One thing to know about me is that I love a foodie book. I had never read Lizzy Dent before, and unfortunately, this one wasn't super memorable for me. This was a classic enemies to lovers story with Olive and Leo. I did quite enjoy the travel aspect of the book and the unique connections to the food in the region was super fun! Overall, I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I found Olive to be a bit annoying overall, but the characters did develop decently well. I would recommend this to people who love food and rom coms, but unfortunately for me, it just faded into the background in my reading life.

I really enjoyed this book! It was an engaging read from start to finish, and I found it incredibly accessible. The writing was easy to follow, and I appreciated how the story kept me hooked without feeling overwhelming. Overall, it was a great experience, and I definitely recommend it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me with an eARC of Just One Taste in exchange for my honest review!

This is one of those rom-coms where it's perfectly engaging, where it can summon up some charm to win me over as I breeze through the ride, but it's also not reaching higher levels of love for me. It's strange, because the ingredients are right there for something great, including the banter and the dysfunctional family tension. But they ultimately don't stand out to me as being executed well enough to expand beyond their cliches, meaning that I'm not going to think much about this book in spite of the fact that it kept me turning the page. I do admire how much nuance it brings in to flesh out all the cuisine, though. It really does feel like I could gobble it all down with a genuine Italian backdrop wrapping around me.

Overall, I'm officially rating Just One Taste three out of five stars. I may not be one of the biggest fans of this book, but I remain glad to have given it a shot.

This was fun and flirty with worthy banter. It was my second book by this author and I would read more.

A cute love story. Did not hold my attention unfortunately so I kept putting it down. The main characters at times also irked me. All in all it was cute but lacked some of the emotion/humor that keeps me drawn into these kind of books.

This book had all of the right ingredients for me to love it: enemies to lovers, food, Italy, road trip. And I definitely did enjoy it!

Olive starts out seeming a little cold, at least towards her father’s restaurant. But as the story progresses, you get to know her more and her true motivations come out. Of course a lot of her interpretation of events were caused by misunderstandings, but she opens herself to possibilities and eventually everything is revealed.

The story is told from Olive’s POV, so we don’t get a deep dive into Leo’s motivations. But Leo is a really good guy who respected her father and tried to save the restaurant.

Once Olive and Leo get over their resentments of each other, they are amazing together. While Olive is still torn about what to do, Leo supports her choice either way; even when it means he may have to give up or delay his dreams. And when the twist comes (and it’s a doozy I did not expect- which is rare), Leo is there to support Olive, even when it means giving her space.

Overall this was a story full of fun, food and family.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC for review consideration through Net Galley on behalf of the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lizzy Dent's Just One Taste is a delectable blend of romance, personal growth, and culinary adventure set against the picturesque backdrop of Italy. The narrative follows Olive Stone, a food journalist and restaurant critic who inherits her estranged father's Italian restaurant, Nicky's, along with the building it occupies. To honor his dying wish, Olive embarks on a journey with Leo Ricci, her father's protégé and the restaurant's sous-chef, to complete his unfinished cookbook. This quest takes them through various Italian regions, allowing them to explore their shared past and confront unresolved emotions. Desire for more depth in character development and a stronger focus on the romantic tension between Olive and Leo. Despite these critiques, Just One Taste offers a satisfying escape into a world where love and food intertwine, leaving readers both hungry for Italian delicacies and appreciative of the journey toward personal healing.

In summary, Just One Taste is a heartwarming exploration of love, loss, and the restorative power of food, set amidst the enchanting scenery of Italy. Dent's storytelling invites readers to savor each moment, making it a perfect read for those seeking a romantic escape with a culinary twist.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Just One Taste by Lizzy Dent!

A delightful blend of romance and culinary adventures that will leave you wanting more. The writing is witty and engaging and brings the vivid world of food to life. The romance is heartwarming and sizzling with well crafted characters.
Many thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Lizzy Dent. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Food critic Olive Stone and her chef father have been estranged. So she was shocked to discover that he willed her his beloved restaurant. His dying wish was for Olive and Leo, the sous-chef at the restaurant, complete his cookbook. But Olive is determined to sell the restaurant as much as Leo is determined to convince her not to. They do agree to work on the cookbook, and begin a 4-week food tour in Italy.

I always enjoy Lizzy Dent's books and how wonderfully she writes about food along with romance! And this book will certainly have you salivating for real Italian food. But it goes deeper - Olive has to come to a better understanding of her relationship with her father and how her feelings have shaped her life and personality. A book that will have you dreaming of travel, food, and love!

Just One Taste by Lizzy Dent is a light and delightful romantic comedy with a focus on personal growth and discovering new perspectives. The story follows Birdy, a woman who's been stuck in a bit of a rut, both personally and professionally. After a series of unexpected events, she decides to step outside her comfort zone and take on a new challenge—working at a high-end restaurant. Along the way, she meets a variety of colorful characters, including a potential love interest, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

Lizzy Dent's writing is engaging and witty, with a perfect balance of humor and heart. Birdy is a likable protagonist who is easy to root for as she navigates the ups and downs of her new life. The romance is sweet, though it doesn’t dominate the entire plot—this book is just as much about Birdy finding her own voice and overcoming her insecurities.

The setting of the restaurant adds an interesting dynamic, and Dent weaves in some fun foodie elements, which are perfect for readers who enjoy a bit of culinary charm. That said, the pacing can feel a bit slow at times, and some parts of the plot can be a little predictable.

Overall, if you're a fan of feel-good, character-driven stories with a mix of humor, romance, and personal growth, Just One Taste is a fun pick. It’s not overly deep, but it’s heartwarming and enjoyable—a perfect beach or weekend read.

After reading - and loving - all of Lizzy Dent's earlier books, I was thrilled to receive and ARC of her latest novel, JUST ONE TASTE, in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publishers, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons!

In JUST ONE TASTE, food critic Olive Stone is forced on an emotional journey through Italy with chef Leo Ricci, who took her place at her father's restaurant after their relationship became estranged. After Olive's father's death, Olive and Leo must work together to finish his work in progress: a cookbook that captures the beauty and culture of Italy, and that captures his unique spirit. I loved this story, the chemistry between the characters, the clear growth and love that develops through the pages, and as always, Dent's wit and clever writing. I highly recommend this story, especially for fans of Dent's other work.

I generally enjoy romance books that have a restaurant or foodie element. I think it is such a fun way for a story to be told and this was no exception! The love story was so sweet! I loved reading about the character's journey through Italy!

This book has been on my Netgalley for a bit and I haven’t picked it up. I will say, I did read The Sweetest Revenge and loved it! I think Lizzy Dent is a wonderful writer, I’m just not into romance right now, so I’m not the right person to review this book anymore.

I enjoy Lizzy Dents books. They're quick and fun reads. I highly recommend them as a palate cleanser as well!

I haven't read this author before, but have heard wonderful things which is what prompted me to request this one. This is a wonderful story based in Italy (love!!) and is based around a chef, which i love! This was an adorable rom com that was so feel good, i couldnt put it down.

Thanks so much for the digital copy!

Italy + travel + food + romance = the best book combination!

Loved being on the culinary adventure across Italy with Olive and Leo! Did it make me hungry? Yes. Did it make me want to buy a ticket to Italy? Yes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam & Sons for my ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Lighthearted, cute, and progressed at a natural pace. However, I'm not sure if it should be considered contemporary/women's fiction moreso than romance, because it straddled that fine line pretty well. I will say, though, that it made me want to go to Italy reeeeal bad. The FMC was a strong character, even when things happened around her that were a bit out of her control, and she learned to navigate these tricky obstacles in unique ways. I also liked that there was conflict involved, albeit conflict that felt contrite. Overall, though, it wasn't too bad of a book! I'd definitely read some more Lizzy Dent if it were around. Thanks for the opportunity to read!

Dnf about 25% in

I was really bored reading this one. I wasn't connecting with the characters and Olive was really grating to me.

Perfect summer read! You get to take a big Italian adventure form the comfort of your own home! Slow burn turned hot/heavy romance! It very much gave me the perfect hallmark movie type of vibes; that found sense of family. What do you do when the only connection you desperately want to have with your deceased father is his unfinished cookbook! You finish it! And travel to places he wanted to go, experience the beautiful country side in Italy and maybe a little love along the way!!