This book was such a fun read! The first scene is epic! If you’re a fan of cooking shows, this book will not disappoint. If you like Rom Com stories, this is for you! Max is an arrogant, confident, angry chef. Hadley is Southern Sweet. Watching their story unfold throughout the pages is filled with humorous lines. There’s conflict, competition, and comaraderie. Can Max be redeemed? What will come of their shows? These are questions well answered in the book! I definitely recommend this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.

I was full on dopey grinning at the end of this book! In fact I think this just might be my favorite of Turner’s books!
I loved Hadley Beckett (even her name is awesome) she was just so genuine it was hard not to fall! She had that southern charm while also not being afraid to speak her mind when the situation called for it. I also admired the grace with which she handled some of the crazy situations thrown at her!
Now Max was another story, when we first met him in the prologue I didn’t know how on earth I could come to like that guy. But then the story jumped a few months. I really liked how Turner didn’t just magically turn him into a likable guy but instead gave us a hero who realized he had faults and was working on changing but still slipped up. Watching him fight to be a better man made me slowly fall in love with his character too!
And together Hadley and Max were amazing, the banter, the fights, the jokes, the making up (or out), and the texting. It was all absolutely entertaining to read!
In short this was a wonderful story from start to finish and I’m going to have a smile on my face whenever it comes to mind!

I really enjoyed this super fun romantic comedy. I loved that it was about too chefs and featured a lot of their cooking and dish descriptions in the story. It made me want to cook a bit more. I for the most part enjoyed the relationship development and personal growth of the characters though I felt it had stalled out of a bit in the middle of the book which slowed it down. I also felt some of the main characters choices got a bit repetitive. Overall though I really enjoyed the story and definitely recommend it to fans of rom-coms.

I really wanted to like this book, but the beginning was hard to get through. The Prologue was incredibly long and not much was explained. It felt like a mess. Perhaps, I could have enjoyed it more if I kept reading, but the opening chapter was such a slog that I didn't have much hope for the rest of the book and bailed.

(5+ stars) - Fun enemies-to-lovers romance that almost ruined our dinner! 

This is one of those books that grabbed me right away and kept me immersed all the way through - I couldn't put it down & kept reading even while I was fixing dinner & nearly burned our food, lol 🤭

Max is a mess, but at least following treatment after his drunken fit, he's growing in self awareness. He's helping Hadley grow in self awareness, too, whether she likes it or not. 

The story seems as if it's heading toward a common romance conflict; however, (bless her!) the author doesn't go there, but takes a road less traveled instead, and the story is soo much better for it. 

The interactions are amusing, and the story manages to be both thoughtful & fun - I enthusiastically recommend it! 

*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic 

*Religion: touches on the heroine's Christian faith very briefly & lightly, in a way that's completely organic to the story

What a sweet romance. This was a little different from other romantic comedies that I've read. I'd say it's a closed door romance, but even with the doors wide open, it was pretty chaste. Both Hadley and Graham had some issues they needed to work through (especially Graham). And we were along for the ride while they worked really hard at being transparent as they made different choices in situations that had become patterned. They were really earnest in their efforts to be get along and it was really enjoyable to be present for their interactions and inner reflections. I found this to be a really kind and hopeful book, and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this book was a delight. I watch a lot of cooking shows so this felt like a very comfortable environment. I felt like I was getting a behind the scenes look at what it must be like to tape a show. It was fun. The two main chefs, Hadley and Max, couldn't be more different. Hadley is sweet and innocent. Max knows all the ins and outs and is boisterous, to the point of being obnoxious and abrasive at times. He changes a lot and Hadley and Max's relationship changes from adversarial to friendly and even flirtatious. Their interactions are never boring. Things always seem to go afoul when the camera is on.

Hadley and Max are imperfect people with a lot of baggage who learn to trust and embrace the difficult. It was a lighthearted fun read and I would highly recommend it. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Readers be aware once you start this delightful novel you will not want to stop until you get to the end! This new must-read romantic comedy by Ms. Turner is an absolute must-have addition to your library. This book focuses on Hadley and Max. Both are chefs who each have their own unique style. The beginning of the book starts off with a cook-off between the two where someone loses their temper. Fast forward a little bit in time and the two meet up again for a once in a lifetime chance. Together, they discover maybe they made some assumptions about the other one that might not be the complete truth. This story provides the reader with some romance, some comedy, and a tale of second chances. As someone who likes to cook and watch cooking shows, I really liked the backdrop to the story. Both characters showed resilience and perseverance. I highly recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed! I also recommend Ms. Turner’s other books as well. They are very well written too!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

This was such a delightful romcom that I completely devoured it!

Hadley is sweet, smart and kind with a touch of sass and spunk. Max is pretty much an arrogant, self-centered jerk at the beginning of the story. He goes through quite an amazing transformation by the end of the book. Hadley is able to forgive Max for his horrible behavior and a friendship begins to develop. The humor, tender moments, witty banter and chemistry between Max and Hadley will keep you turning the pages.

I loved the behind the scenes look at a reality tv cooking show. I did wish there had been a bit more spiritual lessons/depth. But overall, I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

**I received a complimentary copy from Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.**

This book had me reading into the late hours and into the next day. Although Max did not start off a likable person (Prologue was craziness!) I could tell soon he would be a redeemable hero. My heart melted towards him because I really love a redeemable hero. His growth captivated and pulled me into the story. Now to mention the nods to cooking shows!

If you’re a fan of Food Network, then this book is definitely for you. You'll see bits and pieces from your favorite shows and grin with all the Pop culture references Bethany Turner is known for.

And y’all, #HadBeck had one of the best epilogues ever. Seriously adorable and just the icing on the cake of this delectable read.

Another 5 star read from Ms. Turner!

*I received complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

Bethany Turner is easily one of my favourite voices in contemporary romance, especially when she’s writing in first person. I wasn’t even finished the prologue before I was smiling—laughing, even—at her turns of phrase, completely caught up in the showdown between Max and Hadley. And Max…my goodness. He was magnificently obnoxious, and I’m tempted to share just how Hadley described him except that reading it for myself in context was such an enjoyable experience I don’t want to spoil it for you. And I reiterate, all this is just the prologue!

The story that follows begins a few months after their showdown, by which point Max has spent some time in rehab learning anger management. In many ways the story is a battle of wits played out in the kitchen, with Hadley and Max by turns suspicious of each other’s motives, not quite sure how to read each other, and teaming up to outwit others who have their own script for Hadley and Max. Throw in some romantic fireworks and you’ve got yourself a thoroughly engaging read.

And yet…

Amidst my enjoyment, a couple of things niggled at me. I thought the choice of third person point of view for Max was the right one, but unlike in Wooing Cadie McCaffrey, where Turner also used third person point of view for the hero, this didn’t feel like Turner’s natural voice. One of the things I love about her writing is how organic it is, almost as though she’s not really conscious of the fact that she’s writing a story. I didn’t get that feeling with Max’s point of view, particularly in the beginning. I was very conscious he was a character in a story, and although I became less conscious of that as I became more involved in the story, it was still on the fringes of my awareness.

The other niggle was that Max’s transformation felt too complete. I mean, there are still moments where he struggles, and he’s certainly not perfect—he even has moments of being obnoxious—but for someone who had a long-standing reputation for having a horrible temper, it felt as though he overcame those moments too easily. In that sense, I think I found his character growth a little idealistic, which is something I didn’t experience with Turner’s previous books.

These things notwithstanding, I have no hesitation in recommending any of Bethany Turner’s novels to readers who are looking for a thoroughly engaging romantic comedy.

I loved this, a hilarious, laugh out loud, heartwarming romance. I completely fell in love with Hadley’s character myself, she is such a unique, strong and quirky woman. Just fabulous. Max was ok, starts off too annoying but you warm to him as the hook goes on as he changes, but I never loved him the way I did Hadley. It’s a wonderfully well written book, great supporting characters, nicely paced. It’s a great distraction during these difficult times. Highly recommended to give you a jaw aching grin.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

This book made me laugh out loud and I reread 3 scenes already. It was a fun modern romance. I enjoyed the tension and the conflict the characters shared. I did feel conflicted about how poorly Max treated Hadley as a relationship example and how they still fell in love. Since in real life we are not privy to people’s actual thoughts just actions I wonder how younger girls will internalize that. On the other hand, it’s a book and I enjoyed it.

**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.

“He’d even try to refrain from kissing her, but he made no guarantees.” Whew...Max Cavanaugh is the guy you love to hate. However, watch out Hadley Beckett or he might just steal your heart, or your next dish!

Oh my goodness y’all… This book has so many feels and just touched that happy place in my heart. If you’re looking for an uplifting, laugh out loud, heartwarming read, Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish is the book for you. Filled with heartwarming moments, a passion for cooking that inspired me to step into the kitchen and create...It’s just not to be missed. This contemporary romance just jumped up in competition with other phenomenal contemporary romance authors like Becky Wade‘s Stay With Me. Both releasing at the same time and at the top of my list for contemporary romance this year. Max and Hadley have so much chemistry it leaps off the page. They are total opposites attract and their witty banter will keep you flipping the pages long into the night. I really don’t know what to say other than just read it!!! The spiritual aspect of this book is a sweet and calm assurance of turning to Him and listening for His still calm voice in the midst of life’s busyness. Hadley Beckett maintains a calmness that draws Max’s heart.

“See! I am doing a new thing!” And the new things scared the living daylights out of me. But day by day, I fell even more in love with him and his new things.” The spiritual aspect is a whisper of romance in this book, which I loved!

Beautifully written. Contemporary genius. A refreshing play on love in the kitchen that you won’t want to miss. Hadley is like a calmness to Max’s passion in the kitchen and off screen. Their chemistry makes for a delightfully delicious read! This just became my favorite Bethany Turner book! Highly recommended for contemporary romance fans or anyone that loves the cooking channel.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy through NetGalley and the publisher, Revell. All reviews given are only my honest opinion.

This is definitely my favorite Bethany Turner novel to date!
I love the characters, the food show details, their relationship aches and pains.
Hadley is an amazing character, but she is almost too good to be completely believable.
And then there's Max, who is the other extreme.
Put the two together and there's bound to be....well, some kind of reaction.
That's what this is all about.
I found this story to be humorous as well as inspirational.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I'm pretty sure I highlighted half this book. It was that good. All of Turner's usual trademark fun and spunk, witty banter, chemistry, and poignant moments--plus food? Yes, please! Her usual expert use of pop culture doesn't disappoint, either. Max goes from massive jerk to RomCom darling, and Hadley certainly isn't as sweet as she comes across. Both are human with very real struggles, and yet these seemingly opposite personalities manage to forge a beautiful friendship that eventually hits them both unexpectedly with more.

Since I was graciously given an ARC edition, I can't post my highlights here directly, I'm going to use this space for my very favorites:

* "the rules of stress relief cooking, for only myself, were very different. You didn't have to start over on a quiche simply because a tear dropped in. You just had to add less salt." --Hadley

* "Ah. There he was. There was the cocky, egocentric Max Cavanagh with the special 'something' no one quite knew how to define. Well, I could define it. Not with any words a Southern lady would use, but I could define it all right." --Hadley

* "And it would be so easy for me to sit here and say we bring out the worse in each other because, let's face it, that seems to be the truth. But the fact is, you bring out the best in me, Chef Beckett. I'm just really sorry that my best isn't...better." --Max

Throughout, we're treated to characters with strengths and flaws. Sometimes, they bring out the worst in each other, but more often, the best as that final quote above so perfectly puts it. Quite simply, this is one of Ms. Turner's best tales so far.

I was given an advance copy from the publisher that in no way influenced my desire to read or review this book. All opinions are willingly given and thoroughly my own.

I love Bethany Turner and her novels. The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck was my favorite RomCom read in 2017; I was blown away by Turner’s real-to-life characters, witty and hilarious dialogue, and timely themes. Then came Wooing Cadie McCaffrey and I fell in love with Cadie and Will, and could wholeheartedly relate to their unique (but not unrealistic) communication fails. Reading WooCaM was like taking a good look into a mirror for me! And now there is Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish, which I believe is Turner’s best book yet. Turner hit this one out of the park!!! Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish has a stellar storyline that is so engaging I read this book in ONE 24-hour period. I just could not put this book down. And, the characters are fantastic. Hadley is a genuinely sweet and wholesome heroine, yet she is also strong and smart and quick-on-the-uptake. And, Hadley is not afraid to stand up for herself when she has to. Max is the best RomCom hero EVER! He is straight-up awful at first, but then he isn’t. I’m so glad I gave his character a chance and read past chapter one. LOL! All in all, Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish is an excellent read that I won’t soon forget.

“He felt so thrown off his game when it came to romancing Hadley.” – Max Cavanagh

Hadley and Max’s relationship journey is perfect as far as fictional romance journeys go. Yes, at first, Max appears irredeemable. He is a punk who treats Hadley abominably. I wasn’t sure, after reading chapter 1, how Bethany Turner was going to change my heart in regards to Max … but she did, and she did so well! So, Max is the guy. He’s a world-renowned, masterful chef. He is wealthy beyond anyone’s dreams. He is super handsome. When it comes to women, Max can have his pick. He is smooth and debonair … until he meets Hadley and everything goes out the window. I’m not going to tell one single minute of Hadley and Max’s relationship journey because I don’t want to ruin anything. This story MUST be experienced! But I do want to talk about the idea behind Max’s quote above.

When we are first in relationships, we often do all we can to put our smoothest and best foot forward. We want to impress potential mates not make them run off into the hills screaming. We should never lie about who we are, but we do tend to force the uglier parts of ourselves onto the backburner when we first meet people. That baggage comes later! What typically worked for Max in the past with girls was not going to work with Hadley Beckett, mostly because they began their relationship with her witnessing Max at his absolute worst. This means that Max has to be real with Hadley from the get-go. Nothing about who is he, where he has come from, his personality traits (both positive and negative), etc., can be hidden from her. But being that open and honest and real, especially at first, is not an easy thing for anyone let alone a bad-boy, supremely popular, preeminent chef like Max. He admits that romancing Hadley has him feeling off his game because the typical games he would play won’t fly with her. To me, this is a testament to a REAL relationship. Once one realizes that old ways will no longer work AND he makes up his mind to actually change in order to be who that girl needs, you’ve got a serious romance on your hands. I absolutely LOVE that Turner wrote Max in a way that reflects this truth. His character change is glorious, and watching him become the man that Hadley needs is magical, and the BEST part of this fabulous novel.

If you can’t tell yet, I highly recommend Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish. Bethany Turner does NOT disappoint in this story. She has absolutely brought her A-game, and I am one happy and satisfied RomCom reader. I implore you to purchase your copy today. You will not want to miss this read!!!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Revell, via NetGalley in order to review. I also received a paperback copy of this book from the publisher as well. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a fun enemies to lovers book. I love watching cooking shows and competition shows so this was perfect! I really loved Max. He grew so much! And Hadley-kind of did. I didn’t love her or hate her.

I’ve read Bethany’s other books by Revell and I think this was my favorite. I know with Bethany’s books that they’ll be fun, sweet, clean and lots of pop culture references! So a good time all around! Not as many laughs but a sweet story with a satisfying HEA.

It starts with Hadley Beckett, the rising star of southern cooking on a cooking competition show. Her biggest rival is the biggest jerk, Maxwell Cavanaugh. He always gets what he wants and can’t think about anyone else. But Hadley won’t give Max the satisfaction of getting a rise out of her - she’ll just do her best cooking.
These two were full-on enemies getting into arguments at every turn. Is there more to Max than his shallow temper tantrum on set? Can Hadley handle men talking down to her and calling her doll and sweetie?

Which chef will win and be victorious?

I couldn’t put this down and I think it’s my favorite of Turner’s. Max had a whole basket of dirty laundry to go through and Hadley needed to find her voice and feet. Forgiveness was a recurring theme. Such a fun plot. Thanks for the publishers and #netgalley for the book for me to review.

So this wasn't what I expected! That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it was more of a Hallmark movie than the snarky, enemies-to-lovers rom-com I was expecting. I found Hadley to be almost too nice, but maybe that's just Southern hospitality, and I thought her grandma was going to play a larger role in the story since she seemed to be a huge part at the beginning. Overall, it was a sweet romance, but I would have loved to have seen more: more of the cooking competition show, more interaction between Hadley and Max and the other characters.