Twentysomething Allie Simon is used to playing by the rules—until Chicago’s most sought-after, up-and-coming culinary genius, Benji Zane, walks into her world and pulls her into his. The only thing more renowned than Benji’s mouthwatering masterpieces and equally luscious good looks? His struggle with addiction and his reckless tendency to live life on the edge, no matter the havoc he wreaks along the way. But loving someone means supporting him no matter what, or so Allie tells herself. That’s why, when Benji’s offered the chance to light up foodie hot spot Randolph Street with a high-profile new restaurant, Allie takes the ultimate risk and invests her life savings in his dream. Then one day Benji disappears, relapsing to a place where Allie can’t reach him. Left with nothing but a massive withdrawal slip and a restaurant that absolutely must open in a matter of weeks, Allie finds herself thrust into a world of luxury and greed, cutthroat business and sensory delight. Lost in the mess of it all, she can either crumble completely or fight like hell for the life she wants and the love she deserves. With razor-sharp wit and searing insight, Emily Belden serves up a deliciously dishy look behind the kitchen doors of a hot foodie town, perfect for fans of Sweetbitter and The Devil Wears Prada. EMILY BELDEN is a journalist, social media marketer, and storyteller. In addition to her debut novel, Hot Mess, she is also the author of Eightysixed: A Memoir about Unforgettable Men, Mistakes, and Meals and the forthcoming novel Husband Material. She lives with her rescue dog in Chicago’s West Loop, conveniently close to many of the city’s best restaurants. Visit her website at www.emilybelden.comor follow her on Twitter and Instagram, @emilybelden. Look for Emily Belden’s next novel Husband Material Hot Mess Emily Belden An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd 1 London Bridge Street London SE1 9GF First published in Great Britain by HQ in 2018 Copyright © Emily Belden 2018 Emily Belden asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins. Ebook Edition © March 2018 ISBN: 9781474083645 Version: 2018-04-05 Advance Praise for Hot Mess “[F]ull of fire and fury....Belden's excellent tell-it-like-it-is read is perfect for foodies and entrepreneurs alike.” —Library Journal (starred review) “Combining the wit and insight of Stephanie Danler's Sweetbitter with the drama of Jessica Tom's Food Whore, Belden's first novel is a glimpse into the fast-paced fine-dining industry....Full of heart, heat, and passion, this restaurant rom-com in novel form is an exhilarating debut.” —Booklist “[A]n engrossing, slow-burn read that yields a very satisfying emotional payoff.... Rich with perfect details, balanced between the various different relationships and presented in a well-crafted narrative, this novel is meant to be savored.” —RT Book Reviews (Top Pick) “A fun romp through the world of food, love, and luxury.” —PopSugar For my grandmother, Jane. Contents
