I absolutely devoured this book, Dahlia and London hooked me quickly with their POVs and the tension between them as well as in the cooking competition kept me turning the pages. An excellent f/nb romance to add to your shelves!

An absolutely lovely romance! London and Dahlia are both wonderful characters with distinct voices, and they really bring out the best in each other throughout the book. As expected, the romance is much more of a focus than the show, but there's definitely enough about food and cooking to keep foodie readers happy. I'm really looking forward to reading more in this world!

CW: transphobia (including unsupportive parent)

I’m always on the lookout for new romance authors, especially if they write stories and characters like Anita Kelly.

It was ridiculous how fast I fell in love with London Parker. I wanted to hug the hell out of them. Also, London and Dahlia were one of the loveliest couple I read about his year. But most of all I want my own London.

Loved them so much!!! London was a bit of grump, a bit hesitant, but also dry witted with the most wonderful personality. Can’t tell you enough how enchanted I was with them.

Dahlia was a ray of sunshine, definitely the sunshine to London’s grumpiness. They fit marvellously!! And she made them laugh, and me too.

Truly, the author did a marvellous job with this debut novel.

I adored the personalities, the writing, but most of all the chemistry between Dahlia and London. When those two were together the book was PERFECTION!!! Can’t describe it any better.

The book had HEART, messy and realistic characters, and the most likeable couple. Also, I can’t get enough of books centered around cooking shows, I already read this year Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake as well as Battle Royal and this topic just doesn’t get old. I love them. Although, the books including LOVE & OTHER DISASTERS never go far enough in regards to the contest if you ask me – I always need MORE – but that just means I have to finally catch up with TGBBO.

LOVE & OTHER DISASTERS was a wonderful and adorable f/nb queer romance that should be on everyone’s tbr for 2022.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I had high hopes for this one but it unfortunately didn’t meet my expectations.

To start off the characters seem very one dimensional. Dahlia didn’t feel like someone grounded in reality she felt like a character and when I’m reading it’s important to find that sense of realness in the characters and it wasn’t there for her. London was slightly better but they still felt very mysterious with where their mind was at by the end of this type of book I want to know the characters inside and out.

As for the story, i should’ve known that I would get bored or irritated with the reality show part of the story. In the past I’ve mentioned issues with books relating to fame or Hollywood but I have had exceptions in the past so I held out hope. But I’m sad to say this wasn’t one of those exceptions.

LOVE & OTHER DISASTERS, a queer contemporary romance, is author Anita Kelly's full-length debut and it was (chef's kiss). Thanks to @forever @grandcentralpublishing and @Netgalley for the early copy.

Chef’s Special- a televised cooking competition brings Dahlia (recently divorced/on a trapeze without a net) and London (first openly nonbinary contestant/wanting acceptance) together.

I'd describe this as a 'Romance with Heft'. It blends the swoony elements of charming levity with deeper, vulnerable layers. There was a well-paced, well cared for balance between serious (transphobia/misgendering/love after divorce/messy families) and fluffy (cooking show disasters/wedding crashing/stolen kisses). I loved the dual-perspective because it showcased and celebrated both Dahlia and London's flaws and insecurities independently. This made the coming together elements steamy, sweet, meaty and magical.

The book is told in the 3rd person and the use of London's preferred pronouns "They/them/their" throughout made for a unique reading experience. It stretched my reading and I found it educational, eye-opening and refreshing.

Anita Kelly is a self-proclaimed "writer of queer kissing books." I didn't know I needed this in my life, but I most certainly did. Love & Other Disasters hits shelves in January 2022, and it is an utter delight.

It mixes a couple of my favorite rom-com themes: cooking contexts and friends-to-lovers. Plus, while it doesn't take place in my hometown of Nashville, TN, one of the leads London comes from a prominent Nashville family. Plus, this is apparently the first of three books in a series focusing on London's family. So exciting.

In this book we get to witness queer love but also just adults with real-life problems who happen to be attracted to each other. It's refreshing to read a book where it's more about the relationship than absurd events and miscommunications being the driving force of the plot.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. All thoughts are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this title. Queer romance is quickly becoming my favorite genre, and this one was fantastic! As a nonbinary person, I loved reading about a nonbinary protagonist, and thought the author did a wonderful job representing that experience. Even if not for the romance, I loved the storyline and was anxious to find out what happened in the cooking competition around which the book is centered.

I adored this book. I love the concept. I'm a fan of TGBBS and I wanted to simultaneously read and watch the show at the same time haha. I love the reality show concept and seeing behind the scenes. I love the rep in this book and thought the romance was well done.
There are 2 POVs - Dahlia, a queer woman, and London, a pansexual, non-binary person. This was my first time reading a they/them POV and I enjoyed being in their head.

I was sad when the book was over because I loved living in this world with these characters.

Reviewed for Shelf Awareness, review to post in December.
***

Anita Kelly's skillful character work, gentle humor and insightful relationship development are center stage in Love & Other Disasters. This queer romance is set on a cooking competition show and features two characters in their twenties, both vying for $100,000 and the chance to prove themselves. Recently divorced Dahlia Woodson is in debt and in a rut, so she quits the job and town she doesn't love for a chance to pursue her culinary dreams. London Parker is the first nonbinary contestant on Chef's Special and while they love cooking, they're hoping to use the prize money to launch a nonprofit for LGBTQ+ kids in their hometown of Nashville.
Kelly deftly balances the romance and individual character arcs and gives readers enough time with the cooking show to up the tension without allowing it to overshadow the romance. Dahlia's energetic and emotionally free personality complements London's steadier countenance and Kelly insightfully highlights the way Dahlia and London admire and value their differences. Though they never compromise their own efforts, they support each other personally and professionally, their friendship growing on pace with their romance.
London was expecting the online harassment and negative coverage that comes as the show begins to air, but they are deeply affected by their father's refusal to use their correct pronouns after three years. They're proud to be a role model for other trans and nonbinary kids and adults, however, and take comfort in the supportive community they found online while they were sorting through their own identity.
The strong relationships London and Dahlia have with their siblings are a grounding force for them throughout the novel, especially as their relationship is tested by the looming threat of separation. London's privileged upbringing leads them to have unfair expectations of Dahlia and both of them are afraid of getting attached when they could be kicked off the show in just a few days.
"...maybe she was simply a blank space, an empty canvas, atoms floating aimlessly across the landscape, each one trying to forget that foolish time she went to LA on a hope and a prayer, each one hopelessly trying to erase the memories of a person who wanted her to believe she could have it all." [pp 116]
Love & Other Disasters is at turns funny, sweet and hot, but Anita Kelly's emotional river runs deep--this romance will stay with readers long after they've turned the last page.

I loveeeed this one so much! It’s queer! It’s romantic! And the best romance in a cooking competition show you could ever want! Dahlia is recently divorced and decided to follow her passion for cooking which is how she ends up as a contestant for this cooking competition show. While competing, she notices London who is also a contestant, and then the friendship starts. You can’t even forget about the sexual tension!

Please read, this book is an entire adventure you wouldn’t want to miss.

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley.
Overall I enjoyed the book, the characters were lovable at times but there seemed to be some things glossed over. I loved London however most of their character points seem to revolve around dealing with transphobia and although I am very glad the hateful comments were not actually mentioned in the book, I found London to be lacking in comparison to Dahlia. Their differences of economic status isn't discussed even though it does create problems. Additionally Dahlia seems to get away with a lot in terms of being rude at times. The story also plays into the get with a rich person and all your problems dissappear trope which is sorta problematic.
Otherwise the story was cute and satisfying to read.

4.5/5 stars rounded up. I absolutely loved this book! The writing was lovely, and the characters were even better. Dahlia and London are two very loveable characters who I was rooting for from the jump (obviously).

Dahlia is a sweet, newly-divorced woman who goes on Chef's Special, a cooking competition show that gave me vibes similar to a combination of America's Best Cook and GBBO. London is a non-binary human with a heart of gold that, while on Chef's Special, falls in love. The stars of this romance novel had me feeling so many things and I words can't express how much I love both of them. Their interactions were so cute and well written and the spicy scenes were *very* good. (I'm talking 3 chili peppers here, y'all)

This book tackles a lot of different issues, the primary one being transphobia and how many people fail to recognize and respect non-binary folks. London was not misgendered once in this book. If they were misgendered by another character, the wrong pronoun was never used by the author and it was stated that the character used the incorrect pronoun. I thought that this was really impactful and important, which made it one of my favorite aspects of the book.

There's so many other small things in this book that I love, but listing all of them would leave me spoiling the entire thing! I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of this book and am so excited to buying a physical copy when it's released. I can't recommend this book enough, especially if you like cute queer reads!

