Love & Other Disasters

By: Anita Kelly

Narrated by: Lindsey Dorcus

The first openly nonbinary contestant on America’s favorite cooking show falls for their clumsy competitor in this delicious romantic comedy debut “that is both fantastically fun and crack your heart wide open vulnerable.” (Rosie Danan, author of The Roommate)

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.

Critic reviews

"Sweet and sexy and wholly delicious. I'm head over heels for these two delightful disasters—three if you count Dahlia's magnificent hair as a separate character. Anita Kelly writes with tremendous warmth and care, and these pages shine with joy."—Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of The Ex Talk

“Kelly writes wildly charming, exquisitely vibrant, and achingly tender prose and has a unique gift for making readers feel safe, loved, and understood within her pages. This story is both fantastically fun and crack your heart wide open vulnerable. I can’t wait to buy it for everyone I’ve ever met.” —Rosie Danan, author of The Roommate

"Sweet, spicy, with characters you won’t forget! I loved Dahlia and London’s growing chemistry and witty banter in this amazing foodie romance that had me wanting to eat all the food! But the perfect ingredient in this delicious story was watching how they each carved out space in their lives for each other."—Farah Heron, author of Accidentally Engaged

"A delightful celebration of love, food, and the power to changes our lives. Anita Kelly does a lovely job creating characters both unique and relatable and tells a story that leaves the reader glowing with hope."—Karelia Stetz-Waters, author of Satisfaction Guaranteed

"With only one book, Anita Kelly has landed among my all-time favorite authors."—Meryl Wilsner, author of Something to Talk About

"This book is sweet, steamy, and absolutely delectable! With relatable main characters, vivid (and delicious) descriptions, and beautiful queer representation, this is a book you both want to savor and consume in a single bite."—Alison Cochrun, author of The Charm Offensive

Anita Kelly has the perfect recipe for romance in her debut, Love and Other Disasters. Kelly masterfully balances the vulnerability and the scorching intimacy of new love for a supremely sexy, tender, and decadent romance. I didn't want it to end and I'm so hungry for more.—Ruby Barrett, author of Hot Copy

“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

“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

Cute 🥰

It was so nice to read about someone like me. I loved that the way I saw my own experiences as a nonbinary person on the page. Great job Anita 😘

title

the narrator doesn't know how to pronounce macarons 😂






words words words words words words

Fantastic Love Story

I loved every aspect of this love story. The narrator was perfect despite a few mistakes with the non- binary pronouns and a few words. To me it made it more realistic because I make those mistakes too at times. I felt both MCs struggles as they came to understand their own identities and their feelings for each other…. It was extremely special to be a part of it behind the backdrop of a cooking competition which I loved…I cannot wait to read more from Anita Kelly

DNF

I just got bored. It felt kind of like an instructional video on transphobia. I suspect if I was non-binary I might find it soothing. I have enjoyed some books like that about identities I own. But a couple hours in and nothing has actually happened other than the characters existing. I was hoping for a little food porn to keep me interested but the dishes are boring too.

I love seeing this kind of representation

I loved reading a romance with a non-binary main character. Everyone regardless of gender identity deserves a happy ending and I love to see representation in romance!! Love and Other Disasters is a fun romance that takes place on the set of a reality cooking show. I liked the chemistry between Dahlia and London and was rooting for them. One plot line I wish had been resolved better is Dahlia’s feelings that she didn’t get as much attention on the show as London or Lizzy on the show because she wasn’t as controversial.