3.5 stars 
 On one hand this book has Alice Ckayton's signature wit and humour. On the otherhand there were quite a few things that took away from the story. 
 Story: Roxie, a private chef in L.A. heads back to hold down her mom's diner. She meets Leo, a gorgeous farmer who supplies the family diner with sustainable produce. 
 My biggest critism was that the relationship felt like it was just a lot of lust and not a lot of love. By Chapter 17 (67% through) I think I learned more about slow food movement than I did about Leo, our hero. 
 The author had Leo switching subjects whenever Roxie asks him something about his personal life. That means we don't get to see much but physical attraction and physical interaction. Readers and Roxie don't know what makes him tick, aside from his slow food farm. We don't know why he didn't date until he saw Roxie, and the characters never discuss Roxie's summer fling only policy. 
 So aside from both characters appreciating food and the farm there is little to explain Roxie's change of M.O. and feelings - from "I only have flings" to squeal, "maybe something special is happening." It doesn't make readers fall for a character we barely know. Their dates (e g. the beach date and the fourth of July evening) mostly have a few line of superficial or inpersonal conversations (about food or the other) and pages and pages of action. Roxie reveals more in their conversations but he remains a mystery. Without the vested interest I read on because I enjoy the wit but I can't say I really care what happens to the couple. 
 Once we had the big reveal of Leo's back story, everything does improve at that point. Leo's reasons are understandable but it's hard for me to understand Roxie falling for anything more than good looks and skills in bed. 
 Other thoughts: 
 The story starts off slow. Things picks up once we finally meet Leo in chapter 3. There are very detailed descriptions of food. I watched every single episode of Top Chef and I am a little bit of a foodie but I found it descriptions to be too much in the beginning. I understand it's a chef's voice but still. It got better though as it became more organic to the storyline. There are also a lot of details on the slow food movement and how it works. 
 There is great wit in this novel. Although at rare times Roxie's voice grates but most of the time it was wonderful. I didn't like it when AC has Roxie saying "oh to the my" and "oh this shit was on now," which came out very different to her normal "voice". 
 Enjoyed the awesome side characters and quirky moments. I love the zombie pickle classes with Chap and Logan. 
 Overall, I think Wallbanger was her better work. I enjoyed the wit but I think this could have been so much more enjoyable.