Hooked on the Heart

by Maddie Evans

A mixup has Natalie teaching her sarcastic neighbor how to cook—never knowing he owns a restaurant.

Natalie’s shown a parade of neighbors how to survive in this dump of an apartment building, but the newest guy doesn’t even know how to boil water. He’s got an awesome smile, but the take-out containers on his table tell her he’s getting ripped off by that tourist-trap French restaurant. She’s no master chef (she owns a yarn store) but at least she can teach him to cook.

Colin’s been in town less than twenty-four hours before his overbearing (but cute) upstairs neighbor insults the restaurant he just bought, then starts telling him how to feed himself. He plays along because obviously she knew he was being sarcastic…right? Except once she starts turning on the burners, it’s hard to ignore the sparks.

Chili, tacos, risotto… The relationship is delicious, but at any moment, the lies could unravel, and two hearts will get seared.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2025

About the author

Maddie Evans is a runner and biker. She lives in New England with her family and tropical fish, and she’s always thought warm hearts are the perfect antidote to cold winters.

Reviews

[Jane Lebak]

It's a fun story about a crocheter and a chef. A lot of food. A number of cooking techniques. Some personal realizations. Multi-colored yarn. Someone losing her cool on the Queen of Learned Helplessness. Also, sneaky breakfast in a restaurant kitchen.

When I think about this one, my favorite interactions aren't just between the couple. There's also the MMC and his brother, and the three yarn shop ladies. It's just a lot of fun how they mix together friendship-love and a kind of radical acceptance for one another...while at the same time pushing one another to make things just a little better than they are.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid Maddie Evans Clean Romance. I've been reading Evans' books for a few years now, and this first entrant in a new series is a perfect exemplar of her style... with references (and a few cameos) to what I think was the first series I read from her (the Brighthead Running Club). And yes, if you like what you see here, that series offers several great books to read while you wait for this trilogy to complete out over the next couple of months. :)

What you get here is a small town romance where everyone knows everyone... except when they don't, because suddenly there is a new guy in town. Foodies will absolutely love all of the restaurant details in this book, and knitters/ crocheters will love all of the yarn talk herein (by an author who is an avid knitter and crocheter herself. Seriously, wait until you see the author's note at the end here. :D)

Those looking for anything more spicy than a warm glass of milk will be disappointed here, but "spice" and "Maddie Evans" have never really gone together. There are other authors that offer that, but Evans always manages to create a compelling romance that does not shy away from the fact that her characters would *like* to go there... without ever actually going there. So in this book, for example, there is some heavy kissing... and that is as far as anything actually goes. Seriously, my 10yo niece has seen more in the TV shows she watches these days.

There *is* one common romance element employed here that turns some off, but revealing it feels a touch spoilery so I'll simply note that it is so common that it is used across every trope I'm aware of, which is why I refer to it as an 'element' rather than a 'trope'. So those that are hyper sensitive to this particular one can probably guess what I'm referring to here, but this should note *should* be vague enough that it doesn't actually spoil anything. :)

With the epilogue both closing out this story and blatantly setting the next one in motion, this is absolutely going to be one series where you'll be glad that the next book is just a few weeks away. (Indeed, I was sent ARCs of all three books at once, so I can personally verify that all three are at least ready enough to release to ARC readers, which is a significant step to making them fully ready. :D)

Again, truly a solid romance full of the joy of creating and arts that will make you fall in love with both these characters and this world, thus serving as an almost "Iron Man" level tale. (Ok, I'm a dude. I had to get *something* in here to save at least a modicum of my man card! :D)

Very much recommended.

[Penny Sansevieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked on the Heart is a fun, cozy romance built on banter, misunderstandings, and a charming cooking-lesson setup.

Natalie and Colin’s meet-cute quickly turns into a playful dynamic, with sarcastic humor and easy chemistry driving the story. The cooking lessons add a warm, domestic feel that makes their relationship develop naturally, and the small lies and assumptions create just enough tension to keep things interesting without becoming frustrating.

The characters are likable and relatable, especially Natalie’s no-nonsense kindness and Colin’s quiet confidence beneath the deception. The humor lands well, and the romance feels sweet rather than overdramatic. While the plot leans into familiar rom-com tropes, it does so in a way that feels intentional and comforting rather than predictable.

