Cirrus@Austlit

'A feel-good Australian romance about food, community and first love nestled in the suburbs of Canberra, Australia.

'Aspiring chef Luciano Jilani dreams of reopening his late mother's restaurant, but as a takeaway delivery driver, he's barely making ends meet.

'Anse Meyer is a diplomat and an abysmal cook, relying on takeaway and frozen meals as he struggles with the demands of his 'dream job'.

'When they meet via the delivery app, it's an awkward encounter with a handsome stranger. But then it happens again. And again.

'Craving more, Luciano offers to teach Anse how to cook. As they make their way through Luciano's mother's recipes, fledging friendship blooms into a consuming romance.

'But where their love is uncomplicated, their lives are not. When they're pulled in different directions, Luciano and Anse must decide if their love is more than a delicious romance or worth risking everything they've achieved.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'After almost three years apart from his mother, Anse is excited to welcome her and her partner to Canberra for Christmas. It’ll be a chance to reconnect and show them around his new home, but most importantly, they’ll get to meet his boyfriend, Luciano.

'But as soon as their plane touches the ground, things go awry.

'What was supposed to be a quiet family Christmas turns into a lavish affair when Anse’s mother reveals they plan to wed while down under.

'After a hard two years at the restaurant, Luciano gets an offer he can’t refuse on Christmas Eve. But can he really leave when there’s no guarantee he’ll be home in time to cook Christmas lunch?

'At thirty-six weeks pregnant, all Ellie wants for Christmas is to not give birth… on Christmas. She’s sure what she’s feeling is just Braxton Hicks contractions. Definitely.

'And with so much to do before the wedding, pressure mounts on Anse. Deep down, he knows everyone is thinking the same thing: why haven’t you asked Luciano to marry you yet?

'A quiet Christmas indeed.' (Publication summary)