Heart warming, light read based on the Hallmark movie starring Jen Lilley and Brendan Penny.

I watched the movie first and then read the book. I wouldn’t normally do it in that order but in this case, the movie existed before the book was written/released.

So, if you’ve seen the movie you might be a bit disappointed that the book doesn’t continue much beyond the end of the movie. I feel like the epilogue is the only real continuation of the story beyond the movie. Want to solve that issue? Read the book first. I think you’ll give both the book and the movie a higher review if you do it that way. (Just my opinion of course)

If you haven’t seen the movie yet, here’s the summary of the storyline of the book.
Nikki is a talented cook but she’s not a professionally trained chef. When he job cooking at a diner comes to an end, she finds that it’s an uphill battle trying to find another job as a cook.
Her best friend and former co-worker gets a job working for Nikki’s idol. When Nikki visits he friend at work, she not only meets a handsome chef, she also finds herself getting a job with her idol.

This is a turning point in Nikki’s life.
Soon she starts trying out new recipes (after hours in the restaurant’s kitchen) and she starts bonding with her crush the executive chef Paul.

I liked the characters.
I loved the food descriptions.
The author kindly included one of the recipes in the book.
I wish she had also included the recipes for the waffle coated fried chicken and the peanut butter and root beef braised stew. I know, I’m being greedy but the descriptions of those recipes make you hungry! I would try either of those recipes in a heartbeat and I just may try the chili recipe that was included too.

I got to read an early e book edition of this story from NetGalley.
I recommend reading the book, then maybe making up a batch of the chili to enjoy while watching the movie.
And I also suggest that of the author isn’t totally done with her final draft, maybe she could include that peanut butter root beer braised stew recipe :) ( )

A Dash of Love by Liz Isaacson
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Nikki is not a trained, professional chef, but she is an outstanding cook with a creative streak a mile wide. Her foods are crafty, creative, tasty, and oh so satisfying. She’s been gainfully employed in other people’s kitchens for years, but her dream is her own restaurant with complete creative control over the menu. With any luck, Nikki’s new job will be yet another step toward her dream.

Working for Holly Hanson is a dream come true and Nikki can’t believe her luck! Holly’s food empire is a thing of beauty, a wonder to behold. She owns a successful, top-notch restaurant, her cookbooks line the bookstore shelves, and she is a celebrity. Trouble is, over the years, Holly’s menus have become bland and boring, her actual kitchen output is noticeably decreased in quality, her restaurant isn’t doing all that well financially, and she’s generally a terrible human being. Though Nikki only knows about a few of these things, she isn’t deterred and is determined to make the best of her situation.

Thankfully, Nikki’s situation includes approval to cook in the state of the art kitchen after closing and interacting with Paul, the delectable and uber-talented executive chef. Like Nikki, Paul is trying to make the best of his situation and that includes cranking out Holly’s tired recipes night after night and having no creative freedom of his own. Nikki’s presence makes the job bearable and, once he discovers her clever, creative, and completely enticing food, the situation becomes exciting. Paul is bowled over by Nikki and wants to see her succeed professionally; Paul also wants her to succeed personally, with him. Trouble is, both Nikki and Paul work for a scheming tyrant whose machinations will have devastating consequences beyond their wildest imaginings.

The Bottom Line: I was looking for a super-sweet, little bit of drama read and A Dash of Love absolutely fit the bill! From page one, I liked Nikki, her attitude, and her determination to see her dreams come true. Though she faces some awful, soul-crushing moments, Nikki doesn’t let it defeat her. She’s plucky, not afraid to stand up for herself, and with Paul by her side, willing to take risks. Paul is the perfect balance for Nikki, and once she helps him work through his family issues, he’s also the perfect man. The only thing I found lacking in the book was a proper ending for Holly Hanson. My evil twin really likes to see the big bads get what’s coming to them. My eviler twin likes to have what’s coming to them all spelled out and that didn’t happen here which left me somewhat dissatisfied. But, only somewhat 😊 There’s nothing ground-breaking or profound here, but there is a solid, sweet, heartwarming, guaranteed HEA read between the covers. A Dash of Love is a quickly read book that makes for an excellent rainy-day distraction. ( )

A "short order" cook, a diner, a chef & a celebrity restaurant don't seem like things that go together but they meshed perfectly in this adaptation of a Hallmark movie. Nikki is a self taught cook with a flair for food. Her odd combinations make good comfort food even better. The only thing she lacks is self-confidence. When Gus, the owner of the diner where she is cooking, decides to retire, he wants her to take over but she doesn't think she can make it. Now, without a job, Nikki is looking for any job to make rent money.

Paul has been the executive chef at Holly Hansen's fine restaurant for five years. He loves being a Cordon Bleu chef, even though the food & menu have been uninspired for some time. Holly nixes any ideas he has & makes him feel foolish for even suggesting them. A bad review from a customer has him feeling discouraged, even though he agreed in his heart with what the customer said. He hates to leave his job & his mentor but what should he do?

I loved these characters! Nikki & Paul are complete opposites even thought they both like to cook. Nikki is open, honest & friendly while Paul is closed down, private & moody. The interactions between them were at times sweet & at time hilarious. The supporting characters invoke emotion in the readers & provide depth & dimension. This is a really nice, sweet romance with a little drama. ( )