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Duck à l'Orange for Breakfast
What if the person getting you through the hardest time in your life is someone you've never met?
Maxine 'Max' Mayberry, an ad executive with writing ambitions, is holed up in a friend's apartment after discovering her long-term boyfriend in bed with another woman. If that wasn't bad enough, Max has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Enter Johnny: a cheeky yet charming Tinder pen pal and the perfect distraction. Together, Max and Johnny flirt and cook their way through The Laurent Family Cookbook, a recipe book from Max's ex-boyfriend's pretentious French family, without ever meeting in person.
The 'Fork Him' project starts as a joke, but soon transforms into something more meaningful as Max undergoes brain surgery, travels to Paris for a fresh start, and decides whether she believes in herself enough to chase the life - and the man - she really wants.
Maxine 'Max' Mayberry, an ad executive with writing ambitions, is holed up in a friend's apartment after discovering her long-term boyfriend in bed with another woman. If that wasn't bad enough, Max has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Enter Johnny: a cheeky yet charming Tinder pen pal and the perfect distraction. Together, Max and Johnny flirt and cook their way through The Laurent Family Cookbook, a recipe book from Max's ex-boyfriend's pretentious French family, without ever meeting in person.
The 'Fork Him' project starts as a joke, but soon transforms into something more meaningful as Max undergoes brain surgery, travels to Paris for a fresh start, and decides whether she believes in herself enough to chase the life - and the man - she really wants.
352 pages, Trade Paperback
First published March 28, 2023
47 people are currently reading
4043 people want to read
About the author
Karina May
4 books94 followersSydney-based, Karina May, is a former magazine journalist turned digital marketer, avid romance reader and writer of lively love stories that span the
globe.
When she’s not dreaming up her next shirtless love interest, you’ll likely find her rescuing her kindle from the bath, or out guzzling espresso martinis in the
name of research (someone’s gotta do it!)
globe.
When she’s not dreaming up her next shirtless love interest, you’ll likely find her rescuing her kindle from the bath, or out guzzling espresso martinis in the
name of research (someone’s gotta do it!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
March 25, 2023
This was utterly divine. Billed as a romance, it’s also firmly foodlit and lifelit, both of which I am always a fan of. The romance aspect was woven into the story in a very Austen-like fashion, in that, it wasn’t the whole focus, nor did it come across as formulaic. The majority of this story was very much about Max, realigning her priorities in light of her brain tumour, as well as rediscovering what makes her joyful, what gives her life purpose, and which relationships she wanted to nurture and which she was more inclined to just let go of. Friendship was a big focus within this story as well.
“Life is going to throw you some curveballs, but don’t you dare let anyone dull that sparkle. You owe it to the world to share your gifts, but more than that – you owe it to yourself.”
I loved the online relationship that sprung up between Max and Johnny, cooking their way through this cookbook, meeting each night for dinner via their photographs of their completed dishes. It was fresh and unique. I find any type of fiction that revolves around food delightful, to be honest, it’s such a fantastic lynchpin for a story, particularly a romance or friendship focused one. I also enjoyed Max’s Ikea excursions; it made me wish I had one nearby!
There really wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this one. It’s heart-warming, funny, filled with all sorts of deliciousness, it even has a trip to France nestled within it that was incredibly atmospheric. The love shines through, not just romantic love, but that between friends and family, and all in all, it was an utter delight.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
“Life is going to throw you some curveballs, but don’t you dare let anyone dull that sparkle. You owe it to the world to share your gifts, but more than that – you owe it to yourself.”
I loved the online relationship that sprung up between Max and Johnny, cooking their way through this cookbook, meeting each night for dinner via their photographs of their completed dishes. It was fresh and unique. I find any type of fiction that revolves around food delightful, to be honest, it’s such a fantastic lynchpin for a story, particularly a romance or friendship focused one. I also enjoyed Max’s Ikea excursions; it made me wish I had one nearby!
There really wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this one. It’s heart-warming, funny, filled with all sorts of deliciousness, it even has a trip to France nestled within it that was incredibly atmospheric. The love shines through, not just romantic love, but that between friends and family, and all in all, it was an utter delight.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
August 6, 2023
A cook off with a stranger you’ve just met on Tinder to mend a broken heart? That’s exactly what Maxine “Max” Mayberry does. She’s just had her heart broken by her long term partner, at the same that she is diagnosed with a brain tumour and weeks away from surgery.
