A Delicious Dilemma by Sara Taino: Val Navarro works hard in her family’s restaurant. She is still 
recovering from a rough split from a long time boyfriend. Despite qualms, she gets nudged into going out for a night of dancing. While there she meets a very good looking man who only introduces himself as Philip. Val shares all the concerns her family and neighbors are facing with new development that could close the restaurant and change the face of the whole area.
Philip doesn’t tell her his last name because it’s Wagner and his father’s company, Wagner Development, is the one who is behind the many proposed changes. Of course, Val finds out the deception quickly and Philip goes from being a charming guy to enemy. He knows he will have to work hard to gain back Val’s trust.
The author has crafted a charming enemies to friends story. The reader can see why Val is so upset with Philip and the development company. Just as in her case, there are many times when gentrification takes place that is profitable for a business and brings in new people with money. At the same time it pushes out residents who can no longer pay for raised rents and leaves no true affordable housing.
Val is strong and loyal. Her family and friends come first. She has been brave enough to become active is a neighborhood association trying to have a real discussion with the developer. Philip has been under pressure from his father, but shows growth as well as compassion over the course of the book.
I have never had Puerto Rican food, but after reading about all the yummy dishes Val prepares, I know I will have to seek some out soon. The novel also looks into the culture of the people who have left that island and moved to the mainland over time.
This is Sera Taino’s debut novel. That is hard to believe since A Delicious Dilemma is very polished and engaging. The author seems on track to have a long, successful career as a writer.
Book Info:
Publication: August 24, 2021 | Harlequin Special Edition |
It’s hard to remain enemies when you’ve broken bread together
Val Navarro’s first mistake: going out dancing after a bad breakup when the chef should be focused on her family business. Her second mistake? Thinking the handsome, sensitive stranger she meets could be more than a rebound – until she discovers he’s Philip Wagner of Wagner Developments. His father’s company could shut down her Puerto Rican restaurant and unravel her tight-knit neighborhood. When Philip takes over negotiations, Val wants to believe he has good intentions. But is following her heart a recipe for disaster?
