Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Big Boys Do It Better #1

Recipe for Passion: A Dad Bod Romance

Rate this book
A man who makes food like this…
has got to be great in bed.

Sarah:
I’ve landed the job of a lifetime: to write a profile about the Heartthrob Chef himself, Byron Ainsworth. Too bad he’s a slime ball in person. No, the real hero on the set of Decadent Desserts is Ethan, Byron’s deliciously cuddly sous-chef, and I’m making it my mission to spend my time at the studio mostly with him. Let’s call it background research.

As I enjoy more of Ethan’s company and my article begins to take shape, I realize two things: I need to tell Ethan how I feel about him before it’s too late. And something feels wrong about Byron. I just don’t know what it is yet.

Ethan:
The moment Sarah walked onto the set, she didn’t just steal a piece of my heart, she took the whole thing. But she’s not here for me, she’s here to interview Byron. I might be the better chef behind closed doors, but he’s the star of the show, whereas I’m a nobody.

Still, Sarah’s presence infects me like a sickness. She leaves me obsessed and full of yearning, but I know she deserves so much better than me. Every minute spent with her sucks me deeper into delight and despair, and yet I continue to seek her out. Maybe, just maybe, I can use my talents in the kitchen to woo her? Because if I let her slip away, I know I’ll regret it forever.

Recipe for Passion is a steamy body-positive romance featuring an adorable teddy bear of a plus-sized hero and a strong-minded heroine who loves him exactly for who he is.

Kindle Edition

First published April 19, 2021

172 people are currently reading
166 people want to read

About the author

L. Moone

58 books106 followers
L. Moone writes steamy romance about big, brooding and devoted men who fall fast and love hard.

Her heroes might think they’re unworthy—but that won’t stop them from losing their hearts. Whether husky, grumpy, or cinnamon roll sweet, they’ll do anything for the women they love. And the heroines? They might act fierce and independent, but they've already melted just for him.

💖 Steamy, messy instalove

💖 Damaged, self-sacrificing heroes who put her first

💖 Dad bods, curvy girls and everything in between

💖 All the drama, all the feels, and a heartfelt and healing HEA—every time.

If you love obsessed book boyfriends, sassy heroines, and romance that makes your heart ache before putting it back together again, you’re in the right place.

📩 Grab your FREE book & start reading today at lmoone dot com

If you're an avid reader & reviewer/book blogger and are interested in any of my books, please do reach out about joining my review team. :)

(P.S. If you love a little magic with your romance, check out her Paranormal & Fantasy books as Lorelei Moone!)

NOTE: She used to publish under her old pen name Hedonist Six.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
61 (26%)
4 stars
85 (36%)
3 stars
49 (21%)
2 stars
27 (11%)
1 star
10 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
9,376 reviews140 followers
August 29, 2021
This is a short and sweet romance with strong characters in Ethan and Sarah. The author does a great job building the story and moving it quickly and smoothly with her detailed and descriptive writing. I enjoyed reading their story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Sue.
271 reviews9 followers
March 23, 2024
I love reading about curvy heroes
Profile Image for Lynn_G.
1,124 reviews27 followers
October 25, 2022
Wow this devolved into a hot mess. [Note: The second of the two stars in my review is only due to the grammatical correctness of this novella.]
The first two-thirds of the book seemed like it was going to be something enjoyable, if not a romcom (there’s really no humor in it) then at least a straight up contemporary romance. An entertainment (vlogger? reporter?) journalist is tasked with covering a workweek on the set of a rising TV chef’s show when she falls for the sous chef who is the actual talent behind the incompetent “face”. The feeling is mutual but they neither know enough about nor trust each other enough to engage in any sort of non-show-related discussions. I mean this quite literally, they don’t even exchange phone numbers until the night before her last day on set. There’s zero talk of hopes, dreams, aspirations, lifestyles, whether either belongs to a cult, just *nothing*.
Unfortunately it then switches gears and any conflict is quickly resolved, followed by a sex scene that I felt was written by a teen who knew the mechanics of but hadn’t the experience of the actual physical act of missionary.
Here is just an amuse bouche of the beginning of their encounter:
“..,The softness of her lips breaks my heart. The tickle of her breath against my face chokes me up and finally brings a tear to my eye as well.
The way she’s stretching her arms around my shoulders as far as they’ll go makes me wish I wasn’t such a great big freak, just so our bodies would be more compatible. She’s so small compared to me; how is this even going to work?
But there’s no hesitation in her touch, as if she’s oblivious to all these truths…”
FFS 🤦🏻‍♀️
The reader is then subject to several more pages of this man’s inner dialogue of self-doubt and - dare I say? - probable body dysmorphia. It’s beyond painful.
Also within this scene is bareback sex with no discussion of protection whatsoever. This complete lack of sensibility of these two blows the mind. Mother of dog, if this dude’s worried about the anatomical challenges inherent in their size disparities, (which, horses@!t, let’s be real) why would he not be concerned in the least for this “tiny” woman to possibly bear his “great big freak” progeny?!?! Just ugh.
Wish I’d skipped right past this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Love Books Addict.
316 reviews33 followers
April 26, 2021
4 Stars! Food for the soul, with a story of sweet and sexy insta-love.

