I loved all of the destinations and food references! However, the story itself was just fine. The pacing seemed off and it was very descriptive about random things. Overall, not my favorite but I’m sure there will be readers that it’s a good fit for

THIS WAS TOO GOOD!! If you are a foodie, a lover of travel, or just someone that loves a story about finding yourself in the midst of grief, you need to read this! This is Emily Wells first book, but I love how she has taken her time and experience in the food and alcohol worlds to inform this story to the point I was looking to see if these were real restaurants I could go to one day!
Throughly enjoyed this and can’t wait to get my hands on a copy when it comes out! Can very much see this being a great beach read!

Cassie Brooks' goal is become a partner at the prestigious law firm she works at. When her accountant boyfriend
James dies unexpectedly, she discovers he had a secret life as an anonymous restaurant reviewer and nfluencer
When Cassie accepts an invitation meant for James, she travels to Europe along with a group of other food
reviewers to some of the most exclusive restaurants.. She initially tries her hand at impersonating James and
posting reviews under his name, but eventually creates an identity of her own as a blogger. Interesting travel
companions. Vivid descriptions of restaurants and food consumed.
#EatPostLike #AvonBooks #HarperVoyagerUS #NetGalley

Emily Arden Wells’ Eat Post Like is an engaging and thought-provoking novel that explores the intersection of social media, identity, and the pursuit of self-validation. With its witty writing, relatable characters, and sharp commentary on the online world, this novel resonates with anyone who has ever scrolled through their social media feed and questioned what it all means.

The story follows the protagonist, a young woman who is trying to navigate her career and personal life while grappling with the pressure to present a curated, perfect version of herself online. As she becomes more immersed in the world of social media influencers and the pursuit of digital success, her personal relationships and sense of self begin to fray. Wells captures the modern struggle of balancing authenticity with the desire for online validation with nuance and humor.

Wells' writing is clever and often witty, making the novel an enjoyable read while also tackling serious themes. The pacing is steady, and the plot builds nicely as the protagonist's journey unfolds. The characters, especially the protagonist, are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with her internal conflict and external struggles. There’s a strong emotional core to the story that makes the exploration of social media's effects on personal life feel grounded and real.

One of the novel’s standout features is its insightful commentary on the pressures of social media culture, but at times the narrative feels slightly predictable. Some of the themes are familiar, and the plot's direction can be anticipated if you're used to reading about the digital age's impact on personal relationships. However, Wells' ability to keep things fresh with her engaging writing style and strong character development helps mitigate this.

The ending, while satisfying, leaves some questions about the protagonist's future, which might leave some readers wanting a bit more closure. Still, the open-ended nature of the conclusion reflects the uncertainty many feel in today’s constantly changing digital landscape.

Overall, Eat Post Like is an enjoyable and reflective read that skillfully combines humor with deeper social commentary. Emily Arden Wells delivers a thoughtful exploration of social media’s impact on our lives, wrapped in a fast-paced and accessible narrative. Fans of contemporary fiction that addresses modern societal issues will find plenty to appreciate in this novel.

I was really loving this book up until the end. We get to follow Cassie on a foodie trip through Europe which is just overall a good time. The side plot with "Daniel" was completely unnecessary and really created some plot holes. The resolution after their conflict truly made no sense and there was no reason to even have this character. Additionally the book ended abruptly with no resolution and I HATE a form your own conclusion ending.

It took me a little bit to get into this book but the food descriptions had me coming back for more. Cassie is an overworked lawyer in a relationship with James, a sweet accountant who loves food. When James tragically dies in a car accident (wear your seatbelt everyone), Cassie discovers that James was living a double life, but not in the way anyone expected. Through an unexpected series of events Cassie finds herself on a romp across Europe reviewing fine dining establishments with a cast of characters that teach her all about food - and about herself.

Emily Arden Wells shines in her descriptions of food and how she takes us with Cassie on her beautiful journey back to herself. I thought this book was fun, frothy, thoughtful, and a great summer read. But it in your beach bag and enjoy it on the beach, but fair warning, it will have you reevaluating every meal you have and looking for flavor new profiles for at least a week.

I initially had trouble getting into the book because Cassie isn’t particularly likable: a workaholic lawyer in training who doesn’t give her hot accountant boyfriend enough of her time and attention. They seem to have very separate lives. When James unexpectedly passes away, Cassie discovers he’s been moonlighting as the voice behind an award-winning, anonymous restaurant critic with a huge following. Her regret leads her to follow in his footsteps and begin reviewing eateries riding on his coattails. An invitation to Europe because the sabbatical she needs from her dead-end job. While she does some participating as @NewYorkSecretDiner, she also finds her own voice as @EatPostLike.

I didn’t love the several chapters of telling instead of showing to get us to the plot, or her dishonesty, including wage theft by spending time at work on her new hobby. I don’t want to police anyone’s grief, Cassie’s reaction to a monumental loss is barely-there, and her attraction to Eaton (who says things like “you clean up well” and disses Manhattan as a slum compared to Paris) feels unjustified. I hesitate to say it’s too soon, but because the character doesn’t even think about it, I’m left with a lot of questions. I also wanted more character growth.

A meticulous planner, Cassie doesn’t read the itinerary for the upcoming trip, with necessitates a fun shopping spree, but she doesn’t correct her error by reviewing the itinerary. And caught unprepared with a night out at le Jules Verne, a restaurant atop the Eiffel Tower with two Michelin stars, she doesn’t do her research for the next assigned stop, either. When she finally decided to do her homework, we learn what she’s learning (that the chef wants to build a relationship between the place and the food with his cooking). There was a missed opportunity to create a chef, a vision, and seasonal menu items–or wonder about what might be served, since the chef plans based on the freshest market purchases that day. She doesn’t speak French and doesn’t try to learn a single phrase. Cassie, a bit of a neophyte, barely uses Instagram, so there is a steep learning curve, and her newfound friend Ben introduces meta discussion around the pressure to feed the algorithm and appease followers with content. A question from February 2025, when I read this book and wrote the review: is TikTok going to be around in June when this book comes out?

Her best friend Ruby comes across as either supportive or an enabler of bad ideas. James’s best friend, who might have been in on the secret food reviewing, might be on to Cassie’s takeover of the account,

The food writing is top notch, and Wells clearly knows trends, the restaurant reviewing scene, and good eats. In fact, the writing made me so hungry, I needed a snack, and I’m 100% sure my leftover homemade sushi, which was assembled from rice that was somehow both crunchy and mushy, didn’t hold a candle to the red sea bream described.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of #EatPostLike via #NetGalley, courtesy of #Harper.

Cassie is a driven Type A lawyer, trying to stay afloat with the insane work schedule of her current law firm in hopes of attaining partner status one day. James is her long-term boyfriend and they regularly enjoy as much time together as they can, particularly enjoying "foodie" adventures around NYC.

Cassie's carefully constructed life collapses when James dies unexpectedly in a tragic accident.

Overhwhelmed with grief, Cassie tries to come to terms with this unfathomable loss. However, when she discovers a secret life that James was leading as an acclaimed food critic on Instagram, Cassie decides in a fit of inspiration? insanity? to claim James' opportunity to travel to Europe as a restaurant critic for an acclaimed food awards circuit.

As she travels throughout Italy, France, and Spain, Cassie discovers the exquisite pleasures of world-class cuisine, the thrill of new friendships, and the chance to reclaim joy which just might lead to profound changes to her own life.

Arden Wells has a background with food and wine which is evident in the veritable love letter to fine dining that permeates the novel. Cassie, as a character was a little "wooden." I would have loved to see more character development with her and more background in her relationship with James to fully comprehend the significance of her loss.

Ending resolutions of the novel were a little too rushed and some key points were left unresolved to my disappointment. (I'm being purposefully vague to avoid spoilers).

This novel is a fun journey that I would have loved to be taken a few steps further to truly achieve the emotional resonance it was aiming towards.

Eat Post Like is a heartfelt and uplifting debut that blends self-discovery, resilience, and the universal comfort of food into a beautifully written journey.

Cassie Brooks has spent years chasing success at a top New York law firm, content with the demanding hours and the steady presence of her boyfriend, James. But when James tragically passes away, her world is shattered. In the midst of her grief, she stumbles upon his biggest secret—he was the anonymous force behind the city's hottest foodie account. What’s more, he had plans to include Cassie in his culinary adventures.

What starts as a simple attempt to honor James’s memory soon turns into an unexpected adventure. Cassie finds herself stepping out of her rigid, career-driven life and into a world of flavors, travel, and personal reinvention. From indulging in exquisite pasta in Italy to exploring Parisian cafés, she slowly rediscovers joy—but with a new secret identity and a growing following, she faces the challenge of balancing her past, present, and future.

This novel is equal parts poignant and inspiring, with mouthwatering descriptions of food and a touching exploration of love, loss, and second chances. Cassie’s journey of healing and self-discovery made for an engaging and rewarding read. If you love stories about finding purpose after heartbreak—with a side of delicious cuisine—Eat Post Like is a must-read and I cant wait to buy the book!

Cassie has just lost her long term boyfriend when she discovers he has a whole life as a food influencer. She does end up mimicking and eventually taking over the roll for herself.

Here's the thing, I adored the book. It was emotional in all of the right spots. I loved the way the food and the tour of the world was laid out. It felt like I was there getting to experience it myself.

I wish the side characters were fleshed out a little bit more. But overall, I loved the book.

Thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for the ARC.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I just finished reading Eat Post Like by Emily Arden Wells, and I’m still buzzing from the experience. The novel follows Cassie Brooks—a lawyer whose world is turned upside down after her boyfriend’s sudden death. What really grabbed me was how Cassie’s journey into her boyfriend’s secret food blogging life became a pathway to healing and self-discovery.

Wells’ writing is immersive; her vivid descriptions of New York and Paris almost make you taste the city’s flavors. Although I felt some of the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more, the emotional depth and raw honesty in Cassie’s journey more than made up for it. If you’re into stories where food meets healing and adventure, this one’s a must-read.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advanced reader copy in exchange for honest feedback.

Eat Post Like is (obviously) a take on Eat Pray Love, but severely lacks the heart it should draw from the inspiring source. The concept is cheesy without much room for redemption, and the romance is sweet albeit boring.

Thanks so much to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the eArc!

3.5 stars

I really did like this one - though a few things took me out of it. As someone who does social media for a living, I found it hard to read about the mistakes Cassie made with her account(s) throughout the book. It was a little frustrating and I wanted to shake her and say “get it together!” because so many of her problems were caused by her own carelessness. Additionally, I found it kind of hard to believe that team who hired Cassie wouldn’t have done a bit more research on who she was leading up to the trip. It seemed a little improbable to me!

Now for what was super appealing - the descriptive and vivid imagery of food, fashion, and travel. I think the writing style is approachable, fresh, and fun, and it felt like talking to a close friend or hanging out to catch up with a coworker. I felt Cassie’s frustration with her job, her pain in her loss, and her anxiety while traveling and exploring places/her new career for the first time. I rooted for her to find her way through to the other side of it all and found the ending to be a fun way to close it out.

I’d definitely read more by Emily Arden Wells! She has a voice made for the contemporary romcom or travel fiction novel. I look forward to seeing what she does next.

3.5 stars ⭐️ I personally did not love the writing style but I did like the plot! The writing style made it hard for me to get into.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

an original take on a trope that I love. Great cover, great pacing.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy!

The novel follows Cassie who has everything planned out. But tragedy strikes and she's a little lost. But when she uncovers a secret she goes on a little adventure filled with food, loss and finding oneself.
The food and travel parts of this book were brilliant. I liked Cassie as the mc because her emotional journey is not perfect but that's what makes it beautiful.


Thanks to netgalley and publisher for the arc.

*I want to start by thanking the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. Not exactly what I was expecting

Eat Post Like by Emily Arden Wells is a delightful and visually stunning book that perfectly blends the art of cooking with the creativity of food photography and social media. As a food enthusiast and aspiring food blogger, I found this book to be an invaluable resource for honing my culinary skills and enhancing my online presence. Emily's passion for food and photography shines through every page. The book is filled with mouthwatering recipes that are both accessible and inspiring. Each recipe is accompanied by beautifully styled photographs that make you want to jump into the kitchen and start cooking immediately. What sets this book apart is its focus on creating visually appealing content for social media. Emily provides practical tips and techniques for capturing the perfect shot, from lighting and composition to editing and posting. Her advice is easy to follow and incredibly helpful for anyone looking to elevate their food photography game. Overall, Eat Post Like is not just a cookbook but a comprehensive guide to making your culinary creations shine on social media. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just starting out, this book will inspire you to create, cook, and share with confidence. Highly recommended for food lovers, bloggers, and anyone with a passion for beautiful, delicious content.

Thank you Net galley for the advanced copy. I enjoyed the book but I did not love . It fell a little short for me and didn’t capture me. I felt the story had potential but just couldn’t love the characters .

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

In this book we find Cassie, a burnt-out lawyer who is trying to climb her way to the top. Tragically her boyfriend passes away, and Cassie discovers a secret social media account he’s been hiding from her. James (the boyfriend) is one of New York’s best food critics. To connect with her boyfriend and work through her grief, Cassie decides to take over the account and pretend to be a food influencer.

Coming into this book, I really wanted to love it because I felt like the premise was so fresh and not something we see all the time. There was just something about the writing style that didn’t jive with me. I like to think of myself as a bit of a foodie, but even for me all the food descriptions were a little much. I did however like that this book followed Cassie’s journey through self-discovery and grief. I wish it just pushed a little more though. It felt like the character development was always almost there, but not quite there. That being said, this was not bad for a debut novel.