I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I'll Have What He's Having by Adib Khorram Series: Standalone
Published by Hachette Audio on 2024 August 27
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 14
Format: Audiobook
Source: Netgalley
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A smart, tender, vivacious romantic comedy about mistaken identities, the line between love and sex, and the way one night—and one person—can change your life forever.
When it comes to love, Farzan Alavi is a disaster. After his most recent heartbreak, he’s drowning his sorrows at Kansas City’s newest wine bar. Only instead of being crowded between strangers, he’s escorted to a VIP table for one. There, the hot sommelier does more than treat him to the meal of his life. The way he flirts with Farzan ignites instant sparks.
There’s just one problem: David Curtis thinks Farzan is Frank Allen, Kansas City’s most influential food critic. The truth only comes out after the two spend an unforgettably hot night together. Good news—both think the mix-up is hilarious. Bad news—David is studying to become a master sommelier and has no interest in a relationship.
Neither expects their paths to cross again . . . until Farzan inherits his family’s bistro and needs David’s restaurant knowledge. The two agree to an exchange: David will answer Farzan’s questions, and Farzan will help David study for his test. Only business turns to pleasure when neither can ignore the attraction still sizzling between them. But with David set on moving after his test, and Farzan committed to his family’s restaurant, how can their relationship last past the expiration date?
No shit, Sherlock, but this book is sexy as hell. How can it be so fluffy and orgasmic at the same time? Like there’s a lot of smut and there’s a lot of wholesome fun, too. Well, I don’t care how the Adib Khorram did it but I’ll have What He’s Having is one of the best contemporary Adult MM romances I’ve read in my entire reading career. This book is just so beautiful and perfect from its amazing cast of diverse characters, to how the romantic plot was designed, the dialogues, the beautiful setting of Kansas City, and down to the careers of our two lead characters. The narrators’ voices and the twang are even spot on like hell yeah, it’s like I’m personally witnessing the unfolding of the whole story.
Farzan Alavi, one of our lead characters, not only identified as a gay but also as a fuck-up after seemingly failing everything in his life: his job, relationship, his loving parents. It’s like the Universe is singling him out to fail whenever he bags a small win. Our other lead character, David Curtis, the wine director of Aspire and an ambitious black guy who believes that with enough hard work and determination, he’ll get to where he wants to be and so far, his recipe is proving to be successful. Two characters who are as different as the sun and moon, crossing paths with each other due to a wrong assumption. And what seemed to be harmless flirting between the two led to one thing to another. This is how the story of I’ll Have What He’s Having went. The whole thing may sound your typical and eyerolling MM romance out there, I assure you that the story is more than dicks and romance.
You are an adult who is in their late 30s and still feeling lost? Try this book because it might resonate with you as it resonated with me. I’m biologically female but identify as pan and also in my late 40s but I can totally relate to Farzan’s day to day struggles and his insecurities. Looking for something wholesome and strong filial vibes? Try this book because it has the most amazing story of the Iranian community in Kansas, Farzan’s endearing family and how they stayed strong together despite being in a new place and you know, running the Shiraz Bistro which is actually one of the things that bind the community together. Looking for toe curling, hot, and smutty scenes with lots of Vitamin D? Look no further because this book will satisfy your hunger in more ways than one.
Another thing that I love about this book is it gives us glimpses of how Farzan and David go about their day-to-day lives, showing us the intricacies of how they tackle the different personal and professional challenges thrown their way every single day. There’s no glorification here but the author made the mundane so relatable and refreshing. My only gripe about this book is that cover. Why? It’s cute but it’s projecting a very strong YA vibe.
Summing it all up, I highly recommend this book even for those who are not so into MM romance. Lots of heart, laughter, and depth.