This is a quick, enjoyable read that focuses more on connection and charm than heavy conflict. Readers looking for high angst may want more intensity, but for those who enjoy lighthearted romance with food, banter, and cozy vibes, this hits the spot.

Overall, Hooked on the Heart is a delightful romantic read that pairs humor and heart with just the right amount of heat.

Recommended for: Fans of rom-coms, neighbor romances, light misunderstandings, and food-themed love stories.

[KK from KY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect for me. I have so much in common with the main female character. We both knit and crochet, preferring crocheting over knitting. We both love to cook. And we both seem to have the need to help everyone. The exception is I’ve been married for decades and she is still looking. The main male character didn’t seem to know his own worth. Maybe that came from being a twin. My mom was a twin and I understand that somewhat as well. I loved the story. I loved the ending. Would be satisfied if I didn’t continue the series, but I likely will. I did find some editing errors (Kindle version) that were very noticeable. Made me back up and reread that sentence or paragraph, but it wasn’t enough to make me not continue or avoid the remaining series. I think the “moral of the story” here is to always be honest, but also listen. Give each other a chance to say something, not just assume you know what they are going to say or mean. No jumping to conclusions. Another thing I have I common with MFC. I recommend this book. It’s a good clean story.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a “crafty” romcom with an identity mix-up that morphs into lies without evil intent, loads of creativity, friendship, and lots of information about the development of crafts. Ms. Evans clearly did her research into the inspiration of Colin and his knowledge and skill in the culinary arts. She created Natalie to be equally talented in the yarn arts. Natalie’s skill surpassed any minor awareness I had with yarn arts yet impressed me with the steps involved in creating a wearable piece of art. Natalie and Colin bring baggage (don’t we all) to the story but find a path that helps both deal with some of their issues. The story is witty, with humor throughout, and ensures that all the characters are heard and appreciated for themselves. I’m looking forward to reading Brooke and Lilah’s stories as they are forces to be reckoned with and Ms. Evans will ensure we are entertained.

I gratefully received an ARC copy, but all opinions are my own.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a wonderful small town feel, fantastic characters, and just kissing. Natalie is an incredible soul. She's so kind, caring, and giving. Unfortunately, that means people take advantage of her. Colin is a good guy but he needs some help with his self esteem. They both are surrounded by incredible friends and coworkers. The story is a nice cozy romance that'll have you quickly turning the pages for more.

It is very evident the author did her research on restaurant business and anything to do with yarn and knitting and crocheting. I learned things and now I want to learn to crochet.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

This was a cute story. Both characters are a bit insecure. It doesn't show in their actions and words to each other, but the reader gets a peek at their thoughts. Both are sweet and well-meaning, but it kinda blows up in their faces.
But both have great people on their side to either push or defend them, depending what's needed.

I really liked this story.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie likes to help people, sometimes these people are just taking advantage of her but she likes to feel needed so she is OK with that. When she meets Colin she thinks she is helping him too but maybe not. Colin made mistakes in is relationship with Natalie and everyone he works with made sure he knew it. I liked how Natalie finally realized she could put herself first. This is a sweet romance with some very tasty sounding treats.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful sweet romance. Natalie and Colin are both amazingly sweet but a little insecure. As they get to know each other they also drift into a maze of lies/omissions. This book will keep you entertained and you will root for Natalie and Colin. Fun to read.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Tami Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in an interconnected series that will probably have characters overlapping in other books. There's several characters that I hope get their own book soon.
People pleaser
Mistaken identity
Character growth
Identical twins
Business owners

[Amy Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh-out-loud funny! Loved the characters, the banter, the yarn talk and learning more about the restaurant business. And I learned about a new crochet/knit technique that I'm going to try. Secular, but clean & sweet.

[Tamara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

delightful and enlightening

Wonderful story of being genuinely you! The characters deserved to find themselves and one another!
We should all be so lucky!

[Kelsey Gietl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and clean romance! As someone with a background in the arts and who’s watched many cooking shows (yet doesn’t actually like to cook oops), I really enjoyed the mix of vibes between Natalie and Colin’s chosen professions. I learned a lot! They both had their issues to work through and it was interesting to see how their individual arcs played out. Looking forward to the next books about Lilah and Brooke.