I was having a break from romance stories I swear. After one book away from the genre I received this ARC from netgallery. I really enjoyed it except for the one to many f bombs which didn't add to the story. There was one detailed sex scene that I didn't have to skip ten pages for, it wasn't over done or completely unrealistic like the ones I've struggled through recently. It didn't over take the story. The chemistry was great between the 2 MCs. The story was great and took a turn I didn't expect. Than you for the chance to review this book.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia for this advanced copy in exchange for a review!

This book was a DELIGHT! Not often do I find myself loving a romance novel, but this one takes the cake (food pun intended). I was left giggling many times and it was the perfect balance of lighthearted and meaningful that I needed after reading a bunch of books either darker themes. You could say that this book is a great ‘palate cleanser’!!

Olive Stone is a fantastic main character - funny, stubborn, a bit overly critical - and it’s such a relief to read from the perspective of a character with some personality. Leo, while I loved him, lacked a bit of personality at times but the chemistry with Olive and the wonderful depictions of food and the Italian landscape made up for that. In the beginning I understood the hatred Olive had for Leo (being the son Olive’s father never had) but I feel like that got resolved a little too quickly. Would have loved to see more bickering shine through in the first half of the book, but that’s just me being picky - I still devoured the book and loved every minute!

Most importantly, what I loved was the character development and the exploration of the book’s themes. I love the progression that Olive makes throughout the story as well as the exploration of grief, learning to forgive the mistakes your parents made and knowing you aren’t doomed to repeat them. I love that Olive still keeps her independence and that her relationship with Leo isn’t her main motivation - she still goes on her own personal journey and can make her own decisions while Leo offers support from the sidelines.

Just One Taste is like a love letter to food, to Italy, and to love itself (both romantic love and love between parents and their child). It’s a wonderful read! Four (.5) forks out of five 🍴