Sarah - she's finally been given the golden opportunity to prove herself at work, the chance to interview hot shot TV chef Byron Ainsworth. What she didn't expect was to find an instant attraction to sous chef Ethan. She's used to dating your typical cocky playboys, so the shy and reserved gentle giant is like a breath of fresh air. How will she navigate these feelings whilst accidently uncovering the secrets behind the shiny TV façade?

Ethan - he might be the better chef, however he's banished to the prep rooms while supposed friend Byron takes all the limelight. He knows as soon as he sees the stunning Sarah arrive, that she'd be here for the star of the show, and wouldn't look twice at him. How wrong he could be. But how could allow her to get closer, without the foundations of the show he helped build crumbling down.

It was nice to read a story where the hero isn't your typical alpha sculpted manwhore, but rather a self-critical plus-sized sweetheart. It made the whole book feel so much more relatable, whilst also keeping you wanting to read more. It's a story of learning to love yourself, so that you can let in the love of others. It's pretty low drama, with dashes of steam! A nice easy read.

No cheating. No cliff-hanger. HEA guaranteed.
Profile Image for Terri Eaches.
571 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2021
I love that L. Moone took the chance and introduced us to her not so perfect couples and gave them the perfect ending after their bumpy roads!! As a writer Sarah is excited to interview the hottest new TV chef Byron Ainsworth. The problem is the person she meets is not the person portrayed in TV, in another word he's a slime ball. The true stars align when Byron's sous chef walks into the room!!! Ethan is a bit shy and low on self esteem because of his larger size but is the master mind behind the scenes where be can do what he loves, making his Decedent Desserts. Sarah is aware that something is off but not sure what it is. A she spends time on the set and with Ethan, she is taken more and more by the teddy bear of a man. When Ethan confesses the truth of the show Sarah is determined to shed light and put Ethan where be belongs... front stage. But misunderstanding the situation, Ethan feels taken in by another woman faking her feelings for him and blows her off. What happens when Ethan realizes his mistake... Is it too late to grovel?? Will Sarah give him another chances to hurt her??? Get your copy now and find out. Great characters, flaws and all, that get a chances of true happiness and love. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and happily purchased a copy for my favorites collection. Looking forward do more Big Boys Do it Better!!!
3,306 reviews70 followers
May 1, 2021
I absolutely loved every single minute of this adorable and sweet romance by L .Moone . I went into this book not really knowing what to expect , only that I really intrigued by the cover as well as the blurb I had read . I ended up falling in love with Sarah and Ethan . Before I knew what was happening, I was sucked in and they had my heart . Their was so much chemistry between these two , as soon as they met there was a strong connection like they had never felt before , they were literally being pulled towards one another. I adored everything about their relationship, but I especially loved how they didn’t let the fact that they had just met , stop them from pursuing a relationship/ even if it was at a slow pace . I also love the moments of awkwardness between them , it was so cute . You could clearly see that they were seriously falling for each other . Ethan was very swoony and Sarah was just a person who is true to her heart . I absolutely loved seeing their relationship slowly develop throughout the entirety of the story . I think I read this awesome book in a little over 3 hours straight. All I can say is I adored every single minute of their story .
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
August 24, 2021
This was a quick read Insta-love romance.

This author is new to me and I did enjoy the book. I liked the idea of the male lead not being physically perfect and more realistic. I could not relate to the female character at all, she came across as a bit of a drama queen which was a turn off.

Sarah Walker is given her first profile piece at Celeb Roundup. She has to write a positive upbeat piece on Byron Ainsworth the Heartthrob Chef from the Decadent Desserts tv show. After meeting him she finds him cold, arrogant and is repulsed by him. She scrambles to change the focus of her piece and decides to focus on the food.

