"This restaurant. You. You're worth it, Amy."

The Romance Recipe is a steamy sapphic workplace romance between restaurant owner, Amy and head chef, Sophie.

Amy isn't an open book. She's closed off and puts on a tough persona, but internally she's still grieving her mother's death and struggling to deal with her dad's bullying nature. She's scared of becoming her father, of being a disappointment and not good enough for Sophie. But Sophie was so beautifully patient and kind and showed Amy she didn't have to do everything alone. That if she let her in they could be a true partnership in and out of the restaurant.

Sophie was everything, I adored her. We meet her when she's broken off her engagement to TV producer Paul after his less-than-enthusiastic response to her coming out as bi. Her relationship with Amy allowed her to be true to herself finally and also helped her rediscover her strength and confidence. She fell hard and fast, but she didn't give up on Amy even when she pushed her away.

Their relationship was so special and I loved how they both helped each other grow in their own ways. There is pining, there is sexual tension and there is a lot of chemistry. Barrett delivers on the steam as well as tender moments: "Amy's smiles are like the slow, warm burn of a habanero pepper, the spice of ginger."

Add in cute nicknames ("maybe the only Hollywood I wanted was to be yours" 🥺), foodie moments that will have your stomach growling, and you have The Romance Recipe.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.

This book was wonderful in so many ways. My favorite way was watching Sophie learn who she was and stand up for herself. I related a lot to her journey with coming to terms of being bisexual. I thought Amy was the perfect counterpart to Sophie and together they made such a great team.

THE 411...


Amy Chambers is a restaurant owner, micro-manager, control freak who is having a tough time keeping the doors open. Employing a predominantly queer staff, Amy really cares about creating a space for them where they feel safe and can make a decent living with benefits. She's just not drawing in a big enough crowd to pay the overhead costs or rent. She offers the Chef position to Sophie Brunet, a former reality-tv show finalist who can hopefully reignite interest in her restaurant Amy and May. Sophie "grump in the kitchen/sunshine in the streets, took thirty years to figure out she was queer" she doesn't really want to post every single dish she cooks on instagram for the likes. Sophie just wants to cook and explore new dishes, she's a real chemist in the kitchen. Her new attraction to Amy aka her Boss proves challenging when an opportunity for a tv show that could put the restaurant back on the map comes around. First there's the issue of whether Sophie even cares to go back on tv with a hobby that brings her a lot of comfort and joy in private. Then there's the fact that she has just left one relationship to better understand her bisexuality all while managing her career. If you love a foodie romance, this one gives you plenty of time in the kitchen with recipe experimentation!

╰☆☆ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐲. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭. 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞. ☆☆

WRITING & FINAL THOUGHTS...

There’s a lot to love in this queer book about two lesbian/bisexual chefs, especially if you love a good foodie romance. I love a well fleshed out dual POV, however I had a hard time distinguishing between Amy and Sophie’s chapters. Although their back stories are clearly defined up-front, their voices sounded very much the same. I felt their romance was rushed especially for Sophie who had just left one long term relationship and was feeling comfortable finally looking at girls with open interest. I appreciated Amy expressing that Sophie should give herself time to date whomever and not feel the need to settle down so quickly. This however came across to Sophie as if Amy was trying to make decisions for her and I guess I could see both sides of that argument. Even with these concerns being vocalized between the two, I felt that the pacing was off and the ending felt rushed. I enjoyed the reality tv show aspects/celebrity chef however just when this takes off at the end, it cuts off and we don’t really get to see that aspect develop. It is expressed in the book that tv ultimately isn’t where Sophie’s heart is at but the majority of the plot is also banking on this show being a success. It would’ve been nice to see more of that since ultimately it was Amy who chose to pursue the tv opportunity. As for the smut/steam, that is where this book really gets all the brownie points. Those sex scenes were give and take and just all around sexy! It gets all the chili 🌶 for simply being all one could hope for, teasing and all! *chefs kiss*

I thought this book had a good premise and honestly in the end I didn't think it was a bad read. It took me a bit to really get into it and I felt there was a distinct lack of chemistry between Amy and Sophie when the story starts. That did improve over time, but in my opinion, it felt too much like work to get there. In total, I felt the story was OK, but these characters just fell kind of flat with me. It's too bad because I thought this had the potential to be a really cute romance.

Who doesn't love a great queer foodie romance?? I am so here for all the reality food show romances we've been getting lately and this newest from Canadian author Ruby Barrett did not disappoint!

The story is set around Amy, a restaurant owner and Sophie, her celebrity head chef who has recently come out as bisexual. This grumpy/sunshine, dual POV love story had such HEAT both in the kitchen and out! With her restaurant in trouble Amy begs Sophie to help her compete in a reality competition on a show Sophie's ex is producing.

I loved seeing rhe relationship evolve between these two as Amy helps awaken Sophie's sexual appetites and Sophie shows Amy support she's never had before. Highly recommended for fans of Chef's kiss or Love & other disasters.

Bonus: Sophie is French Canadian and there's a great poutine scene, although I'm not too sure what I think about her seafood poutine special! Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Loved this sweet romance. The perfect blend of pining and sexual attraction, which transforms into a genuine and deep romantic connection as the story progresses. Barrett's writing is a dream: easy to digest while also elegant and beautiful.

Sophie, a former reality show competitor, has just gotten out of a relationship with a man who asked her to hide her bisexuality, now for the first time she finds herself truly falling for a woman, Amy, the owner of the restaurant where she is head chef. Amy also feels attracted to Sophie, but besides navigating the complexities of their relationship there is also the failing restaurant to contend with. I appreciated the positive and fully developed depictions of bisexual and lesbian characters in this sweet romance, and enjoyed the juicy behind the scenes drama of reality shows that the novel depicts. This is the second in a series about workplace romances. I fell in love with the advance copy I was provided by eGalley and the publisher.

This book was read thanks to NetGalley.
Sorry for not posting a review before but I had some health issues.

It’s a love story that got you from the start, it’s a quick read because you start reading into and the next you know is that you’re almost halfway through the book and didn’t feel like a hard job at all.

The conversation about identity and queerness it’s treated in a way that not everyone can make it easy while realistic to the audience

We’re not even half way through July and I already know this is going to be one of my favorite reads of the month. Hell, I pre-ordered a physical copy when I was halfway through my ARC.

And then I put the book down for two days because it was flaying my heart open and I needed time to p r o c e s s okay??

Sometimes I go into a book with the preconceived notion that I’m going to identify more with one of the main characters, and most times I’m right. But every once in a while an author will prove me very wrong and I’m always extremely grateful.

I jumped into this one knowing I’d find kinship in Sophie, a chef who broke things off with her fiancé Paul after coming out to him as bisexual. Fresh off a reality TV competition, Sophie gets offered the job of executive chef at Amy & May’s, a restaurant in Boston owned by one Amy Chambers. If only she didn’t spend most of her waking moments daydreaming of exploring Amy’s body and mapping out the steps in her head like a recipe.

My surprise gift was Amy. Amy who only ever lets herself rely on her twin brother and childhood best friend. Amy who is still grieving the loss of her mom, her barely there relationship with her father, her struggling restaurant, and her annoying crush on her new head chef.

This was funny, sexy, smart and unapologetically queer. It also felt like a conversation I was overdue to have, in its insightful moments, and even the heartbreaking ones.

I have more than a handful of saved quotes I wanted to share, but for now I’ll leave you with one that I wished someone had told me 15 years ago.

“You don’t need to have known you were queer since you were a kid. You can go your whole life never touching a woman and you’ll still be queer. It’s not about performing your sexuality or your gender for everyone else. Being queer is about what you know to be true about yourself, in here.”

Thank you so much for Sophie & Amy, i’ll carry them with me always.

This is my first Ruby Barrett and won’t be my last. Honestly - I think this is one of my favorite reads of this year. It was easily five stars from the content warnings, to the dedication, to the deeply singable and relatable characters. But what really made it for me - was how Queer it was. Just… being authentically yourself is being Queer enough and that theme was present on every page. I have highlighted an annotated so much of this book because both Amy (openly Lesbian, restaurant owner and all around emotionally constipated lady) and Sophie (baby Queer, late in life bi awakening, and all around feels the Things and cooks amazing food) are just stunning characters with a beautiful love story. Their queerness is never the point of contention in their relationship and despite it bordering on a coming out story (I know! I liked one!) it really is just about finding your place and more importantly your person. Along the way there is gorgeous care taking, plant babies, a fat cat, a car book up and the realities of running a restaurant.

Rarely do I share a specific quote anymore but honestly could share so many but will leave it with this: “You don’t need to have known you were queer since you were a kid. You can go your whole life never touching a woman and you’ll still be queer. It’s not about performing your sexuality or your gender for everyone else. Being queer is about what you know to be true about yourself…”

TL/DR Review
Stars: Five Perfect Stars
Series: connected to Hot Copy but I read as a standalone
POV: dual first
Steam: deeply intimate with multiple scenes, one kitchen and one car hook up!
Tropes: coworkers, chefs, competence kink, emotionally constipated/ feeler
For Fans Of: Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly
Theme Song: Boyfriend by Tegan and Sara
Subgenre: contemporary/ LGBTQIA or Queer romance - Sapphic
CW/ TW: reference to grief, death of parent off page due to cancer, minor biphobia, references to sexual harassment in restaurant work.

Thank you to the author and publisher for my complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ruby Barrett has written another absolutely gorgeous romance. I loved everything about Amy and Sophie's story. This book is the perfect mix of steam and heart and I enjoyed watching the characters' relationship evolve over time. It also made me really hungry, as all foodie romances should!

This book had me hooked from the beginning. The premise was amazing, a sapphic workplace romance? Yes please! It was extremely well paced which meant that there was never uninterested in the book and what would happen next. THE SMUT WAS PHENOMENAL!! I honestly could not recommend this book enough. The chemistry and pining was absolutely top tier.

I read this one while at work and because of the level of steam that felt illegal. I felt the heat between the characters and was excited for them to get together. That is, during the first half. Then things fell apart for me. THere were some communication issues that were created just for the drama and I despise that in books. Can't we have books where people communicate well but still have some spats? Anyways, overall I really enjoyed it.

The Romance Recipe was so much fun to read! This story follows Amy, the owner of a restaurant that is being hit with hard times, and her tension-filled relationship with her head chef/reality tv star, Sophie. Faced with the threat of closing the store without more income, they agree to appear on a reality show where a celebrity chef visits the restaurant and gives it her stamp of approval. As Sophie and Amy work together to come up with a dish that will wow the judge, they find it harder and harder to keep their relationship strictly professional. I really enjoyed the character growth in this story, especially on Amy's part. She conquered her fears of becoming aloof and alone like her father and finally let Sophie see her true self. In turn, Sophie became more confident in her skills and embraced her identity fully. Can't wait to read more from Ruby Barrett in the future!

When restaurateur Amy hires reality-show-famous chef Sophie to help turn around her struggling restaurant, Amy's reluctance to let go of control and efforts to hide her crush on Sophie hinder any progress. But when the opportunity for a new reality show comes up, Amy tries to convince Sophie to put herself on screen once again, and maybe explore her sexuality, as well.

I tend to prefer plot-driven books with strong characters, as opposed to character-driven books. This is definitely a character-driven book. I found myself getting bored and wondering when things were happen. The characters also seemed to jump from annoyance to intimacy at the flip of a switch, without enough build-up. Ultimately, I ended up not finishing this one after reading half of it because it wasn't keeping my attention, despite high hopes. Maybe others who like the focus on the characters will love this more!

Thanks to Harlequin for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3 stars - 5/10

This is a great book that includes romance, employee relationships, enemies-to-lovers, and LGBTQ+. I really enjoyed this book and I'll be reading more of Barrett in the future!

Restaurant owner Amy hired reality tv chef Sophie to help revive her failing restaurant. Now that Amy’s novelty has warn off, they’re back at square one. The pair’s differences in management styles lead to conflict which leads to sparks. Amy is very confident in her sexuality whereas Sophie has just come to terms with her bisexuality. The two must navigate their budding personal relationship amid their tumultuous working relationship and trying to keep the restaurant afloat.

This book is technically the second in a series, but the first book does not need to be read to enjoy this one. Between reading this and watching The Bear I have been very stressed this week about the welfare of restaurants. I thing a restaurant is a great place to set a romance as it causes external stress but keeps the characters in close proximity. I really liked the over arching plot and was really invested on how the restaurant did.

I did struggle a bit with Amy and Sophie’s relationship. These two cannot communicate in either their professional or personal relationships. Sophie was so timid and unsure of herself that it led to Amy bulldozing her every time they had a slight disagreement. This dynamic was present throughout the entire book and just became grating. I do think the two had fabulous chemistry and the book was nice and steamy, but adults in relationships should be able to speak and listen to one another. I am interested to go back and read the first book in the series and see if Ruby writes another in the same world.

Thank you to NetGalley, Carina Press, and Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger Warnings: Cursing, smoking, off-page harassment, past death of a parent, break-up, biphobia, sex, sex in public (car- chpt 8), coming out, misogyny, alcohol, bar, drinking, blood, injury

Representation: Bisexual, French Canadian, twins, Lesbian

The Romance Recipe is an adult contemporary romance about a restaurant owner and her new head chef. Amy is trying desperately to save her failing restaurant, including hiring ex-reality show chef, Sophie. Sophie has recently come out and separated from her fiancé. While the two are working together, they aren’t exactly enjoying it. When a new tv opportunity arises, this may just be what everyone needs.

Another amazing book from an amazing imprint! I loved everything about this book! The characters are realistic and relatable, and the storyline is so fun! I loved the romance in this book and the steamy parts! Anyone who enjoys that type of read, will definitely enjoy this book!

The two main characters are a couple of dumb sapphics and I say that is the nicest way possible. Why is that we can’t ever hear the person we love? Why do we think we know what is best for them? And this third act break-up thing is for the birds. I did enjoy the dual point of view from both women though. And I loved the balance between the two women! While Amy is in charge, Sophie can put her in her place, which is awesome!

Overall, such a great story! I wish it was longer though! I thought the book had great pacing and I enjoyed everything about it! I also loved the book being centered around food and tv, this seems to be a common theme lately with new releases.

Amy is trying to save her restaurant from bankruptcy. Her best hope is for her celebrity head chef, Sophie, to go on a reality TV show. The smoldering attraction between them complicates things further. What happens when they mix business with pleasure?

This is a steamy, emotional read with both heroines struggling to find success and discover their place in the world. It's a beautiful, swoony romance with relatable characters and a strong plot.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Having previously read Hot Copy and the first five chapters of The Romance Recipe, I knew this would be as hot as a sizzling skillet. The chemistry between Sophie and Amy is practically jumping off the page, but as much as they want it, they keep getting in their own way while they work out their individual issues - for Amy its the loss of her mother, her resentment of her father, and trying to keep her dream restaurant open, while for Sophie it is coming to terms with her sexuality. While the resolution felt a touch rushed after the third-act breakup, this was a satisfyingly easy read, perfect for the beach or pool. Have a cool beverage or fan ready for those steamy moments ;-)