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Hungry Love
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jul 26- GenresRomance
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 28, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book! We follow Ava Diaz after a single confession throws her whole life for a loop. I started this only intending to read a chapter or two but suddenly could not put it down!! I loved the setting on Orcas Island, it’s so summery and atmospheric. I loved the incorporation of food into the book! so many moments where I wanted to run to my kitchen and try one of these recipes myself and thank you Tomiko Diaz because the recipes are provided in the back of the book!! I loved the slow burn in this book, UGH it was DELICIOUS!! the tension?? It was perfect, 10/10 no notes.
I also have to mention kiki!! Her character has my whole heart. Reading her experience and getting to know her character was deeply touching. I felt so seen in her, which was a little mind-blowing because I've never seen my experience laid out so precisely like that. Also, I need the next book about kiki’s story and WILL be keeping an eye out for it!!
The reason this isn’t a perfect 5 stars for me is because i struggled with the conflict in the last third of the book. It was frustrating and I just wanted the characters to communicate!
Overall, I give this book 4 stars. It was fun, fast-paced, JAW-DROPPING at times, and really cute! i recommend it if you love slow-burn romance, if you love a good beach read or summer book, or if you love good food and a good story!
I really enjoyed this book! We follow Ava Diaz after a single confession throws her whole life for a loop. I started this only intending to read a chapter or two but suddenly could not put it down!! I loved the setting on Orcas Island, it’s so summery and atmospheric. I loved the incorporation of food into the book! so many moments where I wanted to run to my kitchen and try one of these recipes myself and thank you Tomiko Diaz because the recipes are provided in the back of the book!! I loved the slow burn in this book, UGH it was DELICIOUS!! the tension?? It was perfect, 10/10 no notes.
I also have to mention kiki!! Her character has my whole heart. Reading her experience and getting to know her character was deeply touching. I felt so seen in her, which was a little mind-blowing because I've never seen my experience laid out so precisely like that. Also, I need the next book about kiki’s story and WILL be keeping an eye out for it!!
The reason this isn’t a perfect 5 stars for me is because i struggled with the conflict in the last third of the book. It was frustrating and I just wanted the characters to communicate!
Overall, I give this book 4 stars. It was fun, fast-paced, JAW-DROPPING at times, and really cute! i recommend it if you love slow-burn romance, if you love a good beach read or summer book, or if you love good food and a good story!
May 28, 2026
3.5 Stars rounded up!
f you are anything like me, you love stories that surround the healing properties of food, and this story is just that. This story follows Ava, a woman who loves cooking, her found family, and her friends. But, when her long time partner Jared reveals a massive truth, Ava is sent into a spiral. Further, she leaves her soul sucking job to find something more fulfilling. Along the way, we meet Gavin, Jared’s older brother who has always seemed to dislike Ava. Ava offers to be his and his fiancee’s private chef for the summer, and that’s where the story really unfolds.
This everything that a romance does well wrapped into a pretty little story. While Ava and Gavin’s story is a large piece of this book, what I found most charming was the found family Ava makes on Orca Island along the way. Islanders who help her build a garden, host get togethers for those who need the healing powers of delicious and heartfelt meals, and ultimately show up for her in ways that she has never experienced. The found home/family aspect of this story is what really sold it for me. We all go through tough times in our lives, and reminders that we can build our own communities, we can share in love for one another, and we can grow is the greatest reminder Ava and her story brought to my attention.
Thank you St. Ode Press & NetGalley for access to this arc in return for a fair review!
f you are anything like me, you love stories that surround the healing properties of food, and this story is just that. This story follows Ava, a woman who loves cooking, her found family, and her friends. But, when her long time partner Jared reveals a massive truth, Ava is sent into a spiral. Further, she leaves her soul sucking job to find something more fulfilling. Along the way, we meet Gavin, Jared’s older brother who has always seemed to dislike Ava. Ava offers to be his and his fiancee’s private chef for the summer, and that’s where the story really unfolds.
This everything that a romance does well wrapped into a pretty little story. While Ava and Gavin’s story is a large piece of this book, what I found most charming was the found family Ava makes on Orca Island along the way. Islanders who help her build a garden, host get togethers for those who need the healing powers of delicious and heartfelt meals, and ultimately show up for her in ways that she has never experienced. The found home/family aspect of this story is what really sold it for me. We all go through tough times in our lives, and reminders that we can build our own communities, we can share in love for one another, and we can grow is the greatest reminder Ava and her story brought to my attention.