To distract her, Max’s friend and current flatmate sets up a Tinder account for her. Purely for a bit of mindless fun and to keep her mind off the impending op. Max matches up with Johnny. He of the salt and pepper hair and beard, with a warm sense of humour. They develop a quick and easy banter, and before you know it the Fork him project begins. Max and Johnny cook a different meal each day, from the (supposed) family cookbook of her rotten ex, sharing photos as proof of completion. The dishes are French, with Day 14 presenting the pièce de résistance, a Duck à l'Orange.
This book jumps from Sydney to Paris then Rouen then back to Sydney again. Inner city Marrickville to be precise.
Along the way Max finds out who her friends really are, that family is everything, and friends can be family. As can strangers become friends. Or lovers. Through her illness she learns so much about herself and the meaning of self worth.
The chapters in Rouen, France are particularly delightful. Summertime, the bees buzzing in the countryside, the breeze wafting the scent of lavender, chooks and ducks wandering around freely. The bed and breakfast where Max stays is run by the feisty Suzette, and older woman who’s lived a bit and wisely tells her:
”Life is going to throw some curveballs, but don’t you dare anyone dull that sparkle. You owe it to the world to share your gifts, but more than that - you owe it to yourself.”
This is such a bright and breezy book, with oodles of warmth and humour. It truly is a book hug. And the recipes!!! Yes please. What better way is there to express your love than to cook for someone. You really can taste the difference.
Is Duck à l'Orange for Breakfast actually served? Well, you’ll just have to read this to find out.
I have to admit to initially having the slightest trepidation about Max having a brain tumour. It seemed a bit of an unusual medical condition for a book that’s not a bio about someone going through such trauma. But on the other hand it’s not as unusual as you might think. And this is what I kept pondering on. We sadly lost a close family friend from exactly this three years ago, just weeks after we lost our beautiful Mum. If you read the Acknowledgments section of the book,you’ll see that Karina May went through exactly the same experiences as Max in 2019 and 2020, so this is partly based on her journey. I wish her continued wellness and much happiness always!
The final pages of the book have the delicious and cheekily named recipes that Max and Johnny were making in their cook off challenges. The Devil’s Chocolate Soufflé, The Dishonourable Beef Bourguignon, and Bad Apple Tarte Tartin are just a few of the recipes you can indulge in. All fourteen days’ worth are here, including some with very naughty titles that I cannot repeat here.
I enjoyed the characters, and the settings, including using IKEA as the backdrop of the place to think things through when life throws you a curve ball or two.
What’s not to love about a book about love! With a bit of France and lots of recipes added to the mix. You can’t ask for a better blend of ingredients.
Gorgeous! Utterly delightful!
🦆🦆🦆 All the ducks 🦆🦆🦆
To distract her, Max’s friend and current flatmate sets up a Tinder account for her. Purely for a bit of mindless fun and to keep her mind off the impending op. Max matches up with Johnny. He of the salt and pepper hair and beard, with a warm sense of humour. They develop a quick and easy banter, and before you know it the Fork him project begins. Max and Johnny cook a different meal each day, from the (supposed) family cookbook of her rotten ex, sharing photos as proof of completion. The dishes are French, with Day 14 presenting the pièce de résistance, a Duck à l'Orange.
This book jumps from Sydney to Paris then Rouen then back to Sydney again. Inner city Marrickville to be precise.
Along the way Max finds out who her friends really are, that family is everything, and friends can be family. As can strangers become friends. Or lovers. Through her illness she learns so much about herself and the meaning of self worth.
The chapters in Rouen, France are particularly delightful. Summertime, the bees buzzing in the countryside, the breeze wafting the scent of lavender, chooks and ducks wandering around freely. The bed and breakfast where Max stays is run by the feisty Suzette, and older woman who’s lived a bit and wisely tells her:
”Life is going to throw some curveballs, but don’t you dare anyone dull that sparkle. You owe it to the world to share your gifts, but more than that - you owe it to yourself.”
This is such a bright and breezy book, with oodles of warmth and humour. It truly is a book hug. And the recipes!!! Yes please. What better way is there to express your love than to cook for someone. You really can taste the difference.
Is Duck à l'Orange for Breakfast actually served? Well, you’ll just have to read this to find out.
I have to admit to initially having the slightest trepidation about Max having a brain tumour. It seemed a bit of an unusual medical condition for a book that’s not a bio about someone going through such trauma. But on the other hand it’s not as unusual as you might think. And this is what I kept pondering on. We sadly lost a close family friend from exactly this three years ago, just weeks after we lost our beautiful Mum. If you read the Acknowledgments section of the book,you’ll see that Karina May went through exactly the same experiences as Max in 2019 and 2020, so this is partly based on her journey. I wish her continued wellness and much happiness always!
