The characters were everythinggg! I loved how real they were, from the dorky references down to the gassy shenanigans during the steamy sessions haha. I think we have all suffered from imposter syndrome from time to time, especially when you have family members that are doing seemingly much better than you are. I loved how supportive everyone in their circles were, but also willing to call them out when Farzan and David are too in their heads for their own good! The communication between them was great (until it wasn't) and the ending wrapped everything up so beautifully. I can't wait to see if Adib writes about this circle of found family again!

This is an absolutely heartwarming story of love and finding out what you want in life. The journey of these two men is enjoyable and a reminder why I read romance
Love wins when you date to dream big.

I love Adib Khorram's YA fiction but this was a miss for me.

I really wanted to like it but I just couldn't bring myself to care about either character. Well, no, there were definitely moments where I cared about both David and Farzan, but every time I was reminded of that we had yet another sex scene that threw me out of the story.

Sex scenes are hit or miss for me. I'm asexual and find them more of a turnoff than anything, so unless they're really well written and/or I really care about the characters and developing relationship, I skip them. And I tried that here. But there has to be something in between to skip *to.* Farzan and David don't have a relationship. They have no chemistry beyond the purely physical. It's just sex. Which does nothing for me.

In fact, what I found myself thinking more than anything as I was reading was that this was another of those disappointing 'YA author writes "adult" romance by cramming it full of sex and swear words' situations.

It was also really earthy in its descriptions which again is a complete nope from me. I realize that's a personal preference thing, but it didn't make me overly excited to keep pushing through the story.

I did keep pushing through far longer than I generally would because of how much I love his other works. It actually put me in a reading slump because I was avoiding reading entirely when I knew I had to pick it up. But after more than 50% I couldn't do it anymore.

I tried reading this first on audio and then after giving that up I kept trying with the ebook and couldn't do that either.

Both audiobook narrators were incredibly irritating to listen to. I don't know how much of that was the story and how much was the audio, because I disliked each equally, but I definitely will be avoiding books narrated by them in the future.

*Thanks to Forever and Hachette Audio for providing an early copy for review.

A case of mistaken identity leads to a situationship that ultimately leads to love in Adib Khorram’s I’ll Have What He’s Having.

As Farzan Alavi drowns his recent romantic woes in fries and wine, wine director, David Curtis, mistakes him for Kansas City’s top food critic. The wine and banter flow all night, and Farzan and David find themselves back at Farzan’s apartment after dinner wraps.

Their chemistry is scorching—and Farzan wants more—but David isn’t looking for anything serious. He has his sights set on restaurants in bigger cities after he passes his master sommelier exam.

When their paths cross again, Farzan and David strike up a friends-with-benefits situation, and as these things go, the more time they spend together, the closer they become.

Prepare to be hungry while reading this one, friends. Between reading about the food and wine at the wine bar where David works, everything that Farzan whips up, and the Persian cuisine from his family’s restaurant, I was salivating.

Also, note that the spices in the food aren’t the only things bringing the heat in this one.

I liked how Farzan and David care for and support each other, how their goals and dreams evolve over the course of the story, and the found family that backs them.

I received an advance copy of the ebook from Forever and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

This was so soft. Both MCs felt real and relatable and the way their relationship unfolded was so great. It was the kind of book where I'd catch myself smiling dopily while reading. Low angst, high heat, and with a wonderful cast of characters. The side characters also felt very real and like people who added a lot to the overall feel of the story and who I'd like to get to know better. I really hope some of them get their own books in the future!

5/5 Stars 3/5 Spice

Tropes:
Contemporary Romance
Mistaken Identity
One Night Stand
Friends with Benefits to Lovers
Love In Your 30’s

YOUR HONOR I LOVE THEM. this book 🫠🫠 farzan & david we’re simply so so so good. i loved the mistaken identity & one night stand to kick off their journey to an hea. what a mess 😂 but since these guys are in their 30’s instead of it being a whole stupid moment they handle it like adults & it blossoms into this pretty wholesome friendship that eventually adds in some benefits (bc let’s be honest their chemistry 😮‍💨😮‍💨) & from there these two go on a a journey to falling in love with themselves, their home, their lives & each other while chasing their dreams.

“my dream doesn’t mean a damn thing if i can’t share it with you”

like are you kidding? swoon. i love them. i can’t waiiiiit to read more in this series. i am so ready for more time with this friend group & all the good times & laughs to come.

Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for early access to the book in exchange for my honest opinion. This is a spicy romance between Farzan, who is still figuring out his life, work-wise, and David, a wine director at a restaurant who is studying to test to become a master sommelier. I was fascinated by his flashcards and blind tastings to prepare for the test. Did I use this book picture as an excuse to take myself out for a nice glass of wine?🍷 Absolutely! I leave town tomorrow so opening a bottle of my own at home would have been wasteful. This is also my reward for delivering my parents to the airport for their flight home - I love them, but it takes a lot to host them! We had a great long weekend together, and it was fun to show them my neighborhood, where I work, etc. since they hadn't visited me since 2018.
Back to the book - the setting is Kansas City, which was a fun change of pace, as I'm not sure I've read anything set there before. I've also never been there! It sounds super cute. The book portrays a realistic relationship, from a case of mistaken identity to bodily functions after a big meal, along with the ups, downs, and bumps in the road when you meet someone in your thirties and you both have your own identities, plans, and dreams and have to figure out how/if those can work together without anyone feeling they've given up too much. I enjoyed reading this one and learned more about Persian cuisine and culture, as well as the requirements to become a master sommelier. I definitely recommend checking it out, especially if you enjoy food and wine descriptions. It will be available Tuesday 8/27!

This completely indulgent book was exactly the romance I was looking for. 4.5 stars to this delectable romance.

Farzan has had a rocky few years. After dreaming of becoming a teacher for most his life, he burned out and quit. Now, he works as a substitute teacher and feels like he can't live up to his amazing siblings. And after a long string of bad boyfriends, his love life isn't looking so hot either. David recently moved back to Kansas City from Chicago, but he is planning to take his sommelier exam which will allow him to get a job essentially wherever he wants. Neither of them are looking for a relationship, but they can't deny their amazing chemistry. They might be able to help each other and have some fun on the side.

I'll Have What He's Having adds to the growing canon of queer books set in the United States Midwest. We are familiar with queer books set in New York City or LA, but the reality is that plenty of queer people do live in the Midwest, and there are thriving queer communities there. It was incredibly refreshing to see that when David struggles over whether or not he should move to California, queer acceptance does not have to be part of the conversation. It is instead just the more traditional struggle of dream job vs dream person.

In general, I loved that I'll Have What He's Having realistically depicted what the life of a queer person in their 30s might look like. Farzan has a really tight group of queer friends, but they are also at different stages in their careers and love lives. His friends play on a queer kickball team, a surprisingly common activity that is easy to brush off as lame, but which is actually a great community builder. On the other hand, David has fell out of touch with most of his friends he left in Chicago, and he has to learn how to rebuild those connections. Both David and Farzan have different family dynamics to navigate throughout the book, adding a depth to their lives beyond one another.

One huge highlight of this book is definitely the food and drink. The food Farzan was described as cooking had my mouth watering, and I found it super fascinating to read about David's experience preparing for the sommelier exam. Farzan's family runs an Iranian restaurant, a cuisine that I am personally unfamiliar with, but which I would certainly like to try after reading this book! We get Farzan's perspective of a family-owned restaurant that is a pillar of the community, and David's perspective in a new, upscale restaurant with high levels of service. It is a fun peak behind-the-scenes of restaurant life that will appeal to anyone who loves The Bear.

Finally, let's talk about the romance! It might seem obvious to say that the romance novel has a good romance. But wow, David and Farzan have some serious on-page chemistry. From the start, their flirting was fun to read, and I loved watching their relationship grow deeper as David and Farzan help one another out in different ways. They bring out the best in one another, making the other braver and kinder. They are both sexy and silly, which is my personal favorite thing to get from a pair in a romance book. There are plenty of steamy scenes, but not so much that I felt it overpowered the remainder of the story. In fact, sex was an integral part of the story and of their relationship, which I think is really important. I personally am happy that we live in an age where a gay author can unabashedly write about gay sex in a romance novel, because it is just as important as sex in a straight romance novel.

I'll Have What He's Having was all I could have hoped for and more. It was incredibly fun to read, bringing me immense joy. It also made me feel all of the yearning and anxiety these two had for one another. Spicy, fruity, and overall delicious, this one is as good as one of Farzan's meals. I recommend it to people who love romance, or who love books with food.

I'm so excited that Adib Khorram has made the leap to new adult publishing! While I love his YA offerings, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this, his adult debut.

I'll Have What He's Having starts with a miscommunication - Farzan Alavi is just looking to drown his sorrows after a cancelled date, taking himself out to the local wine bar, where he's mistaken for a prominent food critic. Sommelier David wines and dines Farzan, and the two spend the evening flirting between courses. They end up leaving together and having a sizzling hot night together before the truth comes out.

