Library Journal - Audio
★ 10/01/2022
In Barrett's (Hot Copy) latest, restaurant owner/micromanager Amy Chambers and her grumpy head chef Sophie Brunet (who's newly out as bisexual) explore their mutual attraction while trying to keep their restaurant afloat by securing a spot on a new cooking reality show. Sophie, who has a modicum of fame from her previous stint on a reality show, is afraid that the new show will turn her sexuality and budding relationship with Amy into gossip fodder; all she really wants to do is cook. Fighting their mutual fears of failure while also exploring something that could be forever, Amy and Sophie must decide how far they are willing to go in order to secure their restaurant dreams. Superbly narrated by the distinct and well-modulated voices of Chelsea Stephens and Natalie Naudus, though there are occasional volume imbalances (particularly for Amy's sultry whispers). However, this captivating novel is well worth keeping a finger on the volume dial. VERDICT A charming, stand-alone workplace romance with a foodie bent that will appeal to fans of Hot Copy; a must-have for library audiobook collections.—Elizabeth Gabriel
AUGUST 2022 - AudioFile
In this audiobook, chef Sophie Brunet, a former reality show finalist, wants only to cook out of the spotlight and to explore her newly realized bisexuality. But her boss, Amy Chambers, is trying to keep her restaurant alive, and an opportunity on a new TV show could be the solution. Chelsea Stephens and Natalie Naudus split the narration as the two women learn to work together to save the restaurant and confront their growing feelings. This dynamic creates many funny moments, as well as some tender scenes, and both narrators find a great balance between them. Their voices are distinct, but there is a quiet intensity in both performances that helps listeners understand how much is at stake for both women. Between the story and some behind-the-scenes looks at running a restaurant, this is a captivating listen for romance fans and foodies alike. C.J.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
04/18/2022
Barrett (Hot Copy) again tackles the complexities of workplace romance in her fun if shaky sophomore rom-com. Restaurateur Amy offered her head chef job to Sophie, a finalist from reality cooking show Pop-Up Kitchen, based exclusively on the crush she’d developed on Sophie over the course of the show. At first, Sophie drew crowds, but her shine has faded. Sophie knows she only got the job because of her celebrity, and though she would cancel all her social media accounts if she could, she puts extra time into curating the ideal feed, hoping to keep her boss—and secret crush—happy. Readers are told that each woman has feelings for the other from the start, but it’s difficult to see this in their early, largely contentious interactions. When Sophie’s ex-fiancé announces a new reality show that would mean free advertising for the restaurant, Amy and Sophie go head-to-head over whether to enter. In the process, both reveal more about themselves than either expected to, and their chemistry finally comes through. Understanding why these women are so drawn to each other may take some time, but their grounded personal and professional struggles are easy to invest in. The result is a down-to-earth queer romance. Agent: Kiana Nguyen, Donald Maass Literary. (July)
From the Publisher
Included in Autostraddle: 49 Queer and Feminist Books Coming Out Summer 2022
One of Popsugar's 101 Romance Novels to Spice Up Your Summer
“Amy and Sophie’s romance is charged from the get-go, with generous helpings of spice and sweetness as the novel progresses. The bisexual representation is one of the book's most compelling elements; Sophie comes out in her early thirties, and through her journey to her relationship with Amy we get to see the overwhelming joy and love that her self-acceptance brings.” –USA TODAY
'In her debut, Ruby Barrett wrote one of my favorite romance heroes of all time, but it's her heroines who shine in The Romance Recipe. A prickly restaurant owner butts heads with her new chef in this steamy f/f romance, which will be the perfect way to celebrate Pride when it publishes this June." —Meryl Wilsner, for Entertainment Weekly
“Simply delicious! Amy and Sophie’s chemistry sizzles across the pages.” —Rosie Danan, author of The Roommate and The Intimacy Experiment
“Sensual feasts abound, both in luscious culinary creations and detailed sex scenes, as Barrett masterfully portrays the sensation of infatuation growing into true love.” —BookPage
"A down-to-earth queer romance" —Publishers Weekly
"Like Rosie Danan or Kate Clayborn, Barrett has a way of making palpable the full journey of a relationship: It’s not just two hot bodies being hot in proximity to each other — though the sex scenes are definitely spicy! — but two distinct lives growing toward a shared future.”—New York Times Book Review
AUGUST 2022 - AudioFile
In this audiobook, chef Sophie Brunet, a former reality show finalist, wants only to cook out of the spotlight and to explore her newly realized bisexuality. But her boss, Amy Chambers, is trying to keep her restaurant alive, and an opportunity on a new TV show could be the solution. Chelsea Stephens and Natalie Naudus split the narration as the two women learn to work together to save the restaurant and confront their growing feelings. This dynamic creates many funny moments, as well as some tender scenes, and both narrators find a great balance between them. Their voices are distinct, but there is a quiet intensity in both performances that helps listeners understand how much is at stake for both women. Between the story and some behind-the-scenes looks at running a restaurant, this is a captivating listen for romance fans and foodies alike. C.J.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