The final pages of the book have the delicious and cheekily named recipes that Max and Johnny were making in their cook off challenges. The Devil’s Chocolate Soufflé, The Dishonourable Beef Bourguignon, and Bad Apple Tarte Tartin are just a few of the recipes you can indulge in. All fourteen days’ worth are here, including some with very naughty titles that I cannot repeat here.
I enjoyed the characters, and the settings, including using IKEA as the backdrop of the place to think things through when life throws you a curve ball or two.
What’s not to love about a book about love! With a bit of France and lots of recipes added to the mix. You can’t ask for a better blend of ingredients.
Gorgeous! Utterly delightful!
🦆🦆🦆 All the ducks 🦆🦆🦆
November 10, 2023
The overall premise and concept of this book sounded fun, it seemed both creative and refreshing. I also really enjoyed seeing a book cover that was classy and not cartoony for a new rom com.
However, the writing for this was very juvenile, it seemed like the writing of a teenager. I really had to power through it, especially at the end. Everything was way too convenient and unconvincing, like Johnny as a concept and everything surrounding him was unearned and unbelievable. So I really can’t give this book a higher score.
However, the writing for this was very juvenile, it seemed like the writing of a teenager. I really had to power through it, especially at the end. Everything was way too convenient and unconvincing, like Johnny as a concept and everything surrounding him was unearned and unbelievable. So I really can’t give this book a higher score.
September 27, 2023
the author added all the recipes the characters make in the book in the back and they were all annotated in character .... LOVE details like that
overall this book was solid - liked the main character and her personal growth journey more then the romance though
overall this book was solid - liked the main character and her personal growth journey more then the romance though
April 3, 2023
This debut is guaranteed to make you:
🥚hungry
🇫🇷 daydream about travel
💪 cheer for triumph after heartbreak
👊 celebrate strong women overcoming adversity
❤️ believe in happily ever after
Oh, this book! You’re going to love it!
Karina May packs a hell of a lot into this story. A cheating ex, a brain tumour, a tinder pen pal, a cooking project, IKEA trips, travel, food, writing, self discovery and ultimately, love.
There is so much love in this book! It oozes out of a good chocolate lava cake. It tumbles out of cupboards at IKEA. It’s folded into the pages of a family cookbook. And it shines on you as look upon a gorgeous French garden while eating the best omelette of your life!
Karina May has put her whole heart into this book & boy, she took me on the journey. I was in the hospital corridors and I was picking up eggs from darling Suzette’s chickens.
DUCK completely immersed me in Max’s story. I love a little rallying cry and fightback after heartbreak and the Fork Him project that Max & her Tinder pal, Johnny embark on was a truly delicious idea. And Johnny! The most endearing love interest!
Love, love, love! Highly recommend this brilliant new Aussie rom-com. A genuinely heartwarming read that’s left me longing for more from Karina May.
And did I mention there’s recipes (complete with commentary from the characters) included?!? Brilliant.
I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher.
🥚hungry
🇫🇷 daydream about travel
💪 cheer for triumph after heartbreak
👊 celebrate strong women overcoming adversity
❤️ believe in happily ever after
Oh, this book! You’re going to love it!
Karina May packs a hell of a lot into this story. A cheating ex, a brain tumour, a tinder pen pal, a cooking project, IKEA trips, travel, food, writing, self discovery and ultimately, love.
There is so much love in this book! It oozes out of a good chocolate lava cake. It tumbles out of cupboards at IKEA. It’s folded into the pages of a family cookbook. And it shines on you as look upon a gorgeous French garden while eating the best omelette of your life!
Karina May has put her whole heart into this book & boy, she took me on the journey. I was in the hospital corridors and I was picking up eggs from darling Suzette’s chickens.
DUCK completely immersed me in Max’s story. I love a little rallying cry and fightback after heartbreak and the Fork Him project that Max & her Tinder pal, Johnny embark on was a truly delicious idea. And Johnny! The most endearing love interest!
Love, love, love! Highly recommend this brilliant new Aussie rom-com. A genuinely heartwarming read that’s left me longing for more from Karina May.
And did I mention there’s recipes (complete with commentary from the characters) included?!? Brilliant.
I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher.
September 11, 2023
I read this for a book club, and honestly that was the only reason I finished it. All the ingredients were there for a good novel and piqued my interest, but the execution just didn't work. I found Max to be immature, myopic and pretty unlikeable. The 'reveals' were so transparent from the first set up. You're telling me Max didn't realise a friend was hooking up with a woman until she was explicitly told? What year is this, 1980?
