He's an ambitious chef who takes big risks. She's a high-profile food critic with a secret identity. They've loathed each other for years. Except...not?
Chloe Morel, junior reporter by day, has a secret by night: she’s the most discerning—and notorious--food critic in New Orleans. Now one of the biggest food magazines in the business wants her, and she’s on the verge of making her food writing dreams come true. Everything would be perfect—if only her least favorite chef and seven-year nemesis wasn’t moving into the apartment across the hall.
Dylan Jones is back in town after a six-month exile for bad behavior that nearly cost him a career. He’s got a lot to prove professionally—but even more to prove to Chloe, the woman he’s been half in love with since he was nineteen. He'll use every tool at his disposal to change her mind about him, from the dopiest rescue mutt in dog pound history to dazzling dishes and delicious kisses.
But when each of them is suddenly the only thing standing in the way of the other’s dreams, is their sizzling chemistry enough risk scorching their careers to find the recipe for love?
This book refers to characters from So Not My Thing but is written as a standalone.
Each book in this series truly brings New Orleans to life. With a huge focus on the droolworthy food, you simply should not read this with an empty stomach. Yum!
Dylan and Chloe have been enemies for years, mainly due to Dylan being a longtime jerk. But after nearly losing his career, he is a changed man, saying goodbye to his arrogant behaviour and ready to make amends with Chloe. I loved seeing Dylan continue to work through internal baggage, which had a great full-circle connection to the initial conflict from book one.
As the two become neighbours, it was a really sweet transition to friendship—Roscoe the dog being the perfect delivery of forced proximity between them. And I can’t resist saying the kiss scenes were wonderfully spicy. Such great chemistry!
Once again … the food! As Dylan is secretly building his food truck reputation, Chloe is building her own reputation as an anonymous food critic. The brewing conflict within their secrecies added a really fun, delicious twist to the story!
I received an advanced reader copy from the author
A wonderful revisit to the New Orleans scene, this time focusing on food culture. Maybe I Will is a perfectly snarky, hilarious romantic comedy that had me laughing and swooning throughout. This was such a fun lighthearted read, I swear I had a permagrin on my face throughout. Perfect mix of romance, tension, humour, toe-curling/spine-tingling/swoony moments, all while remaining closed door.
This was such an awesome read! I’m not exaggerating at all when I’m saying that Chloe and Dylan’s story was fun, sweet and so well done. Chloe and Dylan have pretty epic chemistry, a love-hate relationship that started in college and hasn't let up in the seven years since they met. I loved their banter and mixed in sweetness and swoon-worthy tension, and I loved how the relationship between these two unfolded. The transition from enemies to lovers was perfect, gradual and believable. Chloe was a sassy, feisty heroine, and Dylan was so much more than I initially thought he will be. He is so sweet, ambitious, I liked his vulnerability and that he was always head over heels for Chloe.
For me, this is a must read especially if you are looking for a fun, sweet enemies to lovers story, with two well developed main characters and delightful dialogue. The combination of the battle of wits and flirting makes for a delectably swoony concoction and will leave you craving New Orleans cuisine, and with a silly, satisfied smile on your face.
I usually love Melanie Jacobson's books, and for most of this one, I was starry-eyed. Love Chloe. Love Dylan. Love the NOLA scene. Love food trucks. But the ending was off. I'm still miffed, to be honest. And so the rest of this review is just a straight-up rant.
I've been trying to find more clean romances for a while now cause sometimes I just want fluff with no spice yk? Love in New Orleans was so stinking adorable!! it's filled with delicious food, adorable nemesis turned lovers romance (the romance is honestly cavity educing sweet!) there is a 3rd act breakup but I actually LIKED IT?! gasp. I haven't even spoken about the best character Roscoe (the doggo) I probs wouldn't have liked it as much without the dog tbh lol. It's a really quick read, It is technically book 3 in a series but they all read as stand alone's!! I am going to go back and read "So Not My Thing" cause I loved the characters that the book follows! Overall if your looking for a cute quick clean romance try this series!!
