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Cooking from Scratch
Just in time for Spring, this delicious modern romance set in New York City feels like sipping a freshly steamed latte in Central Park.
Cierra Brooks isn’t where she thought she’d be at 30. In fact, she’s miserable at what was supposed to be her Michelin-starred dream job. But the job market is tough, and her relationship can’t handle another quarter-life crisis career change. Her savings account and student loan payments? Don’t even ask.
But they say if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, and she eventually finds work as a private chef for an eccentric fashion CEO. Immersed in a world of wealth and newfound social media status, Julian, an enigmatic businessman, captures her attention. But so has her boss’s brother, Erik, who’s impossible and always around.
When the opportunity of a lifetime arises, Cierra will start to question how much she’s willing to sacrifice to build the life of her dreams. She’s no stranger to failure and rejection, both in love and in her career. But she’ll need to confront fears from the past if she doesn’t want to sabotage her future.
This book is a contemporary romance standalone novel (not part of a series). Expect some swearing and a little spice.
Cierra Brooks isn’t where she thought she’d be at 30. In fact, she’s miserable at what was supposed to be her Michelin-starred dream job. But the job market is tough, and her relationship can’t handle another quarter-life crisis career change. Her savings account and student loan payments? Don’t even ask.
But they say if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, and she eventually finds work as a private chef for an eccentric fashion CEO. Immersed in a world of wealth and newfound social media status, Julian, an enigmatic businessman, captures her attention. But so has her boss’s brother, Erik, who’s impossible and always around.
When the opportunity of a lifetime arises, Cierra will start to question how much she’s willing to sacrifice to build the life of her dreams. She’s no stranger to failure and rejection, both in love and in her career. But she’ll need to confront fears from the past if she doesn’t want to sabotage her future.
This book is a contemporary romance standalone novel (not part of a series). Expect some swearing and a little spice.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2026
About the author
Dasha Banks
1 book9 followersLong-time reader, first-time author as of February 2026! If you like feel-good romance with a dash of spice, then you're in the right place. While I’m just getting started, here are a few things to know about me.
My goal is to write romance books that feel like hot soup on a chilly day. I like grown female main characters and love interests with traits beyond growling. Relatable problems? Of course! Drama and internal angst? Duh! Happy endings? Always.
While I’m a Midwestern girl at heart, I spent my twenties in New York City, working in finance and politics. Now, I live in a small town in England and enjoy hiking, popping into London, and writing about the lovely messiness of life.
On February 11th, 2026, I released my debut novel, Cooking from Scratch.
My goal is to write romance books that feel like hot soup on a chilly day. I like grown female main characters and love interests with traits beyond growling. Relatable problems? Of course! Drama and internal angst? Duh! Happy endings? Always.
While I’m a Midwestern girl at heart, I spent my twenties in New York City, working in finance and politics. Now, I live in a small town in England and enjoy hiking, popping into London, and writing about the lovely messiness of life.
On February 11th, 2026, I released my debut novel, Cooking from Scratch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 14, 2026
this was SO fun to read. if i’d started it on a weekend, i would’ve gotten through it in just one day. it was a love story & happy ending in all of the real-world, genuine ways that my normal romance picks are missing: debating money vs. morals in jobs, the certainty of encountering noncommittal dud men on the way to “the one”, even accidentally getting too drunk on a first date. it felt real and made me giggle and also gave me goosebumps. (rated 5 on fable too)
December 9, 2025
There is a lot in this story that kept me turning the pages, even though it did not fully work for me overall.
The premise is a strong one. Cierra Brooks, a chef whose dreams have not matched reality, becomes a private chef for an eccentric and wealthy fashion CEO. I really enjoyed the inside look at what a personal chef does each day. That world is completely outside my own, and the process of cooking for luxury clients was fascinating to read about, especially because I am someone who does not cook. The glimpse into that lifestyle, combined with Cierra’s financial stress and career uncertainty, created an engaging backdrop.
Where the novel struggled for me was in the structure. Amber, who is introduced as Cierra’s best friend and mentioned heavily, does not appear until roughly a quarter of the way into the book. Even after she enters the story, she never feels fully integrated. Her scenes rarely move the plot forward, and her presence sometimes distracted from the main storyline. In a book that runs 303 pages, this made the narrative feel stretched rather than enriched. The on-again, off-again dynamic between Cierra and Julian also dragged down the pacing, especially toward the middle. A tighter edit, possibly cutting about a quarter of the total length, would have strengthened the momentum and kept the focus more precise.
There are still genuine strengths here. Dasha Banks gives Cierra an honest and relatable voice. Her financial pressure, her fears about failure, and her desire to rebuild a life that feels meaningful are portrayed with warmth and sincerity. The culinary setting adds a fun and unusual layer that made the book stand out. The novelty of watching a private chef navigate high-maintenance clients and glamorous spaces brought freshness to the story.
In the end, Cooking From Scratch has a promising concept and a main character I wanted to root for. The slower pacing and structural issues kept it from reaching its potential, but it remains an enjoyable read for anyone who likes contemporary romance with a career-driven twist. I am giving it 3 out of 5 stars. Thank you to Hazenwood Press and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this ARC.
The premise is a strong one. Cierra Brooks, a chef whose dreams have not matched reality, becomes a private chef for an eccentric and wealthy fashion CEO. I really enjoyed the inside look at what a personal chef does each day. That world is completely outside my own, and the process of cooking for luxury clients was fascinating to read about, especially because I am someone who does not cook. The glimpse into that lifestyle, combined with Cierra’s financial stress and career uncertainty, created an engaging backdrop.
Where the novel struggled for me was in the structure. Amber, who is introduced as Cierra’s best friend and mentioned heavily, does not appear until roughly a quarter of the way into the book. Even after she enters the story, she never feels fully integrated. Her scenes rarely move the plot forward, and her presence sometimes distracted from the main storyline. In a book that runs 303 pages, this made the narrative feel stretched rather than enriched. The on-again, off-again dynamic between Cierra and Julian also dragged down the pacing, especially toward the middle. A tighter edit, possibly cutting about a quarter of the total length, would have strengthened the momentum and kept the focus more precise.
There are still genuine strengths here. Dasha Banks gives Cierra an honest and relatable voice. Her financial pressure, her fears about failure, and her desire to rebuild a life that feels meaningful are portrayed with warmth and sincerity. The culinary setting adds a fun and unusual layer that made the book stand out. The novelty of watching a private chef navigate high-maintenance clients and glamorous spaces brought freshness to the story.
In the end, Cooking From Scratch has a promising concept and a main character I wanted to root for. The slower pacing and structural issues kept it from reaching its potential, but it remains an enjoyable read for anyone who likes contemporary romance with a career-driven twist. I am giving it 3 out of 5 stars. Thank you to Hazenwood Press and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this ARC.
December 17, 2025
Rating: 3.75
Cierra is a heading into her 30s without a solid plan for her future. After leaving a corporate job to pursue a career in the culinary world, she finds that she is just as frustrated in the top restaurants. She wants to be creative, but she also wants to find her own way. This upheaval in her work world leads to an upheaval in her love life, and she finds herself without many good options. She moves in with a friend and borrows money from her sister.
This book did move fairly quickly, and I did really like the angst that Banks writes for Cierra. She is have a crisis of identity, and this is realistically protrayed. Cierra is struggling in what she perceives her job to be as well as what she perceives what the perfect relationship should look like. Banks missed an opportunity to create an intense desire with the love triangle. Cierra should have had more flirty interactions with Erik, and Banks should have focused more on the forbidden aspect of the relationship. Additionally, I would have like to have more feels with Julian. He took her on amazing dates, but the chemistry that Cierra was trying to convey to her friends was not evident in the writing.
I loved the relationship between Mia and Cierra. I would have liked to have more witty banter between the two of them. Amber seems like an afterthought, so I’m not sure she was truly needed in the story.
The plot is fun, and Banks places the story in the culinary world and New York. The plot will keep you turning pages.
I received this ARC from Booksirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cierra is a heading into her 30s without a solid plan for her future. After leaving a corporate job to pursue a career in the culinary world, she finds that she is just as frustrated in the top restaurants. She wants to be creative, but she also wants to find her own way. This upheaval in her work world leads to an upheaval in her love life, and she finds herself without many good options. She moves in with a friend and borrows money from her sister.
This book did move fairly quickly, and I did really like the angst that Banks writes for Cierra. She is have a crisis of identity, and this is realistically protrayed. Cierra is struggling in what she perceives her job to be as well as what she perceives what the perfect relationship should look like. Banks missed an opportunity to create an intense desire with the love triangle. Cierra should have had more flirty interactions with Erik, and Banks should have focused more on the forbidden aspect of the relationship. Additionally, I would have like to have more feels with Julian. He took her on amazing dates, but the chemistry that Cierra was trying to convey to her friends was not evident in the writing.
I loved the relationship between Mia and Cierra. I would have liked to have more witty banter between the two of them. Amber seems like an afterthought, so I’m not sure she was truly needed in the story.
The plot is fun, and Banks places the story in the culinary world and New York. The plot will keep you turning pages.
I received this ARC from Booksirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
December 30, 2025I found Cooking from Scratch unexpectedly honest and deeply relatable. What starts in the high-pressure world of fine dining quickly becomes a story about burnout, identity, and the quiet panic of realizing the life you built no longer fits.
I connected immediately with Cierra—her exhaustion, her frustration, and her need to reclaim control over her own choices felt painfully real. The restaurant scenes are vivid and authentic, and the emotional unraveling after her breakup is handled with restraint and maturity, never melodramatic. Dasha Banks doesn’t romanticize “starting over”; she shows how uncomfortable, messy, and necessary it can be.
This book isn’t just about cooking or career changes—it’s about self-respect and reinvention. I finished it feeling seen, thoughtful, and oddly hopeful. A strong, character-driven novel that lingers after the last page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I connected immediately with Cierra—her exhaustion, her frustration, and her need to reclaim control over her own choices felt painfully real. The restaurant scenes are vivid and authentic, and the emotional unraveling after her breakup is handled with restraint and maturity, never melodramatic. Dasha Banks doesn’t romanticize “starting over”; she shows how uncomfortable, messy, and necessary it can be.
This book isn’t just about cooking or career changes—it’s about self-respect and reinvention. I finished it feeling seen, thoughtful, and oddly hopeful. A strong, character-driven novel that lingers after the last page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
From Cierra's first interaction with the prep school mom I knew I would like this FMC. Harry on the other hand deserved to be discarded and replaced by two MMC's. For a 30 year old Cierra felt a little nieve for someone in the big city and her inability to handle rejection came across as something a little hard to swallow. Big life changes put her in a position that weren't looking to promising and she was blessed with an amazing support in the form of Mia. Relationships blossomed and I was very intrigued by the twists and turns and happy to see Cierra was managing a professional attitude and wasn't culpable in the spiral of a second ending relationship. The twist that arrived lost me a night of sleep because I was intrigued and couldn't just put this story down without finding where it would lead me. I was relieved to find what I was sure wouldn't be a HEA. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2026
I enjoyed the development of the FMC and how the story lets you experience her thoughts and struggles as she grows.
Following her journey and seeing how she evolves over time was one of the strongest aspects of the book. The time jumps also worked well for me because they allowed us to see that growth more clearly.
That said, this felt more like a story about the FMC’s personal development than a romance. While there was some chemistry with the person she eventually ends up with, I felt the romantic relationships were not explored in much depth. Beyond what was obvious in her second relationship, I would have liked to see more emotional development on the romantic side of the story.
Overall, I appreciated the focus on the FMC’s growth, but I did feel the romantic elements could have been developed further.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own
Following her journey and seeing how she evolves over time was one of the strongest aspects of the book. The time jumps also worked well for me because they allowed us to see that growth more clearly.
That said, this felt more like a story about the FMC’s personal development than a romance. While there was some chemistry with the person she eventually ends up with, I felt the romantic relationships were not explored in much depth. Beyond what was obvious in her second relationship, I would have liked to see more emotional development on the romantic side of the story.
Overall, I appreciated the focus on the FMC’s growth, but I did feel the romantic elements could have been developed further.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own
December 23, 2025
I love a good New York City romance and was excited to dive into this one!
Our main character Cierra recently traded her cooperate career to be a chef and is offered a job as a private chef for a wealthy family.
While I found myself invested in Cierra’s journey to find herself, her relationships with the other characters in this book lacked depth. The “romance” in this one fell flat, even though the groundwork for it was there, it wasn’t executed.
I will say, if there were to be a second book that continues to follow Cierra, I would probably read it. Ironically enough, all of the ingredients for a great love story were there, the recipe just needs a little tweaking.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Our main character Cierra recently traded her cooperate career to be a chef and is offered a job as a private chef for a wealthy family.
While I found myself invested in Cierra’s journey to find herself, her relationships with the other characters in this book lacked depth. The “romance” in this one fell flat, even though the groundwork for it was there, it wasn’t executed.
I will say, if there were to be a second book that continues to follow Cierra, I would probably read it. Ironically enough, all of the ingredients for a great love story were there, the recipe just needs a little tweaking.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
December 15, 2025Really enjoyed this book - it was a slow start but once I was 20% in, I couldn't put it down!
Loved the love triangle and slow burn tension and the who will she pick in the end...
Loved the love triangle and slow burn tension and the who will she pick in the end...
March 4, 2026
This was a great read. I looooove a love triangle and this had a twist that I didn’t see coming.
March 20, 2026
Reading this was like spreading butter on warm toast! So easy and satisfying, picked it up and could not put my Kindle down. The storyline also felt grounded and the characters deeply relatable, contrary to the tropes and AI slop that dominate romantic fiction these days. Excited to see what Dasha writes next :)
Review of advance copy
2.5 rounded to 3
Unfortunately, this book felt like a waste of time, and I mostly finished it out of obligation. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t really like it either, which somehow feels worse. I struggled to care about the characters at all, making it hard to stay invested. Cierra was… fine. I did enjoy the premise of her being a chef, and her fear of failure and uncertainty around her career choice was relatable. That was about it. Her growth felt less like character development and more like career progression with a side of self-doubt. There were way too many unnecessary minute details throughout the story that added very little. The romance aspect was an absolute miss for me. It takes well over halfway through the book before any real romance even begins, and even then, it never fully shows up or reaches any kind of emotional height.
The dynamic with Julian especially fell flat. We’re clearly meant to believe there’s something substantial there, but there wasn’t enough depth or emotional investment built up for me to care when things start to unravel. What’s revealed about him is supposed to matter, and technically it does, but emotionally it landed with a shrug. The synopsis also promises that her boss’s brother is “impossible” and always around, which initially had my attention. In practice, Erik never came off as impossible, and there was no real tension, no slow burn, and no meaningful exploration of their connection. Their dynamic felt more like a possibility that the book kept circling without ever committing to. When the story eventually leans in that direction, it feels more like a default setting than a payoff. With more intentional character development, deeper relationship building, and a romance that had time to actually grow and peak, this could have been a much stronger and more satisfying read for me.
I do appreciate the author and BookSirens for the advanced copy and opportunity to review.
I do appreciate the author and BookSirens for the advanced copy and opportunity to review.
Unfortunately, this book felt like a waste of time, and I mostly finished it out of obligation. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t really like it either, which somehow feels worse. I struggled to care about the characters at all, making it hard to stay invested. Cierra was… fine. I did enjoy the premise of her being a chef, and her fear of failure and uncertainty around her career choice was relatable. That was about it. Her growth felt less like character development and more like career progression with a side of self-doubt. There were way too many unnecessary minute details throughout the story that added very little. The romance aspect was an absolute miss for me. It takes well over halfway through the book before any real romance even begins, and even then, it never fully shows up or reaches any kind of emotional height.
The dynamic with Julian especially fell flat. We’re clearly meant to believe there’s something substantial there, but there wasn’t enough depth or emotional investment built up for me to care when things start to unravel. What’s revealed about him is supposed to matter, and technically it does, but emotionally it landed with a shrug. The synopsis also promises that her boss’s brother is “impossible” and always around, which initially had my attention. In practice, Erik never came off as impossible, and there was no real tension, no slow burn, and no meaningful exploration of their connection. Their dynamic felt more like a possibility that the book kept circling without ever committing to. When the story eventually leans in that direction, it feels more like a default setting than a payoff. With more intentional character development, deeper relationship building, and a romance that had time to actually grow and peak, this could have been a much stronger and more satisfying read for me.
I do appreciate the author and BookSirens for the advanced copy and opportunity to review.
I do appreciate the author and BookSirens for the advanced copy and opportunity to review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Dasha Banks and BookSirens for the free ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.
The overall premise of this book is unique and super fun. The writing is great for a debut novel, and the FMC is super relatable and well-rounded. It was a quick read for me, and I appreciated the arc that Cierra had by the end of the story. There's a lot of angst and struggle within her, and I think Dasha Banks did a fabulous job at making sure these emotions translated well on the pages.
However, sometimes, it felt like the story was all over the place. Regardless, it was still highly entertaining. I wish we would've had more time developing the relationships among all of the characters. I loved seeing Mia and Cierra's interactions, but Amber was a bit of an odd ball thrown in there due to the lack of development. While this book is considered a contemporary romance, the plot was driven by the FMC's career mostly (which I am not complaining about because it was honestly my favorite parts to read!). I do think the romance plot needed further development to really reach its potential. I would've loved to see more development between Cierra and her (no spoilers) final choice of a man. Honestly, this book could've benefitted being a few chapters longer to really get into more of the nitty gritty details and develop this connections further past the surface level we see with the majority of them.
Overall, a solid debut from Dasha Banks with potential for growth in her coming novels. If you are looking for a quick read that feels relatable to the angst of life (and throw in a splash of delightful insight into the private chef world and socialites), then this would be a great pick!
The overall premise of this book is unique and super fun. The writing is great for a debut novel, and the FMC is super relatable and well-rounded. It was a quick read for me, and I appreciated the arc that Cierra had by the end of the story. There's a lot of angst and struggle within her, and I think Dasha Banks did a fabulous job at making sure these emotions translated well on the pages.
However, sometimes, it felt like the story was all over the place. Regardless, it was still highly entertaining. I wish we would've had more time developing the relationships among all of the characters. I loved seeing Mia and Cierra's interactions, but Amber was a bit of an odd ball thrown in there due to the lack of development. While this book is considered a contemporary romance, the plot was driven by the FMC's career mostly (which I am not complaining about because it was honestly my favorite parts to read!). I do think the romance plot needed further development to really reach its potential. I would've loved to see more development between Cierra and her (no spoilers) final choice of a man. Honestly, this book could've benefitted being a few chapters longer to really get into more of the nitty gritty details and develop this connections further past the surface level we see with the majority of them.
Overall, a solid debut from Dasha Banks with potential for growth in her coming novels. If you are looking for a quick read that feels relatable to the angst of life (and throw in a splash of delightful insight into the private chef world and socialites), then this would be a great pick!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Cooking From Scratch is a gripping story that pulls the reader in early and refuses to let go. From the outset, the narrative is immersive and purposeful, with a rhythm that steadily builds tension while allowing the characters to fully come alive. The pacing is one of the novel’s greatest strengths, measured and intentional at first, then accelerating seamlessly as Cierra finds more confidence in herself.
Once the story reaches its climax, it becomes impossible to put down. The final stretch unfolds with intensity and emotional weight, compelling the reader to keep turning pages in anticipation of how everything will resolve. It is the kind of book that demands to be finished in one sitting, driven by both suspense and genuine investment in the characters.
Mia and Cierra, in particular, leave a lasting impression. Their arcs feel layered and incomplete in the best possible way, inviting questions rather than neatly tying everything off. By the final page, I was left wanting more: What ultimately happens to Cierra? What is next for Mia, will she find someone? How did the plate episodes truly unfold, and what consequences remain?
Cooking From Scratch feels like the beginning of something larger. The world, the characters, and the unresolved threads all lend themselves naturally to continuation, and it is difficult not to hope this story expands into a trilogy. For readers who appreciate strong character development, escalating tension, and a finale that lingers long after the last page, this book is absolutely worth the read!
Once the story reaches its climax, it becomes impossible to put down. The final stretch unfolds with intensity and emotional weight, compelling the reader to keep turning pages in anticipation of how everything will resolve. It is the kind of book that demands to be finished in one sitting, driven by both suspense and genuine investment in the characters.
Mia and Cierra, in particular, leave a lasting impression. Their arcs feel layered and incomplete in the best possible way, inviting questions rather than neatly tying everything off. By the final page, I was left wanting more: What ultimately happens to Cierra? What is next for Mia, will she find someone? How did the plate episodes truly unfold, and what consequences remain?
Cooking From Scratch feels like the beginning of something larger. The world, the characters, and the unresolved threads all lend themselves naturally to continuation, and it is difficult not to hope this story expands into a trilogy. For readers who appreciate strong character development, escalating tension, and a finale that lingers long after the last page, this book is absolutely worth the read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is for the lovers of romance, self, and pursuit of something bigger!
Being in my late 20 - early 30s, NYC living person, I resonated so much with each character and experience in the book. Attempting to find yourself in this age range, the terror of dating in NYC, the color of personalities that you find in this beloved city, and the big “who am I and what do I want to do”. I saw myself. The character development from Cierra was cringey, annoying, and just down right beautiful! She is a young woman finding herself in such a restless city that sometimes you feel restless. Who hasn’t experienced heartbreak, career changes, mind shifts? There is no manual to this. You also can’t predict how the world around you will accept it. But I loved the relationships she has with other characters that not only acted as a catalyst to her growth but also supported her journey. But please don’t let this be fooled, there really aren’t any side characters. It’s like you get to know the people around her a bit. Her best friend evolving from this rich girl with everything at the tips of her fingers, to finally taking an active interest in how she wants to shape her life. I would love to see a book built around her 💕 overall this book was such a great read, I couldn’t just contain it for my subway read. It left me truly wanting more!
Being in my late 20 - early 30s, NYC living person, I resonated so much with each character and experience in the book. Attempting to find yourself in this age range, the terror of dating in NYC, the color of personalities that you find in this beloved city, and the big “who am I and what do I want to do”. I saw myself. The character development from Cierra was cringey, annoying, and just down right beautiful! She is a young woman finding herself in such a restless city that sometimes you feel restless. Who hasn’t experienced heartbreak, career changes, mind shifts? There is no manual to this. You also can’t predict how the world around you will accept it. But I loved the relationships she has with other characters that not only acted as a catalyst to her growth but also supported her journey. But please don’t let this be fooled, there really aren’t any side characters. It’s like you get to know the people around her a bit. Her best friend evolving from this rich girl with everything at the tips of her fingers, to finally taking an active interest in how she wants to shape her life. I would love to see a book built around her 💕 overall this book was such a great read, I couldn’t just contain it for my subway read. It left me truly wanting more!
Review of advance copy
Thank you to BookSirens for an ARC of Cooking From Scratch by Dasha Banks. I received the book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cierra Brooks is a chef at a Michelin starred restaurant in NYC but she just can't deal with the pressures so after being snarky with a customer one night, she leaves and decides to quit for her health and sanity.
When she has an opportunity to have dinner with friends who have a personal chef, she realizes this might be just the right thing for her. She finds herself cooking for a family of uber rich entrepreneurs and finds herself traveling with them and having a great time making the food she wants to make.
She also starts dating Julian whom she met at the dinner party while also becoming closer to her employer's brother.
It's not the most lighthearted cozy romance but it is fun and of course all the food sounds amazing.
Cierra Brooks is a chef at a Michelin starred restaurant in NYC but she just can't deal with the pressures so after being snarky with a customer one night, she leaves and decides to quit for her health and sanity.
When she has an opportunity to have dinner with friends who have a personal chef, she realizes this might be just the right thing for her. She finds herself cooking for a family of uber rich entrepreneurs and finds herself traveling with them and having a great time making the food she wants to make.
She also starts dating Julian whom she met at the dinner party while also becoming closer to her employer's brother.
It's not the most lighthearted cozy romance but it is fun and of course all the food sounds amazing.
March 29, 2026
10/10 would recommend!
I truly don’t know what I expected going into this but I’m so glad I picked this book to read! Dasha Banks created such a fun, messy book and I honestly can’t wait to see what she puts out next.
Cierra was so very relatable and it was great reading a story with so many people in their 30’s! I think it’s great because when I was younger I was very much convinced that I’d have everything figured out by now and I definitely don’t. I think she’s relatable to anyone still trying to figure things out.