The journey with Scott made no sense to me. There was not one likeable quality written about him, so when Max even entertains the possibility of getting back together it made me want to throw my kindle out the window. It made no damn sense but was obviously there to push the struggling plot along. Really lazy writing.
I highlighted many quotes that only made me want to throw myself out the window, after my Kindle. Just vapid, grating nonsense.
The only saving grace for me were the Rouen chapters. Enough escapism to get into and Suzette was the most endearing character in the book.
This book was just too milquetoast for me!
The journey with Scott made no sense to me. There was not one likeable quality written about him, so when Max even entertains the possibility of getting back together it made me want to throw my kindle out the window. It made no damn sense but was obviously there to push the struggling plot along. Really lazy writing.
I highlighted many quotes that only made me want to throw myself out the window, after my Kindle. Just vapid, grating nonsense.
The only saving grace for me were the Rouen chapters. Enough escapism to get into and Suzette was the most endearing character in the book.
This book was just too milquetoast for me!
March 27, 2023
Thank you Karina and Pan Macmillan for sending us a copy to read and review.
Cooked at the right temperature, this tasty and delectable romance contemporary read has all the right ingredients for a hit bestseller.
A story that’s beautifully written and stunningly told, it will surely capture your heart and soul.
Life is throwing curveballs at Max Mayberry.
She has just found out her boyfriend is cheating and recently diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Now living with her best friend, Max attempts to enter the world of online dating.
Introducing Johnny, they decide to become internet pen pals, have a little flirt and cook their way through a family cookbook without meeting in person.
Then Max goes under the knife for brain surgery, takes an unexpected trip to Paris and takes a journey of self discovery and life decisions.
Will Max believe in herself enough to take the leap of what she really wants?
A natural, compassionate, sensitive and bubbly read with a ton of interesting characters, numerous alluring locations and a premise that’s enticing, delightful and appetising all wrapped up in a striking cover.
This latest release delivers on all counts, plenty of heart, smiles, laughter, melancholy, sorrow, romance and candour, setting off all the emotional senses.
With insightful glimpses into french cookery, medical issues and IKEA adventures.
There’s so much to admire and cherish here, you won’t want to leave it for a minute.
To even wet your appetite more there’s a selection of recipes (used in the story) in the back of the book that will give you inspiration to cook.
A book that deserves every one of it’s five stars.
Cooked at the right temperature, this tasty and delectable romance contemporary read has all the right ingredients for a hit bestseller.
A story that’s beautifully written and stunningly told, it will surely capture your heart and soul.
Life is throwing curveballs at Max Mayberry.
She has just found out her boyfriend is cheating and recently diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Now living with her best friend, Max attempts to enter the world of online dating.
Introducing Johnny, they decide to become internet pen pals, have a little flirt and cook their way through a family cookbook without meeting in person.
Then Max goes under the knife for brain surgery, takes an unexpected trip to Paris and takes a journey of self discovery and life decisions.
Will Max believe in herself enough to take the leap of what she really wants?
A natural, compassionate, sensitive and bubbly read with a ton of interesting characters, numerous alluring locations and a premise that’s enticing, delightful and appetising all wrapped up in a striking cover.
This latest release delivers on all counts, plenty of heart, smiles, laughter, melancholy, sorrow, romance and candour, setting off all the emotional senses.
With insightful glimpses into french cookery, medical issues and IKEA adventures.
There’s so much to admire and cherish here, you won’t want to leave it for a minute.
To even wet your appetite more there’s a selection of recipes (used in the story) in the back of the book that will give you inspiration to cook.
A book that deserves every one of it’s five stars.
July 9, 2023
This debut has given me all the Nora Ephron feels..a home that is a nest, a gorgeous armchair travel to France, a honey of a main character in Max all combined with negative gearing, a mother ducker and a brain tumour. It should feel busy but instead it does feel like the best Devil’s Chocolate Soufflé…I absolutely loved it!!!!! Completely ‘everything I want in a romance novel’ Rachael Johns said when she endorsed the novel and this absolutely nails it! A romcom done SO well!!!
November 16, 2023
The title and the cover suggested a sophisticated romance story but I ended up with a not so great romantic comedy.
The premise hinted a fun, deranged version of Julie and Julia and I really hoped that the whole book was based on that. Too bad, Karina May lost her focus and took us to so many different directions, I didn't see the point.
3.5 stars, there will be readers for this book but it wasn't for me.
The premise hinted a fun, deranged version of Julie and Julia and I really hoped that the whole book was based on that. Too bad, Karina May lost her focus and took us to so many different directions, I didn't see the point.
