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Trial by Taste
Kathryn Judge is known across Los Angeles as The Judge, the feared food critic behind the weekly column Trial by Taste. For over a decade, she has dismantled overhyped restaurants and ambitious chefs with ruthless honesty. If the food isn’t good, she says so.
Kathryn doesn’t believe in culinary trends, and she certainly doesn’t believe in chefs who hide behind theatrics.
So when an underground pop-up called Just Food begins taking the city by storm, Kathryn expects another pretentious dining stunt.
Instead, she finds the best meal she’s had in years.
The problem? The menu keeps changing, the kitchen keeps moving, and the chef behind the food refuses to meet her.
What begins as professional curiosity slowly turns into something far more dangerous. Because the anonymous chef isn’t just challenging Kathryn’s palate—she’s challenging everything Kathryn thought she knew.
Kathryn doesn’t believe in culinary trends, and she certainly doesn’t believe in chefs who hide behind theatrics.
So when an underground pop-up called Just Food begins taking the city by storm, Kathryn expects another pretentious dining stunt.
Instead, she finds the best meal she’s had in years.
The problem? The menu keeps changing, the kitchen keeps moving, and the chef behind the food refuses to meet her.
What begins as professional curiosity slowly turns into something far more dangerous. Because the anonymous chef isn’t just challenging Kathryn’s palate—she’s challenging everything Kathryn thought she knew.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 18, 2026
QUICK REVIEW
I’ve always been drawn to the stories behind every dish. To me, food is a bridge that connects people in ways that go far beyond the plate, and this novel captured that feeling perfectly; it felt like tasting something entirely new for the first time. I especially loved the nuance in every critique Kath made, but what stayed with me the most was the message: food should be just food. Not trends, not ego, not legacy, not all the noise people attach to it before truly appreciating it. That idea really stuck with me.
And even though the romance isn’t as developed as I usually like, I surprisingly didn’t mind; which honestly feels a little unhinged for a sapphic romance. Still, this book completely swept me away. I flew through it so fast I wouldn’t have complained about another thousand pages. It’s genuinely that good; so don’t hesitate to pick it up!
I’ve always been drawn to the stories behind every dish. To me, food is a bridge that connects people in ways that go far beyond the plate, and this novel captured that feeling perfectly; it felt like tasting something entirely new for the first time. I especially loved the nuance in every critique Kath made, but what stayed with me the most was the message: food should be just food. Not trends, not ego, not legacy, not all the noise people attach to it before truly appreciating it. That idea really stuck with me.
And even though the romance isn’t as developed as I usually like, I surprisingly didn’t mind; which honestly feels a little unhinged for a sapphic romance. Still, this book completely swept me away. I flew through it so fast I wouldn’t have complained about another thousand pages. It’s genuinely that good; so don’t hesitate to pick it up!
June 14, 2026
Would calling it a chef’s kiss be too cheesy? Probably.
A brutally honest food critic meets her match when an anonymous and very talented chef refuses to meet her. But…but she’s the Kathryn Judge. Surely the chef has heard of her reputation.
A cute sapphic love story filled with dry humor, sizzling chemistry, and food cravings. The laugh-out-loud and flirty moments in between meals were my absolute favorites and I just couldn’t get enough. The two were so damn adorable and the age-gap was the cherry on top for me. I devoured this page-turner in one sitting and I just wanted more pages. Foodies and hopeless romantics like myself will enjoy this, and I highly recommend it. Happy reading!
A brutally honest food critic meets her match when an anonymous and very talented chef refuses to meet her. But…but she’s the Kathryn Judge. Surely the chef has heard of her reputation.
A cute sapphic love story filled with dry humor, sizzling chemistry, and food cravings. The laugh-out-loud and flirty moments in between meals were my absolute favorites and I just couldn’t get enough. The two were so damn adorable and the age-gap was the cherry on top for me. I devoured this page-turner in one sitting and I just wanted more pages. Foodies and hopeless romantics like myself will enjoy this, and I highly recommend it. Happy reading!
May 20, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
First time reading a book by CW Elliot. Verdict? It’s very engaging. It was a quick read with hardly any angst, and if you want to read a book with plenty of sexy scenes, then move on. Trial by Taste doesn’t have that. What it does have is engaging banter between Kathryn, Tim, and Rebecca, who are supporting characters close to Kathryn. I like the conversations and kinship Kathryn shares with them. I also enjoy the build-up between our two main characters, genre of the book (the age gap & ice queen) and the mystery behind Just Food.
First time reading a book by CW Elliot. Verdict? It’s very engaging. It was a quick read with hardly any angst, and if you want to read a book with plenty of sexy scenes, then move on. Trial by Taste doesn’t have that. What it does have is engaging banter between Kathryn, Tim, and Rebecca, who are supporting characters close to Kathryn. I like the conversations and kinship Kathryn shares with them. I also enjoy the build-up between our two main characters, genre of the book (the age gap & ice queen) and the mystery behind Just Food.
March 19, 2026
Trial By Taste
Truth - I saw this book on IG and was intrigued by the cover. But then I read the blurb - an uptight food critic being courted by a mysterious, pop-up chef... consider me lured!
I did expect the slow burn, but I absolutely loved how it all played out. All the flirting, the intimacy, the romance and playfulness were done through food and critique notes. It was so well written, it makes you want to eat gourmet food and fall in love at the same time. A totally enjoyable read 😊
Truth - I saw this book on IG and was intrigued by the cover. But then I read the blurb - an uptight food critic being courted by a mysterious, pop-up chef... consider me lured!
I did expect the slow burn, but I absolutely loved how it all played out. All the flirting, the intimacy, the romance and playfulness were done through food and critique notes. It was so well written, it makes you want to eat gourmet food and fall in love at the same time. A totally enjoyable read 😊
March 29, 2026
CW Elliot is doing it again. Writing another story that just works out! All the growth done by Kathryn and her love for food. i was soooo hungry reading it 😅 Lucy and K flirting, no spice but yet so much emotion. CW really wrote a love story about food and it was delicious
March 27, 2026
Couldn’t put this book down. It’s one of those books where you feel the characters, the only but… this was too short.
April 26, 2026
So good!
Everything I read by C.W Elliot is fantastic! The characters are always so fascinating and I can’t wait to read more.
Everything I read by C.W Elliot is fantastic! The characters are always so fascinating and I can’t wait to read more.
March 31, 2026
Very different to C W Elliot’s ‘Unravelled’ series which I enjoyed too. What a gem of a read this is! I loved this book. Usually I steer away from books about chefs/cooking as I feel like I’m putting on weight just reading about but I really like this author so was prepared to take on a kilo or two…
Great characters and plot-line. There are some lovely ‘turns-of-phrase’ and absolutely wonderful dialogue. All rounded out with the best HEA for dessert. Delicious! Was so worth the couple of kilos. Just saying.
Great characters and plot-line. There are some lovely ‘turns-of-phrase’ and absolutely wonderful dialogue. All rounded out with the best HEA for dessert. Delicious! Was so worth the couple of kilos. Just saying.
March 19, 2026
Ugh this book!
So different to the unraveled series as it took a light cutesy turn. Absolutely loved it. Like anything this author writes - I devour it!
I give it all the Michelin stars!
So different to the unraveled series as it took a light cutesy turn. Absolutely loved it. Like anything this author writes - I devour it!
I give it all the Michelin stars!
March 30, 2026
fun concept
I’ve loved Elliot’s books so far but this one missed the mark for me. Such a fun concept that could have been developed more. Missing the spice factor I’ve come to associate (and love) with their writing. I did love Kathryn’s character but felt like it could have been so much better to know more of Lucy’s as well.
I’ve loved Elliot’s books so far but this one missed the mark for me. Such a fun concept that could have been developed more. Missing the spice factor I’ve come to associate (and love) with their writing. I did love Kathryn’s character but felt like it could have been so much better to know more of Lucy’s as well.
April 3, 2026
I think this book had a lot of promise - and clearly what I'm about to say isn't a dealbreaker for many people, looking at the reviews - but I wish this author would combine dialogue lines with other paragraphs sometimes. Every time a character says something, it's its own paragraph, even when it could have been combined with something that character did either before or after. The effect is extremely clunky. It's such a shame because I think I would have really liked it if not for this.
Example:
"I am listening," Kathryn replied calmly.
She took another sip of beer and added.
"Paul forgot the children."
"Yes."
"That seems... inconvenient."
Rebecca groaned.
"Inconvenient? Kat, he forgot our children."
Should have been:
"I am listening," Kathryn replied calmly. She took another sip of beer and added, "Paul forgot the children."
"Yes."
"That seems... inconvenient."
Rebecca groaned. "Inconvenient? Kat, he forgot our children."
Example:
"I am listening," Kathryn replied calmly.
She took another sip of beer and added.
"Paul forgot the children."
"Yes."
"That seems... inconvenient."
Rebecca groaned.
"Inconvenient? Kat, he forgot our children."
Should have been:
"I am listening," Kathryn replied calmly. She took another sip of beer and added, "Paul forgot the children."
"Yes."
"That seems... inconvenient."
Rebecca groaned. "Inconvenient? Kat, he forgot our children."
June 2, 2026
This was my third time reading a C.W. Elliot book, and it did not disappoint! As a big foodie, any book that revolves around chefs and cooking is an automatic must-read for me.
This story was very different from the Unraveled series that I’ve read by the author, but I loved it nonetheless.
Kathryn Judge is a former chef turned famous food critic whose reviews are both feared and revered by Los Angeles chefs—except for the elusive "Banksy Chef." When her editor persuades her to investigate a series of mysterious pop-up dining experiences that have captivated the city, Kathryn gets a taste of the food and becomes determined to uncover the identity of the mysterious chef responsible of winning over the palates of everyone in LA.
I loved the mystery-chef concept and enjoyed piecing together clues about their identity as the story progressed. The banter between the two main characters was one of my favorite parts of the book, and I honestly felt the ending came too quickly. I would have loved a few more scenes featuring them together.
The side characters were fantastic as well—funny, entertaining, and absolutely necessary for keeping our favorite food critic in check;)
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
This story was very different from the Unraveled series that I’ve read by the author, but I loved it nonetheless.
Kathryn Judge is a former chef turned famous food critic whose reviews are both feared and revered by Los Angeles chefs—except for the elusive "Banksy Chef." When her editor persuades her to investigate a series of mysterious pop-up dining experiences that have captivated the city, Kathryn gets a taste of the food and becomes determined to uncover the identity of the mysterious chef responsible of winning over the palates of everyone in LA.
I loved the mystery-chef concept and enjoyed piecing together clues about their identity as the story progressed. The banter between the two main characters was one of my favorite parts of the book, and I honestly felt the ending came too quickly. I would have loved a few more scenes featuring them together.
The side characters were fantastic as well—funny, entertaining, and absolutely necessary for keeping our favorite food critic in check;)
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
April 26, 2026
The premise was different from what I’ve normally seen which drew me in immediately. I loved the pacing, and the minimal amount of characters to move the story along. However, there are noticeable grammar and spelling mistakes in a couple of spots. Either the author self-edited and missed them or… well I suppose they were missed by an editor too if there was one. Or it was written and published without being read over a couple of times.
It was infuriating seeing Katheryn who notoriously has a keen eye completely blank on who Chef P could possibly be. It was so obvious reading that Lucy was Chef P…..mostly because there weren’t any suggestions otherwise. I think if this was longer the author could’ve figured out a way to have two condensers to draw out the mystery rather than making it obvious that Lucy was Chef P in the reader’s eye. There’s something about knowing information that a character doesn’t that somehow annoys me, especially if the character is smart enough to put two and two together.
It was infuriating seeing Katheryn who notoriously has a keen eye completely blank on who Chef P could possibly be. It was so obvious reading that Lucy was Chef P…..mostly because there weren’t any suggestions otherwise. I think if this was longer the author could’ve figured out a way to have two condensers to draw out the mystery rather than making it obvious that Lucy was Chef P in the reader’s eye. There’s something about knowing information that a character doesn’t that somehow annoys me, especially if the character is smart enough to put two and two together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2026
Kathryn Judge is 'The Judge' and the most feared food critic in LA. Her reviews can destroy a cook's career. Her editor tells her about a incredibly popular pop up kitchen, called 'Just Food'.
Kathryn thinks it's just a stunt, but goes to the next location... only to be turned away as she hadn't reserved a spot. She also tries 'Do you know who I am?' on the staffer, which doesn't work.
Katheryn managed to get into the next event, and is honestly shocked how good yet simple the food was. There were one or two things you could fix, but that's literally it, which she tells the hostess.