Thank you St. Ode Press & NetGalley for access to this arc in return for a fair review!
May 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this one—a feel-good, quick-to-read romance. N0t-quite enemies to lovers with a little bit of forced proximity, this book was a fun read with a little added substance around self-discovery, self-acceptance and found family. There was a lot going on, but it mostly worked.
I enjoyed Ava's risk taking that paid off as she moved from quitting a job and a breakup to a summer gig as a chef. The scenes of her gardening and cooking from her garden were lovely (even if the timing of said vegetable and herb growth was highly unrealistic). The setting was lovely if a bit too much over-written at times (what is WITH romance writers and similes, lately?), and I could see myself on the island.
Ava and Gavin's love story was at the center of a few overlapping love stories, and while I don't always love the male-as-provider storyline, it worked here and wasn't too overbearing. Ava succeeded in her dreams with the support of those who love her, and ultimately it's hard to have any criticism about that message!
I looked forward to picking this book back up after having to step away. For a debut romance, this is an impressive achievement, and I will definitely read more from Diaz.
I enjoyed Ava's risk taking that paid off as she moved from quitting a job and a breakup to a summer gig as a chef. The scenes of her gardening and cooking from her garden were lovely (even if the timing of said vegetable and herb growth was highly unrealistic). The setting was lovely if a bit too much over-written at times (what is WITH romance writers and similes, lately?), and I could see myself on the island.
Ava and Gavin's love story was at the center of a few overlapping love stories, and while I don't always love the male-as-provider storyline, it worked here and wasn't too overbearing. Ava succeeded in her dreams with the support of those who love her, and ultimately it's hard to have any criticism about that message!
I looked forward to picking this book back up after having to step away. For a debut romance, this is an impressive achievement, and I will definitely read more from Diaz.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely adored this book! As someone whose two favorite authors are probably Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry, this felt so perfectly written for me specifically. It has the same emotional depth, gorgeous prose, aching romance, and that feeling of two people circling each other for years because they are right for each other, just never at the right time (until it finally is). It honestly felt like a more grown up, more layered, and more emotionally complicated mix of The Summer I Turned Pretty and A Love Letter to Whiskey, which is basically the perfect combination of what I love in my romances.
I was SO impressed that this is a debut because the storytelling was stunning! The writing is smart, vivid, emotional, and honestly just gorgeous. Tomiko Diaz has such a strong voice already. The Pacific Northwest setting felt completely alive, especially Orcas Island. Every description was vibrant and atmospheric in a way that made me feel like I was there, and I loved seeing Bellingham mentioned too since my family lives there. Love a good Bellingham name drop.
The food descriptions were incredible and added so much intimacy and emotion to the story. Food wasn’t just there for aesthetics; it became part of the romance itself, part of the longing, comfort, and connection between Ava and Gavin, and a perfect example of how someone uses food to soothe after heartbreak. And speaking of Gavin… WOW. The chemistry between him and Ava was exceptional. The tension, the yearning and the pining was all done SO well. These two spend so much of the story unable to fully be together for one reason or another, and it makes every interaction feel like holding my breath and waiting to exhale. Gavin especially gave major Mr. Darcy energy with how broody and quietly devoted he was. He loved Ava long before she was ready to fully see him, and that was heartbreaking but also incredibly romantic.
I also really loved that Ava has multiple romantic experiences throughout the story that help her figure out what she truly wants from life and love. This book is just as much about choosing the kind of life that will make her the happiest as it is about romance itself. The contrast between a quieter, grounded life on a remote island versus chasing the big city career dream was really a nice touch and I love how it was woven into the story as a message alongside her ultimate romance with Gavin.
Gavin singing that song directly to Ava was a scene that really got to me. It felt like such a pivotal moment between them. I also really appreciated Gavin’s speech about intentionally supporting women-owned and LGBTQIA+ businesses and why that matters to him. It added so much depth to his character and made me love him even more! Gavin was perfection, if I am being honest.
“Gavin Jones is definitely your blind spot.” This quote honestly sums this entire book up perfectly! Because it is from Ava’s POV only, I think this is the catchphrase of the entire book, but I really loved this and I look forward to reading what Tomiko Diaz writes next. One of my favorite romance reads of the year easily!
Thank you to NetGalley, Tomiko Diaz, and St. Ode Press for the eARC of this book.