3.5 stars, there will be readers for this book but it wasn't for me.
April 27, 2023
Maxine, 'Max', is an ad agency exec with writing ambitions and a solid relationship. But her life starts to fall apart, when she finds her boyfriend in bed with another woman and she is diagnosed with a brain tumour. Her best friend decides she needs some fun and a distraction, cue Johnny, a tinder match, who Max spends time with as an online pen pal and french cooking companion only. As the story goes on, we see them form a friendship but the path isn't straightforward.
This was such a fun and entertaining novel but there were plenty of serious moments and heartwarming scenes too. The characters really drew me in and of course I loved Max's trip to Paris and seeing her pursue her passion. The cooking, the relationships, the food, IKEA, all of the special moments rolled in together made for such a splendid story. What a fabulous debut🦆
This was such a fun and entertaining novel but there were plenty of serious moments and heartwarming scenes too. The characters really drew me in and of course I loved Max's trip to Paris and seeing her pursue her passion. The cooking, the relationships, the food, IKEA, all of the special moments rolled in together made for such a splendid story. What a fabulous debut🦆
August 7, 2023
I loved everything about this book!
What started as a joke between Max and Johnny blossoms into something more and it's a fun and emotional journey to get there.
Max is a great FMC and the things she has to overcome make a great book.
I love the cooking element as I'm a bit of a foodie myself.
There were little twists and connections that were surprising and fun.
Such an enjoyable read, I highly recommend!
What started as a joke between Max and Johnny blossoms into something more and it's a fun and emotional journey to get there.
Max is a great FMC and the things she has to overcome make a great book.
I love the cooking element as I'm a bit of a foodie myself.
There were little twists and connections that were surprising and fun.
Such an enjoyable read, I highly recommend!
April 22, 2023
3.5 stars. An enjoyable and easy read! A little saccharine in parts, but definitely worthwhile especially if you’re a foodie or love reading books set in Sydney (I am both)!
November 20, 2025
Yeahhhhhh this is the good stuff. Book taste connoisseur Farhana has excelled in her art form/science/investigations.
Am I a foodie? Not really! Do I love unhinged characters and chaotic romantic subplots, with a bit of 'finding yourself' mixed in? YESS! And that's what I got swept up in during my l'orange experience.
For me, this book started slowly, but gained momentum as the story progressed (and upgraded to a significantly better love interest). It was so engaging, built suspense beautifully, and really felt like a movie in my head.
I may never eat duck a'lorange (unless I find a fake meat version), but this experience of the dish in question was more than enough for me. <3
Am I a foodie? Not really! Do I love unhinged characters and chaotic romantic subplots, with a bit of 'finding yourself' mixed in? YESS! And that's what I got swept up in during my l'orange experience.
For me, this book started slowly, but gained momentum as the story progressed (and upgraded to a significantly better love interest). It was so engaging, built suspense beautifully, and really felt like a movie in my head.
I may never eat duck a'lorange (unless I find a fake meat version), but this experience of the dish in question was more than enough for me. <3
August 23, 2023
I thought this might be a bit ~literary for me. Probably because of the title and cover 😅 But then @pagespawsandpetals liked it and I got contemporary fiction vibes so I bought it and it broke my Fourth Wing slump, hooray!
Max is getting over her breakup and dealing with the nerves surrounding her impending brain surgery by cooking her way through her ex’s family cookbook with her tinder match, Johnny.
I just really liked it. It was down to earth and a nice comfort read. If you like cooking it might be one to buy as well because all the recipes are at the back! (Not that I think I’ll have the motivation to make any 😅) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Max is getting over her breakup and dealing with the nerves surrounding her impending brain surgery by cooking her way through her ex’s family cookbook with her tinder match, Johnny.
I just really liked it. It was down to earth and a nice comfort read. If you like cooking it might be one to buy as well because all the recipes are at the back! (Not that I think I’ll have the motivation to make any 😅) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
October 24, 2025
This review is dedicated to bestie Lauren, who would definitely have an awkward encounter with Maxine at a social event if she existed irl.
I went on an emotional journey with this book and I acknowledge that this is rated 5 stars mostly because it's exactly what I needed to read in this moment in time.
This is such a for the girls novel, I was grinning my face off for the last third of the book. A joyful Julie and Julia experience. Although I was pissed off at Maxine for not having a backbone, she recovered herself (thank god). However, if it was me in her place, I would've sent a few people to hospital for sure.
In it's essence this book is about a topic I deeply love; someone learning to cook and through that journey also learning about themselves.
I will definitely pick up a copy of this to add to my shelf if I ever find it irl.
I went on an emotional journey with this book and I acknowledge that this is rated 5 stars mostly because it's exactly what I needed to read in this moment in time.
This is such a for the girls novel, I was grinning my face off for the last third of the book. A joyful Julie and Julia experience. Although I was pissed off at Maxine for not having a backbone, she recovered herself (thank god). However, if it was me in her place, I would've sent a few people to hospital for sure.
In it's essence this book is about a topic I deeply love; someone learning to cook and through that journey also learning about themselves.
I will definitely pick up a copy of this to add to my shelf if I ever find it irl.
January 14, 2024
An absolute delight of a read - with such a fun, romantic premise that feels so fresh to the genre.
So close to being a 5 stars, but I felt the middle dragged a little bit.
Thoroughly recommend the audiobook for a cute Aussie voice actress - feels like being in Sydney. Also feeling a strong urge to visit IKEA now.
So close to being a 5 stars, but I felt the middle dragged a little bit.
Thoroughly recommend the audiobook for a cute Aussie voice actress - feels like being in Sydney. Also feeling a strong urge to visit IKEA now.
September 5, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
it’s fun, flirty and french 💋
it’s fun, flirty and french 💋
July 15, 2024
Ughhh I really wanted to like this, but the dialogue was way too corny and almost read like fanfiction (no hate to fanfiction, just not what I signed up for).
June 2, 2025
Heartwarming, relatable and hopeful!
April 19, 2023
If there’s two things I love it’s cooking and romance
November 29, 2025
This took me by surprise. I just loved it. Yum food, a stupid cheating man, a really sweet man, a bit of a medical emergency, mirrors my life in the overarching themes I’d say lol
July 6, 2023
I thought this was an enjoyable read that dealt well with some heavy topics.
Max is not having a good time when the book begins. Violent headaches have led to the discovery that she has a brain tumour, one that is ‘probably’ benign but needs to come out anyway, in surgery that is dangerous, as any surgery is. Probably even more so because poking around in someone’s brain provides a myriad of ways that things can go wrong. To top it off, she recently discovered that her longtime boyfriend was cheating on her and now she’s living with her best friend while she gets back on her feet. He doesn’t even know about her diagnosis. He’s made it clear he made a mistake and wants her back and Max doesn’t want to give him any ammunition.
Before her surgery, her housemate encourages her to muck around on Tinder a bit, have some fun. Not even necessarily meet up with anyone, but just realise that there’s still life out there. Max meets Johnny and finds herself confiding in him but in a no names, no real details kind of way. When Johnny hears about Max breaking up with her boyfriend after she finally received her own copy of the lauded family cookbook, it’s suggested that they cook their way through the recipes together. Max and Johnny connect in a meaningful way online but both of them seem to want quite different things and Max has the surgery looming over her head.
Max makes a few quite baffling decisions in this book and I guess one of them turns out okay in the end, but I have to admit, I didn’t really understand her reasoning for going to France. It felt like it was reaching a bit, in order to drive the story in a certain way and I do appreciate the fact that finally, finally in France Max had the courage to voice her thoughts and make a firm decision on something, but it just felt like she put up with a lot and these people were all mostly, kind of insufferable and how had she not noticed that for the past five years or however long it had been.
However I did love all the references to food in this book. Not just the dishes that Johnny and Max cook together but separately, but also all the descriptions of food in France. All the descriptions in France are fantastic to be honest. I have never been to France but the book really seems to capture the whole vibe that Paris and other parts of France are famous for and the Air BnB that Max books later in her trip sounds absolutely delightful. This book also includes the recipes for the dishes that Johnny and Max cook at the end of the story which was a lot of fun. I’m not much of a cook but I imagine for a lot of people it would be quite fun to cook their way through them and enjoy the food journey!
To be honest, I’m not sure the romance in this really worked for me personally. Perhaps those who prefer a little less focus on that area will appreciate this more but some of the conflict felt really unnecessary and out of place and it was almost to the point where I was tired of it before it resolved and moved forward to an actual romance. But I did like Max’s personal journey and the stuff about her operation and the procedures and her feelings, all felt very well done. I haven’t had a surgery like that but I’ve been a bystander for someone who has had multiple surgeries of a similar nature (just not on the brain) and the descriptions of MRI, specialist appointments, pre-op stuff and the post-op as well, brought back a lot of that for me.
A quick, enjoyable read that took me on a foodie adventure and I’ll be looking for May’s next book for sure.
