What do you think?
Rate this book
Trial by Taste
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 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!
March 20, 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!
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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
March 26, 2026
This was a fun read. Entertaining. I smiled a lot. Then, it kind of just stopped. I wanted more.
March 28, 2026
cute and charming :)
March 30, 2026
I loved Trial by Taste! This was such a fun read that hooked me from page one. The romance was set on a low simmer that had me flipping pages, and grinning ear to ear! This is hands down in the running for my top books of the year!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews