**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**
Title Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish
Author Bethany Turner
Description from Amazon
Celebrity chef Maxwell Cavanagh is known for many things: his multiple Michelin stars, his top-rated Culinary Channel show To the Max, and most of all his horrible temper. Hadley Beckett, host of the Culinary Channel’s other top-rated show, At Home with Hadley, is beloved for her Southern charm and for making her viewers feel like family.
When Max experiences a very public temper tantrum, he’s sent packing to get his life in order. When he returns, career in shambles, his only chance to get back on TV and in the public’s good graces is to work alongside Hadley.
As these polar-opposite celeb chefs begin to peel away the layers of public persona and reputation, they will not only discover the key ingredients for getting along, but also learn the secret recipe for unexpected forgiveness . . . and maybe even love. In the meantime, hide the knives.
Release Date May 5, 2020
Initial Thoughts
During these quarantine days, I’ve been watching a lot of TV and one of the shows I’ve been watching a ton of is Top Chef. So, this book about celebrity chefs and cooking shows sounded super up my alley.
Some Things I Liked
- Food as a focal point. I loved this. I loved that the story included elements of the politics of being a celebrity / TV chef as well as the actual cooking elements.
- Hadley as a feminist who didn’t hate chivalry. I loved this element. I felt like I really understood her and her thoughts on chivalry. She knew she was a strong woman but she also appreciated when a man was kind or polite. Although she admitted her thoughts on the subject were sometimes confusing, I liked that she appreciated both aspects.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
- I thought the romance was pretty underwhelming in this book. The story was focused more on a friendship between Max and Hadley that inevitably evolved into romance. For being tagged as a “romance” book, I found the romance element to be lacking a bit.
Series Value
I don’t really feel like this story has much series value. We didn’t meet very many side characters, and those we did meet, don’t have much sequel potential. The epilogue covered most of what I wanted to see for the main characters.
I would, however, read more of Bethany Turner’s books.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed this book. It was a lite, fast read and I enjoyed the connection to one of my favorite TV shows.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee – if you enjoyed the culinary competition elements of Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish, give this July 2020 release a try.
- Beach Read by Emily Henry – if you liked the concept of the main characters pushing each other to do better professionally, and a healthy rivalry, definitely check out Beach Read.
- All Stirred Up by Brianne Moore – again, if you like the culinary elements of this story, try this September 2020 release.
Books Over Everything 