Max is not having a good time when the book begins. Violent headaches have led to the discovery that she has a brain tumour, one that is ‘probably’ benign but needs to come out anyway, in surgery that is dangerous, as any surgery is. Probably even more so because poking around in someone’s brain provides a myriad of ways that things can go wrong. To top it off, she recently discovered that her longtime boyfriend was cheating on her and now she’s living with her best friend while she gets back on her feet. He doesn’t even know about her diagnosis. He’s made it clear he made a mistake and wants her back and Max doesn’t want to give him any ammunition.
Before her surgery, her housemate encourages her to muck around on Tinder a bit, have some fun. Not even necessarily meet up with anyone, but just realise that there’s still life out there. Max meets Johnny and finds herself confiding in him but in a no names, no real details kind of way. When Johnny hears about Max breaking up with her boyfriend after she finally received her own copy of the lauded family cookbook, it’s suggested that they cook their way through the recipes together. Max and Johnny connect in a meaningful way online but both of them seem to want quite different things and Max has the surgery looming over her head.
Max makes a few quite baffling decisions in this book and I guess one of them turns out okay in the end, but I have to admit, I didn’t really understand her reasoning for going to France. It felt like it was reaching a bit, in order to drive the story in a certain way and I do appreciate the fact that finally, finally in France Max had the courage to voice her thoughts and make a firm decision on something, but it just felt like she put up with a lot and these people were all mostly, kind of insufferable and how had she not noticed that for the past five years or however long it had been.
However I did love all the references to food in this book. Not just the dishes that Johnny and Max cook together but separately, but also all the descriptions of food in France. All the descriptions in France are fantastic to be honest. I have never been to France but the book really seems to capture the whole vibe that Paris and other parts of France are famous for and the Air BnB that Max books later in her trip sounds absolutely delightful. This book also includes the recipes for the dishes that Johnny and Max cook at the end of the story which was a lot of fun. I’m not much of a cook but I imagine for a lot of people it would be quite fun to cook their way through them and enjoy the food journey!
To be honest, I’m not sure the romance in this really worked for me personally. Perhaps those who prefer a little less focus on that area will appreciate this more but some of the conflict felt really unnecessary and out of place and it was almost to the point where I was tired of it before it resolved and moved forward to an actual romance. But I did like Max’s personal journey and the stuff about her operation and the procedures and her feelings, all felt very well done. I haven’t had a surgery like that but I’ve been a bystander for someone who has had multiple surgeries of a similar nature (just not on the brain) and the descriptions of MRI, specialist appointments, pre-op stuff and the post-op as well, brought back a lot of that for me.
A quick, enjoyable read that took me on a foodie adventure and I’ll be looking for May’s next book for sure.
March 17, 2023
I'm so happy to have had the chance to ARC read Karina's new novel! I've been following her on Instagram for a while and been itching for a chance to dive into her work, so I'm very grateful to her and Macmillan for sending me an ARC.
This book is so lovely and fun, and I found that by the end, I didn't want it to be over. It's been so nice to dive into it every evening for a little while and live in Max's life.
'Duck' sits more in the contemporary space to me, than romance. Although romance is certainly an important subplot, it felt more about Max and her life - finding herself after a breakup, her relationships with her friends/family/job, her brain surgery, a trip to Paris, and finding the confidence to write her novel. We only really see proper romance at the end, when she finally meets up with Johnny, her internet fling. I also thought that the book wasn't set in France as much as advertised, which isn't a critisicm of the book but of the marketing. I really liked the book regardless, but some readers who are expecting lots of travel and romance may be a bit disappointed.
I'm not sure whether this was intentional, but when Max got to Paris, it felt almost like the film going from black and white to colour in The Wizard of Oz. For the first half-ish of the book I felt a bit ungrounded, because we're so deep in Max's head and her inner monologue, and don't get a lot of description. Then she gets to France, and suddenly everything is described in such a lovely way that draws you in. Again, this could have been intentional, to show her shift in perspective, but I would have liked more description of Sydney as well to really enjoy both settings.
Maybe I missed something, but I also felt that some conflicts with other characters weren't entirely resolved, but just seemed to be brushed over. For example, Max's best friend and Max's mum, who she had some arguments with that seemed quite bad but then almost disappeared. I think I needed to see Max truly resolve things with people to show her character development.
Otherwise, the characters and character dynamics were really strong. Max is funny and headstrong but also hiding a real vulnerability, which is why it's so easy for her ex to manipulate his way back into her life. Watching her regain her strength and learn confidence in herself was beautiful. There was a lot of depth to this book; it felt unique and authentic.
There were some typos and awkward sentences, but I'm sure those will be ironed out before the publication date.