2.5 stars. We've met these characters already and know this is going to be an enemy to lovers story. I felt that Chloe was put on a pedestal by everyone while Dylan got dumped on so that was out of balance for me.
I don't think I've read enough redemption stories. Maybe I should because I loved this book! Dylan's path of self realization and Chloe's acceptance that people can change made a really engaging story. The plotline about cooking, food trucks, and food critics made it interesting as well.
Thank you so much @melaniejacobson_books for letting me read your wonderful book early.
quick takes: •nemesis to lovers/best friend’s brother •a chef and a journalist •adopting a dog •forgiveness
This book was so fun! I loved the food scene we see Dylan in and it made me hungry. He was the most charming character and I loved how much growth we see from him.
I loved Chloe’s quick wit and determination. She is a journalist and since I studied this for the last four years, I was a little picky about certain things I didn’t love, but this was a personal preference.
I binged this in one night and it’s so worth reading. ★ ★ ★ ★/5 Steam: make-outs
So so good! This one started out at a slow pace and picked up nicely. These are all stand alone books but it is best to go back and read the series start to finish. Each one of these couples completes a growing friend group that adds a lot to the story if you know and love them all which I do! Normally I am not a fan of the almost human dog that gets two people together. I have a dog (I love) who would never do anything so human. I liked the dog element in this it was such a nice touch and worked out well and the dog was a dog. I know, it's a weird quirk of mine. The romance was awesome! Some good tension and kisses!
I think this book is my favorite of the series. I loved it. The food, the wit, the cutest dog and some serious sparking chemistry. It was so fun! Dylan has excellent growth and I just loved his determination. Characters from the previous books are still around and involved, giving a strong sense of community, friendship and family. I don't think you have to read the previous books to enjoy this one but you should because they are awesome too. Content: kissing
Romance, comedy, contemporary; series, but stand alone read; Chloe and Dylan's story in this New Orleans set romantic comedy series, is a fun, serious, sweet, and sassy romance. MJ always gets kudos from me for the insight her characters gain over the course of the novel, this is no different, although much of it happens for Dylan before the novel takes place. Love Dylan's determination to succeed with his food, his careful, sweet chase of Chloe, and his love for his dog! The food blog, reviews that Chloe does, is a perfect match for Dylan, the family meals, and of course the wedding! One of my favorite novels MJ has written has an aspiring journalist/reporter slant, and I have to say, I loved her revisiting that premise here. The food blog/journalist part of Chloe's career, her family, a perfect backdrop, and of course the restaurant reviews and food. Dylan's past, his present, and his future, slowly revealed over the course of the novel was another perfect character development and backstory. Loved hearing all the tidbits from Anneke's parents, from his looking back at his mistakes with women, and with Chloe in particular. Chloe opening up and seeing him for his present person, the one he really wants to be and has grown into, was so gradual, sweet, and fun, and of course let up to fantastic kissing! Loved hearing all the tidbits and morsels from Louisiana/New Orleans culture. I feel like I've been to the better parts of the city after reading this series. Loved seeing the cameo's from characters in other novels in this series, all well written if you are looking for something fun, southern, and definitely sassy and a bit sweet at the same time! My only wish was just a little more simmer, and sweetness at the end of this one. Nice epilogue though. I hope Jerome gets a story too at some point! He is one character I'd like to see more too! I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own.
Such a fun enemies to lovers story full of witty dialogue, heart-warming character growth, and a sizzling romance between Dylan and Chloe. These two have hated each other for years, mostly because Dylan is such a macho idiot that can’t leave Chloe alone without insulting her every chance he is around her. Since Chloe and Ellie, Dylan’s sister, are friends, she sees too much of him. But when he moves back to town and into the room across from her above the club, she thinks life can’t get much worse. But Dylan seems to have changed in the last six months since she’s seen him. He doesn’t insult her. He even gets a dog she finds adorable and can’t stay away from. From there, it moves from puppy love to some shocking attraction as they keep bumping into each other. But both are keeping secrets from each other. This was a super fun book. I really loved the characters in this one, especially the character arc for both Chloe and Dylan. They learn a ton and overcome past demons, figuring out what is most important and what they’re willing to sacrifice for true love.
