Life never tasted so good. Miller Sykes’s meteoric rise to award-winning chef is the stuff of culinary dreams, but it’s all crashing down around him. He’s been given a diagnosis that could cost him something even more precious than his life: his sense of taste. Rather than risk the very thing that defines him, Miller embarks on a last tour of his favorite meals while he still can. But there’s a …
But there’s a catch: he needs a financial backer to make it happen, and he doesn’t want anyone to know he’s sick.
Dr. Clancy Rhodes has two weeks to come to terms with putting aside oncology to work at his father’s thriving plastic surgery practice. When the opportunity to travel with a Michelin-starred chef presents itself, the foodie in him can’t believe it. It doesn’t hurt that Miller’s rugged good looks are exactly Clancy’s cup of joe.
As Clancy and Miller travel from coast to coast and indulge in everything from dive bars to the most decadent of culinary experiences, they’re suddenly sharing a lot more than delicious meals. Sparks fly as they bond over their love of flavors and the pressures of great expectations. But when Miller’s health takes a turn for the worse, Clancy must convince him he’s more–so much more–than just his taste buds. And that together, they can win a battle that once seemed hopeless.
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
This book is approximately 69,000 words
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Dine with Me was a step outside of my normal reading comfort zone and took me on a sweet and emotional journey. Miller having cancer felt like heavier reading before I started the book and at times it was sad. However, Layla Reyne handled the topic extremely well and filled the pages with love and hope…and lots of delicious food! As someone who loves eating I appreciated all the descriptions and little details of Miller and Clancy’s meals.
I loved this book SO much that I had to get the audio and listen to it right after I read it. The characters are wonderful. Not just the two main ones, but the supporting ones as well. The book is well written and an incredible love story. This is a book I will be rereading. A LOT.
I urge everyone to go buy it. Read it. Listen to it and enjoy.
It has one of my favorite types of characters… a chef. And the food described in the book makes me so hungry. The second character is a foodie, but also a doctor.
Dine with Me has a bit of everything. I laughed. I cried and I had a happy sigh at the end. Just the way I like it.
What I Think: Another utterly delicious tale from the fabulous Madame Layla. This tale was unputdownable when I started, with me chanting my mantra on not shedding tears over another tale. Stiff upper lip and all that. Let’s see how I fared, shall we?
The darkness of the health issues presented is well-balanced with the orgasmic food and those moments that this Authoress is a mistress of. You know, those that remind you this is still a romance and make your blood fizz and snap and stay that way throughout. The words used to describe the food are as intoxicating as the food itself as tastes blend together to give a culinary feast to the mind and eyes that the mouth wants to follow. Never had a bucket list for food before but I’m making a list of all these foods because my life would be a waste not knowing these tastes. Besides, what kind of self-respecting foodie would I be if I never know these tastes?
But Miller is so unfair. How dare he set those grounds rules then be as enticing as his food? These rules are making my life difficult as the need to know more about his fascinating back story becomes more pressing, taking center stage with the desire to add to my foodie fantasies then eclipses everything else. They’re opposites in enough ways that we know this attraction is going to be dynamite when it finally grows enough to be acknowledged. Dealing with health disorders that have taken away 60% percent of my choices, I perfectly understand Miller’s decision. At least, that’s one variable he can control. But even he isn’t as ready to let go as he thinks and I love watching him slam the lid on his feelings for Clancy even as his mouth and body do the damndest to remind him otherwise. Clancy is compassion, passion and intuition all packed into a gorgeous body, while Miller is protective and loyal, generous with his love in spite of the doom hanging over him. The fight ahead of him should send someone as empathetic as Clancy running far but as I get to know him, I become surer that he’s up to the task. They’re what the other needs and craves and didn’t even know until they met.
Apparently, this isn’t an easy read. This Authoress knows how to deliver punches and as the truths begin to slam out, I’m suddenly glad of the reprieve she gave me by leaving some chapters free of it. And with this tale, Madame Reyne is firmly on my list of authors who know how to do sexual tension right. Oh, and she proved my food theory right – run away from anyone who doesn’t enjoy food. This isn’t about having a large appetite or the lack thereof. It’s about taking the time to truly enjoy something that most people rush through when it can be so much more. Which, of course, means that this tale won and the waterworks came on. When Clancy made his last pitch to save the man he loves, I lost it. As Miller makes a choice that all of us that suffer from mental and autoimmune disorders, sometimes both, have to make every day of their lives, my decision to live no matter how painful, how anxious, how much the darkness looks attractive, to live for my family and loved ones became set in steel.
Verdict? A smorgasbord of tastes and emotions that is a comfort keeper, filling you up from the inside even as it reminds us all that hope burns eternal.
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 4
A beautiful heart-warming foodie adventure!
I love Layla’s writing and this one is just so good. While she may have moved away from her fantastic suspenseful writing this one shows off her inner foodie and her passion is reflected is such a great, loving and healing journey! She injects so much heart and emotion into every word of this story, it will tug on your heartstrings. I loved the foodie elements and spark between Miller and Clancy. This is a story of healing and growth and I loved the organic progress of Miller and Clancy’s connection and the love they shared above all else.
There are definitely some sad and hard moments in this book but they just make this story that much more special and relatable. Layla will take you by the hand and her words will carry you through the journey of love and food!
I love the excitement and food fanboying Clancy does of every meal and the back and forth between Miller is great. This is a foodie’s dream; with heart and love to make you melt. I loved every minute!! Highly recommended!!!
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Departures from the norm can result in very good things and Dine with Me proves that in the literary sense. Dine with Me had a different feel than other Layla Reyne books, quieter and leaving room for introspection as a main character confronts his own mortality versus the action-packed suspense driven plots we typically get. And yet, this novel still had those elements that continually draw me to the author’s stories- rich, full characters that buoy a great story with lovely romance.
I absolutely loved the concept of Dine with Me. The idea of a trip of last suppers was very unique and the stories the author wove together were incredibly original and kept me invested cover to cover. I also liked Miller and Clancy and how their ages and approaches to life and food were played off each other throughout Dine with Me. I also loved the families in Dine with Me, both the ones given and those chosen by Miller. I could feel the warmth among the characters and it provided for a beautiful, heartfelt story that brought tears to my eyes in the pivotal moments wherein the characters examined life, love, passion, and family.
Despite having a more serious subject matter, Dine with Me was balanced with playful banter and descriptions that would make any food-lover’s taste buds tingle. As with anytime an author pursues a different direction, I honestly didn’t know what I’d get when I started Dine with Me. Happily, it was more than I could have hoped for and I enjoyed every moment with this cast of characters. Dine with Me is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a character-driven story of what makes life and love worth celebrating and fighting for.
*eARC provided via Netgalley. Reviewed for Alpha Book Club*
If you’re thinking tearjerker I’ve got to tell you… you’re right.
Layla Reyne’s Dine With Me has to be one of the most heartbreaking premises for a story I can imagine. A man who is completely devoted to his life’s passion, finding out the odds are that he’ll never be able to do that work again – much less even survive with treatment – is an incredibly sad story.
Luckily Layla Reyne is a romance novelist so fans, stay the course! It is SO worth it.
In addition to a beautiful story of devoted friendships and a budding love affair, Dine With Me has the most gorgeous descriptions of dining experiences I’ve ever read. Foodies and romance lovers MUST read this book. It’s gorgeous!
I loved this book that was my first read from this author. Although it does involve cancer and the difficult decision whether to suffer through treatment or just go out gracefully, it isn’t as traumatic as you might expect. Most of the book focuses on the MCs Miller and Clancy getting to know one another and through the process determining what is important to them and what they want out of life. Although there is instant attraction, the relationship builds as they get to know one another, and there is no sex until near the end. I’m not a foodie, but that did not detract from the very realistic struggle and desire for a last hurrah experienced by Miller or the infectious eagerness of Clancy to explore great dining experiences. I feel that the strong characters took the story far above a simple food tour.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, which I see as a culinary road trip. Food is a very important part of the story, so if you’re a foodie, this will be right up your alley. Considering the profession of Miller (he’s a chef), it’s understandable the author chose to describe all the menus and different food, but it was a bit much for my taste at times.
Miller has his reason—the details of which we learn rather later in the book–to want to visit all his favorite places. And that reason is heartbreaking and life-altering, and I felt for him. He’s a good man with a soft heart for his friends and family, but at the same time, I couldn’t relate to his dealing with the issue. I didn’t like his fatalistic attitude and the fact that he withheld information from the people he said he loved.
Clancy, on the other hand, is an absolute sweetheart. Joyful, exuberant, smart, supportive, and avid foodie, he is the best travel companion Miller can wish for. Because he’s a surgeon and experienced in oncology, he soon figures out why Miller wanted him on his road trip. He’s understanding and caring, but he doesn’t beat around the bush and tells Miller how it is. I love those kinds of men.
Even though Clancy and Miller are complete opposites, I could feel the connection between them. It was realistic how they fell for each other, even in the short amount of time they were together. It was obvious from the first moment they met.