I was SO impressed that this is a debut because the storytelling was stunning! The writing is smart, vivid, emotional, and honestly just gorgeous. Tomiko Diaz has such a strong voice already. The Pacific Northwest setting felt completely alive, especially Orcas Island. Every description was vibrant and atmospheric in a way that made me feel like I was there, and I loved seeing Bellingham mentioned too since my family lives there. Love a good Bellingham name drop.
The food descriptions were incredible and added so much intimacy and emotion to the story. Food wasn’t just there for aesthetics; it became part of the romance itself, part of the longing, comfort, and connection between Ava and Gavin, and a perfect example of how someone uses food to soothe after heartbreak. And speaking of Gavin… WOW. The chemistry between him and Ava was exceptional. The tension, the yearning and the pining was all done SO well. These two spend so much of the story unable to fully be together for one reason or another, and it makes every interaction feel like holding my breath and waiting to exhale. Gavin especially gave major Mr. Darcy energy with how broody and quietly devoted he was. He loved Ava long before she was ready to fully see him, and that was heartbreaking but also incredibly romantic.
I also really loved that Ava has multiple romantic experiences throughout the story that help her figure out what she truly wants from life and love. This book is just as much about choosing the kind of life that will make her the happiest as it is about romance itself. The contrast between a quieter, grounded life on a remote island versus chasing the big city career dream was really a nice touch and I love how it was woven into the story as a message alongside her ultimate romance with Gavin.
Gavin singing that song directly to Ava was a scene that really got to me. It felt like such a pivotal moment between them. I also really appreciated Gavin’s speech about intentionally supporting women-owned and LGBTQIA+ businesses and why that matters to him. It added so much depth to his character and made me love him even more! Gavin was perfection, if I am being honest.
“Gavin Jones is definitely your blind spot.” This quote honestly sums this entire book up perfectly! Because it is from Ava’s POV only, I think this is the catchphrase of the entire book, but I really loved this and I look forward to reading what Tomiko Diaz writes next. One of my favorite romance reads of the year easily!
Thank you to NetGalley, Tomiko Diaz, and St. Ode Press for the eARC of this book.
May 31, 2026
Stunning debut by Tomiko Diaz!! A lot of contemporary romance fiction have let me down so this one really exceeded my expectations! I loved the writing for this it was just so funny and engaging it’s hard to believe this is a debut.
Subtle spoiler alert??
The story follows Ava’s retirement from her taxing corporate job where she’s sick of the constant mistreatment, immediately followed by a breakup from her boyfriend Jared, of eight years because of an epiphany on his sexuality (that one really got my jaw dropped I can’t lie). She is then invited to work as a private chef for Gavin, Jared’s stylish and charismatic elder brother at his place and a somewhat enemies to lovers trajectory unfolds (I can’t say it is a textbook case of the trope exactly because Ava deduces that Gavin hates her based on some past events but we later learn that that was definitely not the case, if anything it was the opposite).
I absolutely loved the setting of the book– the stunning Orcas Island, the way life is shaped there around nature; sans interference of its beautiful wildlife and vegetation.
The characters were also so well written (ugh I haven’t read such a perfect mmc like Gavin in a longgg while. A man who likes nature, cooking and is super inclusive about his support for entrepreneurs in his job?? Yeah so that is a figment of the author’s amazing imagination alright).
The way food was incorporated into the story was so admirable not just as an integral part of Ava’s life but also the way it weaves the people of Orcas island, materialises the characters’ feelings, in a way and makes all the special occasions in the story consummate and so much more meaningful.
Overall this reads like a cross between Emily Henry x Christina Lauren books, in the best way possible (because I am generally not a fan of Emily Henry stories and dnfed many of them). I only dropped down a star for my rating for this because I despise pop culture references in fiction (already way too much of that is shoved down our throats through social media anyway. I don’t really look forward to that in the books I read since they’re my main escape from the constant and unnecessary information dump on celebrities that we’re subjected to everyday😔). Thank you Netgalley for the ARC !
Subtle spoiler alert??
The story follows Ava’s retirement from her taxing corporate job where she’s sick of the constant mistreatment, immediately followed by a breakup from her boyfriend Jared, of eight years because of an epiphany on his sexuality (that one really got my jaw dropped I can’t lie). She is then invited to work as a private chef for Gavin, Jared’s stylish and charismatic elder brother at his place and a somewhat enemies to lovers trajectory unfolds (I can’t say it is a textbook case of the trope exactly because Ava deduces that Gavin hates her based on some past events but we later learn that that was definitely not the case, if anything it was the opposite).
I absolutely loved the setting of the book– the stunning Orcas Island, the way life is shaped there around nature; sans interference of its beautiful wildlife and vegetation.
The characters were also so well written (ugh I haven’t read such a perfect mmc like Gavin in a longgg while. A man who likes nature, cooking and is super inclusive about his support for entrepreneurs in his job?? Yeah so that is a figment of the author’s amazing imagination alright).
The way food was incorporated into the story was so admirable not just as an integral part of Ava’s life but also the way it weaves the people of Orcas island, materialises the characters’ feelings, in a way and makes all the special occasions in the story consummate and so much more meaningful.
Overall this reads like a cross between Emily Henry x Christina Lauren books, in the best way possible (because I am generally not a fan of Emily Henry stories and dnfed many of them). I only dropped down a star for my rating for this because I despise pop culture references in fiction (already way too much of that is shoved down our throats through social media anyway. I don’t really look forward to that in the books I read since they’re my main escape from the constant and unnecessary information dump on celebrities that we’re subjected to everyday😔). Thank you Netgalley for the ARC !
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hungry Love serves up a slow burn island romance with so.much.yearning.
“There’s something devastating in the way he looks at me. Like I’m the secret he’s finally allowed to share…”❤️🔥
Ava Diaz used to hate Gavin Jones. As Jared’s intimidating older brother, he was always glowering and excluding her. But then, when Ava loses her job and Jared comes out as gay, who is there for Ava? You guessed it? Gavin.
Gavin gives her a job as a chef because that’s Ava’s dream.🥹 And this is where all that slow-burn island yearning comes in because Ava’s on the rebound from his brother and Gavin has a fiancé.🛑
Even so, big brother Gavin and his new live-in chef share long glances, accidental brushes, intimate conversations… And all that specially-prepared food! What shows someone you care more than making them their favorite dishes?🥜😉
Food, healing, and love all melt together for Ava as she connects with the island and its people, resurrects a garden, and discovers things about Gavin (and herself) that she never knew. I think my favorite part of this romance is the way Gavin and Ava helped fulfill each other’s dreams.🥰
That said, I felt some disappointment at the end of the story. The climax felt rushed and the ending unsatisfying. I realize it’s intended to be a series, but it felt unfinished to me. I needed a little bit more to feel settled.😥
Overall, it is a tightly-written and wonderfully descriptive (loved the setting too) romance. It offers up a quick, fun read and some sweet, quirky characters.
🎙️It could prompt discussions on a number of topics for book club to include: dating within the same family, slowing down or leaving a job, moving city to rural or vice versa, etc. There is a guide at the end of the book with discussion questions as well.
Thank you to Tomiko Diaz, St. Ode Press, and NetGalley for the eARC of this novel. I will always provide an honest review.
“There’s something devastating in the way he looks at me. Like I’m the secret he’s finally allowed to share…”❤️🔥
Ava Diaz used to hate Gavin Jones. As Jared’s intimidating older brother, he was always glowering and excluding her. But then, when Ava loses her job and Jared comes out as gay, who is there for Ava? You guessed it? Gavin.
Gavin gives her a job as a chef because that’s Ava’s dream.🥹 And this is where all that slow-burn island yearning comes in because Ava’s on the rebound from his brother and Gavin has a fiancé.🛑
Even so, big brother Gavin and his new live-in chef share long glances, accidental brushes, intimate conversations… And all that specially-prepared food! What shows someone you care more than making them their favorite dishes?🥜😉
Food, healing, and love all melt together for Ava as she connects with the island and its people, resurrects a garden, and discovers things about Gavin (and herself) that she never knew. I think my favorite part of this romance is the way Gavin and Ava helped fulfill each other’s dreams.🥰
That said, I felt some disappointment at the end of the story. The climax felt rushed and the ending unsatisfying. I realize it’s intended to be a series, but it felt unfinished to me. I needed a little bit more to feel settled.😥
Overall, it is a tightly-written and wonderfully descriptive (loved the setting too) romance. It offers up a quick, fun read and some sweet, quirky characters.
🎙️It could prompt discussions on a number of topics for book club to include: dating within the same family, slowing down or leaving a job, moving city to rural or vice versa, etc. There is a guide at the end of the book with discussion questions as well.
Thank you to Tomiko Diaz, St. Ode Press, and NetGalley for the eARC of this novel. I will always provide an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!
This is a book filled with plenty of delicious food from various cultures and a love story between yearners (so much yearning!).
After her life collapses from events beyond her control, Ava Diaz escapes to Orcas Island with the help of Gavin Jones and becomes his private chef. What else can you even do when the love of your life suddenly reveals that he might not be what he thought he is?
Except that Gavin Jones was the man she proclaimed she hated the most because he's aloof, infuriating and hard to read. But Gavin was not the person she thought he was the more she interacted with him. As Ava starts getting used to living on the island, she's starting to learn things about herself and perhaps what she truly wanted were never the ones she thought she had.
I absolutely loved this beautifully written book and despite it mainly being a romance, it was also a book about self discovery and healing. It was a book about learning how to be brave enough to let yourself love. Food was not just something you eat in this book. It was a source for getting over heartbreaks, bonding with people and remembering your dreams. Another thing I enjoyed seeing develop was the yearning. And fear. So much fear. Fear of the unknown and fear of what might happen when the line is finally crossed. I loved just how well the development was written.
What I did not enjoy so much in this book was how the ending was written. I wished it was fleshed out better because it felt rather abrupt? Like their journey just ended in the middle of the road? However, overall, this was still a greatly written book!
This is a book filled with plenty of delicious food from various cultures and a love story between yearners (so much yearning!).
After her life collapses from events beyond her control, Ava Diaz escapes to Orcas Island with the help of Gavin Jones and becomes his private chef. What else can you even do when the love of your life suddenly reveals that he might not be what he thought he is?
Except that Gavin Jones was the man she proclaimed she hated the most because he's aloof, infuriating and hard to read. But Gavin was not the person she thought he was the more she interacted with him. As Ava starts getting used to living on the island, she's starting to learn things about herself and perhaps what she truly wanted were never the ones she thought she had.
I absolutely loved this beautifully written book and despite it mainly being a romance, it was also a book about self discovery and healing. It was a book about learning how to be brave enough to let yourself love. Food was not just something you eat in this book. It was a source for getting over heartbreaks, bonding with people and remembering your dreams. Another thing I enjoyed seeing develop was the yearning. And fear. So much fear. Fear of the unknown and fear of what might happen when the line is finally crossed. I loved just how well the development was written.
What I did not enjoy so much in this book was how the ending was written. I wished it was fleshed out better because it felt rather abrupt? Like their journey just ended in the middle of the road? However, overall, this was still a greatly written book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall, this book took me by surprise. The love story burns brilliantly - it isn’t that slow and at times it feels like a pressure cooker as there wasn’t much in between to cushion it. That changed a bit in the third part where the character reflects more and I think that was where this went from a 3⭐️ good read to a 4⭐️ experience for me.
The writing throughout is really lovely and thoughtful and it has a wonderful setting with a solid story. At times it felt a bit rushed and it jumped time periods sometimes in confusing ways. If you care about continuity this may confuse you in places!
As a vibe though I thoroughly enjoyed it and read it all in two sittings. I was super tired when I picked it up but I fought to stay awake for nearly 130 pages because I was enjoying the story as it built. It’s perfect for snuggling under a duvet on a grey day and feeling some good emotions!
The writing throughout is really lovely and thoughtful and it has a wonderful setting with a solid story. At times it felt a bit rushed and it jumped time periods sometimes in confusing ways. If you care about continuity this may confuse you in places!
As a vibe though I thoroughly enjoyed it and read it all in two sittings. I was super tired when I picked it up but I fought to stay awake for nearly 130 pages because I was enjoying the story as it built. It’s perfect for snuggling under a duvet on a grey day and feeling some good emotions!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Sometimes, becoming yourself breaks someone else’s heart.”
Oh that was so much fun! A really good debut. The tension, all the little moments, the slow burn… delicious. I loved Gavin’s gentleness for Ava. And sometimes a single POV is just perfect. The last quarter of the book made me settle on four stars overall - wasn’t a fan of the third act and what followed. The first 70ish% though were really strong!
I got to read this one as an ARC, thank you to St. Ode Press and NetGalley!
Oh that was so much fun! A really good debut. The tension, all the little moments, the slow burn… delicious. I loved Gavin’s gentleness for Ava. And sometimes a single POV is just perfect. The last quarter of the book made me settle on four stars overall - wasn’t a fan of the third act and what followed. The first 70ish% though were really strong!
I got to read this one as an ARC, thank you to St. Ode Press and NetGalley!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sweet book that had some really great writing. The pace was a bit fast for me in terms of events in the plot, would’ve liked a slower more fleshed out story. Absolutely dreamy setting though!
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