Then she gets a delivery to her office of food, with a note from the cook, fixing the few flaws. And it happens again. With a note, simply signed P.
So Kathryn wants to find the cook....
(I think I worked it out half through. We'll see.)
Yup, I was right.
There's some formatting issues, and i think being a single pov kind of hurts it.
3.5 stars out of 5.
Kathryn thinks it's just a stunt, but goes to the next location... only to be turned away as she hadn't reserved a spot. She also tries 'Do you know who I am?' on the staffer, which doesn't work.
Katheryn managed to get into the next event, and is honestly shocked how good yet simple the food was. There were one or two things you could fix, but that's literally it, which she tells the hostess.
Then she gets a delivery to her office of food, with a note from the cook, fixing the few flaws. And it happens again. With a note, simply signed P.
So Kathryn wants to find the cook....
(I think I worked it out half through. We'll see.)
Yup, I was right.
There's some formatting issues, and i think being a single pov kind of hurts it.
3.5 stars out of 5.
March 28, 2026
Okay, I See You
So, this was a surprise. What I love most about art and artistic expression is the opportunity to go in any direction that the artist deems appropriate. So one of my favorite artist in this genre has written a closed door romance after writing some of the best open door love scenes in this genre that I’ve read. So I had to come to terms with that if I’m being honest,. However, I truly did enjoy this read. I’m a foodie as well, so the content definitely appealed to me. I also enjoyed the mystery of it and the sort of cat and mouse interplay. I actually am fine with the closed door piece. I just wish that the two protagonist had more interaction somehow. That’s my only caveat. Otherwise, you remain in my top five and I’m appreciative of the surprise book.
So, this was a surprise. What I love most about art and artistic expression is the opportunity to go in any direction that the artist deems appropriate. So one of my favorite artist in this genre has written a closed door romance after writing some of the best open door love scenes in this genre that I’ve read. So I had to come to terms with that if I’m being honest,. However, I truly did enjoy this read. I’m a foodie as well, so the content definitely appealed to me. I also enjoyed the mystery of it and the sort of cat and mouse interplay. I actually am fine with the closed door piece. I just wish that the two protagonist had more interaction somehow. That’s my only caveat. Otherwise, you remain in my top five and I’m appreciative of the surprise book.
March 31, 2026
Delicious
I must say this was a sweet mysterious read. A feared food critic finding herself intrigued by a pop up restaurant, it was an interesting concept and a delicious chase, I even found myself looking forward to what was on the menu. There is a budding romance no spice but a slow burn dispensing doubt between them. Lovely side characters. It was nice to read something with no angst just enough mystery to keep you interested. Quite a chance for this writer, I used to work in kitchens so could understand the heat and noise of a functioning restaurant, sometimes brutal but rewarding. Great fun.
I must say this was a sweet mysterious read. A feared food critic finding herself intrigued by a pop up restaurant, it was an interesting concept and a delicious chase, I even found myself looking forward to what was on the menu. There is a budding romance no spice but a slow burn dispensing doubt between them. Lovely side characters. It was nice to read something with no angst just enough mystery to keep you interested. Quite a chance for this writer, I used to work in kitchens so could understand the heat and noise of a functioning restaurant, sometimes brutal but rewarding. Great fun.
March 31, 2026
Delicious!
Very different to C W Elliot’s ‘Unravelled’ series which I enjoyed too. What a gem of a read this is! I loved this book. Usually I steer away from books about chefs/cooking as I feel like I’m putting on weight just reading about them but I really like this author so was prepared to take on a kilo or two…
Great characters and plot-line. There are some lovely ‘turns-of-phrase’ and absolutely wonderful dialogue. All rounded out with the best HEA for dessert. Was so worth the couple of kilos. Just saying.
Very different to C W Elliot’s ‘Unravelled’ series which I enjoyed too. What a gem of a read this is! I loved this book. Usually I steer away from books about chefs/cooking as I feel like I’m putting on weight just reading about them but I really like this author so was prepared to take on a kilo or two…
Great characters and plot-line. There are some lovely ‘turns-of-phrase’ and absolutely wonderful dialogue. All rounded out with the best HEA for dessert. Was so worth the couple of kilos. Just saying.
April 12, 2026
This is a story about food. A famous and strict food critic named Kathryn who stopped cooking professionally, tired of the stress and the direction the industry was taking, now she seeks to rediscover the essence and flavor of food above all the artifice. Then, a mysterious chef appears whose pop-up restaurant name makes it clear: Just Food. This sparks Kathryn's interest, both in the dishes and in the person behind them. It is an interesting and entertaining read. It is fun to see Kathryn's annoyance at not being treated as someone special, showing her slightly haughty side.
April 4, 2026
Cute
This was a very cute romance that was a nice play on second chances. On the one hand, you have "the judge," a jaded chef turned food critic, and on the other is Palmer, an up-and-coming chef who reminds "the judge" of why she fell in love with food in the first place. I enjoyed the premise of the story. The characters and the dialogue were very entertaining. Anyone who wants a low-angst romance with a happily ever after will like this book.
This was a very cute romance that was a nice play on second chances. On the one hand, you have "the judge," a jaded chef turned food critic, and on the other is Palmer, an up-and-coming chef who reminds "the judge" of why she fell in love with food in the first place. I enjoyed the premise of the story. The characters and the dialogue were very entertaining. Anyone who wants a low-angst romance with a happily ever after will like this book.
May 24, 2026
A Sweet & Tasty Treat!
C.W. Elliot mentions that this book was a departure from her normal writing style. A little lighter. Definitely. It was humorous and exciting with no angst.
The two main characters are both strong women, well rounded and well versed with one in her twenties and the other in her forties. The storyline was an excellent example of being fresh, new and interested. I loved it.
C.W. Elliot mentions that this book was a departure from her normal writing style. A little lighter. Definitely. It was humorous and exciting with no angst.
The two main characters are both strong women, well rounded and well versed with one in her twenties and the other in her forties. The storyline was an excellent example of being fresh, new and interested. I loved it.
March 31, 2026
This is a sweet, kind, thoughtful love story..even though you never hear the words said. No angst, no sex on the page, but an ice queen who slowly thaws under the attention of someone much younger than her.
Different from the authors other books, but no less enjoyable.
Different from the authors other books, but no less enjoyable.
April 5, 2026
I Loved This Book
Both main characters were expertly crafted by the author. The supporting team were excellent also. Creating excellent food was also very important throughout the novel as was a slow burn romance.
It was hard to get to the end when I didn’t want to. Loved it!
Both main characters were expertly crafted by the author. The supporting team were excellent also. Creating excellent food was also very important throughout the novel as was a slow burn romance.
It was hard to get to the end when I didn’t want to. Loved it!
May 4, 2026
Tropes with Layers of Originality
A story with unique elements beyond mere tropes. Intriguing. Captivating. Over too soon.
I liked the story and the writing, some typos, but not distracting in number.
A story with unique elements beyond mere tropes. Intriguing. Captivating. Over too soon.
I liked the story and the writing, some typos, but not distracting in number.
June 13, 2026
oh i ate this book up pun intended. i feel as if the relationships could have been developed more, we could have seen more of the actual correspondence between p and kathryn. also i did not like the cover stop putting people on covers.
June 21, 2026
3.5. Enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Found it refreshing from the usual tropes. I liked both characters too Lucy/Palmer and K. Characters could have been a bit deeper. Shorter book than most.
March 17, 2026
Another hit
Awesome book! I have been reading CW Elliots works forever and they never miss. Always leave me a little giddy inside.
Awesome book! I have been reading CW Elliots works forever and they never miss. Always leave me a little giddy inside.
March 20, 2026
Good sapphic book for this year, within my top 5
March 20, 2026
Scrumptious!
This is the first book I've read of C.W. Elliot and I was not disappointed. I absolutely enjoyed the story line and the 2 main characters. Well done!!
This is the first book I've read of C.W. Elliot and I was not disappointed. I absolutely enjoyed the story line and the 2 main characters. Well done!!
March 24, 2026
I am absolutely obsessed. Without giving any spoilers, I just so deeply connected with Kathryn’s character. I love spicy books but really enjoyed this sweet romance story. I highly recommend!!!
March 25, 2026
So good
First of all, this book made me hungry. I really enjoyed the writer's style. It was a cute read and the mystery was fun.
First of all, this book made me hungry. I really enjoyed the writer's style. It was a cute read and the mystery was fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews