, this book missed the mark for me.
I’ll start with the audio. The audio was dual narration and while it was well done, Zik’s voice was much more mature than his character’s age. Also, Zik’s POV narration was SO SLOW. Megan’s POV was also slow but not quite as much. I had to put it to 2x to sound like normal speech but after that small adjustment, I found the dual POV’s really enjoyable.
As far as the book itself, I enjoyed the book but there were some plot issues. It was clear that the author didn’t quite understand the path to becoming a doctor. Megan’s past went from dropping out of premed and switching to fine arts then she would have a memory of being in medical school. The inconsistencies aren’t important but they did pull me out of the story a little.
The list… so seemingly central to the story yet we aren’t told what is actually on the list. It led me to keep thinking I missed a chapter somewhere. If I didn’t miss something somewhere, I think the items on the list are only plainly stated in the book summary.
From the synopsis, I was expecting an “Eat, Pray, Love” or “P.S. I Love You” -esque journey of self-discovery with a cute romance with a chef. Well that’s not exactly what this is. It’s honestly a pretty generic story of a FMC who is best friends with the MMC (who is a chef) who realize they are in love each other. The “central conflict” was pretty minor and left me rolling my eyes. The list or the dead best friend were complete afterthoughts. Overall, this book missed the mark for me.
February 13, 2026
I’m giving this a 3 stars! ⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary advance listening copy of this book. A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Lola Tate brings us into the high-pressure world of professional kitchens with this spicy contemporary romance. The story follows an aspiring chef who finds herself under the thumb (and in the sights) of her best friend's brother.
The Good:
The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life! They managed to capture the frantic energy of a busy restaurant perfectly, and the chemistry in the dialogue felt very natural. I also loved the culinary details; you can tell the author really knows her way around a kitchen, making the "foodie" aspect of the book a total standout.
The Not-So-Good:
While the tropes are solid, I felt like the "forbidden" aspect of the relationship lacked real tension because the best friend didn't seem to pose a realistic obstacle. Additionally, the pacing felt slightly disjointed, with some plot points resolved far too quickly while others dragged on. It was a good read, but it didn't quite have that "spark" to push it into 4-star territory for me.
Looking for more foodie romances that hit the spot? Head over to my profile @TheLitWhisperer for my "Chef's Special" recommendation list!
I received a complimentary advance listening copy of this book. A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Lola Tate brings us into the high-pressure world of professional kitchens with this spicy contemporary romance. The story follows an aspiring chef who finds herself under the thumb (and in the sights) of her best friend's brother.
The Good:
The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life! They managed to capture the frantic energy of a busy restaurant perfectly, and the chemistry in the dialogue felt very natural. I also loved the culinary details; you can tell the author really knows her way around a kitchen, making the "foodie" aspect of the book a total standout.
The Not-So-Good:
While the tropes are solid, I felt like the "forbidden" aspect of the relationship lacked real tension because the best friend didn't seem to pose a realistic obstacle. Additionally, the pacing felt slightly disjointed, with some plot points resolved far too quickly while others dragged on. It was a good read, but it didn't quite have that "spark" to push it into 4-star territory for me.
Looking for more foodie romances that hit the spot? Head over to my profile @TheLitWhisperer for my "Chef's Special" recommendation list!
February 9, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. This was a cute feel-good romance story. Tropes: best friend's younger brother, grief/comfort, forced proximity/workplace, found family.
Zik runs a successful Nigerian fusion restaurant. When his late sister's best friend returns from her bucket list trip in her friend's honor, he hires her to do the photography for his cookbook despite his agent's hesitance. So what, if he's had a lifelong crush on her. What could possibly go wrong?
I got a chance to preview the audiobook and it was pretty good. It's in dual narration meaning each narrator does all the voices for their respective chapters. The narrators were okay. The male narrator was better overall, but he didn't quite have the right voice for such a young character. The female narrator was mildly annoying and not great at doing other voices.
It's a cute story that I enjoyed reading on my day off. And bonus, they give all of Zik's recipes at the end!
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the ALC I received in exchange for my honest review.
Zik runs a successful Nigerian fusion restaurant. When his late sister's best friend returns from her bucket list trip in her friend's honor, he hires her to do the photography for his cookbook despite his agent's hesitance. So what, if he's had a lifelong crush on her. What could possibly go wrong?
I got a chance to preview the audiobook and it was pretty good. It's in dual narration meaning each narrator does all the voices for their respective chapters. The narrators were okay. The male narrator was better overall, but he didn't quite have the right voice for such a young character. The female narrator was mildly annoying and not great at doing other voices.
It's a cute story that I enjoyed reading on my day off. And bonus, they give all of Zik's recipes at the end!
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the ALC I received in exchange for my honest review.
February 15, 2026
A warm and gentle tone runs through this, making it a nice blend for romantic souls. The inclusion of recipes adds a special touch, giving it a cozy and comforting feeling that fits well with the mood.
The main characters being over 30 made it easier to feel connected to them. Their thoughts and emotions felt realistic and relatable, which helped create a stronger emotional connection.
Loss is an important theme here, and it’s shown in a very human way. Moving on after something painful is not easy, and that struggle is reflected well. At the same time, the idea of starting again and building something new brings a sense of hope and softness.
Finding love after loss feels gentle and meaningful here. It’s not rushed or unrealistic, but shown as something that grows slowly, making the emotional journey feel warm and sincere.
The main characters being over 30 made it easier to feel connected to them. Their thoughts and emotions felt realistic and relatable, which helped create a stronger emotional connection.
Loss is an important theme here, and it’s shown in a very human way. Moving on after something painful is not easy, and that struggle is reflected well. At the same time, the idea of starting again and building something new brings a sense of hope and softness.
Finding love after loss feels gentle and meaningful here. It’s not rushed or unrealistic, but shown as something that grows slowly, making the emotional journey feel warm and sincere.
February 8, 2026
I read this book on vacation and it was an easy beach read. While it touches on some emotional issues (illness, death, relationship breakdowns, etc.), it does so in such a way that remains relatively superficial, just scratching the surface of what could’ve been emotionally devastating for the reader, which can certainly be preferred for some people. Overall, a light read that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
February 4, 2026
Dual narration - Maeve Brady, Ed Fairbanks, Millie Hearts
A cozy cute and sweet romance.
I liked the writing and found the story easy to follow.
Overall, this was an easy book to listen to. The narration was well done and their voices fit the characters.
A cozy cute and sweet romance.
I liked the writing and found the story easy to follow.
Overall, this was an easy book to listen to. The narration was well done and their voices fit the characters.
February 6, 2026
I always enjoy an Eddy Twice book. I loved that this one included so many recipes at the end!
February 13, 2026
ARC from Netgalley.
I liked the female narrator but I didnt care for the male narrator. my personal opinion is this book was just meh for me.
I liked the female narrator but I didnt care for the male narrator. my personal opinion is this book was just meh for me.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews