I really enjoyed this book - really enjoyed how social issues were integrated into the book without going off the deep end - especially the topics of alcoholism, environmental factors, and jail time.

This romance is believable and the progression to go from the pacing of coworkers to lovers is entirely real and heartfelt. Their backstories are amazing and well written. Hudson is such an incredible cinnamon roll of a book boyfriend & Roz is just one moment away from exploding so it's fun and interesting to see how his zen evens her out. I do wish that I had read the first book because I did feel like
I was missing a fair bit but I did still really enjoy this book!

Thanks to NetGalley for the E-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in the series yet it can be read as a standalone too so i requested it and I ma thankful to the publisher for approving my request.
This book was such an amazing read, starting right from the characters, plotline and scenarios, everything was on well knitted and placed well throughout the whole book.
The characters were penned down brilliantly, not only the protagonists shine throughout the story but their background molding their present was shown brilliantly. The spotlight was given to each and every thing to let them shine and contribute to the book in the fullest term. I had a great time reading thi

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book!

I've really enjoyed this book. It's refreshing to read something that isn't rooted in the 2000's, and even more refreshing to see how these two characters develop in their relationship and individually too. In particular I loved getting to know Hudson and watching him transform.

Highly recommend!

I loved Kitchen Heat and I can now say the second instalment was just as good as the first!! Kathleen & Clark have really made you connect with the characters and it makes you really feel the heat in the kitchen. I really enjoyed this read. Thank you NetGalley, Kathleen & Clark for granting me access to this gem.

Set in the nostalgic atmospheric 1990s rural-ish Portland, Poetic Justice tells a love story between Roz, a waitressing poet trying to get her life back on track, and Hudson, a somewhat mysterious chef with a serious backstory.

The book captures the unique feel of the time before the internet, mixing romance with themes of caring for the environment, complex family situations, and the ups and downs of working at the quirky Rose and Thorn (what a perfect name for a restaurant!). It also includes lots of fun and interesting side characters, all of whom feel real and add colour to the story.

McFall and Hays have crafted a love story with strong chemistry, clever and meaningful conversations, and true character development. Roz's path to healing and Hudson's caring nature are fully explored in a genuine (but not depressing) way. I love how the story jumps back and forth in time. The format really sets this book apart from the standard linear format in the genre and added to my '90s nostalgia when reading.

This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys heartfelt romances with a dose of '90s nostalgia, social awareness, and a bit of day-to-day restaurant life.

Thank you to Pumpjack Press and NetGalley for providing a free review copy. All opinions are my own.

Ros gets her story!!!! We get the most amazing setting, we are in 1990 yall!! And we have the most amazing and funniest restaurant staff ever. I had a feeling Roz’s story would touch my heart the most, because she is young woman trying to hold herself down and also be there for her family, when her sister gets locked up for being a literal terrorist at a rally, everything changes for her, and she turns to her Poetry and she leaves to be closer to where her sister is at so she can visit. But there is a new guy at work and Hudson has his own baggage. These two were dynamic and their love grew on me as quickly as they fell in love. I was here for it, I LOVED Hudson, not only can he cook, he is compassionate, and his past doesn’t define him, which is so inspiring not even for me as a reader but for Roz as the character, you see her evolve a little. Aside from the protesting and the “tree hugging” concept thrown around, this book was a win for me.

Poetic Justice is book two in the Restaurantland Romance series by Kathleen McFall & Clark Hays.
I loved Kitchen Heat and was very excited to jump into the second one.
This amazing series is a fun romance set in the 1990s. And it’s so nostalgic.
The chemistry between our two main characters is unbelievable and the storyline sucks you right in. This was a fun, fast paced, humorous rom-com style story.
A well crafted and charming story of love, laughter, food and string characters.

Thank You NetGalley and Pumpjack Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

3.5 Stars

Poetic Justice is a quirky, heartfelt romance set in 1990s Portland, centering around Roz, a poet and waitress trying to rebuild her life, and Hudson, a mysterious line cook with a complicated past. Their chemistry is undeniable, and while their relationship unfolds quickly, the slow-burn tension keeps you hooked.

The backdrop of the Rose and Thorn restaurant adds charm, and the eco-protest subplot brings a layer of intrigue, though it feels a bit over the top at times. The off-beat humor and nostalgic 90s atmosphere make this story stand out, but the melodrama occasionally overshadows the romance.

Still, Roz and Hudson’s journey is fun and emotional, making this a great pick for readers who enjoy love stories with a side of social activism and a dash of chaos.

Oh the 90s nostalgia gets me every time. I love the characters so much! I love the setting, the relationships, the subject matter. It was a journey and I loved it all. Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

“Poetic Justice: A Restaurantland Romance” is a contemporary romantic novel that intertwines themes of love, ambition, and the culinary world. The story is set against the backdrop of a vibrant restaurant scene, where the characters navigate personal and professional challenges while exploring their relationships.

The narrative follows the journey of its protagonists as they strive to establish themselves in the competitive landscape of the restaurant industry. The main character, who is passionate about cooking, faces numerous obstacles including fierce competition, financial struggles, and personal dilemmas. As they work to create a successful dining experience, they also grapple with their feelings for each other and the complexities of their pasts.

Throughout the book, readers are introduced to a cast of supporting characters that enrich the storyline. These characters include fellow chefs, restaurant critics, and patrons who all play significant roles in shaping the main characters’ experiences. The interactions among these individuals highlight various aspects of human relationships—friendship, rivalry, mentorship—and how they influence one’s journey toward achieving dreams.

It's not just a love story; it encapsulates the trials and tribulations faced by those within the high-stakes environment of restaurants. It offers insights into how passion for food can intertwine with matters of the heart while providing an engaging narrative filled with humor, drama, and romance.

Poetic Justice, the second book in the Restaurantland series, is an intense read with true-to-life characters and progressive ideologies. Set in the early to mid-90s like its predecessor Kitchen Heat, this retro Romance manages to be sweet while tackling heavy-hitting issues like alcoholism, eco-terrorism, and incarceration. Socially relevant topics are integrated into the story without getting preachy.

The romance between Hudson and Roz is believable. Their progression from co-workers to lovers is nicely paced. As a reader introduced to them in the first book, I found the fleshing out of their backstories fascinating and satisfying. Hudson as a romance hero is what I would classify as a cinnamon roll. His zen makes a nice contrast to Roz's more volatile personality.

The nonlinear timeline threw me a bit at first but I learned to appreciate it as I kept reading. Here's another proof of the authors' talent and versatility. The styles of the two books in the series are so different yet the authorial voice remains the same.

Like the previous book, I enjoyed the diverse secondary characters who inhabit the Rose and Thorn restaurant in Poetic Justice. They provide humor, heart, and balance to the entire story. The scenes there give the book a fascinating inside look at a restaurant kitchen, a strong sense of place.

There were grammar issues but they're minor enough to be forgiven especially in an ARC.

I absolutely loved reading this book. The camaraderie among the restaurant staff was fantastic, and catching up with the characters from the first book was a real treat. It was inspiring to see people making a conscious effort to move on from past mistakes and not letting the past define them. I'm eagerly anticipating more books in this series.

This book was so cute! I loved the restaurant setting. The main characters were very well written and I enjoyed the romance so much!

I love being able to journey back in time to a simpler time when life seemed simpler. And when I say simpler, I mean we are not inundated with technology in our everyday lives.

Set in the 1990s, this is the second book in the series that centers around a Portland restaurant called Rose and Thorn. This band of misfits is a family with issues they are all working to resolve or to find a better place in their lives.

This book focuses on Hudson and Roz. Many characters will be familiar to readers of the first book, Kitchen Heat, so it is like stepping back into a world that is familiar.

This book touches on so many aspects. There is eco-terrorism, addiction, choices, environmentalism, and love. Hudson was falsely accused of being the ring leader for a group that firebombed a car dealership. He doesn't know who set him up, but he has suspicions. While in prison, he learns how to cook and creates mouthwatering dishes, at least from the descriptions. He is vegan, but I love how he encourages people to think about eating a healthier dish, one that is better for the environment. Hudson is very relaxed, and while not much bothers him, he is not a pushover. He is still fighting to clear his name for this crime he did not commit.

Roz has had a hard life. Her father was laid off from a lumber mill, and this caused his drinking to spiral out of control, and the same thing happened to Roz. She let alcohol control her. She does her best to get clean, but she isn't perfect. The temptation is always present. I appreciated that she does not come across as a saint, and we see her struggles with having "just one drink." Any addict will tell you that it never stops at one. Her sister was also incarcerated for an environmental crime. This weighs heavily on her mind, and she can't bear to see her sister in prison.

When some facts come to life regarding Hudson's past and others he knew in that life, this sets Roz off. I will say that there are times that I do not like Roz. I don't know if it is her addictive personality, but she refuses to believe anything Hudson says despite their past interactions. He has never given her a reason to doubt him, but family blinds her, and she can't see the light through the trees.

I enjoyed continuing with these characters and the activities at the restaurant. I hope there will be more books in this series focusing on others such as Ione, LuRon, and even Maggie.

We give it 4 paws up.

"Poetic Justice" is a sultry, soul-stirring romance. Set in 1990s Portland, this captivating tale follows Roz, a talented poet and waitress, and Hudson, an enigmatic line cook with a mysterious past, as they ignite a fiery romance that defies expectations. With its unique restaurant setting, quirky characters, and offbeat humor, the writing crackles with energy, making Roz and Hudson's journey feel raw, honest, and utterly compelling. As they navigate secrets, coincidences, and activism, their love story becomes a powerful exploration of redemption, trust, and the transformative power of love.

First of all, many thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC granted. I've started to like this book from the title (it's pretty genius ) and altough I find it more dramatic than I was expecting, it was a good reading. The narrative touches delicate and yet relevant contents with care. I liked the 90's setting, bringing back that wave of nostalgia for the good times before internet existed.

This was a really good book. Took on some serious issues (addiction, activism, the consequences of life choices, even the small ones) but lightheartedly and with tenderness, with Hudson's and Roz's love (and spice!) grounding the entire story. The back-and-forth timeline added a lot of uncertainty to the read (in a good way, suspenseful), and also made me think about how things can change in the blink of an eye with an impulsive decision. Loved the rose and thorn restaurant, and 90s' vibe. The kitchen banter is lol hilarious. We need to read LuRon and Dara's story next!

Poetic Justice is a quirky love story set in 1990s Portland, with the Rose and Thorn restaurant serving as a unique backdrop. Roz, the protagonist, is compelling, especially as she navigates sobriety, supports her incarcerated sister, and deals with the chaos of restaurant life. Her journey of personal growth and overcoming addiction is a highlight of the book. The supporting characters at the restaurant add a light, entertaining touch with their humour and charm.

The romance between Roz and Hudson has its moments, but the relationship feels imbalanced. While Roz's character is well-developed, Hudson often feels like a secondary figure in what is supposed to be a shared love story. The time jumps throughout the narrative disrupt the flow and can be confusing, leaving the story disjointed. Additionally, there are several filler scenes that don’t add much to the plot, making the pacing drag at times.

Despite these flaws, Poetic Justice is still an enjoyable enough read for those who appreciate off-beat romances and the nostalgia of the pre-internet 90s. The unique setting and quirky characters may appeal to readers looking for something different, though the execution doesn’t quite live up to its potential.

The narrative structure of jumping back in time and forward again doesn't work in this romance. That only works with second chances where you see them as a couple before during and after.

It was hard keeping track of where or what was going on.

I don't know if the writers are sincere or mocking in this portrayal of eco-warriors, vegans and people who write poetry. At times it really felt like it was so serious it was comical and I couldn't work out if it was intentional or not.

Ok this story was SO FUN! I loved the characters, the restaurant setting, the setting in general, the steamy romance, and their activism. The cover is adorable and I loved the throwback to the 90’s.