Best Served Hot

A foodie influencer teams up with a pretentious food critic in this zesty rom-com from Elliot (Sadie on a Plate). Julie Zimmerman works as an executive assistant but her true passion is trying trendy New York City restaurants and posting food reviews on social media. However, her meager salary has always placed a limit on her success; without a newspaper backing her financially, she has to pay for all her meals out of pocket. When she runs into haughty Bennett Wright, new restaurant critic for the powerful New York Scroll, at a food festival, his entitled demeanor sets her off, and their encounter ends in a shouting match. But when a video of them squabbling goes viral, boosting both of their platforms, they reluctantly agree that working together could be mutually beneficial. Despite their vastly different lifestyles, their shared love for food brings them closer, and their early contempt is replaced by undeniable, intoxicating chemistry. This classic enemies-to-lovers plot is a slow burn, but the result is worth the wait and the food descriptions along the way will make readers salivate. Romance fans are sure to be charmed. Agent: Merrilee Heifetz, Writers House. (Feb.)