Love and Other Disasters

This book is perfect if you love: reality TV cooking competitions, non-binary and bisexual representation, and a good spicy romance! Recommended By Jessica M., Powells.com

The first openly nonbinary contestant on America's favorite cooking show falls for their clumsy competitor in this delicious romantic comedy debut that USA Today hailed as "an essential read."

Recently divorced and on the verge of bankruptcy, Dahlia Woodson is ready to reinvent herself on the popular reality competition show Chef's Special. Too bad the first memorable move she makes is falling flat on her face, sending fish tacos flying--not quite the fresh start she was hoping for. Still, she's focused on winning, until she meets someone she might want a future with more than she needs the prize money.

After announcing their pronouns on national television, London Parker has enough on their mind without worrying about the klutzy competitor stationed in front of them. They're there to prove the trolls — including a fellow contestant and their dad--wrong, and falling in love was never part of the plan.

As London and Dahlia get closer, reality starts to fall away. Goodbye, guilt about divorce, anxiety about uncertain futures, and stress from transphobia. Hello, hilarious shenanigans on set, wedding crashing, and spontaneous dips into the Pacific. But as the finale draws near, Dahlia and London's steamy relationship starts to feel the heat both in and outside the kitchen — and they must figure out if they have the right ingredients for a happily ever after.

"Kelly will whet your appetite from the first page, capping off the wonderful feast with the absolute sweetest of happy-ever-afters." — Kirkus (Starred Review)

"This chef's-kiss debut that brilliantly explores the idea of being true to yourself with insight and compassion." — Booklist (Starred Review)

"A sweet debut...a nonbinary protagonist in a mainstream romance is cause for excitement and the characters spark with chemistry. The heartwarming result will leave readers eager for more from Kelly." — Publishers Weekly

Originally from a small town in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, Anita Kelly now lives in the Pacific Northwest with their family. A teen librarian by day, they write romance that celebrates queer love in all its infinite possibilities. Whenever not reading or writing, they're drinking too much tea, taking pictures, and dreaming of their next walk in the woods. They hope you get to pet a dog today. To learn more, visit:
AnitaKellyWrites.com
Twitter @daffodilly
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