delightfully thrownback into the 90's with a food story. what's not to love. kassi is such a great character

Let me first start off and say this book was not for me. I grew up in the time in the 90's so I can get the whole no internet aspect the authors went with. However in my opinion this book was just bad. I felt like for grown adults they all acted like high school students who seemed more entitled that the kids now than the teens in the 90's. The story was all over the place, what I mean by that the authors would have the story going one way and then throw in some sort of political "thought" that did not have to do with anything that was going on. The story wasn't even about political justice but the was what it felt the authors kept throwing in and in the most random ways, This went on for the whole story. The destain that the authors shown towards curtain race was eye rolling. I felt like the story truly was all over the place. I can not say I would recommend this book.

I don't think I have rated any romance book 5 stars this year but I just couldn't help with this one. Kitchen Heat was such a refreshing book in regards to the single mom trope. I absolutely loved how it gave a realistic outlook on a single mother's life and didn't glaze over the serious parts or trivialize them just for the sake of romance. Another thing I loved was the twofold portrayal of Kassi's life, giving justice to both her roles as a single mother and a love interest. The setup of a special restaurant in the 90's was amazing as well with all the lovable side characters with their own quirks and backstories. It added extra charm to the book. I'm so happy I got a chance to read this book. I can say, without a doubt, that it's the best romance book I have read in 2023 so far. Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Tropes:
- Friends to lovers
- Workplace romance
- Single Mom
- Slow burn

The fast-paced restaurant in the 1990's setting gives this a new spin on the typical work place rom-coms. Neither Kassi or Clay have simple lives (with disastorous marriages behind them and a road of challenges ahead), but seeing them navigate these struggles to form their relationship gave the work a great touch of reality to become immersed in. Interspersed with how it's reflected in Kassi's screenplay adds a touch of Hollywood alongside the old-time movie references and the script layout. Combined with the ecentric cast of the Rose and Thorn I found myself engaged in this story and having some laughs along the way. It had moments of lag but I think that's the consequence of a slow-burn but worth it for that Happily Ever After.

3.75 Stars

This was not bad, but this just was not for me. I ended up DNF'ing, maybe one day I will pick it back up again.

this was a fun, easy read! i enjoyed the unique screenplay format of telling the story, the fun restaurant setting, the quirky ensemble of side characters, and the nostalgic 90's environment.

kassi was a likable, inspiring main character. i loved her determination and work ethic, and her daughter, samantha, was such a cutie!

my main gripe with this book was the third act breakup. not the breakup or situation of the breakup itself, but rather the way clay acted in regards to it. up until this point, i was actually a big fan of clay - he was sweet and caring to kassi and samantha, and i adored his relationship with kassie - but the way he reacted to the situation was so ?? i understand why he had a reaction, and his anger was justified, but the fact that he kept yelling was uncalled for, especially when he knew that kassi was uncomfortable dealing with heavy anger and uncontrollable yelling. it honestly felt out of character for clay, because for the entirety before that he had been a pretty reasonably, chill person. i would've thought he would've handled the situation with a little more grace, or at least have calmed down a little when he saw kassi's reaction.

also, the fact that kassi apologized more than he did? yeah, i didn't like that. clay definitely needed to grovel more.

it was a fun read, and i did enjoy it, but it sadly became disappointing at the end for me.

I enjoyed this book a lot. The romance was very well done. I loved the cooking theme throughout the book. The writing was very good also. Would highly recommend!

An interesting friends to lovers story full of angst and tension set in the 90s.

TW: domestic violence/abuse.

The whole book was set out so nicely, with fully evolved characters, including a lovable FMC (pov of book).

The way each chapter started with a screenplay style setting helped the reader with placing the scene, but it’s also something I’ve never seen anywhere before. It was a lovely way of setting the book and pacing it.

The slow burn made sense with the character’s background, so even though I wanted the characters to get together, it made the story more realistic.

I received a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a cute and fun read. The novel is set in the 90’s in Portland and stars an aspiring writer single mom, who just started working as a waitress to make ends meet, and a broken hearted broody head chef. Both of these characters have heartbreak in their past, which leaves them to try to find the courage to take a leap of faith again.

I enjoyed the story, and the way it was written reads as an actual screenplay, which was such a fun twist. I’m usually not into third person narrative, but since it reads like a screenplay that made it surprisingly much easier to read for me. I would rate the spice as mild, probably a 2 out of 5, but the story would get a 4 for me. My overall rating would be a 3.5/5. Fun read while you’re on holiday or even if you want to take a break between heavier books.

3* A nice romance, I didn't love the fact that is written as a script with a scene description and summary at the beginning of every chapter.

Kassi just moved to Portland to let her baby be near her father. She gets to work in a restaurant as a waiter while trying to get her chance as a screenplay writer.
Most of the story evolves around the working life in said restaurant, The rose and thorn a safe environment for people trying to get a new chance in life.
There she meets Clay the cheft leading the kitchen and there's a spark from the beginning, but both are nursing their own heartbreak and trust issues, will they be able to get through them and be happy?

While the employees add a nice touch, with drama and fun, I have to say I didn't liked Kassi very much during the developing of the story: I get the fact that she's focused on her daughter and that she has to get through the month, but she comes out not truly true to herself, she wants to make it on her own, but in the end she gets enormous help from the one around her, and I didn't feel like she always got them the right credit.
The romance is pretty intense, still slowly simmering between Kassi and Clay.
What I liked are the numerous reference to life set in the pre-internet 1990s before cells, social media and streaming, it made me connect with my childwood, but I'm not sure younger reader would get them.

In the end it was fun and emotional, but it didn't made me fall in love with it.

Thank you NetGalley and Pumpjack Press for providing this book as an Arc in exchange of an honest review,

A Sizzling Blend of Love and Laughter in the Rose and Thorn Kitchen!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Welcome to the Rose and Thorn restaurant, where more than culinary delights are cooking up. In "Kitchen Heat: A Restaurantland Romance," Kathleen McFall and Clark Hays deliver a steamy concoction of love, laughter, and a dash of 1990s nostalgia.

Meet Kassi, the eternal optimist, attempting to salvage her life and love in Portland. Broke and with a filmmaking degree that seems more like a decoration than a paycheck, she finds herself in the notorious Rose and Thorn restaurant. And here enters Clay, the head chef, a man who could rival any dish for sheer sizzle.

Their attraction is instant, undeniable, but Kassi, scarred by a recent marriage disaster, swears off relationships. Enter a brilliant twist—she puts this smoldering connection into a screenplay for a contest. A hot chef and a waitress falling madly in love—a plot as enticing as the dishes in Rose and Thorn.

As Kassi's fictional romance and reality collide, the kitchen temperature isn't the only thing rising. The 1990s setting adds a nostalgic charm, free from the complications of the internet and social media. The humor is off-beat, the cast of characters is flirtatious, and the slow-burn friends-to-lovers journey is as satisfying as a perfect dessert.

"Kitchen Heat" isn't just a love story; it's a journey into the intricacies of relationships—how they form, falter, and ultimately find their unique rhythm. The authors flex their writing muscles in a new direction, delivering their steamiest work yet.

Renee Struthers of Go! EastOregon Magazine rightly points out that it's about more than just sex—it's about how real people navigate the complexities of life and love. D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer at Midwest Book Review praises the thought-provoking nature of the tale, making it as attractive as it is insightful.

In the end, "Kitchen Heat" is a delightful romance that leaves your heart full of hope and your stomach yearning for a Chef Clay brunch special. While I reserve one star for a touch more depth in character exploration, the overall experience is like savoring a perfectly crafted dish—one that lingers on the palate and leaves you eager for the next course.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I finished this book in a couple of hours, after quite a few DNFs, so it's safe to say that it got me hooked. I was a bit skeptical of it being formatted like a screenplay, but the setting setters at the beginning of each chapter really helped set the scene and give a (non-spoiler-y) sneak peek of what was to come.

I loved Kassie and Clay and I loved their chemistry and individual development. However, what I loved the most was The Rose and Thorn fam. Although we only got a glimpse of each of the side characters’ stories, I loved how nuanced they each were and the diversity that shone through.

I also loved how the book portrayed Kassie and Barry’s divorce, and how it shined a light that a relationship can be abusive without there being physical violence.

My favorite character was Samantha, hands down.

I felt like there were a few characters whose later actions didn’t fit in with their personas, almost like they developed off screen but we weren’t present for this development (cough cough, Crystal, and veryy slightly Roz).

If you like slow burn romances in a restaurant setting, I’d really recommend getting your hands on a copy of this book ASAP.

Really good feel good story about Kassi, a single Mum/wannabe screen writer who falls for Clay, a hot chef working at the restaurant where she is a waitress. I enjoyed the time setting- 1995 - the era of no mobiles and renting videos & the characterisation of both Kassi and Clay whose past relationships have damaged them both somewhat. The story jumps a little but it doesn't detract - thanks to Net Galley for the advanced copy.

Tropes: friends to lovers, closed door/minor spice, 90’s rom com kinda vibe, SLOW BURN.

First, I want to thank NetGalley and Pumpjack Press Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Things I liked: Okay so I loved the vibe/setting of this book. I’m a 90’s baby myself so I LOVED the nostalgic feeling this entire book gave me. I also thought that the movie script-like writing was really unique and kept me intrigued (I think it would be a good book to listen to on audio when/if that becomes available!) Also I thought the culinary romance setting was adorable and made me want to date a chef LOL.
Things I wasn’t the biggest fan of: I don’t typically gravitate towards slow burn romances so I won’t hold that against the author because it’s a personal preference, but it was a little *too much* of a slow burn in my opinion. Also, I didn’t love the ending choice and the MMC by the end because he did/said a few cringey things which made me stop rooting for them.
Overall, I give this book a 3.5 ⭐️ It’s a great palette cleanser, comfort read, & a fun romance if that’s what you’re looking for!

So, the premise of the MCs was alright. Good, nice, not totally corrupted characters. Some things happen in their life but nothing too intensive that requires endless amounts of therapy for an awakening. It feels like an actual recounting of every little detail of what happened in certain moments in a restaurant from two POV's.

Now as for the rest. This was a DNF for me. The writing is dual POV but it was hard even to tell apart from the same toned writing. The extent of sexual build-up was basically writing the word "sex" every once in a while. Overshadowed perhaps by the amount of many little anecdotes throughout to try to world-build that just dragged on the story. I just didn't feel hooked in at all. There were many characters involved and floating in and out that the MCs kind of just melted into the background noise of it all. I wasn't invested in their development and story.
Just my personal opinion, but I'm sure people will enjoy it if they just want an immersive sitcom vibe world built with unexpected romance sprinkled in between.

I enjoyed this so much!! Kassi is such a good character, and I was rooting for her from the very beginning. I also loved Clay, and his surly attitude. I really liked how everything was set mostly in the restaurant behind the scenes, there’s so much to the dynamic of a restaurant family, and it was fun to watch how even the side characters changed over time. Sam is the absolute best, I loved how accurate she was to a typical kid asking questions at awkward moments and calling grown ups out for swearing! Super fun read, definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, Pumpjack Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and Members' Titles for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Such an interesting book! I loved the writers concept - writing a screenplay based on working at a restaurant.

The characters are so well crafted and interesting. Kassi is a great main character and Clay was a perfect match for her. A bit of a slow burn romance, with some awesome side characters helping them along the way. The kitchen setting was fun and interesting as well. Just an enjoyable story!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

Tropes in this book.
✨ Friends to lovers
✨ Slow burn
✨ Little bit of spice
✨ Single mom
✨ Set in the 90s

What attracted me to this book is the restaurant and the nineties vibes.
I’m a huge foodie and romance lover, so I was immediately sold when I read the blurb of the book.

After finishing the book though, I do have some difficulties rating this book.

I loved the fact that it was written with some script aspects. At the beginning of each chapter, there was a few lines that set the scenes. I LOVED that! I’ve never seen this elsewhere and I quite enjoyed the little hints there were to what would happen in the book (it never ruined the surprise of how the story would unfold, which is a big plus).

Unfortunately, the story couldn’t keep my attention locked until the end of the book. I loved the first half so much and then I had to almost force myself to keep reading. I’m not sure what happened. Maybe I just wasn’t in the romance mood anymore? Or maybe it’s because I lost my attachment to the main couple along the way? Because that unfortunately happened too.

Once we got near the ending of the book, I started to dislike Clay… he did some things I just couldn’t wrap my mind around (he felt a bit like a drama queen 😅). It just was not my preferred way of how the story could have unfolded., to be honest.

I think I will still continue this series once the next books come out. Because the side characters and the way the book as written, was still quite fun!
So if you’re looking for a friends to lovers story, this one is for sure recommended! 💜

I would like to thank the author for the free copy in return for an honest review.
Rate:4 stars
The story is set in the 1990s.Kassi is a single mom struggling with the process of dealing an emotional divorce and taking of her daughter, Sam. She gets a job in the famous restaurant Rose and Thorn where she meets a handsome heartbroken Clay (head chef). Kassi is an aspiring writer and Clay dreams of having his own food truck. They instantly get attracted and fall in love while getting to know each other.
The story also describes the characters -staff and customers - relationships as flirtatious, comedy and drama.
The chemistry is great.
The character description is good and as well as their development.
This book is a slow burn which keeps you reading and entertaining.

I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for free.
DNF at 28%
I was really confused on how this restaurant was known for being a great place to work for women but most of the men there spoke and acted like misogynists. A lot of the dialogue felt stilted or too random to feel real at all. The timeline also kept confusing me, it seemed like what I read only happened in a few days but things would be mentioned like she had the job for weeks. I saw another review say the staff was supportive of each other but I definitely was not getting that. There were some things I liked, I was interested to see how the romance bloomed and I liked the screenplay chapter intros but neither was enough for me to keep going unfortunately.