Call me bias. My family is Italian, I’m a pastry chef, i love reading cookbooks, and I’d love nothing more to tour the Italian country side reading food, so when I read this book’s description, I knew it was for me.

This book is so perfect however, that I have absolutely no critiques. The reversal of the MMC Leo being warm, inviting, caring and vulnerable to Olive’s slightly closed off, internalized fear and coldness masking emotions she’s not ready to face was a breath of fresh air. I really identified with Olive, her seemingly cold and brusque exterior being projected whilst she’s faced with confronting a multitude of life changing emotions just hit the feels.

I devoured this book, clamouring to find out what happened whilst simultaneously not wanting it to end. I’ve never read a Lizzie Dent before, but you can guarantee I’ll go read them all. If you’re a fan of Emily Henry, this is a perfect read for you.

And lastly, if Lizzy Dent’s next book is not the official Nicky’s cookbook, I will be absolutely devastated.

I was having a break from romance stories I swear. After one book away from the genre I received this ARC from netgallery. I really enjoyed it except for the one to many f bombs which didn't add to the story. There was one detailed sex scene that I didn't have to skip ten pages for, it wasn't over done or completely unrealistic like the ones I've struggled through recently. It didn't over take the story. The chemistry was great between the 2 MCs. The story was great and took a turn I didn't expect. Than you for the chance to review this book.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia for this advanced copy in exchange for a review!

This book was a DELIGHT! Not often do I find myself loving a romance novel, but this one takes the cake (food pun intended). I was left giggling many times and it was the perfect balance of lighthearted and meaningful that I needed after reading a bunch of books either darker themes. You could say that this book is a great ‘palate cleanser’!!

Olive Stone is a fantastic main character - funny, stubborn, a bit overly critical - and it’s such a relief to read from the perspective of a character with some personality. Leo, while I loved him, lacked a bit of personality at times but the chemistry with Olive and the wonderful depictions of food and the Italian landscape made up for that. In the beginning I understood the hatred Olive had for Leo (being the son Olive’s father never had) but I feel like that got resolved a little too quickly. Would have loved to see more bickering shine through in the first half of the book, but that’s just me being picky - I still devoured the book and loved every minute!

Most importantly, what I loved was the character development and the exploration of the book’s themes. I love the progression that Olive makes throughout the story as well as the exploration of grief, learning to forgive the mistakes your parents made and knowing you aren’t doomed to repeat them. I love that Olive still keeps her independence and that her relationship with Leo isn’t her main motivation - she still goes on her own personal journey and can make her own decisions while Leo offers support from the sidelines.

Just One Taste is like a love letter to food, to Italy, and to love itself (both romantic love and love between parents and their child). It’s a wonderful read! Four (.5) forks out of five 🍴