In Melanie Harlow’s latest novel, Taste, a renowned chef and restaurateur must choose between the woman he loves and the life he wants. With a career that has him traveling all over the world, Leo Norden has never wanted for much–except love. He finally thinks he’s found it with Angelina DeLarosa, an up-and-coming pastry chef who shares his passion for food and cooking. But when an opportunity to open his own restaurant in Boston comes along, Leo is torn: Should he stay close to Ange or chase his dream? What begins as a temporary separation becomes something more permanent as distance takes its toll on their relationship. Now Ange is engaged to another man and Leo finds himself alone in a city full of memories…but maybe not so lonely after all. Because there’s always been one person who’s made Boston feel like home–Elise Ryan, his best friend from childhood whom he secretly loved growing up. When they reconnect years later sparks fly anew, but Elise is married now too…or is she?
For who is this book for ?
This book is for adults who are looking for a romance novel. The story follows Leo Norden as he deals with the dilemma of choosing between his passion for cooking and love. He has to choose between staying close to Ange or chasing his dream by opening his own restaurant in Boston.
Pros :
- The author has a light and humorous writing style that makes the novel enjoyable to read.
- The characters are well developed and engaging.
- The plot is compelling and unpredictable.
Cons :
- It’s been done before.
- It’s a clichĆ© story line.
- The writing is juvenile and the characters are one dimensional
Learn more about the author
Melanie Harlow is a writer and recipe developer who lives in suburban Detroit with her husband, two young children, and four spoiled cats. A graduate of Michigan State University, she worked for many years as an advertising copywriter before quitting to raise her kids full-time. She started blogging about cooking food that didn’t suck in 2009 and has been featured on Food52, Woman’s Day magazine, Babble.com (now Romper), The Huffington Post, Yahoo Shine!, Serious Eats’ Slice blog, among others.
Reader Reviews
“This book had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. I loved it!”
“A beautifully written story about the search for love and self-fulfillment. I loved Elise and Leo together, their chemistry was electric.”
“Harlow knows how to tug at the heartstrings of her readers!”
“Harlow writes with heart and humor, reeling you in from page one.”