I can see a lot of people loving this book. I was even picturing it as a mini-series on TV towards the end! I'm really excited to see how far this book goes, and excited for lots of you to get your hands on it when it releases soon <3
This book is so lovely and fun, and I found that by the end, I didn't want it to be over. It's been so nice to dive into it every evening for a little while and live in Max's life.
'Duck' sits more in the contemporary space to me, than romance. Although romance is certainly an important subplot, it felt more about Max and her life - finding herself after a breakup, her relationships with her friends/family/job, her brain surgery, a trip to Paris, and finding the confidence to write her novel. We only really see proper romance at the end, when she finally meets up with Johnny, her internet fling. I also thought that the book wasn't set in France as much as advertised, which isn't a critisicm of the book but of the marketing. I really liked the book regardless, but some readers who are expecting lots of travel and romance may be a bit disappointed.
I'm not sure whether this was intentional, but when Max got to Paris, it felt almost like the film going from black and white to colour in The Wizard of Oz. For the first half-ish of the book I felt a bit ungrounded, because we're so deep in Max's head and her inner monologue, and don't get a lot of description. Then she gets to France, and suddenly everything is described in such a lovely way that draws you in. Again, this could have been intentional, to show her shift in perspective, but I would have liked more description of Sydney as well to really enjoy both settings.
Maybe I missed something, but I also felt that some conflicts with other characters weren't entirely resolved, but just seemed to be brushed over. For example, Max's best friend and Max's mum, who she had some arguments with that seemed quite bad but then almost disappeared. I think I needed to see Max truly resolve things with people to show her character development.
Otherwise, the characters and character dynamics were really strong. Max is funny and headstrong but also hiding a real vulnerability, which is why it's so easy for her ex to manipulate his way back into her life. Watching her regain her strength and learn confidence in herself was beautiful. There was a lot of depth to this book; it felt unique and authentic.
There were some typos and awkward sentences, but I'm sure those will be ironed out before the publication date.
I can see a lot of people loving this book. I was even picturing it as a mini-series on TV towards the end! I'm really excited to see how far this book goes, and excited for lots of you to get your hands on it when it releases soon <3
November 17, 2023
The perfect Aussie rom-com.
Was it predictable? Yes. Was it still deeply satisfying and fun? Absolutely.
From the Sydney office vibes, the perfect villainous ex you want to punch in the face, to the France immersion and food references - this was just such a fun read.
I loved that the main characters owned her mistakes, that her thought process sounded very realistic, that she grew throughout the novel and the book focused on her life and relationships and not only her romantic troubles.
Diana Reid meets Sally Rooney - in the best way.
Was it predictable? Yes. Was it still deeply satisfying and fun? Absolutely.
From the Sydney office vibes, the perfect villainous ex you want to punch in the face, to the France immersion and food references - this was just such a fun read.
I loved that the main characters owned her mistakes, that her thought process sounded very realistic, that she grew throughout the novel and the book focused on her life and relationships and not only her romantic troubles.
Diana Reid meets Sally Rooney - in the best way.
October 7, 2023
2.5 rounded up because a plain 2 star seemed too harsh. I really had to push myself to finish this.
I found it too unrealistic - people going on Tinder just to chat, coincidentally running in to each other in a city as big as Sydney and there was not nearly enough conversation and connection to warrant entering a relationship after physically seeing each other twice.
Despite the author going on about how good the banter is, I just couldn’t see it.
I was super excited for this book and it just fell short for me. Mhairi McFarlane is my gold standard and I can’t help but measure all rom com/chick lit books against hers.
I found it too unrealistic - people going on Tinder just to chat, coincidentally running in to each other in a city as big as Sydney and there was not nearly enough conversation and connection to warrant entering a relationship after physically seeing each other twice.
Despite the author going on about how good the banter is, I just couldn’t see it.
I was super excited for this book and it just fell short for me. Mhairi McFarlane is my gold standard and I can’t help but measure all rom com/chick lit books against hers.
August 1, 2024
Simply wonderful, I can’t fault it!
July 1, 2023
Très adorable! Minus one point for sometimes exposing me to cringe dialogue but made up for it with lots of nice food and parisian imagery
August 7, 2023
this is cute. BUT I hope no ducks were harmed in the making of this book 😩
October 5, 2023
This was a glorious romance novel read. I picked this up to read as I am recovering from my own brain surgery. I loved the character of Johnny and Scott was a total arse. French and with a terrific chocolate souffle recipe as well, this was a sweet novel 🦆💋
February 1, 2024
A good sappy chick flick vibes read about self discovery and relationships but I just thought it was kinda eh
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