Overall a very sweet and easy read! I enjoyed the representation and how characters were written, though I didn’t feel an exceptional connection to any of them, they all did feel a bit shallow. The romance itself though, plus the premise was cute. I didn’t mind it overall but I probably won’t read again.

This book was wonderfully sweet! I loved the overall message and themes! It's been so long since I read a book about baking and this was the perfect one to pick up!

Thank you Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

First off let me just say that I -absolutely- loved this book. While I originally picked up the book because of the nonbinary representation in it, I wasn't sure I would enjoy a cooking themed story. Yet here I was enraptured from page one.

London and Dahlia's relationship was so well done, and I loved each of their sequences in the story. Usually, I worry about authors inserting transphobia and homophobia into stories for the big 'conflict' factor, but the author did so well with making sure it wasn't completely in your face. We never actually see much of the 'antagonists' phrases, we get the mention of a dead name without the dead name actually being used, and most of the conflict was hiding behinds scenes till the last few chapters when we see London actually stand up for themself.

Overall I enjoyed this so much, and am buying a physical copy a.s.a.p.

Dahlia and London came to compete on the reality cooking show Chef's Special with different goals. Dahlia is reeling from a recent divorce and trying to figure out how to get her life and finances back on track. London wants to come out on screen as nonbinary and start a nonprofit for nonbinary kids. But when they arrive, Dahlia and London quickly fall for each other and realize they're in for more than they expected.

A queer romance set around a cooking competition is EXTREMELY my shit, and I thoroughly enjoyed this charming book! It's got steam in the cooking scenes, but even more in the sexy scenes. Both of the characters were so sweet and realistically flawed, and I was rooting for them the whole time. What a fun ride!

When recently divorced Dahlia meets London, who has recently come out as non-binary on a cooking competition, the heat is turned up and not only in the kitchen. Will this turn into something beautiful or recipe for disaster?
Thank you to Netgalley, Anita Kelly and Forever for the opportunity to read and review this book. I love cooking shows and I also love romantic comedies. Put them together and of course this is the perfect match! This was a cute and entertaining story of two amazingly strong people going through some uncharted waters. I loved the main characters London and Dahlia and watching them grow both together as well a individually. I appreciate the fact that it's a rom-com yet it touched on some very deep and serious issues. Side note: there is mention of rejection from a family member, misgendering, transphobia, and also some descriptive bedroom scenes. I really enjoyed this book! In my opinion, this is a must read! I rate this ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved the way this story gives Dahlia and London time to get to know each other and gradually fall in love. It's a slow simmer, but once it hits that flashpoint, it's hot hot hot!

DNF 45%. The writing style did not make up for lack of plot. Sometimes you can get away with a very slow pace if you have some sort of factor like it's easy to visualize or the characters are compelling but this book didn't have that for me.

This is the best romance I've read in a long while. I am normally very picky about my romances, but I loved both of the characters. The setting was really cute, and I loved being able to see a protagonist with my pronouns in a romance book. I absolutely recommend this if you love cute queer romances, cooking or cooking shows and quirky protagonists.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for honest feedback.

LOVE & OTHER DISASTERS was a sheer delight! This story had hilarious moments but was still full of heart, and Dahlia and London are perfect for each other. Their love story was told so beautifully. Anita Kelly is my newest must-recommend author!

Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly - READ THIS BOOK! Another sweet rom-com, featuring a non-binary MC who meets a cute divorcée on set at a cooking show. Literally had me in tears a few times. Thank you @readforeverpub for the e-galley and audio.

OMFG this book was everything!! i reread it straight after reading it and i loved it sm. go pick this book up rn

This is a classic romcom with representation we deserve! I loved the non binary love interest and just this book as a whole. I loved that it focused around a cooking show and had that shenanigans while also just being such a joy to read. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.

Thank you so much to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this lovely book!
This romance was so refreshing to read, from the nuance in representation of gender and sexuality, to the very real feeling beginning of their sexual relationship. Reality TV competition shows, whether it be dating or cooking/baking, have become a microtrend in romance as of late, but this book did an excellent job of balancing the story of the character's and the circumstances in which they met. Removed one star, as the emotional pacing of the book felt a bit rushed at the beginning, but I am truly so so excited for the author's next book!!

One of the more delightful - and memorable - rom-coms I've read in the past year. The premise was fun, the logic and chemistry of the characters rang true, and I fell in love with both the MCs! And it almost goes without saying, but great rep as well. I myself felt "seen" by this book which is a bit rare. I'd love to check out whatever this author writes next.

Well, this was a damn delight.

I love love loved Dahlia and London. Dahlia comes across as flighty, but she’s steadfast. London comes across as gruff, but they’re loyal. Together these two have delightful banter, sweet secret moments, and good amount of dirty talk. I loved London’s sister Julie so very much. There are a good amount of characters here, but it’s definitely the Dahlia and London show.

Plot wise, it was good. The pressure of the cooking show really made their personalities shine and while I wasn’t sure how the challenges would go, it never felt repetitive. The tension is a slow build up until it explodes into some minor conflict and the resolution is perfect. The only thing better is the epilogue.

Overall, this was a fun read with characters who were easy to root for. I can’t wait to see what Anita comes up with next.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

Love & Other Disasters is a near perfect contemporary romance that takes place within a cooking show competition. The two main characters were well developed and the readers have no choice but to root for them.

Love & Other Disasters immediately became one of my favorite romances (and I read and love a lot of romance!), and I dreaded finishing it and having to put down Dahlia and London's story. This is a hilarious delight with two lovably imperfect main characters, and it lovingly and respectfully navigates transphobia (and the ways it's exploited by media for views). Plus, it's got mouthwatering food descriptions and all the drama and pacing of a cooking competition! I can't wait to read more from Anita Kelly and will recommend this to everyone.

A very sweet love story that is written around contestants on a reality cooking show.
At the start we meet Dahlia and London, two of 13 contestants chosen for a tv reality cooking show.
Dahlia is recently divorced, struggling to pay her bills and coming to grips with her true self as a bisexual. She hasn’t really shared her bisexuality with anyone, even though she comes from a very accepting family and has a trans sibling.
London is completely the opposite, a very privileged background and some of their family have accepted them as they are, especially her twin sister, Julie. At a meet & greet w other contestants London announces that they are non-binary and prefers the pronouns They/Them. Yes, there were some homophobic reactions, but mostly support from this group.
This book is a slow burn and tensions eventually boil over both sexually and dramatically both within the show and their personal lives.

Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley from whom I received a digital ARC of this novel

Anita Kelly’s writing is whip-smart and savory. A deeply felt romance that’s interested in quiet moments, big wins, and fruit during sex! Dahlia and London feel like sensitive fated misfits and old friends all at once. Queer and bold and beautiful and, yeah, just read it and thank me later. Also, maybe learn how to cook beforehand because you’ll…be…hungry!

One the best (and most unique) romcoms of 2022! I loved watching Dahlia and London's beautiful romance unfold in this foodie narrative.