I received the first five chapters of this book earlier this morning and absolutely DEVOURED it in the last hour. The main characters, Sophie and Amy, are ridiculously relatable, especially as a queer reader who has struggled with my sexuality well into my adult life. The dual POVs add a lot to the story, making the struggles that both characters face feel that much more real. The book is in my virtual cart as we speak, and I'm so excited to see where Ruby Barrett takes us!

It was fun. Its cute that both of them are secretly obsessed with each other and I want to see their dynamic more especially since, clearly, Amy has visible flaws that shadows Sophie's potential.

A huge shout out to Netgalley for this preview. A combination of Sapphic romance + Cooking + Reality TV…who could say no. I could not put it down and consumed all 5 chapters in one sitting. I didn’t realise when I requested for the book preview, that the whole book was actually already out in the market! My best mistake ever as I was able to buy get my hands on the book immediately after completing the preview. Can’t wait to continue with the rest of the book. Judging by the preview, I am sure this book would not disappoint!

The Romance Recipe was thoroughly enjoyable. The characters were presented strongly and I really enjoyed reading about older gay women. I found the older perspective refreshing - as the vast majority of LGBT+ books feature a younger cast. I also liked how the plot of this book was strengthened by the characters sexuality without revolving around it. Your local lesbian gives it an A+.

The preview of this has me hooked and I can't wait for the release of the book! As the reader, I could just feel the chemistry between Amy and Sophie waiting to burst into something more than a working relationship. July can't come fast enough!

I thought I'd take myself on a whirl through some book previews, and color me intrigued—the first few chapters of "The Romance Recipe" do a bang-up job of both setting the scene and getting me invested in the characters. I've had this on my radar for a while (lesbian romance, plus reality-TV cooking show), but the opening is doing some things that I don't often see in romance novels: first, one of the ways we're introduced to Amy is seeing her own up to a judgement error and correct it. This both sets up a push-pull with Amy (she's self-aware but also has a hard time trusting other people's judgement) and is something that a lot of books would make a major, drawn-out conflict of the book...so the fact that it's treated as a no-brainer here is kind of great. And second, Amy and Sophie know each other from the beginning—not well, but I love that they have an established relationship as opposed to a traditional "Here is character A, here is character B, oh! They meet! How cute!"

I do believe I might have to hunt up a copy of the full book now.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a free sample through NetGalley.

Things are heating up in this kitchen...

Amy’s dreams of owning her own restaurant have finally come to fruition, but after months of dwindling customers, things are not looking good, even with former-reality cooking show star Sophie as her head chef to entice people in. But Sophie’s celebrity status isn’t what caught Amy’s attention – ever since watching Pop-Up Kitchen she’s admired Sophie’s cooking skills and also has a little crush on her. What Amy thinks is just a straight-girl crush is actually mutual attraction. For Sophie, figuring out that she’s bisexual has been a long-time coming, and now that she’s single and free to explore this part of her, she’s only got eyes for Amy. Amy likes being in control and doing things on her own, so instead of opening up to her head chef about what’s going on, she’d rather make decision that she thinks is the best for everyone. Their lack of clear communication and bubbling sexual attraction leads them to a casual but not-so-casual relationship. When Amy suggests that they apply for a new foodie television show that could help save the restaurant, testing their dynamic both in and out of the kitchen.

Well damn, talk about a sizzling sapphic romance! I was so sucked into this story and Amy and Sophie’s relationship that when I got like three-quarters of the way through the book I didn’t realise I’d read so much already. It was a little bit disappointing because I didn’t want to finish the book and have to say goodbye to these characters.

The progression of Amy and Sophie’s relationship felt so real and sweet, with a nice dollop of spice on top. Ruby’s writing pulled me into the story so easily and I could not get enough. I loved getting inside both Amy and Sophie’s heads with the alternating perspectives, and Ruby did a great job showcasing their different voices and personalities.

I feel like the only downside was that the end of the book felt a little rushed – there was such a build-up to Amy & May’s appearance on the cooking show and it ended up being a very quick appearance before the epilogue. I also lowkey wished the conflict and eventual resolution between Amy and Sophie had been a little more extended before everything was wrapped in a nice little bow at the end.

This was a super sweet and spicy romance that all romance fans are going to enjoy, especially if you’re looking for your next favourite queer read!

This was a nice appetizer (see what I did there?) of The Romance Recipe but admittedly I didn't feel the strongest connection to either of the MCs.

Amy and Sophie and undeniably adorable. I love well-constructed mutual pining and these two are bound to give you a run for your money. They are full of sassy banter and I cannot wait to dive into this more!

Having worked in a restaurant, I absolutely LOVE feeling that either the author has definitely worked in the service industry, or they were very thorough in their research.

There are so many dynamics captured in The Romance Recipe that are all too real when you're working in a restaurant. Amy is the restaurant owner and manager. Her chef Sophie is a big personality who can't keep sous chefs around long enough. Amy had a crush on Sophie prior to hiring her after watching Sophie compete on a reality TV show. But when she boldly reaches out to Sophie about running the kitchen at her brand new restaurant, she doesn't expect her to actually respond. But when she does Amy decides she needs to be professional and put her feelings aside. And things are great for a while. But once the shine of a TV start running a kitchen wears off and business slows down, Amy & Sophie both struggle with feelings of inadequacy and failure.

This book definitely starts off with the promise of some SPICE and the heat between them is undeniable. I never thought about how perfect the dynamic of a restaurant owner/manager and head chef at a nice restaurant would be, but it's the perfect grounds for a romance. They are forced into proximity, the walk in freezer is providing all kinds of stolen moments and they have to work with each other and keep it professional, until they can't.

Food and women, I'm sold! I have a thing for foodie romances, and this one seemed a well-written book for that particular genre. Thanks for the preview copy!

I adore these characters and want to know more about what happens to them. More descriptions of the cooking please. Also okay to mention more about their past experiences/lives/loves!

First preview from the author. It was good. Can't wait to read more. Will definitely be reading more by barrett

A strong and steamy start to what promises to be a fun and delightful read. Amy and Sophie's mutual pining is well-established in the early chapters, leaving the reader wanting to know where this relationship will go next. Ruby Barrett has a strong contemporary voice full of humor and heart. This is definitely a book I will want to read the rest of!

Please see my full review on "The Romance Recipe." The preview definitely did what it was designed to do -- sucked me in and I preordered the book!

A sapphic workplace romance with a grumpy restaurant owner and sunshine head chef? Sign me up! Seriously, I'm already sold on the sizzling chemistry between Amy and Sophie. Plus, Ruby Barrett expertly delivers on the setting - I felt like I was right in the restaurant with Amy and Sophie. I'm equally invested in saving Amy's restaurant and seeing how long it takes her and Sophie to give in to their feelings. Also, can we walk about this gorgeous COVER!!! That romantic embrace now lives rent free in my brain. BRB, going to buy The Romance Recipe and devour it in one sitting.

Absolutely AMAZING!! I loved every page of this preview and I need the whole book RIGHT NOW! The romance was definitely there and it made me laugh at how obvious it was. I mean, if we can see it, why can't the characters? I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good rom-com. I haven't even read the full book yet, but I know this is gonna be a good one!



PS: (This is for netgalley) When I click 'Post review to Goodreads', It says it's unable to find a book with the ISBN. I just have to copy my review and paste it separately on Goodreads.

I loved the preview. I haven't read the full book, but the preview interested me enough that I will soon be reading it.

Hopefully I will continue to enjoy it!

I received the preview at no cost, but all opinions are my own.

I really didn't want to give a star rating since I haven't read the full book. I gave a 4 because I had to include something.

I read this so very long ago but it was lovely and poignant and grabbed me enough that I had to get the rest.

Need more queer romance like this one! An absolute sucker for character whose love language is giving food. I was equal parts hungry and sappy whilst reading this book.