Julian and Erik were both such great leads and the way this book made me laugh out loud and smile from ear to ear had a lot to deal with how well all three of the main characters were written!
Cheers to this wonderful debut and to working out life’s messes as best as you can!
I truly don’t know what I expected going into this but I’m so glad I picked this book to read! Dasha Banks created such a fun, messy book and I honestly can’t wait to see what she puts out next.
Cierra was so very relatable and it was great reading a story with so many people in their 30’s! I think it’s great because when I was younger I was very much convinced that I’d have everything figured out by now and I definitely don’t. I think she’s relatable to anyone still trying to figure things out.
Julian and Erik were both such great leads and the way this book made me laugh out loud and smile from ear to ear had a lot to deal with how well all three of the main characters were written!
Cheers to this wonderful debut and to working out life’s messes as best as you can!
April 10, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel.
What’s not to love about a young Black personal chef finding her rhythm in New York City. Talk about feast or famine. Love and loss. Boyfriends and best friends. Following your dreams vs making ends meet. Luxury travel. Making the right choices. So good!
Cierra Brooks has a lot going on personally and professionally and she tries to handle it all with grace. All of her situationships are engaging and I got lost in the story. She kinda knows she’s got something special going on for the summer but the quest to find love takes her on an unexpected journey of discovery. She’s accessible and relatable and she’s surrounded by people she can trust to give her advice even if she doesn’t like what they have to say.
Classic PG story. Would make a good movie or limited series.
What’s not to love about a young Black personal chef finding her rhythm in New York City. Talk about feast or famine. Love and loss. Boyfriends and best friends. Following your dreams vs making ends meet. Luxury travel. Making the right choices. So good!
Cierra Brooks has a lot going on personally and professionally and she tries to handle it all with grace. All of her situationships are engaging and I got lost in the story. She kinda knows she’s got something special going on for the summer but the quest to find love takes her on an unexpected journey of discovery. She’s accessible and relatable and she’s surrounded by people she can trust to give her advice even if she doesn’t like what they have to say.
Classic PG story. Would make a good movie or limited series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cooking from Scratch left me eager to keep turning the pages after just the first few chapters. From the start, the author does a great job setting the stage as we follow Cierra on a journey of self-discovery, layered with of course a touch of romance.
Each of the love interests feels engaging and relatable, mirroring the realities of today’s dating scene. I did find myself wishing there was a bit more depth given to one of the prospects, but it didn’t take away from the overall experience. I also really enjoyed how Cierra’s friends were involved in the story. Present and supportive without overshadowing her personal journey.
All in all, this is an excellent read for anyone looking for a glimpse into city life and the dedication it takes to build the life you truly want.
Each of the love interests feels engaging and relatable, mirroring the realities of today’s dating scene. I did find myself wishing there was a bit more depth given to one of the prospects, but it didn’t take away from the overall experience. I also really enjoyed how Cierra’s friends were involved in the story. Present and supportive without overshadowing her personal journey.
All in all, this is an excellent read for anyone looking for a glimpse into city life and the dedication it takes to build the life you truly want.
April 21, 2026
This is not my general genre of choice. Let me add, I'm 60 years old. And still: I LOVED this book. The protagonist, Cierra Banks is a 30-year old brown girl living in a (generally) white world, searching for the perfect mix of upward mobility and staying true to herself--a theme I can never get enough of. As the mother of two twenty-something "kids", I love the generational swing to hop off a particular career track if it doesn't feel right, embracing the challenges that come along with it. I felt like Cierra could have been one of my kids, and I wanted to reach out and give her a hug throughout. Also: the dialogue is soooo good--so much detail that might've been cringey but felt true to me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
SUCH a fun read!! Cooking from Scratch is satisfying escapism that manages to avoid being too saccharine.
The real strength of the novel is in its core characters and their relationships. The romantic dynamic at the center is especially well done with dialogue that is fun and natural, and chemistry that feels earned.
While some of the emotional beats in the beginning felt rushed, it quickly yields a story with real insight and a lot of comforting relatability for anyone who has made big changes in their late 20s/early 30s and finds themselves dating later in life than they expected.
Definitely recommend it!
The real strength of the novel is in its core characters and their relationships. The romantic dynamic at the center is especially well done with dialogue that is fun and natural, and chemistry that feels earned.