Miller has a special relationship with his ex-wife, Sloan, which I didn’t understand at first, but after I’ve learned about the nature of their relationship, I can only applaud Miller for what he did. He’s selfless to a fault.
I loved that there were no angry parents in this story. Often you see one or two families that are broken or out of the picture, but not here. Both sets of parents are caring people who love their sons and help them.
Even with the harsh medical issues in this book, the author kept the tearful moments to a minimum. She doesn’t elaborate on all the details and hospital procedures. Only in the epilogue, we get a glimpse of what both men have gone through, but even then their romance and happiness shine through.
Dine with me
Layla Reyne
Miller Sykes and Clancy Rhodes
Sometimes when life throws you lemons….
Success most always comes with a price. Life can be throwing you curved balls left and right, all you can do is try to catch as many as you can and do something worthwhile with it.
A story with culinary dishes and comfort food. A tale with two unlikely individuals who can make something out of a little adventure they were not sure of at first. Miller, a bear, kind, gruff and sweet culinary expert. Clancy, tired but sweet, enthusiastic about food and want to help people.
A delicious trip down memory lane. This was what Miller was hoping for before he loses everything. A well-deserved vacation for Clancy who has had no vacation in any form for twelve years and before he starts on a new direction career-wise? Could they achieve what they were both hoping for when they embarked on this journey, or will this be a disaster in the making?
Ms. Layla Reyne incorporated culinary deliciousness with a love story that can melt your heart. Two very sweet men started on a journey to rediscover(for Miller) and to satisfy the cravings of a first-class foodie (Clancy). It is bittersweet but also a journey of discovery. I love the sweetness and the “take-no-bullshit” attitude Clancy has, how much he loves his parents and how devoted he is to a certain part of his profession. Miller’s painful trip down memory lane gave him the chance to meet someone who might mean more than what this trip was supposedly about. And along the way maybe he will find the courage that he needs to face the most important battle in his life! Congratulations Ms. Layla Reyne, this is an amazing tale of love, courage and friendship!
When I read the blurb, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What I got was an interesting, intense, powerful, grab-you-by-the-feels, beautiful, slow burning, amazing, heartbreaking yet hopeful, and totally awesome tale. Filled with tears of both sadness and joy, a roller coaster ride of emotions, tension, fear, and a smorgasbord of food descriptions guaranteed to leave you raiding your fridge, I would DEFINITELY recommend getting this gem immediately.
This book gives a whole new meaning to in sickness and in health! What an emotional ride. This is my first book by this author and it definitely will NOT be the last. I highly recommend it! But keep some Kleenex on hand. Beautiful story and well written!
I have enjoyed every book by Ms Reyne – the detail, research and heart put in them make the stories absolutely amazing. In this regard Dine With Me is no exception. It’s well-written, with a lot of thought put into the theme of the book. This is a whole new level of dining. That said, the majority of the book is centered on gourmet food that sometimes overshadows everything else including the MCs.
Miller Sykes is chef extraordinaire, a true connoisseur of gourmet cuisine and fine dining experience. But despite this fact life deals him a series of blows that he can not recover from or chooses not to. The tour he is supposed to embark on will be his last hooray to the culinary world he has loved. But when it looks like he can go on no longer, he meets a man who makes him pick up the fight and want to live. While I admired Miller’s dedication to his craft, his insistence that he is nothing without his ability to taste made me question his lack of self worth as a man, friend and lover. He was always larger than life, and his inability to see how much he was needed by those closest to him was baffling to me. He missed out on so much by being so obsessed with food. I am glad to say that he got better in the end – he finally found his balance.
Clancy Rhodes is a brilliant man who has achieved a lot in his life. He is thirty and he is already a doctor. He gets on well with his family and is ready to spread his wings, but the weight of expectations doesn’t lead him where he really wants to be – helping people to fight to live with scalpel in his hands. So he embarks on a food tour with clear mind and heavy heart but finds way more than he expected to. He finds a man to love, he finds courage to go for his dream working in oncology and he finds strength to fight for the man he loves. I really liked Clancy and his positive outlook on life, his intuitive responses where Miller was concerned – he just knew when to push and when to leave him be. His love of fine dining was what first created a bond between them that grew into something more.
The book would have been more enjoyable for me if love for food and love between two men were on equal footing. It felt that food took all the attention, and I wanted a bit more attention on the men themselves. I am not a foodie, as the term in the book says, so that might have attributed to my liking it less than I wanted. But I encourage you all to try for yourselves. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
Layne Reyne’s Dine With Me took a hold of my heart early on and wouldn’t let go.
Miller’s life is changing, as he’s a famous chef who’s closing his restaurant. Of course, he has a secret, which he’s guarding closely. While he can, he goes off on a food tour with Clancy. They’re two strangers who end up getting close while traveling together.
