top of page
Best Served Hot cover.jpg

Best Served Hot
Out now from Berkley/Penguin

**Order a signed copy here through Astoria Bookshop!**

Two restaurant critics learn their opposing tastes might make for a five-star relationship in the next foodie romantic comedy from the author of Sadie on a Plate.

By day, Julie Zimmerman works as an executive assistant. After hours, she’s @JulieZeeEatsNYC, a social media restaurant reviewer with over fifty thousand followers. As much as she loves her self-employed side gig, what Julie really wants is to be a critic at a major newspaper, like the New York Scroll. The only thing worse than the Scroll’s rejection of her application is the fact that smarmy, social-media-averse society boy Bennett Richard Macalester Wright snagged her dream job.
 
While at the Central Park Food Festival, Julie confronts the annoyingly handsome Bennett about his outdated opinions on social media and posts the resulting video footage. Julie's follower count soars—and so does the Scroll’s. Julie and Bennett grudgingly agree to partner up for a few reviews to further their buzz. Online buzz, obviously.
 
Over tapas, burgers, and more, Julie and Bennett connect over their shared love of food. But when the competitive fire between them turns extra spicy, they'll have to decide how much heat their relationship can take.

​

Praise for Best Served Hot:

​

“Best Served Hot is a delectably sweet and spicy enemies-to-lovers romcom from an author who knows the way to a food writer’s heart is always through their stomach.”—Washington Independent Review of Books

"Elliot leaves your stomach grumbling and your heart pounding, and it’s hard to discern what’s more delicious: the elaborate dishes or the couple's simmering chemistry."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“This romantic comedy from Elliot (Sadie on a Plate) is a sexy slow burn with sizzling chemistry between the well-developed protagonists. Julie and Bennett fall in love over countless meals, and the descriptions of the foods they consume are incredibly described and guaranteed to make readers salivate. Highly recommended for all libraries.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“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.”—Publishers Weekly

​

“Best Served Hot is a sweet, spicy, absolutely delicious romance! Julie and Bennett's love story will leave you smiling, while the food scenes will leave you hungry. I recommend reading with takeout menus within reach.”—Jen DeLuca, USA Today bestselling author of Well Matched

"If you're looking for a real, relatable romance, look no further than Best Served Hot by Amanda Elliot! The rivals-to-lovers vibes are delicious, as are all the descriptions of food. Do not read this on an empty stomach — you've been warned!"—Alicia Thompson, national bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers

"Amanda Elliot is a master of banter and crackling chemistry, delivering yet another winner! This rivals to lovers romance is spicy, lush, and addictive."—Amy Lea, author of Set on You

"A winning romance that will make your mouth water. Best Served Hot features two rivals who come from very different worlds, but who are united in their love of food. If only I could eat the meals served in this book."—Jackie Lau, author of Donut Fall in Love

“Best Served Hot was made to be savored. With a lovable cast of characters, a swoon-worthy romance, and food descriptions so vivid they'll make your mouth water, Amanda Elliot's latest is fantastic. I devoured every word!”—Kerry Rea, author of The Wedding Ringer

"Best Served Hot is a fun foodie romance filled with all the highs and lows of finding your passion. Every course of this enemies-to-lovers tale satisfies, from the amuse-bouche to the dessert. Anyone who loves a good meal will enjoy dining out with Julie, Bennett, and the rest of this sparkling cast."—TJ Alexander, author of Chef's Kiss

"Best Served Hot is the perfect recipe for a fresh, fun, and foodie-licious romcom: A spunky and relatable main character with a decent serving of edge and a hilarious inner voice; a sexy yet strong love interest with a side of cinnamon roll; a large helping of diverse and well-fleshed out supporting characters; and a healthy dash of spice in the bedroom! Warning: do not read on an empty stomach unless you have seriously amazing plans for dinner! Delicious fun."—Meredith Schorr, author of As Seen on TV

bottom of page