6 romance books to read for National Culinary Arts Month

Some months have special significance such as February being Black History Month and June being Pride Month. For July though, there isn’t really anything but in doing some research, I found out that July is actually National Culinary Arts Month.

While that doesn’t seem exciting, it does lend itself to one particular avenue and that is romance novels. In recent years, there has been a trend of featuring not only cooking but chefs, restaurants, and food as a major component of a romantic story.

Food has always been a love language for some, but within the last five years, culinary arts has become a mainstay in romancelandia. While there might be some liberties taken, it always feels like those books have a little extra something added to them.

In honor of National Culinary Arts Month, it’s only right to recommend some “foodie” romance novels. Whether the main character is a chef or food is a major component, these six romance novels should hit the spot.

Celebrate National Culinary Arts Month with these romance books.

First up is actually a romance that I haven’t read yet, but it’s on my TBR so it’s first. Entitled The Romance Recipe, this book follows a romance between a chef and the owner of the restaurant where she works. The book sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun and it has a stunning cover. Written by Ruby Barrett, this book was released on July 12.

Moving onto some books I’ve read, the first is a 2022 release and that’s Chef’s Kiss by Jarrett Melendez. This is a graphic novel about Ben who gets hired at a restaurant and the romance he has with his co-worker, Liam. This book is incredibly fun and has a beautiful art style which is perfect if you’re looking for something quick and fun.

If you’re looking for something a bit spicier, then American Dreamer by Adriana Herrera might be for you. This book follows Nesto who owns a food truck and the romance he has with Jude who is a librarian. This book not only follows their romance but includes a lot of character growth for both characters. However, it does feature a lot of racism and homophobia too but it’s a fun read nonetheless.

Moving into the historical realm, The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan is a unique take on the foodie romance. Set in England and featuring two Asian characters, this is a grumpy-sunshine romance between Chloe and Jeremy. While the romance takes center stage, Chloe and her father are trying to perfect his sauce recipe so they can sell it and it’s such a fun side plot to the main romance.

These last two romances are about bakers which is another major trope in romance novels. The first is Donut Fall In Love by Jackie Lau. This is a romance between Lindsay, a bakery owner, and Ryan, an actor who is competing in a cooking competition. Ryan comes to her for some help and sparks fly from there. This one is pretty low-angst, but it’s perfect for a summer read as the sequel doesn’t come out until October.

Last but not least is a Black love story and that’s Make a Scene by Mimi Grace. This is a romance between Duncan and Retta who agree to fake date so Retta’s family will get off her back. There’s also another added layer of Duncan and Retta’s businesses being neighbors with him running a gym and her owning a bakery. This is another low-angst read if you’re looking for something sweet and fun.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s a foodie romance novel out there for you. Even if you can’t cook for National Culinary Arts Month, then these romance books are a perfect substitute for you.