Book Review – Summer Kitchen by E.J. Russell

Saving Home #1
Publisher: Reality Optional Press
Pages: 247
Characters: Casey/Dev
POV: 3rd
Genre: Contemporary, Series

Blurb:
The foolproof recipe for personal redemption and perfect love…

Take:
• One former rock musician
• One almost-MBA turned cooking school student
Add two heaping spoonfuls (each) of:
• responsibility
• familial obligation
• regret
And a dash of:
• misunderstanding (optional)
Stir together in:
• one small Vermont town
Season with:
• friends
• family
• foes
• and one large ginger feline
Garnish with:
• validation
• laughter
• just deserts (also desserts)

Simmer for one entire summer before serving up a delicious (well-deserved) HEA. Bon Appetit!

Buy Link

Review

I loved this first visit to Home, and am already looking forward to the next in the series. The set up of the town is a wonderful idea, and its inhabitants very quirky small-town. Although this is Casey and Dev’s story, Randolph Scott is a total scene-stealer.

I liked how this story was about expectations, and finding your right path in life. Casey and Dev are both dealing with the aftermath of losing family, and flailing in trying to live up their legacies. I loved their first meeting, and the romance that follows. They complement each other, and I loved Casey’s part in saving Home.

The music part of the story was a highlight for me. I loved how both men have exes that would be perfectly suited for each other as neither listens, and are obnoxious.

The supporting cast are wonderful. I’m curious about Kenny and the hints that his furniture restorations are not what they appear. He needs his own book and HEA. I love how Randoph Scott show his approval or disapproval of someone. Sylvia is great. I liked the resolution of her storyline. I liked Haru too. He’s another who needs his HEA, as does Dev’s cousin, Ty.

Reading this story gave me warm fuzzies, and left me wishing the town was a real place I could visit, or move to. The ending was wonderfully satisfying, with the hints that there’s more to come.

5 out of 5 stars.

About Anne Barwell

Anne Barwell lives in Wellington, New Zealand. She shares her home with a cat with “tortitude” who is convinced that the house is run to suit her; this is an ongoing “discussion,” and to date, it appears as though Kaylee may be winning. In 2008, Anne completed her conjoint BA in English Literature and Music/Bachelor of Teaching. She has worked as a music teacher, a primary school teacher, and now works in a library. She is a member of the Upper Hutt Science Fiction Club and plays violin for Hutt Valley Orchestra. She is an avid reader across a wide range of genres and a watcher of far too many TV series and movies, although it can be argued that there is no such thing as “too many.” These, of course, are best enjoyed with a decent cup of tea and further the continuing argument that the concept of “spare time” is really just a myth. She also hosts and reviews for other authors, and writes monthly blog posts for Love Bytes. She is the co-founder of the New Zealand Rainbow Romance writers, and a member of RWNZ. Anne’s books have received honorable mentions five times, reached the finals four times—one of which was for best gay book—and been a runner up in the Rainbow Awards. She has also been nominated twice in the Goodreads M/M Romance Reader’s Choice Awards—once for Best Fantasy and once for Best Historical. Anne can be found at https://annebarwell.wordpress.com

View all posts by Anne Barwell →

This entry was posted in book review. Bookmark the permalink.