Books like Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly

Dahlia Woodson, recently divorced and facing financial strain, signs up for the popular reality competition program Chef’s Special in hopes of a fresh start. The first openly nonbinary contestant on the show, Dahlia’s initial blunder—flinging fish tacos—sets the stage for unexpected comedy and character growth. Across the kitchen, London Parker also announces their pronouns on national television and faces a hostile environment, including rival contestants and a disapproving father. London’s goal is to prove the trolls wrong, not to find romance, but a shared kitchen mishap attracts Dahlia, sparking an unlikely connection. As the two chefs navigate the twists of a televised cooking competition, their budding romance is tested by challenges such as divorce guilt, anxiety about the future, and transphobic harassment. Yet amid the backdrop of staged set‑ups, surprise wedding appearances, and spontaneous beach excursions, they find humor and mutual support. By the finale, Dahlia and London must decide whether their relationship can withstand the heat of both the kitchen and life outside the studio, and whether they have the right ingredients for a happily ever after.

First publish date: 2022