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A Taste of Home
Not yet published
Expected 18 Jan 27He dismissed her as a spoiled heiress. Until he fell in love.As head of hospitality for her family's prestigious wine dynasty, Alba Alighieri is determined to make the grand opening of their new flagship restaurant a triumph.
The last person she expects to find running her kitchen is Johan Baptiste—the executive chef her father hired behind her back—the man who once took everything she offered, then made her feel like a privileged inconvenience not worth his time.
For Johan, working alongside the one woman he's never been able to forget is more than a challenge—it's a disaster.
He's still convinced he has her pegged, but the closer he looks, the harder that story is to hold. Watching Alba fight for this restaurant—for her family, for the respect he never once offered her—Johan begins to realize the woman he dismissed was never who he thought she was.
Now, Johan must decide how far he's willing to go to earn a second chance with the woman who has always felt like home.
Set against the beauty of Florence and Tuscan vineyards, A Taste of Home is an emotional love story featuring your favorite
🍇 Second Chance
🍇 Workplace (a restaurant)
🍇 Enemies to Lovers
🍇 Beautiful Tuscany
🍇 No Cheating
🍇 Complete Standalone
The last person she expects to find running her kitchen is Johan Baptiste—the executive chef her father hired behind her back—the man who once took everything she offered, then made her feel like a privileged inconvenience not worth his time.
For Johan, working alongside the one woman he's never been able to forget is more than a challenge—it's a disaster.
He's still convinced he has her pegged, but the closer he looks, the harder that story is to hold. Watching Alba fight for this restaurant—for her family, for the respect he never once offered her—Johan begins to realize the woman he dismissed was never who he thought she was.
Now, Johan must decide how far he's willing to go to earn a second chance with the woman who has always felt like home.
Set against the beauty of Florence and Tuscan vineyards, A Taste of Home is an emotional love story featuring your favorite
🍇 Second Chance
🍇 Workplace (a restaurant)
🍇 Enemies to Lovers
🍇 Beautiful Tuscany
🍇 No Cheating
🍇 Complete Standalone
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 18, 2027
About the author
Maya Alden
99 books1,414 followersA top 20 Amazon Bestselling Author, Maya Alden pens angsty contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Maya Alden has done it again! A beautiful second-chance romance filled with unresolved feelings, emotional tension, misunderstandings, and the kind of groveling I absolutely love!
Four years ago, Alba Alighieri and Johan Baptiste had a relationship that ended painfully, leaving behind heartbreak and plenty of unfinished business. Now, fate has brought them together again in Tuscany, where they're forced to work side by side on the opening of a prestigious restaurant.
I absolutely loved Alba! She's intelligent, ambitious, hardworking, and determined to prove that she's so much more than a wealthy heiress. She's spent years building something meaningful, and watching her fight to be taken seriously, especially by the people closest to her, made me admire her even more.
Johan, on the other hand, had some serious making up to do! His assumptions about Alba and his inability to truly understand her were frustrating, but that made watching him slowly realize how wrong he'd been even more satisfying. I especially enjoyed seeing his feelings resurface and watching him recognize the woman he'd never really forgotten.
The tension between these two was fantastic! Their arguments, undeniable chemistry, and the emotions simmering beneath every interaction kept me completely invested. I loved that their second chance wasn't simply about rekindling their attraction. They had to confront the past, acknowledge their mistakes, and learn to see each other differently.
And the Tuscany setting? Absolutely gorgeous! The vineyards, the food, the restaurant, and the Italian atmosphere added so much warmth and charm to the story.
What I particularly appreciated was that Alba never lost her independence or ambition for the sake of romance. She deserved a man who respected her accomplishments and stood beside her rather than judging her by her family name.
A Taste of Home is an emotional, romantic, and satisfying story about love, forgiveness, personal growth, and finding your way back to the person you never truly stopped loving.
If you enjoy second-chance romances, forced proximity, workplace tension, strong heroines, and heroes who have to earn back their trust, I highly recommend this one!
Thank you to Maya Alden for providing me with an advance reader copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Four years ago, Alba Alighieri and Johan Baptiste had a relationship that ended painfully, leaving behind heartbreak and plenty of unfinished business. Now, fate has brought them together again in Tuscany, where they're forced to work side by side on the opening of a prestigious restaurant.
