Review: HOT MESS by Emily Belden

Hot Mess was my first read by Emily Belden, and it was a fun and entertaining food-fiction novel.

I’m very picky when it comes to describing food. I cringe when I come across things such as 'Ooey gooey goodness,' 'yummy deliciousness,' or 'piece of yumminess,’ especially when I don't know what food is so super duper delicious. Is it a cinnabon, a juicy steak, what even is it?!

In Hot Mess, food was described to perfection. The many mouth-watering menu items that were described had my stomach rumbling, and my appetite increasing.

The main character, Allie, was in deep with her internet famous chef boyfriend, Benji. He may have loved her in a way, but at the time he loved something else more. Benji is an addict, one not clean and in recovery as he lead her to believe. He was manipulative, and signs that he wasn’t being honest were there, but Allie’s too young, naive and in love to see them before he up and leaves her high and dry.

Picking up the pieces after Benji’s disappearance weren’t easy, but this was where we saw Allie slowly begin to grow, mature, and find a passion in an area she never thought she would. I didn’t become attached to any of the characters, but I wished for their health and happiness by the end.

Belden’s novel was witty and light. It was slow to start, as well as in a few other areas, but still a satisfying read.

-Colleen

Check it out for yourself! Hot Mess is available now.

Purchase Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Mess-Emily-Belden-ebook/dp/B07198DJL7/

Blurb:

Twentysomething Allie Simon is used to playing by the rules—until Chicago’s most sought-after, up-and-coming culinary genius, Benji Zane, walks into her world and pulls her into his. The only thing more renowned than Benji’s mouthwatering masterpieces and equally luscious good looks? His struggle with addiction and his reckless tendency to live life on the edge, no matter the havoc he wreaks along the way. But loving someone means supporting him no matter what, or so Allie tells herself. That’s why, when Benji’s offered the chance to light up foodie hot spot Randolph Street with a high-profile new restaurant, Allie takes the ultimate risk and invests her life savings in his dream. Then one day Benji disappears, relapsing to a place where Allie can’t reach him. Left with nothing but a massive withdrawal slip and a restaurant that absolutely must open in a matter of weeks, Allie finds herself thrust into a world of luxury and greed, cutthroat business and sensory delight. Lost in the mess of it all, she can either crumble completely or fight like hell for the life she wants and the love she deserves.