This was such a swoon-worthy, messy, and deeply emotional read! Letizia nailed the male POV in a way that felt raw and sincere—Aaron’s redemption arc, balancing guilt, grief, and hope, was incredibly compelling. The chemistry between him and Charlotte is electric, yet layered: forbidden, tender, and undeniably powerful.

This book had everything I look for in a romance: charming characters, crackling chemistry, and so much emotional payoff. But what made it extra special was how it brought everything full circle—I loved seeing familiar faces from previous books and watching how all the stories intertwine. It felt like catching up with old friends, and it made the entire world she’s built feel even more vibrant and alive. 🥰

Letizia packs so much heart, spice, and humor into this book but if you’ve read books 1–3, you’ll feel every moment so much deeper. It’s redemption, domestic chaos and emotional fireworks all rolled into one cherry‑topped dessert of a romance.

This was a very interesting end to the others in the series. This book was told from the POV of just Aaron and it made it very interesting. I did not know what to think about only POV from the male, but it actually worked really well.

With a Cherry on Top is written in Aaron's point of view. I am not used to reading from a male protagonists POV and it was unexpected at first. I had to take a minute and process who was telling the story. It starts by talking about his job, and then gets very spicy very quickly. But the spicy parts are when the protagonist is using a website (not my preference) and he seems to be interested in someone much younger (also not my favorite).
For me this book has too many pieces that didn't hold my interest and I DNF. I wanted to keep reading but between the online interactions, the mention of disordered eating and what seems like an abusive or uninterested mother figure. I didn't feel happy while reading. I choose not to finish the book.
Even though this book wasn't what I wanted to read, I am appreciative to the publisher and ARC team for allowing me to read and review this story.

Quick Summary: An age gap soap opera romance

My Review: With a Cherry on Top by Letizia Lorini is book #4 in the Love & Other Recipes series. It was released on 6/13/25.

About the Book: "Aaron Coleman is guilty of a betrayal he can’t take back. Now on a redemption path, he's navigating a messy divorce, single fatherhood, and a bruised reputation. The last thing he needs is a distraction; especially not one like Charlotte..."

In My Own Words: A chef falls in lust then love with a client's daughter. The daughter is a model with a tragic backstory and a penchant for naughty and nice things.

My Final Say: This was a very challenging read. There were so many variables to consider, many of which could be triggering to readers. This "romance" dealt with lies and secrets, mental and emotional abuse, cheating, parental abandonment, and the list goes on and on. It was heavy. In addition to being heavy, it was also extremely scalding, in terms of spice.

The forbidden, age gap angle was up and down. Although the male lead was older, the way he spoke, as well as some of his actions seemed immature. Likewise, the female lead came across as immature, as well. At the same time, she was sweet and caring with the lead's daughter.

The other characters played into the story in notable ways. The parental cohort stood out the most, in my opinion. They were both similar and different. It was interesting seeing how they chose to deal with their children.

There was an aspect of the relationship between the leads that made me think that there was a whole daddy issues theme at play. Healthy or unhealthy - I don't know. Also, there was a dom-sub play angle that was unsaid but evident in the language expressed by the characters.

In the end, I will say that this book was more of a gen-fic read with an embedded romance arc.

Other: Readers who like age gap romances, close proximity situationships/relationships, and stories with dysfunctional family interactions, as well as with found family dynamics may like this novel.

Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes +/-
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️
Series: Yes
Triggers: Yes

Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op), and to NetGalley for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I appreciate the opportunity.

With a Cherry on Top is the perfect ending to Letizia Lorini's Love and Other Recipes series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone but there are connected characters. Aaron and Charlotte's story is so cute, you won't want to put this book down once you start reading. Aaron is a single dad and the scenes with his daughter and Charlotte are just adorable.

4 stars ⭐️ Absolutely loved!! It was messy, spicy and everything I look for in a weekend romance read!

What to expect:
✨age gap
✨single dad
✨MMC POV
✨forbidden romance

Thank you to NetGalley and Letizia Lorini for the ARC. All opinions are my own 🫶🏼

🍒𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐙𝐈𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐈 - 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐘 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎𝐏 🍒

🎉𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖

I was hesitant to pick up the ARC due to the trigger warnings, so please check them before reading!

Letizia has this particular knack to catch me off guard and take a good look at my preconceived notions. I’ve had similar feelings while reading The Wedding Menu, but the triumph of actually loving the book was there in both cases.
There were some -for me- uncomfortable reading moments early on, but as soon as I found and saw the reason for some happenings I was on board with the story.
Aaron's life was in shambles with a divorce pending, solo-parenting his daughter and a new career path. He's been spiraling. Add the years’ worth of guilt to his tally and he's ready to blow.

Charlotte's life is planned to the T regarding how she should talk, walk and be. Finding something she can control is the saving grace - as a model she must display her body, but the autonomy over it only appears to be in her hands on a subscription site.

Two broken souls and a chance encounter on a platform where feelings aren't welcomed changed everything.

Both of the main characters were not my usual cup of tea. Aaron was a side character I didn't understand in RTSH but came to accept his flaws and thinking. Charlotte was bold, suggestive and sexual on levels I wasn't expecting and flustered Aaron to no end.
But, Aaron cared, listened and tried to bend to make everyone happy. Charlotte saw through bullshit, sought approval and did brazen things just to seek attention and love. She was wholly independent but caged in a way most people would not survive mentally or physically.

They both needed someone to trust and accept their whole selves, and even if the circumstances were rather uncommon the attraction was quick and the feelings came regardless of status, age or in relation to what's normal and what society expects.
I loved the tender moments Aaron taught Cherry, how she acted around Sadie, the unapologetic way they chose one other even in light of adverse reactions. The innuendo and banter was witty and fun.

This was a journey I'm glad I took and I can't wait for whatever the author cooks up next!

Thank you so much to Letizia Lorini and Victory Editing NetGalley for this arc! If you like age gap, single dad, forbidden romance, this one is for you! Holy cow was this spicy, it had me blushing!!! Overall it was a good book.

More like 3.5 stars for me

This book was solid. It was even more intriguing to me when I found out that it was being written in Aaron’s POV. I usually prefer dual POVs but this one works way better as just Aaron’s.

I really liked Aaron but Cherry/Charlotte for me was just okay. I knew what I was getting into with an age gap romance but she was SO immature sometimes that it was a little off-putting. So was Aaron a bit tbh, but that was a bit more forgiving. That being said, it is SPICY! Definitely not one to read where someone could look over your shoulder haha

I really enjoyed Amelie, I didn’t realize she and Ian had their own book already, so I’ll definitely give that a read. And Sadie was so sweet, so was probably my favorite part of the book.

Absolutely loved this book, I couldn't put it down!!

I usually don't like when we get only get one characters pov but I loved it for this book. Seeing the story from the male main character was awesome and I can't wait to read the rest of this author's books.

100% recommend, you will love it and won't want to stop reading!

Thank you so much to Letizia Lorini and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op doe the eARC of this book. This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This book was a perfect light hearted rom com. This book is completely written in the MMC POV, which was different and refreshing. If you like age gap, single dad, forbidden romance, this one is for you!

I’m feeling a bit torn after finishing this one, and honestly, it leaves me a little disappointed. I've been really enjoying this series of interlinked romances, but this installment fell short for me compared to the others. What kept me going, more than anything, was the chance to revisit familiar faces from previous books—those returning characters were definitely a highlight and the main reason I’m still looking forward to what’s next.
That said, I struggled to connect with the central couple this time. Despite wanting to be on their side, I found their behavior often immature, and some of their decisions left me scratching my head. I also found it difficult to fully engage emotionally because I didn’t feel their chemistry or growth as strongly as in previous pairings.
This story also ventures into more serious subject matter—issues like eating disorders, abuse within the family, and alcohol dependency. While I appreciate the attempt to explore weightier themes, I don’t think all of them were treated with the depth or sensitivity they required, which left parts of the story feeling a little unbalanced.
That being said, one element that stood out in a good way was the narrative choice. Getting the story solely through Aaron’s point of view added a refreshing layer that worked better than I expected, and gave the book a different flavor than the others in the series.
So, while this wasn’t a personal favorite, I still found moments to enjoy—and I’m hopeful the next installment will recapture the spark I loved in earlier books.

📚With A Cherry On Top📚
Arc review
Rating 4🌟
Release date: 13th June 2025
I was so happy to be accepted to read this book before it came out
I loved this book. This is part of a series, but it's a standalone. Even though Charlotte is only 23, she is mature for her age, which i liked. The chemistry and the love you could just feel it even though it was hard for them. I absolutely loved Sadie so much and was kinda upsetting at the end of the book with what happened with her dad and Charlotte

Letizia wrote a book that had an amazing plot and fantastic main characters. This book was fun to read and I enjoyed how the story developed and how it was easy to follow and I definitely fell in love the characters who had personalities that I enjoyed reading.

with a cherry on top review

thank you net galley for providing me with the chance to arc read this!

This was so so cute and made me realise i need to read more single dad books. Aaron was such a fun and messy character to read about. I’ve never read a book like this before. I couldn’t stop laughing I loved Sadie she was so cute. i think i need a sequel i loved this! I’ve never read anything from this author before but I loved how healthy Charlotte and Aaron’s relationship was for how big of an age gap they had. I ate this book up (pun not intended) i finished it in 2 days and i need more of these two!

What an absolutely adorable rom-com! With a Cherry on Top is the perfect lighthearted escape—funny, flirty, and full of heart. I couldn’t stop smiling as I followed Charlotte and Aaron’s sweet and steamy journey.

The chemistry between the two leads was off the charts. Charlotte is a refreshingly unique character—smart, confident, and unapologetically herself, including her work as a cam girl. What really stood out was how this aspect of her life was portrayed with warmth and respect, and how Aaron’s response made me love him even more. He didn’t just accept her—he genuinely admired her and supported her dreams in every way he could. That kind of emotional depth made their relationship feel not just swoon-worthy, but also genuine.

A delight from start to finish!

With a Cherry on Top (arc) - @letizia 🍒💋

4.5⭐️

This is my fourth @Letizia book and each one has been devoured in a single sitting!!

In this story, we follow Aaron and Charlotte. Aaron is in the process of navigating a new career, dealing with strained family relationships and being a single dad. Enter Charlotte… his new boss’s daughter, fourteen years younger than him and where they initially meet online where she’s working doing ..adult things 😏 And so the story and drama ensues…

I must say .. going into a book where’s it’s only Male POV, I was a bit worried 😅 but queen Letizia absolutely ate and left no crumbs with this !!! I cannot believe how much I enjoyed having this book written this way???

Charlotte - sis absolutely walked him like a dog and I couldn’t have been more obsessed!! She was so…. Unapologetically Charlotte? She was loud, she was sexy, she was passionate. I loved the depth Letizia gave us with insight into her relationship with her mother, with food and just her inner demons in general. My heart absolutely broke for her seeing the way her mother treated her and seeing her feel so comfortable and seen when she found Aaron was beautiful.

Aaron - complete opposite to Charlotte but he never ONCE dimmed her light. He was so supportive and loyal and loved her with everything he had. He carried the weight of the world on his shoulders (and everyone else’s weight) so it was so cathartic for him to find someone so perfect for him. His awkwardness coupled with his quirks made me all the more gagged when the spicy scenes came out I MEAN COME. ON 🥵

This part deserves honourable mention: when reading a book - I love to feel something and to be outraged and when I say for some damn reason, the spice scenes written by Letizia have me in a chokehold. The way this woman writes these scenes is unmatched and unparalleled to anything I’ve read! Maybe it’s the way she writes the characters and story so well, that when we get to the scenes, we’re all on the edge of our seat?? (No pun intended).

If you haven’t read Letizia’s writing, I certainly recommend it as you will have the best time humanely possible !!

Thankyou so much @letizia for an advanced copy of this book! ❤️

4.25⭐️

With a Cherry on Top is an age-gap, single dad, black cat FMC, forbidden romance with a twist—he’s a chef working for her mom, and she’s forbidden fruit 🍒 (pun intended). Told entirely from the male POV, as opposed to the classic dual or FMC only POV, this narrative choice works surprisingly well and adds a unique perspective that doesn’t detract from the story at all.

This book explores self-worth, personal growth, learning to own your mistakes and standing up for what you deserve, and the people who see your value even when you don’t. While the story remains funny, flirty and cozy, it also explores deeper themes, including family estrangement, emotional abuse, parental neglect and mental health issues, with care and nuance.

The characters are messy (affectionately), imperfect and realistic, and their growth felt authentic and earned. The MMC’s story—juggling single fatherhood, rebuilding a broken relationship with his brother, and a high-pressure new job—all while catching major feelings for someone very off-limits, was handled with heart and authenticity. The emotional journey hit hard in the best way, and the flirty banter and tension balanced it out perfectly.

I also loved seeing familiar faces from the previous books in the Love & Other Recipes series. While this one can be read as a standalone, knowing the backstories definitely adds context to some of the characters’ reactions—plus, the earlier books are fantastic and absolutely worth reading!

The first two books in the series were major standouts for me, and while this wasn’t my personal favorite of the series, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and will continue to read anything Letizia Lorini writes! Her blend of emotional stories with signature rom-com charm continues to impress!

Thank you to Letizia Lorini, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

5 ⭐️
Tropes: age gap, forbidden romance, single dad, male only POV, no third act breakup, found family, secret identity

With a Cherry On top is the fourth book in the Love & Other Recipes series and I continue to be absolutely obsessed with not only the characters, the story but also Letizia Lorini’s writing - it’s seriously addictive! Little side note this was my first male only POV and I absolutely loved it 😍

Aaron is a single dad trying his best to raise his daughter and restart with an entirely new career as a chef. Amile and Ian (from the Wedding Menu) helped Aaron hone in on his true passion which is cooking. They also gave him a family and supported him to get through some very hard things. With all the changes and his responsibilities Aaron basically put himself and love on the back burner and the last thing he needed was a gorgeous and feisty redheaded distraction like Charlotte.

Aaron and Charlotte met in a very unconventional way but they both represented exactly what the other was needing: freedom and excitement. Charlotte is a young model / cam girl and the daughter of Aaron’s first private chef client…so now sprinkle in some forbidden love in there and it was a recipe for disaster.

Charlotte had three rule: no kissing, no s€x, and no relationships. Aaron gave Charlotte everything that she was missing and chipped away at her three rules by showing up and simply being there, something that she was not used to. Yes their love was messy and complicated but it was also safety, support and understanding - and I absolutely loved them together. Letizia gave me yet another fictional man to obsess over and I loved every minute of it! Aaron and Charlotte have my heart!

I cannot recommend this book, this series AND this author enough! Yes these books can be read as standalones BUT you’d be doing yourself a disservice. Do yourself a favor and read every single book in order, you won’t regret it 🩵

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley co-op and Letizia Lorini for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have not read a male POV romance in SUCH a long time but honestly I loved this book so much
If you’re looking for an age gap spicey romance this is the book for you.
I really loved the way these characters first met and how their relationship developed through so many touching issues.
I hate Beatrice like capital H
The pet names in this book were * chefs kiss* 🤣
Charlotte is such a boss female main character and I loved her and I loved how she handled everything that was thrown at her, at times you can definitely tell that there is an age gab between these two. This truly shows if it is the right person you can make it work if you really put the effort despite being scared!!