I absolutely loved Alba! She's intelligent, ambitious, hardworking, and determined to prove that she's so much more than a wealthy heiress. She's spent years building something meaningful, and watching her fight to be taken seriously, especially by the people closest to her, made me admire her even more.
Johan, on the other hand, had some serious making up to do! His assumptions about Alba and his inability to truly understand her were frustrating, but that made watching him slowly realize how wrong he'd been even more satisfying. I especially enjoyed seeing his feelings resurface and watching him recognize the woman he'd never really forgotten.
The tension between these two was fantastic! Their arguments, undeniable chemistry, and the emotions simmering beneath every interaction kept me completely invested. I loved that their second chance wasn't simply about rekindling their attraction. They had to confront the past, acknowledge their mistakes, and learn to see each other differently.
And the Tuscany setting? Absolutely gorgeous! The vineyards, the food, the restaurant, and the Italian atmosphere added so much warmth and charm to the story.
What I particularly appreciated was that Alba never lost her independence or ambition for the sake of romance. She deserved a man who respected her accomplishments and stood beside her rather than judging her by her family name.
A Taste of Home is an emotional, romantic, and satisfying story about love, forgiveness, personal growth, and finding your way back to the person you never truly stopped loving.
If you enjoy second-chance romances, forced proximity, workplace tension, strong heroines, and heroes who have to earn back their trust, I highly recommend this one!
Thank you to Maya Alden for providing me with an advance reader copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
We return to the rolling and verdant hills of the Tuscan countryside in this second installment of the House of Alighieri. Alba, in spite her father’s deeply harmful misogynistic views, is pouring her life and soul into creating flagship restaurant in the hopes of creating a new jewel in the crown of her family’s already formidable dynasty. Her father, however, had other plans and will thwart her at every turn.
When Alba’s father’s ruthless machinations have her coming face-to-face with the man who broke her heart, she must find a way to set aside her hurts to make this investment a success.
This is book lush in prose of storytelling through the history and depth of cultural cuisine. Good can be as nourishing for the soul as it is for the body and Maya had created a delectable feast for the reader to be a part of.
If you love meddling family, fierce passion, and captivating. atmosphere, I recommend riding into this one when it releases on January 18th. This is an interconnected standalone, but to have a stronger foundation of this family and the politics, it would be beneficial to read The Wong Vintage first.
As always, please check content warnings.
When Alba’s father’s ruthless machinations have her coming face-to-face with the man who broke her heart, she must find a way to set aside her hurts to make this investment a success.
This is book lush in prose of storytelling through the history and depth of cultural cuisine. Good can be as nourishing for the soul as it is for the body and Maya had created a delectable feast for the reader to be a part of.
If you love meddling family, fierce passion, and captivating. atmosphere, I recommend riding into this one when it releases on January 18th. This is an interconnected standalone, but to have a stronger foundation of this family and the politics, it would be beneficial to read The Wong Vintage first.
As always, please check content warnings.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this story!!! I fell in love with Nico and Alessia in the wrong vintage. Now I got the chance to do the same with Alba and Johan. Johan started off as an idiot like all of Mayas MMCs but the man’s facade wasn’t match for his love for Alba. I loved seeing his mask crack and how once he realized how wrong he was he owned it. Loved seeing his vulnerability and fear. And alba!!! I love her. That woman is so strong and honestly patient!!! She is a classy girl, even when wronged she doesn’t act out of revenge. I understood her wanting to keep her walls up but ultimately love won. I loved seeing the sisterhood once again with Alessia, alba & Toni. And johans parents!!! I felt just like alba, always looking forward to one of the phone calls. I cannot wait for the next book! I hope we get Toni & Renzo!!!!! And one day I’d love one for Rio, it would be kinda exciting to see the strong playboy lawyer finally meet his match.
Review of advance copy
4 stars for world creation. I have said before that this author excels at world building bringing details about the environment the story is set in to life. Adding such details as food and wine has had me looking up details.
That being said I did not enjoy the love story that much. The H was childish and treated the h badly and also used OW that he used to sleep with as another method to stick it to the h.
The h gave in to him too quickly. He did not really grovel and the big gesture was turning down her father’s job offer, but really not that big because he did have a contract for current for two years.
