Eat Your Heart Out

A good romance. I didn't read (Starting Over #1) and didn't feel like it was a prerequisite.

It seems like most romances are for the youngsters; this romance is for the 40ish age group. I haven't read many books where teachers are the protagonists. Also some lead characters who have conquered very serious weight challenges.

Food descriptions sounded delicious and health conscious. I'd love the recipe for the mango salsa. Yum.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher (The Wild Rose Press, Inc) and the author Shirley Goldberg for the opportunity to review this novel in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is 17 Mar 2021.

Totally not what I expected after reading the book blurb! It's not a sweet romance with cooking - it's more of a deeper look into online dating and dieting. It dragged on in parts - does he like her, doesn't he like her - over and over. Has some surprises. Interesting read, but not one I'd probably recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a timed digital ARC of this book for my review.

This book came as a bit of surprise to me. Once again, the cover was a little deceiving. The synopsis was also. It seemed to me like it would be a nice light workplace romance, but it actually dealt with some pretty heavy topics. The main topic that was a shocker for me was morbid obesity and eating disorders. There were also obese characters being left by their spouses and some fat shaming.

The two main characters, Dana and Alex, don't start off together. They are both finding dates online and dealing with the fallout. Their coming together is super slow, riddled with obstacles, but cute. I really did love both characters once they got their individual stuff together. At times, though, it was kind of painful to witness their struggles and doubts.

Would I try another book in the series? Probably so, based on the development of the characters.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.

Such a satisfying read! And by satisfying, I mean YUMMY descriptive food fabulousness along with all the romancing feels!

Dana and Alex are teacher co-workers and develop an easy friendship over dinners and a shared dislike of their new superintendent. Dana works her way thru a few dissatisfying dating ventures while Alex holds her hands and feeds her from his healthy eating regimen. He was once much “chubbier”, so much so that she didn’t even recognize him at the grocery store. Alex’s healthier lifestyle is a major focus of the story as he struggles with an on-going food obsession.

Dana’s Ex just took the job that she was hoping for at the school where she works! Add to that the new “Cruella Deville-ish” superintendent has it out for her too! Talk about lending to an uncomfortable work environment. She struggles to look for a different school to work for – “middle age job hunting” is the pits. Dana’s girl group is helping her cope thru wine – my kind of gals. We get to visit with Sunny from “Middle-Ageish”, Goldberg’s first book in the series – which is not a requirement to enjoy this story as a standalone. But it is always more fun to get some of the backstory of the group dynamic as a whole – I would recommend that read as well for you Mid-Life Goddesses.

In “Eat Your Heart Out”, our author Ms. Goldberg weaves a deep-felt story of middle-aged characters and all the insecurities that come with being single in the mid-life dating world while maintaining sanity. There is a lot in this story that will resonate with our middle-aged besties in terms of all the stereotypes and struggles associated with weight and dieting. Somehow Shirley Goldberg tackles these heavy topics with some humor, romance, and compassion. I am here for it – and the FOOD! Enjoy!

I was given an ARC of this book from the author and publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A rom-com setting with a slow-paced to it between Dana and Alex, with good secondary characters. It was a nice read overall.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Eat Your Heart Out is an entertaining and well written romance. Good plot and character dynamics. I highly recommend this book.