REVIEW: A Delicious Dilemma by Sera Taino

A Delicious Dilemma by Sera Taino: Val Navarro works hard in her family’s Puerto Rican restaurant. She has just gotten over a bad break-up. She is talked into going out dancing. She has a great time made even better by meeting a handsome stranger who only gives her his first name, Philip. After hearing Val talk about her views on the gentrification and redevelopment of her neighborhood that could threaten the restaurant, Philip is afraid to tell her his last name is Wagner. Wagner Development, lead my his father Andreas, is the one responsible for big chances that are not all good for the longtime residents of the area.

Val is a brave, loyal woman. Not only does she put her family first, but she has also been very active in the community group who has tried to persuade Wagner Developments to make certain concessions in their plans. The theme of gentrification is all too true in many larger cities. It is all well and good for those who have money and want something different, but makes finding affordable housing even harder. The author does a fine job of addressing this issue without being too preachy.

Philip has been raised by a father who is rather stubborn and set in his ways. His father came from nothing, so he only sees the bottom line and not the impact on innocent people. Philip is bit reticent , but has a large measure of compassion for others.
Philip’s and Val’s story is definitely a slow burn with an enemies to friends undertone. His exposure to her culture opens his eyes to a different way of life. The cuisine included sounded mouthwatering. I have never had Puerto Rican food, but after read this charming novel, I will certainly have to search it out. Books with food have a strong appeal to me as much as books about books, bookstores or libraries.

Delicious Dilemma is the debut novel by author Sera Taino. This hard to believe since it’s so polished and engaging. Hopefully this will be the first of many by this talented writer.

Book Info:

Publication: August 24, 2021 | Harlequin Special Edition |

Different worlds collide in Sera Taino’s debut novel.

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?