It was nice to see the sisters and that relationship of the sisters is great.
So overall it was a solid read. Just not the best love story. I dislike when OW are used to make jealous h or stick it to her. That says it all about the H and their maturity than anything about a good or bad OW.
That being said I did not enjoy the love story that much. The H was childish and treated the h badly and also used OW that he used to sleep with as another method to stick it to the h.
The h gave in to him too quickly. He did not really grovel and the big gesture was turning down her father’s job offer, but really not that big because he did have a contract for current for two years.
It was nice to see the sisters and that relationship of the sisters is great.
So overall it was a solid read. Just not the best love story. I dislike when OW are used to make jealous h or stick it to her. That says it all about the H and their maturity than anything about a good or bad OW.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gosh this book made me want to run to my favourite italian restaurant to try the various dishes mentioned. But, stomach aside, I really liked this book (3.75 🌟 ). I wish we could have seen more if Elba's and Johan's past though because that original betrayal sounded horrible and I would have loved to live through that betrayal and angst with the h (Elba) when she was going through it instead of as a flashback/memory.
The H sounds like an a**hole at the beginning but he did eventually get his head out of his a$$ and when he did, i fell for him...hard.
As a side note, I looooved the side characters. Wish I could have see another pool started though, that was hilarious!
If you're looking for ow drama, no cheating, second chance romance with a filthy rich boss lady h and a rocky with a chip on his shoulder H and a hea, then pick this one up. Aa a bonus, you also get to experience some virtual culinary delights!
The H sounds like an a**hole at the beginning but he did eventually get his head out of his a$$ and when he did, i fell for him...hard.
As a side note, I looooved the side characters. Wish I could have see another pool started though, that was hilarious!
If you're looking for ow drama, no cheating, second chance romance with a filthy rich boss lady h and a rocky with a chip on his shoulder H and a hea, then pick this one up. Aa a bonus, you also get to experience some virtual culinary delights!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was AH-MAZING!! I loved it so much! The sisters are so awesome!
Alba is such a great and genuine person - with a strong sense of morals, even at her own peril! Johan was one of the most self-aware of his own short falls that I've ever seen. The supporting characters, as are Maya's usual - are awesome. Olden - loved him! Marcella - I want to work with her!! This book made me so happy - and OMG I want to go to this restaurant! Johan's parents!!!!
This book delivered on everything. I always feel like i've traveled to these amazing places and met amazing people in Maya's stories! The depth and detail that she brings - it's a gift! I can't say enough how much I loved this book and how much I can't wait for Toni and Renzo's story!!!!
Alba is such a great and genuine person - with a strong sense of morals, even at her own peril! Johan was one of the most self-aware of his own short falls that I've ever seen. The supporting characters, as are Maya's usual - are awesome. Olden - loved him! Marcella - I want to work with her!! This book made me so happy - and OMG I want to go to this restaurant! Johan's parents!!!!
This book delivered on everything. I always feel like i've traveled to these amazing places and met amazing people in Maya's stories! The depth and detail that she brings - it's a gift! I can't say enough how much I loved this book and how much I can't wait for Toni and Renzo's story!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Maya Alden never fails to present a strong FMC, an environment that serves as a beautiful main character, and a MMC who betrays harshly but becomes someone worthy of this wonderful woman. This is book 2 in a series of 3 incredible sisters who must prove themselves to their misogynistic, ruthless father, and demonstrate to the world that they deserve to rule their Italian winery/hospitality empire. Executive Chef Johan ruined a relationship several years ago, and now works with Alba to open her dream restaurant. The success of this venture will secure her role as the hospitality executive in her family’s empire. Johan sees who she truly is, and their journey is so beautiful to witness.
