A review by gina_readsbooks
The Romance Recipe by Ruby Barrett

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

4.0

“I don’t need to put our love on camera to know it’s real.”

This was my first book by Ruby Barrett, and I can’t wait to read more! This was just such a sweet story!

Amy and Sophie are such strong characters from the start. It feels like the story really hits the ground running, and you feel such empathy for Amy as she is trying desperately to save her restaurant. Her personality comes through so quickly. She also has trauma from the death of her mother and the disapproval of her dad. She has to really overcome this need for his approval and to accept help from others to save her restaurant. 

Sophie, the head chef at Amy’s restaurant, has this great journey of discovering her sexuality and letting herself explore it. She’s been adjusting to life after being on a reality cooking show and a failed engagement, and it’s clearly difficult for her. The tension between Sophie and Amy is just portrayed so well and you can’t help but root for them. There is not shortage of steam in this and I was absolutely here for it.

They’re such a great couple and I loved reading about their journey!