King of Gluttony Kings of Sin

I was really excited for the sixth book of that series, because Ana huangs writing got me back into reading. I would probably read her grocery list as well. I really adored Maya & Sebastian. The frenemies to lovers, who've known each other since they're kids. It was such a feel good read, even with the little drama in it. I mean, who doesn't love a man that can cook?

10/10, no notes. This one is definitely my favourite book out of the series. The dynamic between the two main characters is just chef’s kiss (pun intended). The banter feels so natural, and the way their relationship evolves over the course of the story is both heartwarming and entertaining. I loved how their interactions weren’t just about humor, but also about trust, vulnerability, and growth.

The dynamic between Sebastian and Maya is without a doubt the highlight. Their long-standing rivalry creates tension, and their banter is often sharp and entertaining. You can really feel the history between them, which adds an interesting layer to their relationship. The small gestures and unspoken emotions, in particular, give the story some depth. However, at times it felt a bit overdone. The intense tension is pushed so heavily that certain scenes start to feel repetitive. Their emotional development also felt a bit rushed in places and not always entirely believable. Sebastian, while intriguing with his “perfect facade”, his looks and his insecurities in the private moments sometimes came across as a bit cliché. Maya felt more grounded, though I still wished for a bit more independence in her character. On the positive side, the atmosphere, the culinary setting, and the lighter, humorous moments really stand out and balance the story nicely. Overall, it’s an entertaining romance with strong chemistry between the main characters, but it could have benefited from a bit more improvement in its execution.