In a lot of books, this would prove to be an insurmountable obstacle, but these characters laugh it off. While they initially try to keep things casual, because David plans to leave Kansas City as soon as he passes the Master Sommelier exam, the growing attraction. and affection between them is undeniable. They fall into a relationship, supporting each other, getting to know each other's families, and falling deeper into their feelings... except David still thinks he's leaving, and Farzan's self-doubt leads him to end the relationship before he can get his heart broken again.

Watching these two try to navigate their feelings, and grow both as individuals and as a couple, was such a pleasure. This is a very real portrayal of a relationship, warts and all - yes, there's spice, but there's also silliness, and there are the real challenges and issues facing adults in their late 30s, including career concerns and family pressure. It's a joy to watch Adib Khorram evolve as an author through his characters, and I remain a loyal fan who cannot wait to see what he does next.

This was a great book, but not a new favorite. I enjoyed the older characters, the setting, and all the food, but I guess I was just hoping for more emotional depth. Overall it was good! Just not as good as I think it could have been.

I loved this book! It was fun and sexy and emotional. Did I spend a good portion of the last 20% yelling at David and Farzan to just talk to each other? Yes, I did. Because they really needed to talk, and both were so wrapped up in their own heads. But isn't that how it is sometimes? Your emotions and anxieties are so big that any attempt to make them make sense by talking them out seems unreasonably burdensome. They figure out, because of course, they do. Separate from the romance, though, David's and Farzan's individual arcs of restructuring dreams and self-esteem/self-compassion were resonant. So many people think they want a particular kind of life, and work toward that goal, only to realize that it isn't what they really want at all. David's arc shows that dreams change and it is never too late. Farzan needing a little bit of help (ok a lot) seeing past his own "shortcomings" is true to life as well. Happiness and fulfillment are not a destination, they are part of the journey, and it can be hard to bask in those after years of teasing that should be fun but isn't and romantic relationships that always end in tears. Romance and personal growth can go hand in hand. We don't build ourselves in a vacuum, separate from other people, and this book really showed that.

I have loved Khorram's YA books and was excited to see he was coming out with an adult romance. I'll Have What He's Having was such a turn from what I have come to expect from Khorram, but I still really enjoyed it. I appreciated seeing two older men (30's-40's) grow close and fall in love. I started to get lost a little towards the end, but was ultimately happy by the ending of the story. I look forward to whatever this author writes next, he's an automatic read author for me!

I’ll Have What He’s Having is an enjoyable and very hot queer foodie romance. Adib Khorram writes diverse, three dimensional characters who I got very attached to, and couldn’t wait for them to get their HEA.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Farzan got dumped—again—so heads out to drown his sorrows in wine and French fries. At the bar, he meets David, who is training to be a master sommelier. Sparks fly, and soon the two are going home together. Only, David is under the impression Farzan is a food critic, not a substitute teacher who helps out in his family’s Persian restaurant. They both think it’s funny, but it doesn’t change the fact that David doesn’t have time for a relationship and Farzan doesn’t do casual. Only as the two see each other again and again, they find themselves becoming friends. And they can’t seem to ignore their mutual attraction...

This book has a great dynamic: David and Farzan go from hook up to friends with benefits all while helping each other out and stubbornly trying not to catch feelings. But they also have to figure out who they are as individuals before they can truly see how they fit together as a couple. It helps that they each have family and friend support systems who don’t pull any punches when they are asked to weigh in on their lives.

Aside from great characters, the food and wine descriptions are fantastic; I was hungry the entire time I was reading! And in addition to the terrific chemistry between these two, I liked the way they both consistently ask for what they want/need during sex. It was a refreshing change from books where people magically know exactly what their partner wants.

I’ll Have What He’s Having is a great queer foodie romance. If you are a fan of diverse characters who spend time developing as people while being part of a sizzling hot couple, you’ll enjoy this story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really, really enjoyed this mistaken identity, dual POV, M/M debut adult queer romance from fav author, Adib Khorram. Set in Kansas City, this book features David, a Black wine sommelier studying to become a master sommelier and Farzan, an Iranian American substitute teacher who David mistakenly takes for a food critic one night. After a hot one night stand the two decide to enter a friends with benefits situation while David is still in KC but things quickly turn real the more time they spend together and Farzan has to decide if he wants to stay and take over his family's Bistro or follow David to LA.. This book was full of emotional depth, had excellent diversity rep, SPICY open door scenes and relatable, likeable main characters! Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like M.A. Wardell and Timothy Janovsky, especially his, You had me a happy hour - which also features a want to be wine sommelier. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Adib Khorram is a new author for me. I know he has written YA books but this is his first adult romance. I liked but didn't love this book. I liked that the characters were in their 30s and acted it. I liked that I really felt a connection between Farzan and David. What I struggled with was honestly was all of the steamy scenes. I don't mind erotic books or intimate scenes, but there were just a lot for the type of book this was and honestly some of them felt out place.

Thanks, Forever, for the arc!

Adib Khorram’s adult romcom debut, I’LL HAVE WHAT HE’S HAVING, is fantastic! It starts with a case of mistaken identity that blooms into a beautiful queer romance story. You can’t help but want to cheer on Farzan and David in this book. They each have such strong personal arcs and a strong relationship arc that you want them to succeed and be happy!

The mistaken identity happens because, after a breakup, Farzan, wanting French fries and wine, ends up at the restaurant where David is the sommelier. How much more relatable can you get to Farzan - seeking comfort in French fries? They do wonders for the heart. From that point on, I loved Farzan. I loved that we learned so much about his Iranian American culture throughout the book, especially the food. This book will make you hungry!

The book’s communication aspect was perfect. David and Farzan were such good communicators—it was refreshing. I also loved that this rolled over to the consent side of sex, and they were open and honest with one another. Again, this was refreshing and adult, and it made the scenes steamier because it showed they cared.

Each couple had a set of wonderful friends that you meet in the books. I found them hilarious, caring, and able to tell it like it is—exactly what both of them need. I hope it’s not the last we see of the friend groups because I loved their sassy ways and would love to hear their stories!

Oh! One last thing: I love that they’re older. It’s always nice to read a romance novel when the characters are in their 30s.

Spending time with Farzan and David in this romcom book was happiness, made me quite hungry, and want to be a wine sommelier. I’m so impressed with all the work David did for that job! I recommend it if you are looking for a fantastic, fun read!

I was about 50% into I'll Have What He's Having when I realized Adib Khorram also wrote Darius The Great Is Not Okay; it's really no wonder that I loved this book as much as I did that one, when they're both filled with so many similarities, while having two striking differences (because of their demographic).

Culture, friendship, and family provide such a strong base and backdrop for Farzan Alavi and David Curtis to explore each other and their relationship. I loved that these two characters were in their late thirties (which is as refreshing as it sounds!), with the steamy scenes plentiful and delicious (while never pushing the rest of the plot aside).

This book perfectly balanced so many plates while never feeling overbearing or becoming a muddled mess. These characters are real (with real bodies), making it such a refreshing read! Additionally, there are awkward moments bringing further life, warmth, and humour to this story. Most importantly, though, this book is filled with oh so much heart!

Audiobook narrators Shezi Sardar and Brent Billings personify Khorram's characters, perfectly bringing them to life. This is one of the easiest books to follow along with in audio format! I'm not sure why exactly, but it was as delightful and charming as it was straightforward and comprehensible (especially) in this format! Not all audiobooks are created equally, and this is one of the best!

(I can't not compare this book to another recent publication with a food/wine plot... and all I can say is that I'll Have What He's Having provided exactly what I wanted and needed, while that other book didn't.)

I can't wait to add I'll Have What He's Having to my shelf soon - because I need a physical trophy of it!

Thank you NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Hachette Audio for the complimentary copies to read and review.

5/5 stars
2/5 spice

I honestly didn't expect this book to be so scump-diddily-licious and cute. I'm legit giggling and feeling all mushy with this book. David and Farzan had amazing chemistry from the start and I was really happy with how their story unfolded. Aside from a cute rom com, all the cuisine and wine mentioned has me craving kabobs and a good glass of wine. And the side characters were amazing! I loved Arya and Ramin. They were such a great support system for Farzan as he navigated all his life choices.

Overall, a great rom com with likable characters and two MCs you're rooting for the whole time. Highly recommend for fans of multicultural relationships, found family, relatable characters, and MM romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

I’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib Khorram is an absolutely delightful romance.

Farzan Alavi and David Curtis are in their late thirties but they are at different points in their careers. Farzan has not quite figured out his life but he continues trying out new careers to see what fits. David is very driven and he single-mindedly works to achieve his goals. Both have supportive families and friends, but Farzan has a better work/life balance. The two men are VERY attracted to each other, but will David’s plans for his future prevent them from taking a chance on romance?

I’ll Have What He’s Having is a fantastic gay romance. Farzan and David are delightful characters with realistic flaws. Farzan and David’s romance has plenty of sexual tension and their sex scenes are delectably steamy. The cast of characters is well-developed and diverse. The various relationships between the main characters, their families and their friends are refreshingly normal. With late in the story conflict, Adib Khorram brings this brilliant romance to a very heartwarming conclusion.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had me hooked from the first scene. It was funny and sexy and emotional. I love how Adib explored how people can show up for each other and for themselves. And I’m a sucker for books that revolve around food and drinks. Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for this arc.