Maya Alden never fails to present a strong FMC, an environment that serves as a beautiful main character, and a MMC who betrays harshly but becomes someone worthy of this wonderful woman. This is book 2 in a series of 3 incredible sisters who must prove themselves to their misogynistic, ruthless father, and demonstrate to the world that they deserve to rule their Italian winery/hospitality empire. Executive Chef Johan ruined a relationship several years ago, and now works with Alba to open her dream restaurant. The success of this venture will secure her role as the hospitality executive in her family’s empire. Johan sees who she truly is, and their journey is so beautiful to witness.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, another amazing House of Alighieri story. We meet Alba and Johan. Her father is old- fashioned and doesn’t believe that women “aren’t designed for important work”and goes behind Alba’s back to hire the one man she was in a relationship with. Her father is something else, that is for sure. She is the one who worked hard to introduce hospitality as a part of their wine business. At first, I really didn’t care for Johan, he was arrogant and opinionated. As we learn more about both Johan and Alba and their relationship, I truly loved their journey. Would highly recommended picking up this awesome book and spend a day delving into their story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Taste of Home by Maya Alden is a must read. Johan and Alba are couple goals professionally and personally. Obviously, Johan starts off on the wrong foot because of his ego. Luckily, our heroine is a smart lady and helps him to better himself. He is easy compared to her father who wants her fired from her job. This book gives you everything you need. The writing makes you feel as if you were in Italy and the people could not be more authentic. The reader will go through sadness, anger, and then joy. I cannot wait for Toni’s book. This series is so good.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love how we got to go back to the House of Algieri. This time we meet Johan and Alba who have a history. History that had not ended well. Her father hired Johan as the head chef at the restaurant where Alba is his boss. They need to work together to make this a success. I loved this story because once Johan realized that he was in the wrong he owned. There was some OW drama but overall it was also great to see all the other characters come back. I love the 3 sisters. Cannot wait for Toni and Renzo's book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As always I’m blown away by the amount of research Maya puts into her books to make them truly authentic, I often find myself stopping to look up a location, a piece of art, a wine, a meal.
I loved Alba and Johans story, it was beautifully told and I loved seeing this side of Alba and Johan’s dad had me howling at points.
I lovely story, glad to be back with the House of Alghieri and excited for Toni and Renzo’s story.
I loved Alba and Johans story, it was beautifully told and I loved seeing this side of Alba and Johan’s dad had me howling at points.
I lovely story, glad to be back with the House of Alghieri and excited for Toni and Renzo’s story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 2 is Alba's story, and it's a good one. She is the type to kick butt and take no prisoners, but in this book she is forced to work with the man who broke her heart. Her dad hires him to be the chef at the new restaurant Alba is opening. Johan (MMC) carries a grudge - against Alba for perceived wrongs she committed and against people with money, which Alba has. He treats her like dirt under his shoes even though she is the boss. But Alba keeps her composure because she is determined to make the restaurant a success. Thankfully Johan starts to get a clue and corrects himself. I can't say he is a favorite MMC but I love Alba. And Johan shows he is worthy of Alba in the end.
I really enjoy all the detail that goes into this series. I expect Toni's story will be just as good!
I really enjoy all the detail that goes into this series. I expect Toni's story will be just as good!
October 24, 2026
I loved Alba’s story I was waiting for it and then boom her comes our sweet, confident Alba.
I wasn’t sure about Johan at first because he came out as immature and pitiful but he kind of grew on me in the end.
This one was low on the angst and the OWD but it was a good one, but now I can’t wait fro Toni and Renzo’s book.
I wasn’t sure about Johan at first because he came out as immature and pitiful but he kind of grew on me in the end.
This one was low on the angst and the OWD but it was a good one, but now I can’t wait fro Toni and Renzo’s book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am loving this series so far. I love Alba and Johan’s story. It is a second chance, enemies to lovers with OW drama. Alba is strong and resilient especially when it comes to her father undermining her and her abilities. Johan messed up and eventually realized his mistakes and was there for Alba once he got a clue. I can’t wait to read about Toni and Renzo.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my 3rd favorite location storyline for Maya Alden. Her Savannah remains number 1 with the New Orleans following closely behind at number 2. While the romance and MMC's redemption ARC left a lot to be desired it was still worth the read. Maya is an amazing writer and her books make you wish you lived there.
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October 27, 2026What to say about Aria and Johan!!! I loved them so much. These sisters are amazing in their love for each other and how they protect each other. I loved how hard Johan fell for her and fought for their relationship. Johan’s parents are another marvel. I cannot wait for Toni.
October 25, 2026
Oh my god what for a book... Absolutely amazing 😍 and I love the family bond between the men...so cute 😍 I would've liked a bit more OW drama but it's fine. Still loved it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews