Reviews tagging 'Emotional abuse'

The Romance Recipe by Ruby Barrett

15 reviews

qraveline's review

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emotional inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5


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melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Thank you so much to Carina Press and Netgalley for the arc of this book.

This is an absolutely adorable and introspective adult romance about a chef and a restaurant owner who put aside their differences to work together to save their restaurant, and end up falling for each other along the way. 

I love the dual povs in this story! Amy is the grumpy to Sophie's sunshine but they are both so much deeper than that.  I particularly loved Sophie's story with discovering her bisexuality and how much it is a part of herself! This part of the story was really meaningful to me and I thought it was dealt with gracefully and with the gravity it deserved.

This is also a super cute romance story with a little bit of spice. Sophie and Amy work really well together and watching them develop from co-workers to lovers to partners and equals was magical. I absolutely love this one and can't wait to have a physical copy!

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utopiastateofmind's review against another edition

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  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

 (Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.) 

You tell me queer grumpy sunshine and I'm in. And The Romance Recipe is entirely precious and also sizzling. The chemistry between Sophie and Amy is off the charts. But even more so, I loved that both Amy and Sophie see each other. They try to protect each other - and end up making mistakes - but they're both struggling with vulnerability. With not only accepting help, but seeing themselves as worthy enough. That's probably the number one reason I enjoyed The Romance Recipe. 

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caseythereader's review

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Thanks to Harlequin Books for the free advance copy of this book.

 - THE ROMANCE RECIPE is another entry in the mini boom of queer cooking romances AND queer reality show romances!
- I loved that Sophie was just coming out as bisexual at 30 years old. There's a little biphobia around it, but for the most part, it's treated as joyful and normal.
- I found Amy to be a bit of a frustrating character, given her need for control, but on the other hand, the fights and growth she and Sophie had because of that felt pretty real.
- Also, this book is mega spicy. I'm so glad we're moving past having only sapphic romances where the physical growth of the relationship hardly exists on the page. 

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decklededgess's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

trigger warnings: biphobia, emotional abuse, death of parent mention, sexual content, alcohol, 


This book..idk how to express how emo and soft this book made me. Sophie and Amy both dumping for each other and then simping even harder while hooking up but pretending it’s casual except EVERY ACTION INDICATED OFHERWISE!!! I’m soft. Worst third act break up ever though this shit was ROUGH. Thank god it was quick and actually made sense for their arc. They needed the time to heal. Love love loveeeee

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