While some of the emotional beats in the beginning felt rushed, it quickly yields a story with real insight and a lot of comforting relatability for anyone who has made big changes in their late 20s/early 30s and finds themselves dating later in life than they expected.
Definitely recommend it!
February 15, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cooking from Scratch by Dasha Banks is such a warm, feel good romance. It truly feels like sipping a latte in New York City while rooting for a heroine who is just trying to figure life out.
Cierra is so relatable as she struggles with career pressure, money stress, and love. Watching her step into the glamorous world of private cheffing was fun and fresh, and the romantic tension between Julian and Erik kept me hooked.
This story is not just about romance, it is about growth and learning to believe you deserve the life you dream of. A little spice, a lot of heart, and a very satisfying ending. I loved it.
Cooking from Scratch by Dasha Banks is such a warm, feel good romance. It truly feels like sipping a latte in New York City while rooting for a heroine who is just trying to figure life out.
Cierra is so relatable as she struggles with career pressure, money stress, and love. Watching her step into the glamorous world of private cheffing was fun and fresh, and the romantic tension between Julian and Erik kept me hooked.
This story is not just about romance, it is about growth and learning to believe you deserve the life you dream of. A little spice, a lot of heart, and a very satisfying ending. I loved it.
January 7, 2026
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC and opportunity to read and review Cooking From Scratch. I really enjoyed all that Cierra's character went through from the start to the finish. It was a true adventure following along with her career and love life choices. All of the nods to chefs, cooking and recipes was also so welcoming (I love to cook!) and really inspiring. I could immediately see this being adapted and could picture the scenes with the male leads and I had my favorite of course ;-) I also was surprised with the twist at the end of the book and that is how it earned 5 stars from me. I love when a book leaves me guessing until the end! Already looking forward to the next book by Dasha Banks!
April 21, 2026
This is the first romance novel I’ve ever read, and I’m really glad I gave it a try. I always assumed that romance plots were too predictable, and that the writing wouldn’t make me think. But Cooking from Scratch really upended my expectations. The story was anything but predictable, I never knew what would happen next but every step felt rooted in reality and kept me wanting more. And the focus on Cierra’s development as a person gave me so many moments to pause and think about my own life and journey to self acceptance. Very impressive as a romance and as a first novel.
Review of advance copy
Cierra is an interesting character, she is initially immature and impulsive. She has some fantastic culinary skills but there is so much room for her personal growth. She states that she is thirty but she acts much younger. Her journey to find herself personally and professionally made this an interesting read.
This BookSiren ARC kept my interest. This review contains my thoughts and opinions about this book.
This BookSiren ARC kept my interest. This review contains my thoughts and opinions about this book.
January 8, 2026
I really liked the characters in this book - they were very well developed and relatable. There was also nice glimpse into how the very wealthy live in contrast with the main character, Cierra. I found myself cheering for a happy ending for her. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
Such a cute story for a debut novel! This was a cute and quick read and had me feeling for the main character throughout. I think we should have gotten a little less Julian and more Erik as the ending felt a little rushed. But I can’t wait to read what she does next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cooking from Scratch is the cutest romance I’ve read in a long time with a genuinely cool but also relatable protagonist. I loved all the beautiful descriptions of food and cooking. I couldn’t stop reading and need a sequel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m not a regular romance reader, but I happened across some beautifully crafted ads and decided to give this a go. Consider me a convert! With a fun, steamy, and moving story, Dasha Banks has earned a new fan. I look forward to seeing plenty more of her work.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
My favorite kind of book to cuddle up with. Felt like I was hearing tea from a bestie in the comforting sleepover way. Get me in on this girl group/romance asap because I NEED a sequel!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this book in one sitting, minus the few breaks for tea, I couldn’t put it down. It was enough cozy realism that I could picture myself in the book, but it also felt like watching an early 2000s romantic movie about life changes and finding your new self. I was excited for the characters and was along for the story every step of the way.
This debut would be perfect for anyone’s book club, or to get away for a while and enjoy a hot cup of tea while reading the drama that unfolds.
This debut would be perfect for anyone’s book club, or to get away for a while and enjoy a hot cup of tea while reading the drama that unfolds.
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