Melanie Jacobson’s books are auto-read books for me! I know that her books are going to make me laugh. And they’re going to be full of a great romance story. This one is so great! I’ve been waiting for Chloe and Dylan’s story. And it was worth the wait!
I love that Dylan had been able to change. He had been kind of a jerk to Chloe for a really long time. There are so many great things about him. Firstly, I really want to try his food. I love that he loves to cook for everyone. And he’s really good at it. I loved that he took the initiative and got a food truck. How fun is that?! And he isn’t afraid to say he’s sorry. Definitely can’t forget Roscoe! Dylan was smart enough to get him.
Roscoe is Dylan’s dog. And he is a huge part of the story. I loved him so much! From Dylan picking him out at the shelter, to all the crazy things things that Roscoe does to get in trouble. And to him really bringing Dylan and Chloe together. Roscoe is really the best!
Chloe. I’m not exactly sure what to say about her. I completely loved her in this book. I’m not sure if it’s because I saw little snatches of myself in her critique writing, especially near the end with the things she learned. Or just why. But she is such a great character. I loved that she too needed to say she was sorry. And her love for Roscoe was contagious!
This book just made me happy! And don’t you just love the cover?!
This started really good, fast paced, lots of banter and chemistry until the 50% were the relationship was going nowhere and it got a little boring. After that it all went downhill, pretty predictable and two adults not talking things through is not my cup of tea. The plot (concept) was actually really good but the pace just did not feel right, it was way too slow.
This is my favorite of the Love In New Orleans rom-coms and it's not just because I love a good enemy to lovers storyline. This is also a close proximity story because Chloe and Dylan end up living across the hall from each other. Throw in an adorable adopted dog that Chloe helps Dylan care for and how could anyone not love this book?
Chloe and Dylan have been thorns in each other's sides for years. Basically because Dylan was a jerk to Chloe, and used that as a way to hide the fact that he liked her. Yeah, not very mature of him. Now Dylan's moved into the apartment across the hall and while Chloe's hoping not to see much of him because of their work schedules--that's not what happens thanks to Dylan's super secret project and Roscoe, the adorable dog he adopts from a local shelter.
I loved how Dylan really made an effort to not revert back to his old, comfortable yet toxic ways of dealing with things. It's hard to break long-time habits and the author didn't gloss over it and have Dylan become a new person after 6 months away. I'm jealous of how it seemed Dylan could just throw ingredients together and come up with a delicious meal for everyone to enjoy. I loved the doggie cam and all the scenes with Dylan, Chloe and Roscoe.
I laughed out loud at the dinners Chloe had with her parents and the men her mom tried to set her up with!! I loved Chloe's snarky side--she says/thinks things I could never say. I LOVED how everyone was able to use their talents to help Dylan turn things around when he thought all was lost. Hopefully he's learned his lesson about trying to do everything on his own without any help. I loved seeing characters from the previous books--it's like having old friends come to visit.
Warning: This book will definitely make you hungry with the descriptions of all the yummy food New Orleans has to offer. You've been warned. This can be read as a standalone but I think you should definitely read all of the Love in New Orleans books. I received a complimentary copy for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Absolutely loved this book! I have enjoyed this entire series and this was the perfect ending.
Dylan and Chloe's story was a mix of
Enemies to lovers Neighbors/close proximity Best friend's brother Chef/Food Critic
and it made for a fact paced, engaging story that was just about impossible to put down! I wasn't sure if I was going to like Dylan but he has gone through some major character growth between the last book and the start of this and I loved Chloe's slow realization of his transformation. The tension and chemistry between them was off the charts and though there are some sizzling kisses, I appreciated that the romance always stayed on the sweet side of things. Chloe had some struggles to work through too and dang, if I wasn't mad at her for a few chapters but in the end, she definitely redeemed herself.
