The Romance Recipe

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.