A review by caseythecanadianlesbrarian
The Romance Recipe by Ruby Barrett

hopeful lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

In the end this wasn't quite the romance for me, but I think overall it did what it set out to do very well. It's about a sort of celebrity chef and her restaurant owner, both of whom are already pining for each other when the book begins. I've realized this romance set up doesn't interest me much compared to a enemies to lovers or something where we get to  see the people developing feelings, not just overcoming obstacles to their relationship. 

But there are a few things this romance does very well. The chef, Sophie, is a newly out bi woman who's just come out at 30 and the depiction of her coming out, encountering biphobia, and exploring her new queer identity was excellent, so thoughtfully done. Also, if you like steamy sapphic sex scenes, Sophie and Amy will not let you down!! Also, the setting of wintery Boston was nicely integrated into the story, as was Sophie's francophone Montrealer background. 

Some downsides: the ending felt a bit rushed and anticlimactic and I wanted Paul's biphobia to be explicitly addressed and not for him to be narratively rewarded in the epilogue! 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings