Hot Mess

Library Journal STARRED review (Nov 15): “Belden’s excellent tell-it-like-it-is read is perfect for foodies and entrepreneurs alike.”

Booklist: “Combining the wit and insight of Stephanie Danler’s Sweetbitter (2016) with the drama of Jessica Tom’s Food Whore (2015), Belden’s first novel is a glimpse into the fast-paced fine-dining industry. She highlights the late nights, early mornings, and (literal) highs and lows so common in the restaurant world.… the core of Belden’s story is entirely enjoyable. Full of heart, heat, and passion, this restaurant rom-com in novel form is an exhilarating debut.”

The Bookly Club: "Belden has written a story that's more complicated (and feminist) that I ever suspected. Without giving too much away, I will say that HOT MESS far exceeded my expectations."

Abby Stern, author of According to a Source: "Emily Belden serves the decadence and drama a la mode in Hot Mess. The full-bodied novel takes the resilient Allie Simon on a journey of sex, love, secrets, and the high-end culinary world. You'll savor every word of this provocative story."

RT Book Reviews: "This is an engrossing, slow-burn read that yields a very satisfying emotional payoff.... Rich with perfect details, balanced between the various different relationships and presented in a well-crafted narrative, this novel is meant to be savored."

"Aimee Agresti knows Washington D.C. Especially in a presidential election year, where primary parties are hotter than Oscar parties, the journalists are ruthless, the candidates unpredictable and a trail of campaign widows are left home while their significant others are hot on the chase. But as she shows us through a compelling cast of characters, the most delicious drama happens right in the District." -Karin Tanabe, author of The List and The Diplomat's Daughter

"With a keen eye and razor-sharp wit, Aimee Agresti depicts the presidential campaign trail from a new and refreshing angle: the spouses left holding down the home fort in Washington, DC. Fun and fast-paced, populated with a lovable cast of characters--and peppered with undeniably dishy details--Campaign Widows will keep you turning the pages."
-Ann Mah, author ofMastering the Art of French Eating and The Lost Vintage

"Fun, dishy, and (yikes) all-too-real...Twenty-first century politics might be an unmitigated disaster, but I adored my time with this collection of vibrant, compelling characters. My vote is an enthusiastic 'yes' for Campaign Widows."
-Shari Goldhagen, author ofIn Some Other World, Maybe