Ethan is the cuddly sous-chef on the show. He is very shy when it comes to anything but his cooking. The moment Sarah and Ethan meet they feel an instant zing of attraction. After spending time together, Ethan decides to tell her the truth about the show. She uses what he told her in confidence to write her article. The article changes everyone's lives and she and Ethan get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,712 reviews42 followers
August 8, 2021
This is book one in The Big Boy's Do it Better Series and it is Sarah and Ethan's story and what a great start to a new series. Sarah has been given the opportunity of a lifetime and that is to write a piece on Byron who is a well known chef but he is not what he seems but when she meets Ethan who is Byron's sous chef her heart starts racing and sparks fly between them right from the start. Ethan is not very confident he is also why and quiet but when he meets Sarah he knows that she is the one for him but could she ever feel the same way. I absolutely loved this book and it was a real page turner that you have to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and you are not disappointed with the outcome. Sarah and Ethan are made for each other but will they realise before it is to late. L Moone is a new author to me but I definitely look forward to reading more of her books in the future as it was so well written and definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Megan.
805 reviews7 followers
September 29, 2025
A refreshing read and role reversal where this time the male protagonist, Ethan, a chef is the "larger and possibly less attractive" person who attracts the attention of a stunning reporter, Sarah, who is spending a week at his work place.

This is an instalove romance where both characters are immediately drawn to each other and Ethan confesses his deepest secrets to her. Sarah, who is incredibly attracted to the slightly insecure, shy, teddy bear giant man wants to do all she can to help him.

This was a very quick read with an endearing male character and a lovely female protagonist with a conscience. There is some swearing and some lovemaking but not in detail. It is great to read about the lady having the advantage in this relationship (as in a lot of romances, the man is portrayed as the more eligible, often richer and more attractive one in a relationship).

An enjoyable novella but the storyline is a tad predictable and the characters needed more character development so I rate this book 3.75*.
1,252 reviews12 followers
April 7, 2022
I enjoyed this romance story with all of the characters. The two main characters were Sarah and Ethan.

Sarah has land a big back as a tabloid reporter. She been assigned to write a exclusive feature about a chef extraordinaire. But when she meets the man he not what she thought he was.

Ethan is a sous chef that helps Byron on his TV show. There are secrets that both of them have. So when a journalist/ reporter is allowed on the set.

This was a fun story to read. It has secret to be found out throughout the story. It also had twist and turns that had me trying to guess what could happen next.

I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Profile Image for Mar.
2,239 reviews43 followers
April 20, 2021
4 stars

This book came out as a surprise. This was so adorable and sweet and just so good!!
Here we met Sarah and Ethan, two people that as soon as they met, they felt a connection that haven't had before.
I adored reading about them. How they went ahead with caution but somehow sure that their hearts were falling the one. I loved their chemistry and interaction, it was super cute to see them being awkward around each other.
Ethan was swoon worthy with his kind teddy bear aura, and Sarah, I like how honest and true to herself was.
Overall this
1,600 reviews13 followers
August 11, 2021
This novel makes a change in that the hero is not in perfect shape and not totally in control. Instead, he's a little insecure and a litte overweight - but then, he specializes in great desserts! Ethan and Sarah share an insta-attraction and almost insta-love that is complicated by a few misunderstandings. In the end, the truth comes out and they get their just desserts. A sweet and clean romance that will leave you feel good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,330 reviews27 followers
September 3, 2021
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a sweet love story between Sarah and Ethan. She gets the break she wanted by interviewing a celebrity chef. But when she meets his sous chef, he takes not only captures her attention but her heart also. Ethan cannot imagine winning her over but he does just by being himself. There are some secrets, surprises and misunderstandings in their story but find a way to have a future together

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat.
1,230 reviews10 followers
September 6, 2021
A delicious recipe for a lovely evening on the couch. A quickly blossoming love between Sarah and Ethan.
A nice story with a sous-chef who has a few extra pounds around his waist but who is also worth his weight in gold based on his personality. Sarah is instantly in love. And Ethan? He can't believe this beautiful woman is choosing him. His insecurities make it hard for him to believe he has a chance to make her his.
sweet story

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.8k reviews125 followers
September 12, 2021
This is the 2nd book I've read written by L. Moore; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is part of the Big Boys Do It Better Series. Sarah is a journalist sent to do a fluff piece on the TV chef Bryson Ainsworth; problem is after meeting him she can’t find anything positive to say about him but when she meets his friend Ethan sparks fly between them. Now she has to figure out how to write her story but still keep her relationship with Ethan.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
943 reviews12 followers
January 23, 2023
This sweet romance read tells the story of Sarah, a reporter who is sent to get an exclusive on a popular TV cooking show. But despite the glitz and glamour of the show, Sarah soon finds that the real story is behind the scenes in the form of sous-chef Ethan.