I love the romance, the intrigue, but I don’t care much for all the food descriptions. It just isn’t my thing and I would have preferred less of the food details.
With Miller’s sense of taste at the heart of his situation, it’s an interesting aspect which is a new to me read. I’m not schooled in the diagnosis or it’s treatment, but I definitely found it interesting.
The character growth in both men is wonderful in this story of choosing to fight, choosing love, and choosing family. It’s an amazing tale of not giving up, not giving into negative thoughts.
Dine With Me is truly beautiful in the end. Miller is a fighter and with Clancy, their love can inspire anyone.
I was sold on Layla Reyne’s writing from the moment I’ve read the first few pages of Single Malt and she didn’t disappoint so far – she’s a one click buy for me, but when I got an opportunity to read an ARC of this one I was reluctant to sign up. The reason was that this is not the trope on the top of my list (actually I would have passed if it wasn’t one of my favorite authors) , and after reading The King Slayer this would be 180 turn and I wasn’t sure I was ready for it. Well, I’m really happy that I kept an open mind and didn’t miss this wonderful, sweet, slow burn romance. I don’t even know if the slow burn is an appropriate term because most of the book happens in the span of less than two weeks. Famous chef on his bucket list food and memory lane journey he can’t really afford, accompanied by a stranger who’s more than ready to pay for the experience.
On this journey they both discover what’s really important for them in life and what was missing.
I love when authors include real life locations and /or events in their books so I can Google them and enjoy the experience even more. My reading progress on this one was really slow because most of the restaurants featured can be found, so I was getting lost in pictures, menus and dining experience reviews. You can see clearly from the first chapter that the author is a really passionate foodie with wast knowledge on the subject and that passion sucks you in, so the descriptions of dining experiences are far from boring. My only complaints about this book are that the attraction between MC’s is stated but not really showing (and you don’t need a sex scene to show it). There’s almost an instant connection, growing friendship and love, but I just didn’t feel the passion. The other thing I had problem with was that everyone in this book is too perfect too be real. Perfect reactions, responses, actions… Just didn’t work for me. The only true villain in this book is cancer.
Nevertheless it was a really enjoyable and memorable read. If you are a foodie and romantic go for it. Just remember – get your favorite snacks ready or you’ll be sorry.
What an emotional story! I loved it
While I have several Layla Reyne books in my TBR pile, Dine With Me is the first book of hers that I’ve read and I loved it. (Note to self: move her other books up higher on my list!)
According to the author’s note in the book, she is an avid foodie and it shows in this book. While I am probably the exact opposite of a foodie – I love pizza and popcorn and I’m not a fan of gourmet food – I can still appreciate the exquisite descriptions of the food in this story.
While I knew from the book’s blurb that one of the MC’s is sick, and therefore the book will most likely be very emotional, there was no way to really prepare me for how much it would actually impact me. As a survivor of a life-threatening illness myself, part of me could relate to the feelings that Miller has.
Dine With Me is a wonderful slow-burn story that packed a huge emotional punch for me. I cried sad and happy tears while reading it. Because of Carina Press’s HEA/HFN promise, I knew that the book would end well but that didn’t stop me from reacting emotionally to the ups and downs in the story as I read.
One of my favorite parts of any book is the epilogue. While Dine With Me doesn’t technically have an epilogue, the last chapter effectively functions as one. We get to see Miller and Clancy a few years down the road and happy tears flowed freely when I read it.
In the author’s acknowledgement she calls this story a “love letter” and it truly shows in her wonderfully descriptive writing.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Lots of food, lots and lots of food. I like food, and I realize that Miller is a chef and Clancy is along for a food-filled tour, but more time is spent on the food than on the romance. I mean, this is technically supposed to be a romance, right? Nevertheless, the first half of this one revolves mostly around the food with a little get to know you conversation thrown in as Clancy attempts to get to know Miller, who is doing his best to remain closed-off to anything personal.
Things do pick up in the second half and given the circumstances, the emotions also pick up dramatically. This is where the focus is on Miller’s diagnosis and his decisions about that. Despite my feelings about the lack of romance, I still really liked both Miller and Clancy, and this part of the book certainly tugged on my heartstrings.
In the end, Dine with Me is sweet, emotional, and a little bit steamy, but between the food tour and Miller’s diagnosis and determination to follow through with his plan, I feel like the romance suffered. Yes, we’re told that these guys care about each other, we get Clancy’s distress over the situation, and they certainly have chemistry between the sheets. But, so little time was spent on the whole falling in love that it was hard to believe it when they finally professed those feelings. We do get an oh, so sweet ending to wrap things up, but for me, it was too little too late to entirely sell me on the romance.