After reading, I honestly want to drive around and go find some food trucks to try out. Or maybe just travel to NOLA and check out their food scene.
Connected to the other two books in the series but could definitely be read as a standalone. Highly recommend for some enterataing reading! 4.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
This was such a feel good, quick paced love story between a chef and a food critic. I really enjoy indie author Melanie Jacobson's style and book three in her Love in New Orleans series did NOT disappoint!! This worked as a standalone but also had returning characters from the first two books and is one you definitely want to pick up if you enjoy:
- closed door love stories - the enemies to friends to lovers trope - adorable dog sidekicks - mouthwatering food descriptions - reformed bad boys - great friend relationships and - sizzling chemistry
I received a complimentary advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion and can't recommend this one enough, especially for fans of Simmer down by Sarah Smith or Tacos for two by Betsy St. Amant.
4⭐️ Creo que este libro para mi salvo la trilogía, un libro centrado en una historia romántica mucho mejor desarrollada,con unos personajes que quieres más,con más recorrido de conocerse y con mucha más química.
Sus problemas psicológicos super entendibles,dándome mucho más tolerancia hacia el problema de fondo de la historia , teniendo en cuenta que se necesitaba más apoyo psicológico en los personajes.
I loved this entire New Orleans series! Dylan has been a jerk in the past, but the past six months have been humbling and transformational for him. He's always had a thing for Chloe, but was sure that with his past there was no chance for them. Ever.
Then he comes back and is Chloe's neighbor. And he gets a rescue dog that Chloe not only falls in love with, but knows that Dylan will need her help! And suddenly Chloe is back in his life, and he is able to show her how much he has changed.
I'm being a little generous with my rating just because I didn't feel as engaged in the beginning but nonetheless I really enjoyed this.
The drama in the last third was so juicy I couldn't put the book down. I really liked Dylan in this - his cheekiness oof.. Elements of the first book were tied in really nicely. Dogs in books always make it better so bonus points for that!
I have been shipping Dylan and Chloe since book 1, So Not My Thing, and this book did not disappoint!
Their chemistry and banter is so funny. I adored Dylan and how he has grown and matured through the series. He worked so hard to become a better person and to stop using sarcasm as a defense. Although, sarcastic Dylan is pretty funny.
Roscoe the rescue dog is adorable. Everyone loves a book with a cute dog, right??
I *think* this is the last in the series and it was a perfect ending.
This series will make you want to hop the next plane to New Orleans and try out all their local cuisine and jazz clubs.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
**I received a complimentary copy for my honest review.
So nice to wrap up this NOLA trilogy (“So Not My Thing “and “Here For It” were the first two books) with Dylan and Chloe’s story. This is an enemies to lovers story with the inevitable secrets that can make or break a relationship. Chloe is an anonymous food critic for a newspaper, Dylan is a chef with an over-sized ego who is Chloe’s best friend’s brother. An adorable rescue dog named Roscoe might be instrumental in getting these two stubborn people on the right track. Delicious descriptions of New Orleans cuisine left my mouth watering. I received the ARC of this book at no charge from the author, but as always, all opinions are my own.
I’ve been a fan for years, but this book really hit me with the feels. An enemies to love, but also a redemption kind of story all wrapped up with humor and the strongest desire to head to New Orleans. Chloe and Dylan both have growing pains and I am way on board the Dylan train. Like the conductor. There’s a cute dog, friends from past stories, and food. Is there anything better than good food made by a hot guy? I’m waiting….
I did get an advanced copy, but am totally leaving a positive review because it’s awesome!
I loved everything about this book. It was so, so good - the characters, plot, sassy dialogue, and the swoon worthy kisses! it gave me all the feels and some. It was also great to catch up with Ellie and Miles, and Anneke and Jonah from the previous books, though it's not necessary to have read them first. Just so you know 😉
In all of the books in this series I love how the author shows us the tools the characters use to help them change. It's like she is writing in little nuggets of a therapist or self help guru, but without seeming preachy. Plus it makes the characters more relatable as she writes their change of heart or how they become a better person having learned from their past as they work through things.