This is a new to me author and I really liked that the lead man in this romance is of a larger body image. I feel thats something you don't find a lot.

The story was an enjoyable read and the steam is rather light, meaning you get a very sweet and nice romantic build up between Sarah and Ethan.
Profile Image for Maura.
2,185 reviews6 followers
August 11, 2021
"Recipe for Passion: A Husky Man Romance (Big Boys Do It Better)" by L. Moone is the first story I believe I've read by this author.

I went into it blind and only after looking at the cover did I know it was a story about a "Husky Man". The way the story is written flawlessly describes each character so it the fact that he is "husky" was an undertone more than the focus.

I enjoyed this quick read. It has a bit of realism and a lot of fiction.
Profile Image for Esme Greiner.
1,921 reviews12 followers
August 31, 2021
Sarah has been assigned to write a profile about a famous chef who turns out to be a real tool. Ethan works with the chef as his sois chef and clearly is the reason for success. Sarah and Ethan have a strong attraction that grows as they spend time together. A misunderstanding seems to get in their way. Can they clear everything up to see what fate has in store for them?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,543 reviews16 followers
April 8, 2021
Ethan is definitely not Gordon Ramsey (as portrayed on TV)! Softer spoken, friendly, his demeanour is more shy and he stutters when speaking to Sarah. Her presence on the TV set could spell doom if she gets wind of what is actually going on. But can her interest in him be sincere? Will she betray the secrets he holds? Can his passion for cooking be shared by one he thinks is beyond his charms?
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,117 reviews
August 13, 2021
Good quick read. This story has an insta love feel about it. Sarah was sent to the set of a cooking show to report on the hot bachelor chef what she finds is an arrogant, demanding, fake guy but her eye's caught by Ethan the husky yet hunky sous chef. Ethan is attracted to Sarah but he doubts she sees him. Feelings come out, secrets exposed and the story unfolds.
7,160 reviews33 followers
August 22, 2021
A sweet, fun read. This is the first book in this series Big Boys Do it Better. The story flows well, the characters are likeable and fit well together. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to read the next book. This is the story of Sarah and Ethan and their journey to their happily ever after.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janet Miller.
905 reviews3 followers
October 28, 2022
This was an entertaining story of a woman who finally gets her chance to do a story about a TV show chef. When she meets Byron, things seem off to her. He doesn't come across as the person she sees on TV. Then she meets Ethan, his sous chef, and is instantly attracted to him. Things go good between them. Will she get the story she needs, or the man she wants? Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Brooke.
442 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2022
This was a completely different read than what I am used to, but I didn't totally hate it. It was cute, if not a bit cookie cutter. We didn't really get to know Sarah or Ethan so that was a bummer. I definitely prefer my book men to be a bit more alpha and confident, but Ethan was lovable in his own way. Sarah I couldn't quite get a read on but she seemed like a basic heroine.
501 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2022
Cheers for the big guys

Loved it. The author treated larger people respectfully. The situations seemed realistic. While I dislike the jumping to conclusions that could have been cleared up with communication, I can totally see it happening, as it was written. Looking forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Rhane.
502 reviews3 followers
January 10, 2023
Food is my love language too!

The author seems to really get the insecurities we have when we don’t look like people in magazines. Big guys and gals, petite people, skinny folk all can relate to Ethan and his hesitation. The instant connection Sarah and Ethan both feel is compelling. The story and characters draw you in and don’t let go until the happy ending.
23 reviews
July 7, 2024
Finally a book about how sexy tall big guys are...

What I loved about this book is it's that it feels like it's about me and my husband. It's nice to read about a hero who isn't the typical tall muscular macho guy. A guy can bed soft and sweet and still bed sexy. I love that my husband is taller than me. It makes me feel safe and that is sexy.
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,254 reviews46 followers
April 19, 2021
Enjoyable read from start to finish. I liked the characters, Sarah and Ethan, how well they click, the flow and story pulled me in.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
1,051 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2021
Enjoyable read. Well written story. Interesting reality of cooking reality show. Well developed characters and relationships among them. Good plot. Enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,211 reviews85 followers
August 26, 2021
This is such a fun contemporary romance.. I liked it.. This guy is such a cutie! I enjoyed this story.. and the body positive aspect is a plus..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.