The book is well-written, and I’m glad I read it, but it’s not something I’ll remember down the road in terms of recommended romances.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie –
I really enjoyed this moving, amusing, romantic, and foodie-heaven novel. I love to read books which involve chefs and their lives, and this one was a winner for me.
Miller decides to have one last big hurrah before he leaves this earth, and wanting to taste all the most important meals in his life. His ex-wife, his best friend, helps him plan it, and finds the perfect person to help fund it. This turns out to be Dr. Clancy Rhodes, thanks to a gift from his family. Clancy’s mother is super helpful too, as she runs the ultimate concierge business and helps with flights, hotels, and so on. In fact, these two women are essential in making this a trip to remember for both Miller and Clancy.
The travelling around eating and the stories that reveals is already a good concept for a book, but add in the chance of a romance and then the cancer diagnosis, and the reader should make sure that they are not hungry and that they have a tissue or three to hand. Never sentimental, but inevitably very moving, you would be wise to sit somewhere private to read this book.
I highly recommend this book to you.
Veronica –
Clancy, a doctor and a foodie, is taking the trip of a lifetime with Miller, a well-known chef, before he starts working as a plastic surgeon. For Miller it is something of a last hurrah after receiving a life changing medical diagnosis.
It was joyous watching Clancy and Miller fall in love over wonderful dinners as they shared little parts of themselves and their past with each other. But the knowledge of Miller’s diagnosis and the decision he has made, has sadness always hovering nearby. So much is experienced across the trip and life changing decisions are made. It feels like Miller and Clancy have known each other much longer than two short weeks.
I love to eat and even though I would not call myself a foodie the idea of travelling across America, eating lots of delicious food, is immensely appealing. The trip is a great backdrop for this beautiful romance and I know I’ll be thinking of Miller and Clancy next time I go out for a romantic dinner.
Angie –
The blurb was very enticing and I was excited to read this. Honestly, this book was too slow for me and I found myself skimming at times. This was slow paced but at times it was slower than slow. The characters had good chemistry, but I found the ex-wife was in the book too much and it kind of turned me off to the story to an extent. There weren’t even a lot of steamy scenes to make up for the slow pace. I am sure others will greatly enjoy this book, but for me it was a miss.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Loved this book! Clancy and Miller for the win. This is a dual POV contemporary novel and much different from her previous novels that I’ve read. This book made me happy and sad at the same time. Broke me apart and then fixed me back up. It gave me hope. Clancy an Miller are perfect together. Clancy just lights him up inside. Also I want this line on a T-shirt:
Logic was hard, s’mores were easy.
Oh, After finishing this, I was so fucking hungry! Miller is such an amazing chef. And I loved Sloan. Layla Reyne writes some badass females. One of my favourite things!! The epilogue was wonderful but I’d have liked the book to be a little more longer.
Very fun read!!!
*ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take PR and Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
This is a real foodie book! I’m from Europe so many of the dishes is unfamiliar to me but the descriptions of tastes and flavours made me very curious.
Miller’s grief is coming through in every page and I’m just waiting for Clancy to discover his secret…..
No unnecessary descriptions of (although it’s some descriptions but I feel it’s essential for the context of the story)
Characters is described with emotions and they become realistic and familiar for me very quickly.
Sweet love is developing and it’s a joyful adventure to witness.
I recommend this book if you’re a foodie, and even if you’re not (like me) you will enjoy it. 5 eatable stars!
* A copy of this book was provided by A Novel Take PR and I freely give my honest review*
DINE WITH ME is a change of direction from the Romantic Suspense novels I have read by Layla Reyne. And I don’t mean in a bad way, as I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
Miller is a chef, who has just closed down a restaurant, is getting a divorce from his best-friend/wife, oh, and by the way, has throat cancer too. There are many trials and tribulations he goes through, most of which are completely understandable, and you will certainly empathise with him as a character.
As for Clancy, he is a foodie and also a doctor. He has just agreed to work at his dad’s plastic surgery clinic, although he has major doubts about that. His calling is for oncology, but he doesn’t know how to let his dad down.
You travel with these two as they go from one special place to another, with Miller sharing his love of food. The attraction between these two simmers all the way through, overflowing at points.
With a fantastic supporting cast of characters, I thoroughly enjoyed the story as it panned out. I loved Miller’s thought processes, and how Clancy worked.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, and I found the pacing to be perfect for the story.
Although we had an epilogue, I would still love to hear more from this couple! Absolutely recommended by me.