OMG. What a fan-freaking-tastic book!! I seriously can't believe this is Anita Kelly's first novel. Like, wow.

It has it all. A reality cooking show. Opposites attract. A non-binary/queer romance. And food. So much food. I wanted to try everything. Especially the swordfish. I've never tried swordfish before. I also want Dahlia's entire wardrobe.

I loved London and Dahlia so much. I couldn't stop rooting for them, from Chapter One to the very end. Their connection was palpable and their chemistry electric. Their mutual vulnerability was so authentic; true love requires vulnerability.

Quite frankly, this book was a first for me. I'd never read a book with a non-binary love interest, and it was really cool seeing non-binary representation in a mainstream romance novel. I loved the way Kelly showed so many side characters supporting and rallying around London and using their correct pronouns and loving all of her. (Although to keep the book realistic, there were villains of course who refused.) In the end, my heart was so full, watching London and Dahlia live out their love story. Everyone deserves to be loved.

A huge thanks to Forever and NetGalley for my advance e-ARC.

CW: homophobia/transphobia, misgendering, divorce

I thoroughly enjoyed Love & Other Disasters!

Our main characters, Dahlia and London, are competing in a TV cooking competition. Dahlia is a recent divorcee working on figuring out what she wants from life and London is the first non-binary contestant on the show.

The story is cute and sweet, with conflict around London's coming out as non-binary on television, a transphobic competitor, family tension and acceptance, and the future of our couple's relationship. I loved both main characters - they're both enticing and flawed - and their yearning, friendship, and romance (and sex scenes - so steamy!) were tremendous! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Love and Other Disasters to readers who loved Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake (for the queer baking elements and wonderful characters) or anyone looking for a sweet queer/NB romance.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars (rounded up to 5).

This is the first rom-com book that I’ve read with the main characters belonging to the LGBTQ community and it did deliver! Dahlia and London are contestants in a TV cooking show “Chef’s Special”. Both are talented cooks eyeing the $100,000 prize that will go towards repayment of debt (Dahlia) or an LGBTQ organization (London). Dahlia and London have so much going on in their lives with regards to Dahlia’s recent divorce and heavy debts, and London’s rocky relationship with their dad because of their gender. The main characters are flawed and vulnerable yet authentic and passionate. They absolutely have so much chemistry that they tried to hold back in the beginning but eventually, they let themselves be in each other’s arms. This is definitely a great read and hopefully there are more authors who would write rom-coms like this.

As a reality cooking competition aficionado, I loved the premise of Love & Other Disasters. This book is packed with fun behind the scenes details—I could picture everything, I never felt lost in what could be considered a complicated setting. The author's writing style is evocative and super readable. I wouldn't have guessed this was a debut—especially handling all the description and choreography of the reality show element and all the characters that come with it.

It's very cool to see nonbinary rep in a traditionally published romance and to get that point of view, in the character's own words. London's experience as an NB person in the public eye is part of the story, but they are also a whole and complete character in their own right. Dahlia is also figuring out her queer identity, so it's a pretty interesting and unique journey and it feels like a lot of care went into this book.

Lastly, the cover is adorable and drew me in instantly.

My sincere thanks to Anita Kelly, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Friends, I am so excited to review this lovely, fluffy, vibrant, honest and witty queer nb/f romance. I submitted an ARC request for this book in my continued effort to diversify the voices I read. It was so inspiring to meet Dahlia Woodson and London Parker in this book.

Dahlia, a 28-year-old woman recently divorced from her high school sweetheart, gravitated towards cooking during the aftermath of ending her marriage. The self-taught cooking enthusiast is eager and excited to participate on the popular cooking show Chef’s Special—even after falling flat on her face and sending her tacos into the air during the show’s premier episode.

London Parker, experienced and no-nonsense cook with a specialty for desserts, enters the competition as the show’s first non-binary contestant. They have big philanthropic goals for the prize money if they could only stop being distracted and enamoured by the ball of sunshine-in-human-form that is Dahlia.

I laughed, audibly gasped, cried and swooned as their friendship turns to love over the course of the cooking show while they navigate stress of the future, guilt about divorce, transphobic competitors and strained family relationships.

<b> Read With Me </b>
<i>Chapter 2:</i> London is misgendered when Tanner Tavish, the show’s host, collectively addresses contestants as, “Ladies and Gentlemen.”

I am disappointed to share that I didn’t catch this micro-aggression until the POV is flipped to London who processes that painful mention while attempting to focus on the competition. London swallows the comment and moves on fairly quickly which makes the scene even more troubling to read. As a straight female I will never understand the depth of hurt something like this causes non-binary folks, nor will I ever know just how many times a day their hearts receive a new scar from these such moments. However, this scene really reached my heart about the frequency with which this happens and how queer folks have to take it in stride despite the pain.

<i>Chapter 5:</i> “London bottled it inside of them, that smile.” *heart lurches* What a beautiful way to describe the luminescence and impact of someone’s smile.

<i>Chapter 7: </i> “London stood in the quiet hallway for a long time. They wished they could see through that door, to make sure she was still breathing, that she wasn’t going to be sick in her sleep. That her chest was still rising and falling. That her bruised, so-far-from-small heart still beat safely inside her skin.” IF THAT ISN’T ONE OF THE MOST ROMANTIC DESCRIPTIONS about all-consuming love and care for someone else’s well-being, I don’t know what is.

<i>Chapter 9: </i>“Something about the air in this hallway felt reckless, and London didn’t trust anything right now…London put their key in their door, and they stepped into the cool darkness. THE AIR IS RECKLESS? THE DARKNESS COOL? I feel it all. Chills. Everything about this scene, the descriptions. Kelly just nailed it for me and I felt like the tension was palpable in my own room as I devoured her words.

<i>Chapter 10: </i> “I need you in a way that can’t be temporary.” The quotes from this book, ugh. I felt this in my soul.

<i>Chapter 20: </i> I ugly cried some big tears reading the notes of encouragement to London. Prepare your hearts.

<b>Final Notes</b>
I appreciated how authentically Kelly explored the spicy scenes: they are full of heat but also laughter, questions, asking for what one wants and overall just an unparalleled level of sex positivity.

As a twin, I loved the genuine, unconditional love shared between London and Julie. The twin dynamic made for a really interesting look at London’s sexuality, coming out and self-acceptance.

These characters are messy, wonderful and inspiring.

I loved this love story! I am so happy to be finding more queer and trans representation in romance novels, and I love that this own voices novel made it all come to life for me. The writing was such that I could clearly picture our two main characters- Dahlia and London- from the beginning, but also I had such a great running image of most of the novel. Honestly, I feel like I watched this book just as much as I feel like I read it! What makes that particularly remarkable is that the book actually centered around a television show, so feeling like I “watched” the novel made that aspect come to life as well.

I have (mostly) only good things to say about this book. I felt like so many aspects of owning your identity and coming out to your family were addressed. The only thing I will say is that it felt like everything was smooth sailing in terms of coming out for one of the characters in the book. The character certainly had other struggles, and the addition of that particular struggle honestly may have been too much. It just felt too easy on me as the reader as written.

My favorite part of the book was how full circle things came in the end. Throughout the novel, there is mention of family members, but I honestly wasn’t expecting much of that story line. However, the ending wove siblings and parents and understanding and a future together in a way I did not imagine. It wasn’t the thing that “made” the story, but I also feel like it’s so rare I had to give it some appreciation.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel

After realizing she didn’t want kids and leaving her husband, Dahlia is very lost. She can totally reinvent herself on Chef’s Special though, and the $100,000 prize certainly wouldn’t hurt. When she meets London though, the sparks begin to fly. London did not expect to meet someone like Dahlia on set. Their goal is to come on the show, kick butt, and announce their pronouns on tv. As the two continue to make it on the show, their friendship only grows stronger, and quickly turns into something more.

Ok so I am going to start this review by calling myself out. When I first started this book I had some trouble reading the they/them pronouns. I quickly got used to it, but it did make me realize one thing….we need more books with non-binary characters. It shouldn’t be something that throws you off, it should just be normal. Anyway, this book kept me up way past my bedtime. As soon as I started reading, I couldn’t stop. I needed to know what was going to happen between Dahlia and London, and also what was going to happen on set/who would win. I had seen several other bookstragrammers share how much they loved this book, and I have to say, it did not disappoint at all!

This book was absolutely fantastic. I loved the quirky, fun characters. I loved the reality tv aspect of it. I loved the respectful relationship. That really was the main takeaway for me. There weren't any mind games or miscmommunications or stupid games added in romcoms just for drama. It was a relationship built on respect and THAT is the type of romance I want to read. I will be checking out more of the author's books after this one.